Gifting local
Support maine Artisans AnD businesses by buying locAl
By Amy Allen
Looking for a truly unique gift that’s perfect for your loved one and supports a local Maine crafter? We’ve got you covered! Here are some fun and fab gifts for even the hardest to buy for on your list.
Want even more ideas? Visit sites like MaineMade.com and MaineOutdoorBrands.com to find hundreds of Maine artisans and makers. Support your friends and neighbors by giving locally made gifts this holiday season.
Shuckie® Seashell Cookies — Atlantic Cookie Company
Scarborough
A playful idea has become a one-of-a-kind Maine treat. Carl Dittrich imagined a cookie with the fun and surprise of a fortune cookie, but entirely its own. The result was the Shuckie® — a seashell-shaped vanilla cookie with a signature hinge and a whimsical message tucked inside. Years later, Carl and Matt Flynn brought the vision to life, delivering sweetness, surprise, and joy. Remember: Shuck It. Read It. Eat It. Love It!
Where to purchase: Order directly online at Shuckie’s website.
Epoxy Wood Coasters — Sider’s Woodcrafting
Brewer
At Sider’s Woodcrafting, beautiful wood never goes to waste. These handcrafted epoxy coasters are made from hardwood cutoffs left over from cutting board production. Each set combines the natural beauty of wood with colorful epoxy resin, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind design. Proudly made in Maine, these coasters showcase the company’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability by turning leftover wood into functional works of art.
Where to purchase: Shop online or arrange an appointment to pick up your purchase at 75 Lambert Road, Brewer.
Chalk Bags and Buckets — Oterra Designs
Biddeford
Handcrafted in Biddeford, these vibrant, unique chalk bags and buckets are the perfect gift for the rock climber on your list. Oterra Designs takes pride in making durable outdoor gear that’s meant to stand out, not blend in. Oterra, meaning “of the earth,” reflects everything the brand stands for: designs inspired by the natural world, products made with recycled materials whenever possible, and a commitment to avoiding single-use plastic. Visit their website to explore the various styles and color options, and discover more gear made locally for outdoor adventurers!
Where to purchase: Shop online through Oterra Designs’ website.
Handcrafted Adirondack Chairs — Maine Adirondack Chairs
Vassalboro
Maine Adirondack Chairs specializes in handcrafted outdoor furniture that embodies the rugged beauty and practical ingenuity of New England craftsmanship. Made with locally sourced eastern white cedar, these pieces stand out for their durability, comfort, and authentic Maine character.
Where to purchase: Located at 97 Holman Day Road, Vassalboro. Or shop online through the company’s website.
Buba OG Cookie Dough
Bangor
Keep bakery-style cookies on hand with convenient, frozen, preformed dough that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s ideal for host gifts, holiday treats, or a cozy night at home. Buba OG is committed to supporting local food systems and feeding communities with love. More than 50% of the ingredients in each cookie recipe are sourced from Maine farmers and producers, and 10% of the profits from each cookie line are donated to a Maine nonprofit.
Where to purchase: Find Buba OG Cookie Dough at Tiller & Rye in Brewer, John Edwards in Ellsworth, A&B Naturals in Bar Harbor, and Pinkham’s Gourmet Market in Boothbay Harbor.
Natural Skincare — Fabula Nebulae
Holden
Fabula Nebulae is a small, family-owned and operated Maine business making effective, all-natural, handcrafted skincare for the whole family. What began as an all-purpose skin-calming salve for their children’s sensitive skin grew into a collection of moisturizing and soothing balms, lip butter, aromatherapy products, and more. These fun, functional offerings make great gifts and stocking stuffers.
Where to purchase: Shop online or use the store finder on the company’s website to locate a retailer near you. In Bangor, find products at Bangor Drug, Natural Living Center, One Lupine Boutique, as well as Tiller & Rye in Brewer.
Raw and Creamed Honey — Barters Island Bees
Boothbay
Give a gift that everyone on your list will love! Barters Island Bees harvests pure, raw honey straight from its hives on Barters Island and bottles it in small batches at its Boothbay store. The Bee Stinger Raw Honey starts with smoked chipotle and finishes with a satisfying “Ahhhh!” For something different, try Maine Mousse — not to be confused with a Maine moose — a line of thick, silky creamed honey. Organic fruits and spices are added to create flavors like Honey Butter, Ceylon Cinnamon, Gentle Ginger, Blueberry Lemon, Orange Cranberry, Tart Raspberry Lime, and seasonal Pumpkin Spice.
Where to purchase: Shop online or visit the store in Boothbay for Maine-made gifts and food.
Handcrafted Fly Rod — Maine Fly Company
Yarmouth
Inspired by Maine’s Rangeley region and the storied Magalloway River, this handcrafted fly rod combines heirloom-quality design with fish-ready performance. A burl wood grip, agate stripping guide, engraved hardware, and smooth, responsive action make it equally stunning in hand and on the water. Available as an individual rod or a package.
Where to purchase: Shop online or at Maine Fly Company’s headquarters at 81 Bridge St., Yarmouth. Call 1-877-MEFLYCO for more information.
Sustainable Clothing for All Ages — Peace House Studio
Bath
Peace House Studio creates bright, playful clothing for children and adults, with a focus on sustainability and keeping clothes in use longer. Based in Bath, each piece is cut and sewn locally using organic cotton fabric. Through the Patches Project, customers can return well-loved garments to be repaired and resold, reducing waste and giving clothing a second life. At Peace House Studio, the belief is simple: clothing belongs on people, not in landfills.
Where to purchase: Shop online or visit the store at 9 Centre St., Bath.
Small-Batch Dog Treats — Timber Bark Treat Co.
Chester
Give the dogs on your holiday list something worth wagging about! Timber Bark Treat Co. handcrafts small-batch dog treats using only American ingredients. From popular chicken jerky to flavorful beef and pork treats, every batch is made with care and without additives, preservatives, fillers, artificial flavors, or chemicals. These wholesome treats are a delicious way to celebrate the season while supporting a Maine small business.
Where to purchase: Order online for nationwide delivery.
Loose-Leaf Tea and Gift Packs — Bar Harbor Tea Company
Bar Harbor
Bring the cozy warmth of coastal Maine to your cup this holiday season. Artfully blended and packed right in Bar Harbor, these all-natural loose-leaf teas celebrate classic regional flavors. Surprise the tea lover on your list with the best-selling Wild Maine Blueberry Tea Infuser Gift Pack, or steep a festive mug of the customer-favorite Christmas Tea, packed with warm, aromatic holiday spices.
Where to purchase: Shop the full catalog online or find Bar Harbor Tea Company products at select New England boutique retailers.
Repurposed Bird Feeders — QD Loon
Pittston
What started as a hobby more than 15 years ago has grown into a small business that has sold thousands of bird feeders. Each feeder is different and made from repurposed materials, giving new life to items that might otherwise go to waste. With the fitting tagline “Repurposing is for the Birds,” these unique feeders make a thoughtful gift for the bird lover on your list.
Where to purchase: Find the bird feeders at various Maine craft fairs or order through the company’s website. They can also be found at Handmade Maine at 414 Main St, Norway.
DIY Felt Ornament Kits — The Eternal Knot
Harrington
These simple sewing craft kits include everything you need to make your own felt ornament, including step-by-step instructions and pre-cut felt pieces to make it easier to start stitching. Fun for all ages, no experience necessary! Choose from a wide variety of Maine-inspired and holiday-themed designs. Each kit is made in The Eternal Knot’s workshop in Harrington in Downeast Maine.
Where to purchase: Shop online through The Eternal Knot’s website.
WoodCrafts by Sonny
By Jodi Hersey
Sonny Sawyer of Winterport is a retired cabinet maker whose skills and creativity are still very much in use. These days, you’ll find him covered in sawdust carving homemade wooden animal puzzles in his workshop.
“I just love making them,” Sawyer said. “There are thousands of different patterns. I have over 120 dog breeds, cats, horses, wildlife, farm and zoo animals [that I make].”
He said all his drawings are done by an Amish man from Ohio and the rest is up to him.
“There’s no computer used, no laser, no CNC. They’re all drawn by hand and cut by hand on my scroll saw,” he said.
All his puzzles are made to be free standing, with the name of the animal or breed creatively placed inside the design. The ones that can’t stand on their own are made with a base for display. Sawyer said customers will often buy his puzzles to give as gifts or as a keepsake for themselves.
“People who have had a dog pass away will order one with their dog’s name in it and put it on their nightstand or a bookshelf,” he said. “It’s something different all the time.”
To learn more, find WoodCrafts by Sonny on Facebook.
