Support Local: 13 Hidden Gems on the South Shore for Perfect Last-Minute Gifting
With store shelves getting emptier by the day and the aisles (and parking lots!) getting busier, it’s time to skip the big box chaos and look closer to home!
Whether you waited until the last minute to start shopping or you’re just finishing up and still waiting for that perfect gift to come to you, there is less than one week left until Christmas. With store shelves getting emptier by the day and the aisles (and parking lots!) getting busier, it’s time to skip the big box chaos and look closer to home. No matter if you’re shopping for a stressed-out loved one or a history-loving friend, there is something on this list for everyone, and best of all, none of them require a tracking number!
For the One Who Wants to Leave a Legacy: An Engraved Brick at the Paul Revere Heritage Site
Skip the trinkets that will end up in a drawer and give them a permanent spot in history. An engraved brick at this Canton landmark is a unique way to honor a loved one while supporting the preservation of local heritage. It lasts a lot longer than a sweater.
Learn more: paulreveremuseum.org/buy-an-engraved-brick
For the History Buff: Membership to the Old Colony History Museum
Instead of a one-time gift, give them a full year of access to the Old Colony’s rich past. A membership here opens the door to rotating exhibits and events. It’s the perfect excuse for them to get out of the house and learn something new about where they live.
Learn more: oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/membership
For the “Bridgerton” Fan: A Tea Service at Shelly’s Tea Rooms
Treat them to Massachusetts’ first authentic English Tea Room right in Plymouth. Covering the tab for a high tea experience means they can sit back, enjoy fresh scones and clotted cream, and pretend they are British aristocracy for the afternoon.
Learn more: shellystearooms.com
For the Family with Too Much Energy: An Action-Packed Day Out
If you know a family that needs to burn off some holiday sugar, give them a place to run wild. A gift card to Silver Stone Castle & Family Entertainment in Swansea offers an indoor pool and climbing wall, while Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park in Hanover is the go-to for laser tag and bumper cars. A pass to either of these entertainment centers is basically a gift of exhaustion (in the best way possible) for the kids and a quiet evening later on when they all get home, for the parents.
Learn more about Silver Stone Castle & Family Entertainment: silverstonecastle.com
Learn more about Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park: starlandsports.com
For the Stressed-Out Friend: A Session at Scituate Salt Cave
We all know someone who is running on fumes by late December. A gift certificate towards this Scituate sanctuary offers all types of relaxation, including halotherapy in a zero-gravity chair. It’s a chance to unplug, breathe deep, and actually relax.
Learn more: scituatesaltcave.com
For the Trendy Athlete: Court Time at Pickles
Pickleball isn’t going anywhere, so you might as well help them get their game on. A gift card for this indoor facility in Hanover ensures they can play regardless of the New England weather. It’s active, social, and much better than a gym membership they won’t use.
Learn more: picklesne.com
For the Creative Soul: A Studio Session at Just Claying Around
Some people prefer to make their own fun. A gift card for this Bridgewater studio lets them pick out a piece of pottery and paint it exactly how they want. It’s an experience and a keepsake all rolled into one.
Learn more: myjca.com
For the One Who Needs Serious Pampering: A Spa Day at Mirbeau Inn & Spa
If you really want to win Christmas, send them to Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Plymouth. Whether they use the gift towards a massage or just to enjoy their time soaking in the outdoor jacuzzi (which is arguably better in the winter), a visit to Mirbeau is the gold standard for local relaxation.
Learn more: plymouth.mirbeau.com
For the Animal Lover: Goodies from The Sandy Dog
Forget getting the human a gift, they just want stuff for their pet anyway! Swing by this Duxbury boutique for a curated selection of toys, treats, and accessories. A high-quality toy for their pup will make them happier than anything you could buy for them personally.
Learn more: thesandydogduxbury.com
For the Kids (and the Kid at Heart): A Shopping Spree at a Local Toy Store
Handing a child a plastic card to a big box store is uninspiring, and where they always go. Instead, give them a budget to spend at Maziply Toys in the Kingston Collection or the newly opened Bamp’s Toy Vault in Downtown Plymouth. It turns the gift into an event where they get to explore the toy store, pick out exactly what they want, and learn the value of shopping at a small business.
Learn more about Maziply Toys: maziply.com
Learn more about Bamp’s Toy Vault: bampstoyvault.com
For the Caffeinated Commuter: Morning Coffee on You
It is incredibly easy to grab a generic coffee chain card at the grocery store checkout. Don’t do it. Find a locally owned coffee shop in their town or along their morning commute and preload a card for them there. The coffee tastes better, and it keeps the money in the community.
For the One Missing the Emerald Isle: Authentic Imports from Local Irish Shops
You don’t need a passport to find authentic wool sweaters or proper Cadbury chocolate. Stop by The Irish Grocer at the Kingston Collection for the best imported snacks and meats, or visit The Galway Girl Irish Shop in Duxbury for beautiful gifts and apparel. It’s the perfect way to bring a bit of Ireland to the South Shore without the airfare.
Learn more about The Irish Grocer: facebook.com/p/The-Irish-Grocer-61579611123987/
Learn more about The Galway Girl Irish Shop: facebook.com/p/The-Galway-Girl-Irish-Shop-100092456124576/
For the Thrill Seeker: An Introductory Flight Lesson at Shoreline Aviation
Instead of a video game or a movie ticket, give them the real thing. Located at Marshfield Airport, this introductory lesson lets them actually take flight (with an instructor, of course). It is the ultimate bucket-list gift that fits in an envelope.
Ultimately, the best gifts aren’t the ones that arrive in a cardboard box from a warehouse three states away; they are the experiences and treasures found right here at home. By skipping the overnight shipping stress and choosing to support these South Shore businesses, you aren’t just checking a name off a list, you’re investing in your neighbors and giving your loved ones a genuine connection to their community. So pat yourself on the back for shopping small, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with finally crossing that last name off your list!