Every year, I tell myself I’m going to finish my Christmas shopping early. And every year, there are inevitably a few people left on my list when the holidays are right around the corner.
Fortunately, Vermont has some pretty fantastic independently owned shops where you can find something thoughtful without resorting to another generic gift card or last-minute online order.
I’m a big believer in shopping small, particularly during the holidays. I love finding gifts made by Vermont artists and makers, and I’m happy to spend a little more on something that’s beautifully crafted or supports a local business.
And I think some of the best shopping in Vermont happens in our small towns, where you can wander between shops, grab a coffee and find gifts you wouldn’t necessarily encounter at a larger retailer.
From Middlebury and Woodstock to Manchester and Burlington, here are some of my favorite Vermont shops for last-minute Christmas gifts, including a few general stores that are particularly good for finding something for just about anyone.
Common Deer Local favorite: Common Deer | Burlington
Common Deer has long been one of my favorite gift shops in Burlington. Located just off Church Street Marketplace, the store focuses on American-made products, with a wonderful assortment of gifts from Vermont makers.
You’ll find home decor, candles, jewelry, kitchen accessories and plenty of smaller items that work well for stocking stuffers. I love being able to browse products from independent makers rather than seeing the same merchandise available at every big-box retailer.
It’s a particularly good stop when you’re shopping for someone who seems to have everything.
Sweet Cecily | Middlebury
Sweet Cecily is one of those shops where I can walk in without a shopping list and leave with gifts for several people.
Located on Main Street in downtown Middlebury, this longtime gift shop carries an eclectic selection of artwork, jewelry, pottery, puzzles, greeting cards and little gifts you probably didn’t realize you needed.
I love the combination of beautiful handmade pieces and humorous, sometimes slightly ridiculous finds. It’s also one of my favorite stores for stocking stuffers.
And if you’re shopping in Middlebury, there’s no reason to stop at just one store. Downtown is wonderfully walkable, with several independent shops and cafés nearby.
Vermont’s Own Gifts & Goods | Middlebury
Just down Main Street from Sweet Cecily, Vermont’s Own Gifts & Goods is another excellent stop for holiday shopping.
The store specializes in Vermont-made products, including maple syrup, specialty foods, skincare, home goods and gift baskets.
I love coming here when I’m putting together a Vermont-themed gift for someone who lives out of state. You can find everything from maple breakfast products to locally made soaps and hot sauces.
And if you’re shopping for someone who loves food, the selection makes it easy to assemble a gift basket with several Vermont favorites.
Local Maverick | Manchester
Local Maverick is a newer addition to Manchester’s shopping scene, bringing together products from dozens of Vermont makers under one roof.
Located at 96 Depot Street, the shop carries Vermont-made foods, home goods, jewelry, skincare and gifts from brands including Runamok Maple, Lake Champlain Chocolates and Vermont Marshmallow Company.
There’s also a Vermont Teddy Bear shop-in-shop and a Split Spirits tasting room, making it a fun stop for browsing and sampling.
I love the concept of a store that introduces shoppers to smaller Vermont brands they might not otherwise encounter. It’s a convenient way to support several local businesses in one visit. And since Manchester has plenty of other shopping nearby, I’d make an afternoon of it.
Woody’s Mercantile Local favorite: Woody’s Mercantile | Woodstock
Woody’s Mercantile is one of my favorite additions to Woodstock’s shopping scene.
Located right in the village at 9 Central Street, the shop carries a thoughtfully selected assortment of home goods, antiques, clothing, jewelry, candles and gifts.
I love that the merchandise has a little personality. You’ll find beautiful pieces for the home alongside quirky gifts, children’s toys and things for your dog.
The store is named in memory of Woody Weider, a friend of the owner whose love of Vermont’s outdoor lifestyle helped inspire the shop.
And it’s conveniently located for browsing the rest of Woodstock’s downtown stores on foot.
Vermont Gift Barn | South Burlington
If you’re shopping for someone who loves Vermont products, Vermont Gift Barn is a great stop.
Located on Williston Road in South Burlington, the store carries a broad selection of Vermont-made and Vermont-themed gifts, including maple products, specialty foods, clothing, home accessories and souvenirs.
It’s a particularly convenient option if you’re shopping for several people with different interests or need gifts to bring to friends and family outside Vermont.
And with its location near Burlington International Airport, it’s an easy stop when you’re traveling through the area.
Vermont Flannel Company Local favorite: Vermont Flannel | Multiple Vermont Locations
Vermont Flannel has long been one of my favorite Vermont brands for holiday gifts.
The flannel is beautifully made, incredibly soft and designed to last. And the company offers much more than traditional flannel shirts.
You’ll find pajamas, blankets, scarves, accessories and smaller gifts that are great for stockings.
Vermont Flannel has stores in several communities, including Burlington, Manchester, East Barre and Shelburne, making it relatively easy to find a location while holiday shopping.
I’d recommend trying on the clothing in person if possible, particularly if you’re buying pajamas or a gift for someone whose size you’re unsure about.
The Vermont Country Store Local favorite: The Vermont Country Store| Weston & Rockingham
Few Vermont stores make holiday shopping feel quite as nostalgic as The Vermont Country Store.
The family-owned business has been operating since 1946, and its stores in Weston and Rockingham are filled with old-fashioned candy, classic toys, practical household products and gifts that remind me of things my grandparents used to have.
I could easily spend an hour browsing the shelves, particularly around Christmas when the stores are filled with seasonal treats and decorations.
You’ll find gifts for just about every age, including nostalgic candies and toys that are difficult to find elsewhere.
And if you’re visiting the Weston location, make time to explore the village. It’s a beautiful Southern Vermont town, particularly during the holidays.
Don’t Overlook Vermont’s General Stores
Some of my favorite places to shop for gifts aren’t traditional gift shops at all.
Vermont’s historic general stores often carry wonderful selections of locally made foods, clothing, books, toys and household items.
The Warren Store in Warren is one of my favorites, particularly its upstairs boutique. I love browsing the clothing and home goods after grabbing something from the bakery downstairs.
Willey’s Store in Greensboro is another great option, with a broad assortment of Vermont products and an excellent cheese selection. And if you’re exploring the Green Mountains, small-town stores like Ripton General Store can be fun stops for unusual gifts and nostalgic treats.
You never quite know what you’ll find, which is part of the fun.
A Few Tips for Last-Minute Vermont Holiday Shopping
- Shop Early in the Day
- Small Vermont stores can get busy during the final weekends before Christmas, particularly in popular destinations like Woodstock and Manchester.
- Check Holiday Hours
- Many independent shops extend their hours during December, but others close earlier than larger retailers. Confirm before making a special trip.
- Look for Locally Made Products
- Not everything sold in a Vermont gift shop is necessarily made in Vermont. If that’s important to you, check labels or ask the staff.
- Ask for Recommendations
- Store owners and employees often know their merchandise better than anyone and can help you find something for a difficult-to-shop-for person.
- Make a Day of It
- I’d much rather spend an afternoon shopping in a Vermont village, stopping for coffee and lunch along the way, than fighting the crowds at a mall.
Shop Small This Holiday Season
I know how easy it is to put off Christmas shopping until the last minute, particularly when the holidays seem to arrive faster every year.
But Vermont has so many wonderful independently owned stores that finding thoughtful gifts doesn’t have to be complicated.
And shopping locally means more of your money stays in the communities where we live, supporting the artists, makers and business owners who make Vermont such an interesting place to explore.
So grab your shopping list, pick a Vermont town and spend an afternoon browsing. You might even finish your Christmas shopping before Christmas Eve.
What are your favorite Vermont shops for holiday gifts? I’d love to hear where you do your holiday shopping.
The places in this guide, on the map
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Directions to Common Deer (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Burlington, VT
A gem in downtown Burlington for finding Vermont-made gifts. One of my favorite places to shop in-person for holiday gifts in the…
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Directions to Woody’s Mercantile (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Woodstock, VT
One of Woodstock's best stops for a curated gift selection. Their hats are some of my favorites in Vermont!
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Directions to Vermont Flannel (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Ferrisburgh, VT
Vermont Flannel's products make stellar gifts. Check out their storefronts in Ferrisburgh, Burlington, Cambridge and Manchester. Highly recommend a blanket and flannel…
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Directions to The Vermont Country Store (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Old Rockingham, VT
Allow an hour or two to browse the nostalgic products, specialty foods, household goods, and gifts.
Talk with locals
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