Holiday Wish List
Christmas Stroll can be a holiday shopper’s paradise, with island stores offering extended hours, special sales, and holiday cheer. Shows featuring the work of island craftspeople and artisans are held nearly every weekend from now through mid-December, and many local establishments now sell their unique products online and will ship anywhere.
Here’s a start for your holiday wish list, featuring online favorites chosen by the staff of Nantucket.net:
Sweet Inspirations - known for their award-winning truffles and other fine confections, this island confectionary has just introduced three gourmet cranberry creations: Nantucket Red Spread, a smooth sweet-tart combination; Milestone Marmelade, classic flavors accented by cranberry; and Madequesham Jam, a combination of red raspberries and cranberries. Available individually or in wood gift crates.
26 Centre Street, 508-228-5814, www.NantucketChocolates.com
Nantucket Bake Shop - We can’t think of anything better to send friends and family who can’t be on-island for the holidays than the island’s best Portuguese bread from this island landmark. While your at it, add to the package some freshly baked chocolate Magees, Almond and Coconut Macaroons, and Chocolate Chunkers.
79 Orange Street, 800-440-BAKE, www.NantucketBakeShop.com
Cisco Brewers - Add some fun to your holiday routine by touring the island’s only brewery, distillery, and winery, while you’re there, pick up some holiday spirits! Open daily 10 to 6 with tours by appointment.
5-7 Bartlett Farm Road, 508-325-5929, www.CiscoBrewers.com
Aunt Leah’s Fudge - old-fashioned penuche, vanilla praline, maple walnut, chocolate peanut butter...whatever your favorite fudge flavor, chances are Aunt Leah makes it and ships it!
The Courtyard, Straight Wharf, 800-824-6330, www.AuntLeahs.com
The Toy Boat - there’s no need to worry about the toys you give to your little ones this holiday season if you buy them at this shop at the end of Straight Wharf. They specialize in classic, handmade toys from $5 up.
41 Straight Wharf, 508-228-4552, www.TheToyBoat.com
G.S. Hill Gallery & Hill’s of Nantucket - island artist Greg Hill’s exquisite paintings grace many homes and offices on and off Nantucket. At their Straight Wharf gallery and shop, you can choose your own original or gicleé and browse among the beautiful gift items that include miniature Nantucket lightship basket ornaments, Nantucket Lightship Basket Shell Angels, and beautiful Italian marble tiles by G.S. Hill.
40 Straight Wharf, 508-228-1353, www.GSHill.com
Nina Hellman Marine Antiques - for over 35 years, this shop has offered fine antique scrimshaw, ship models, nautical books and instruments, folk art and Nantucket items and antiques. Their new website has a Featured Finds sections filled with one-of-a-kind treasures for your loved ones.
48 Centre Street, 508-228-4677, www.NauticalNantucket.com
Antiques Depot - One of Nantucket’s oldest antique shops, they have a wonderfully eclectic mix of high quality and hard-to-find items. You can view a small selection on their website, but the shop is full from floor to ceiling with items that will intrigue your imagination and fill out your collection. You can also use their online form to inquire about a certain special item.
14 Easy Street, 508-228-1287, www.NantucketAntiquesDepot.com
Nantucket Reds - It’s fun to dream of summer when the cold weather hits. Help the woman in your life remember the sun and sand of Nantucket with Jack Rogers thong sandals in Nantucket Red fabric. Available exclusively at Murray’s Toggery Shop.
62 Main Street, 508-228-0437, www.NantucketReds.com
Blue Beetle - This is the place to shop for beautiful surroundings and holiday giftstht range from personal luxury products to decorative accents. The Barefoot Dreams Bath Robes are particularly cozy for the winter.
9B South Beach Street, 508-228-3227, www.BlueBeetleNantucket.com
Leslie Linsley Nantucket - Author of more than 50 books on crafts, homestyle, and decorating, Linsley has just introduced her Nantucket Christmas 2007 decoupage plate. Perfect for your collection.
Zero India St., 508-325-4900, www.LeslieLinsley.com
Nantucket Needlework Designs - The place to go online for specialty knits and needlepoint canvases with a Nantucket flair. Their belt canvases and stocking ornament canvases are ideal for the crafter in your life.
508-325-7040, www.NantucketNeedleworkDesigns.com
Nantucket Lite - They’ve expanded their soy candle line to include a gift boxed Beach Collection, and more holiday colors of their elegant Cone Candle, as well as their popular and soothing Soy Lotion Candle. Stop by during Stroll to register for their holiday drawing.
14 South Water St., 508-228-8494, www.NantucketLite.com
If philanthropy is your holiday custom, there are a number of very worthy local causes and organizations who can benefit from your generosity. By giving locally, you can see first-hand the difference your donations of time, goods, or cash can do. Here are just a few suggestions.
for children and island youth:
Inky Santa - 508-325-7576.
Salvation Army Toy Drive - donations must be non-violent, unwrapped, and received by Dec. 13 at the RMV, Nantucket Town Building on Broad Street.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Nantucket - www.bbbsnantucket.org
Nantucket Boys & Girls Club - www.nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org
Small Friends - 508-228-6769: www.smallfriendsnantucket.org
Friends of Nantucket Public Schools www.nantucket.org/fonps/index.html
S.T.A.R.S. – maxeygood@aol.com
for seniors:
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands - 508-228-4647
Nantucket Center for Elder Affairs - 508-228-4490
The Homestead of Nantucket - 508-228-1135
for those in need in the community:
Nantucket Food Pantry - 508-228-7438
A Safe Place - 508-228-0561
Hospice Care of Nantucket - 508-825-8325: www.hospiceofnantucket.org
Nantucket AIDS Network - 508-228-3955: www.nantucketaids.org
Habitat for Humanity Nantucket -www.orgsites.com/ma/habitatnantucket
Fairgrounds House - 508-325-5771
Marla Lamb-Ceeley Fund: contact Peter McKay at NCH at 508-825-8196
Andrew Holdgate Fund: contact Peter McKay at NCH at 508-825-8196
The Indigent Fund: contact Peter McKay at NCH at 508-825-8196
other organizations serving the community:
Nantucket Ice - www.nantucketice.org
Theatre Workshop of Nantucket - www.TheatreWorkshop.com
Maria Mitchell Association - www.mmo.org
Nantucket Preservation Trust - www.nantucketpreservation.org
Nantucket Arts Council - www.nantucketartscouncil.org
Nantucket Artists Association - www.nantucketarts.org
Nantucket Community School of Music (NCMC) - www.ackmusic.com
