Holiday Gifts to Delight All the Senses

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Washington! Lights are twinkling throughout our charming villages and the holiday spirit is in the air. Many of us are looking forward to putting smiles on the faces of our friends and families with thoughtful, unique gifts this holiday season. Take a look at our special holiday gift guide featuring our favorite picks from our local shops. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list – and create an experience that will delight all the senses.

Feel Good Accessories

Pure tactile luxury from Plain Goods – Himalayan Cashmere Company specializes in fine weaving with cashmere from Mongolian and Chinese mountain goats, handspun and handwoven with traditional spinning wheels. Sweaters, scarves, throws and more are perfect for him or her!

These versatile crossbody bags in soft flannel plaids can also double as wristlets. Visit Five Janes to nab these perfect accessories that will complete any holiday outfit and surely put you and your loved ones in the spirit of the season!

Get personal with a monogram! Who wouldn’t want a super soft Italian Lands Downunder throw for Christmas, monogrammed for those special folks on your list. Let Best Monogram personalize the perfect gift. Place your custom order early at bestmonogram.com.

Cashmere, alpaca, wool, oh my! Sensuous sweaters and cozy winter accessories abound at J. Seitz & Co. Explore their unique finds for everyone on your list, including the littlest ones!

A Sight to Behold

These one-of-a-kind antique Czech glass vases from Pergola are the ultimate eye candy. Add some color to someone’s life with an artistic gift they will admire forever.

There is nothing more precious than the gift of art. KMR Arts is currently showing the work of Christopher Russell. Visit their website to select from curated artwork by international talent represented at this favorite local gallery.

Stop by Washington Art Association’s Annual Holiday Gift Show to pick up hand-crafted gifts and décor by local artists, including blown glass, ceramics, and sculpture for the connoisseur or scarves and jewelry for the fashionista.

See and be seen with spectacular handcrafted spectacles from Friedrich’s Optik, an exciting new arrival in Washington Depot, rooted in old-world German craftsmanship since 1861.

Scents and Sensibility

Privet House is a delight for all the senses, and you’ll be carried away by their intoxicating range of scent. Find soaps, lotions, creams and potions from Lothantique, Caswell-Massey, Cire Trudon and more for your most deserving loved ones!

Next door at D.K. Schulman Design, explore the exotic room scents from Dr. Vranjes Firenze – the best aromas under the Tuscan sun. Exotic new scents include Ginger Lime, Chinotto Pepe, Oud Nobile, Milano, Bellini and Ambra. ⁠Bellisima!

Amaryllis and Paperwhite bulbs make a perfect gift to imbue the home with fresh holiday scent. Washington Supply Company has a full line of bulbs and gift kits – no green thumb required!

Find the perfect, meditative stocking stuffer of LOHN oils, candles, and scent pebbles available in earthy scents at The Valley.

Sounds of the Season

Enjoy a little bubbly and the sound of champagne popping during the holidays with a great selection at Washington Liquor Store and County Wine and Spirits. You can also pick up local sparkling wine from Hopkins Vineyard. We can almost hear the sound of delight, good company, and laughter!

A jingling gold charm bracelet from New Preston’s newest shop, Hays Worthington, is the perfect holiday soundtrack. (Think Auntie Mame!) Specializing in exceptional fine and period jewelry, this jewel box of a shop will help you find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for someone very special. Their new charm bracelet line is coming out this winter. For charm bracelets and other fine and period jewelry in their collection, visit their shop or browse at haysworthington.com.

For the one who loves to read and learn, consider gifting audiobooks from The Hickory Stick Bookshop. Not sure where to start? The staff at The Hickory Stick Bookshop have put together a list of their favorites. Or call and they can help make specific recommendations for anyone on your list!

Give the sound of silence. Gift someone special a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy holiday season with an indulgent body treatment. A silent massage or spa day at “The Well” at Mayflower Inn or Valley Spirit Wellness Center is a wonderful way to show you care.

The Taste of Celebration

Get everything you need at Sweeets, including festive candy and treats, caramel sauces, a wide selection of chocolates, and everything to — the sweet tooth. Everything at Sweeets also makes a great stocking stuffer!

Pick up a gift basket, wrapped and ready to go from Washington Curated, Washington Depot’s newest shop. Or create a custom basket with local Maple Syrups, Wholey Oats, locally roasted coffee beans, and other goodies bound to make the taste buds sing. Customize your own basket for anyone and everyone on your list with the help of Washington Curated’s gracious shop owners.

The next best thing to baking it yourself – gift a luscious “Made in Washington” pie from The Smithy Market. While you’re there, pick up some more yummy stocking stuffers from local artisanal makers.

The gift of a deliciously prepared meal is always appreciated.Treat your loved ones to a special meal with a gift certificate from a local restaurant. Choose from many great Washington restaurants.

More Shopping Ideas
Take a look at all our wonderful shops in Washington and New Preston.

Can’t decide on the perfect gift?
Consider a Washington Gift Certificate from washingtonctgiftcertificates.com to help support our local businesses while giving the gift of shopping to all the special people on your list, naughty and nice!

Share your favorites
We can’t wait to hear about the incredible finds you uncover at Washington’s fine shops. Share your favorite finds – tag us @explorewashingtonct.

Businesses
Let us know about your special holiday gifts so we can share. Tag us at @explorewashingtonct.

Happy Holidays from Explore Washington CT!