It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Making those lists and checking them twice — thoughtful gifts are meaningful for the recipient and the giver. It’s a chance to use a tangible thing to show care and love, and we want to help you find some unique gifts. We’ve put together our 6 best shops for holiday shopping in Blue Hill, ME. You’re sure to find something perfect for everyone on that list, and you’ll probably find something for yourself too! Sneak away for a few days of shopping, and we’ll take care of the rest. Returning home, you’ll feel refreshed and accomplished with all the treasures you found.
1. Blue Hill Books
Near Main Street, Blue Hill Books offers something for every reader. Even non-readers can pick up a T-shirt! You name it; they have it: cookbooks, poetry books, fiction, non-fiction, items of local interest, stationary, etc. Shopping local means this bookstore will be on your list. Maybe you can listen in on an author’s event too. The shop is open year-round from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am – 4 pm on Saturdays.
2. Handworks Gallery
Another store that’s been around for a while – since 1975 – Handworks Gallery is located on Main Street. The building used to be the old Blue Hill Department Store. Here, you are in for a feast for the eyes. Experience an array of textures sourced by local artisans. You’ll see items like glass tumblers and dishes, pottery mugs, delicate jewelry, textile bags and placemats, paintings in varying media, wooden pieces for the home, leather wallets and jewelry, and so much more await your shopping enjoyment.
3. Leaf & Anna
Leaf & Anna on Main Street, as they say, is “a tiny shop” that has a huge variety of items. Everyone on your list would be happy with something from L&A. Take a peek at the lobster-themed items available, and who could resist delicious chocolate wrapped in sailboat packaging? Stationary and cards, tasty treats, baby items, bath and body products, etc. fill the shelves of this sweet shop. This time of year, take advantage of their free gift wrap option!
4. The Market at Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival
We just had to include this shopping experience, and we hope you can visit during this festival happening November 11 & 12, 2022. Just a short drive from the inn, you’ll experience some delicious treats while shopping. Cider from cider makers and cheese from cheesemakers combine for the perfect snack. To top it all off, the event is free, and there will be live music. Fortified with the goodies, you’ll be able to shop the festival market with made-in-Maine goods. The event’s theme is slow food, so we wanted to share this unique opportunity with you. It’s a chance to slow down and enjoy life’s finer things. Spend the day with a friend or partner, and then take away goodies for the others in your life.
5. The Meadow of Blue Hill
Make sure to visit The Meadow of Blue Hill for some greenery. Balsam fir tips, sourced locally, have made this shop quite well known. The wreaths they make are fabulous; each bow is tied by hand and uses yards of ribbon. While you’re in the shop, browse the other items too. Maybe you could pick up some Blue Hill apparel, a book by local author E.B. White (who hasn’t cried reading Charlotte’s Web?), and some wild Maine blueberry jam. Get those orders in for your holiday wreaths, and breathe in the fresh fir scent while remembering your trip to Blue Hill.
6. Out on a Whimsy Toys
We had to include this little shop for both the young and the young at heart. Out on a Whimsy Toys – Blue Hill will make everyone feel a spring in their step. Also located on Main Street, the shop gets an early start most days at 9 am (Sundays at 10 am). The independently owned shop covers all the toy bases, but you’ll find books and educational materials too! Indoor and outdoor games and activities would make great holiday gifts. The shop is well organized, and their friendly staff will ensure all your choices are perfect. Gift wrapping is available here as well.
We know you’ll fall in love with our list of the 6 best shops for holiday shopping in Blue Hill, ME. It gives us particular joy to highlight these locations because they are committed to displaying some of the beauty and talent our local artisans produce. There are hidden treasures, and you might be amazed at how many gifts you’ll take home. We won’t tell if you come in with bags and bags of things for yourself too.
Published: October 2022