5 places to find Maine-made gifts this holiday season

Made_In_Maine_LogoTis the season to support Maine businesses with your holiday shopping dollars. By shopping local and purchasing from Maine businesses, you’re supporting hardworking entrepreneurs, artisans and communities. Plus, your gift recipients will be happy when they are presented with something that is uniquely made in Maine.  It’s a no brain-ah.

You will find many stores that carry products made in Maine when you venture downtown and shop local. Here are some other places to find Maine-made products for gift giving.

Maine Made America’s Best (mainemade.com)

From jewelry to pottery, soaps, specialty foods and furniture, this site is a great resource if you are looking for products made in Maine. You can search for products and by town with direct links to the artisans’ websites. This site is run by the state Department of Economic and Community Development. If you are making a product in Maine, check out this program as a great resource to market your wares.

Center for Maine Craft (mainecrafts.org)

The next time you head south or north on the interstate, take a shopping break at the Center for Maine Craft. Be prepared to be wowed by the large quantity, quality and variety of fine crafts made by Maine artisans. Jewelry, furniture, pottery, cards, ornaments, candles and much more are perfect for gift giving. The center is located in the West Gardiner Travel Plaza, immediately off I-295 and the Maine Turnpike on Route 126.

Crocketts Cove (crockettscove.com)

This website was created to connect Maine artisans with buyers. The site features the stories of and products made by more than 70 artisans. You will find housewares, food, toys, jewelry, note cards, art prints and much more. Crocketts Cove was founded in 2014 by entrepreneur Christine Williams with a group of like-minded people who wanted to create a one-stop shop for handmade products made in Maine.

Ultimate 2015 Maine Holiday Gift Guide

In case you missed it, check out my fellow Bangor Daily News blogger Alex Steed’s great Maine gift guide featuring more than 200 photos and descriptions of gifts for adults and kiddos alike. Apparel, jewelry, books and more are featured. The list also includes some great experiential gift ideas including restaurant gift certificates, brewery tours and spa treatments.

Buoy Local Gift Card (buoylocal.com)

If you’re looking for a way to support Maine businesses but aren’t sure what to buy for someone, this gift card is a great solution and makes a great stocking stuffer (note to Santa). The card can be purchased online and used at participating Maine businesses, a list that is continuing to grow.

Hopefully this list will help you find that perfect Maine-made gift for someone special and perhaps a little something special for you, too!

 

 

 

 

 

Deb Neuman

About Deb Neuman

Deb thinks Maine is a great place to do business and loves telling the stories of Mainers proving that it can be done! An entrepreneur at heart, she enjoys helping others with the same drive to create and innovate!