Gift-giving can be tough and overwhelming but Vermont Mom’s series of posts about our favorite Vermont Made gifts have you covered! We’ve picked Vermont businesses that never disappoint.
Gift cards can be a wonderful option, they put the selection in the recipient’s hands. Certainly, thoughtful gifts, wrapped in colorful paper are wonderful to receive, but when you’re at a loss for giving just the right thing, shop local. Shop Vermont.
Vermont has mountains, lakes, hiking, shopping, eateries, spas, museums, and so much more! Anything made in Vermont is a great gift to give and receive! It’s always a fantastic time to get out and explore Vermont safely, with the whole family.
For our first stop, the Montshire Museum is a fun-filled museum for young and old alike. If your gift recipient hasn’t been there before, they’re in for a treat. If it’s been a while since they visited Montshire, then they’ll be grateful for the reminder! There is so much to do and explore including creepy-crawly crafts, outdoor exploration, making music, science storytime, virtual workshops, and the list goes on and on. Go! Smile! Have fun!
Vermont Mom Hot Tip: Winter fun celebrating the winter solstice at Smuggs December 21, 4 – 5:30. Start winter with a bang – fire pit – fire performers – and fireworks!
Another family-friendly favorite is the award-winning Smugglers’ Notch Resort. It’s not just skiing – in case you didn’t know. Wintertime at Smuggs has all you would expect and more. Skiing, riding, tubing all with family in mind. I can personally vouch for the kids’ lessons. Mine have gone for years and it has always been seamless…even if my kids did their darnedest to add their own wrinkles! It’s not all about the downhill. Winter brings with it guided hikes, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, indoor pool, fun zone, and ice skating! There are 3 other seasons and Smuggs has made this a truly all-season resort. Hiking, mountain biking, guided or on your own, and did I mention 8 heated outdoor pools with 4 water slides?!? Summer camps that will leave your kids’ cheeks sore from smiling and who doesn’t love a water trampoline? Call and ask about a personal vacation package made just for you and your family. Want a personal vacation concierge? – ask for Ben Childs (shh, here is his direct line:802-644-1282 [email protected]) – he is the best!
Now it’s time for some family fun on, and by the water!
The Community Sailing Center on Burlington’s waterfront another that I can personally attest is a family favorite! The sailing camp was how we first found CSC. It was a one-week camp that included paddleboard yoga and a day at Echo! I could not have imagined a more perfect way for my kids to spend a week over the summer. That was 8 years ago! A camp gift, if you have a wee-one to shop for would be treasured for sure. We have gone way past sailing and have dipped our toes into every activity CSC offers. Day use of kayaks, paddle-boards, canoes, and three sorts of sailing options. If being on the lake is not your speed try dock yoga led by Evolution yoga, beautiful. One item we have not been able to enjoy – and are looking forward to, is renting the observation deck for a special occasion – over a 180-degree view of the lake. From constructing a new building and dock to navigating through the peak of Covid, CSC has kept their values and the love of the lake available for all families. Gift cards go a long way – buy now and families can make plans for the summer – on you!
Vermont Mom Hot Tip: A day on the waterfront is not complete with stopping by Splash at the Boathouse (lunch, cocktails, view) and Burlington Bay Market & Deli (picnic necessities and creemees)
May we suggest making it a day of fun on Burlington’s waterfront? Start at Echo Leahy Center on Lake Champlain a truly special place. Again, Vermont Mom will of course open with any of our favorite camps – and Echo always tops the list! Echo offers week-long camps for most holiday breaks throughout the school year. A gift card for holiday camp would be the ultimate – said a knowing parent! Echo’s break camps and summer camps serve rising first through third graders with days full of activities including behind-the-scenes exploration! Vermont Mom was recently at Echo learning about all the fun to be had there and to check out the amazing selection of gifts at their gift shop. No waiting or shipping is necessary! With so many things to list Echo gift cards are a no-brainer. Bonus – during the holidays when you purchase a membership (or give one) Echo matches that membership to a family in need – giving a whole year of fun to two families not just one!
Don’t forget the many friends, teachers, and first responders that need some extra gratitude this year – not to mention a little “me time”!
In this season of giving, give the gift of time, it will be appreciated for sure. Things aren’t back to normal yet. But getting out and experiencing time out and about from shopping to eateries and spas – there is so much to get back to!
Starting off with the definition of self-care, spa day! Vermont Mom can’t say enough about la bella derma day spa in Winooski. Mom and owner Chelsea, also holds the title of master esthetician. Beyond a wide range of services from lash extensions to body contouring, and massage to nano-needling they have it all! A gift card from la bella derma will be a gift not long forgotten. Don’t forget about her product line, Lillian & Sophia. Perhaps add the glow serum to the gift card?
Now to shop – gift cards from Vermont Mom’s favorite shops are sure to impress.
Why we love:
- Stowe Mercantile – Its selection has none that compare. Gifts, home décor, kids’ toys, clothing, toiletries, loads of Vermont-made tasty treats, candy, beer, and cider. Ask about their pre-selected gifts boxes for the WIN!
- A Truly Unique Gift Shop in Rutland is another place to find all things fabulous and all things Vermont! May we suggest giving your gift card in Janet Zug vase, perfect!
- Stowe Kitchen Bath and Linens – Do you have that, “I have everything” person on your list? Then give them a call and you’re done! It’s that easy. A beautifully curated selection of home décor, one of the best selections of cookbooks we love SKB. Hot tip, the gift card could go towards their growing interior design and consultations!
- Gardener’s Supply – do we really need to explain? Well, we’ll include some of our favorite gifts that could be purchased by your thoughtful gift card gift.
- Slate – THE home décor store found on Church St. Burlington. Woman-owned and full of jewelry, textiles, bags, and more all with the highest of craftsmanship and style abound. Spoiler alert – if you’re on my gift-giving list you may find this on your doorstep.
Vermont eateries & shops – is there a better gift to give…and get?
Any Vermonter knows it’s hard to find bad food in Vermont – really hard. We’ve whittled this year’s favorites down to four “mom AND kid-approved” spots.
A gift card to Sweet Clover Market goes a long way! A week of lunch on the run that is better than homemade, cocktails for an impromptu night of music at the Double E, freshly made baked goods, locally sourced meats, and cheese – yes to all! This thoughtful gift card may simply be used for a creemee this summer – what’s better than that?
Sweet treats are always a welcomed gift. Make them Vermont made all the better! A gift card to from Snowflake Chocolates is always hit. Use online or (and may we suggest) pop into the store for a taste, or a box of two truffles as a gift card gift set is a thoughtful and tasty gift for all.
For those who live in and near Waitsfield – you lucky ducks! They know the beautiful and fabulousness that is Canteen Creemee Company! Not just creemees – oh no! Rosemary aioli fries, banh mi, and the Original Cluckster (aka the world’s best-grilled chicken sandwich) to name a few. Excuse me while I purchase one for the kids for when we visit Warren Falls this summer!
Last but certainly not least is Jericho Café and Tavern. I must disclose that if you follow Vermont Mom on Instagram or my personal Insta, you’re going to find that I am a regular. Their skillet kale salad and truffle fries are home to me. Sprinkle a bit of live music, amazing service, and kid-friendly atmosphere and staff – to the point that they have allowed my kids to help seat before (yes we’re there a lot) the JCaT is a win in all columns. To anyone who is a recipient of a gift card from this truly Vermont establishment – consider yourself lucky!
Gift Cards supporting any and all Vermont businesses is certainly a Vermont Strong kinda gift. It’s without a doubt a win-win-win!