Maine Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

The best part of Christmas morning is the stockings. In our house, we always save them for last, and they're always filled with the best, most eclectic array of practical and impractical goodies. Need a little help stuffing? Below is a short list of our favorite places in Maine to buy stocking stuffers. We'd love to hear yours, so please post a comment below or e-mail us at kristen@mainemaven.com.

Etsy — OK, this is kind of cheating because it isn't a bricks-and-mortar store, but you really can find amazing, inexpensive, Maine-made gifts by checking out the wares offered by the Etsy Maine Team. Find out more at http://etsymaineteam.blogspot.com.

Folly 101 — Folly 101 in Portland's Old Port is our go-to spot for unique gifts, often with a vintage flair (check out the vintage paper houses). This year, the shop will offer more stockings, too. So when we say stuff it, we mean it in a good way. 101 Exchange St., Portland.



LaCava — You never know what you're going to find at this Biddeford boutique, and that's a good thing. You can expect a great selection of Maine-made goods, unusual antiques and lots of cute little things that would be perfect in your sweetie's stocking. 12 Water St., Biddeford, www.lacavashop.com.



Left Bank Books — Although this is one of our favorite bookstores in Maine, Left Bank Books also has a whimsical selection of little gifts, such as moving-picture flip books, reproduction tin toys, tiny gift books, cool erasers and more. Definitely worth the trip. 21 East Main St., Searsport, www.leftbankbookshop.com.

Metropolitan Soul — Looking for something artsy, funky and quite possibly homemade? Look no further than Metropolitan Soul in Bangor. Owner Tracy Darcy has an eye for the unusual, and the shop is a must-see this time of year. 25 Hammond St., Bangor, http://metsoul.com.

Parks Hardware — Need a measuring-tape keychain? How about a set of allen wrenches, a penknife or or a nutcracker ornament? Parks has it all. This charming, old-fashioned hardware store in the heart of Orono is a classic, and it's even better at Christmastime. 33 Mill St., Orono.

Yo Mamma's Home — This place is like a stocking-stuffer Mecca. It's packed with small, affordable, often hilarious gifts. And besides, where else in Maine can you find bacon band-aids, Mexican milagros, and monkey key covers under one roof? 96 Main St., Belfast, www.yomammashome.com/.

2 comments:

Samantha Warren Weddings said...

Folly 101 is literally my favorite shop in the Old Port. I told my husband he could buy anything there -anything- and I'd love it! (And P.S. I gave my aunt bacon band-aids last year for Hanukkah- love the irony there- and she loved them!)

Kristen Andresen Lainsbury said...

Great suggestions from reader Tina Roberts:

• For kids' stocking suffers, Kids Travel Happy in Bethel.


• Stocking stuff grab bags from the Rock and Art shop on Route 1A in Dedham. Kids love the surpise of what is in them and then figuring it out.

• For big kid stocking stuffers, One Lupine Fiber Arts in Bangor — especially Heather Murray's jewelry!

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