Yanicel Martinez 12/1/17 Yanicel Martinez 12/1/17

Local Holiday Shopping Guide 2017

Shop local for the holidays, it’s a great way to get your holiday shopping done early and help small businesses grow. Here are some recommendations of local stores where, from health and beauty to miscellaneous goods, there’s no shortage of great gifts that you can buy for loved ones this holiday season.

Health and Beauty

If you know of someone who loves natural soaps, body butters, balms and other health and beauty products then this section is for you.

Take a trip to Mill No. 5 where you’ll find the Red Antler Apothecary which carries delightfully scented soaps that smell as great as they look along with body creams, balms, shampoos, scrubs and more. Next, take a trip to Western Avenue Studios where Eir’s Garden offers Scandinavian-inspired soaps, lotions, creams and salves. Finally, check out Mack Soaps for a variety of hand-made products such as soaps, aftershave, eye creams and lip balms. These shops showcase the natural and local health and beauty products that are available to you and make great holiday gifts.

Music and Records

Music is an essential source of entertainment for many of us and a passion for aspiring musicians. If you have someone on your gift list that enjoys music, check out the following.

The Tone Loft at Mill No. 5 has great gifts for friends and family including new and used instruments as well as music lessons in guitar, percussion and vocals. Near The Tone Loft is another fine shop for local music enthusiasts, Vinyl Destination. This record store stocks vinyl records in a variety of genres. If you’re interested in more records, there’s always Garnick’s Records on Middlesex Street where you’re likely to find records from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s ranging from classical to jazz to rock and psychedelic music. Just around the corner on Central Street is RRR Records, a used and new record shop where you'll find plenty of hidden gems. For a music lover, these stores present a chance to discover new music or a fun gift idea for more casual shoppers.

Art and Jewelry

The city is filled with artistic talent, and local artists and jewelry makers provide art scene gift options. So, if you’re looking for locally made art products, here are some ideas.

At Van Gogh’s Gear on Market Street you can find art supplies such as brushes, paints, drawing tools and more. If you know someone who is interested in learning, take a trip to The Cogitation Zone in Western Avenue Studios (WAS) and learn how to make pottery at one of the classes offered. Also at WAS, there’s Lush Beads offering finished jewelry pieces, custom designs, and private lessons in beading. Also don't forget to check out Lush Industrial's fun and funky unisex jewelry made with new and repurposed hardware. Lowell’s local museum gift shops can also help you find a special gift. Check out the shops of the New England Quilt Museum and the gift shop at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center. Whether you’re looking for it or not, the city’s art scene can be a great place to find a unique holiday gift this season.

Miscellaneous Goods

Looking for other gift ideas? Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift or you’re unsure what to get someone, the choices that these shops provide can inspire you to find something great to gift someone this holiday season.

At Mill No. 5, visit Crose Nest and discover botanical herbs, teas, stationary, jewelry and more. Next, stop by Bon Vivant where you’ll find an array of goods such as clothing, jewelry, candles, matches and chocolate. Sweet Pig Press carries all sorts of stationary including journals, holiday cards and banners. On Middle Street, stop by Rogers Pool Patio & Toy Co. for a variety of games, puzzles, dolls, activities and other options. With these shops, you’re bound to find a locally sold gift that will make someone on your gift list all that more joyful this holiday season.

Guest User 12/2/16 Guest User 12/2/16

7 must stop-by-and-check-out places for your Lowell holiday shopping trip

Yeah, I know, we’re biased, we totally believe that There’s A Lot To Like about Lowell. Shorter days, colder temperatures, holiday shopping? Bring it on!

Yeah, I know, we’re biased, we totally believe that There’s A Lot To Like about Lowell. Shorter days, colder temperatures, holiday shopping? Bring it on! With Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and City of Lights behind us, Lowell is now in a 100% Holiday mood.
That said, we thought it’s the perfect time to share a few of our favorite must stop-by-and-check-out places with you. There are plenty more local and independently owned businesses you will pass on your way as well - don’t hesitate to visit those too!

1. Lowell Gallery and Framing

Lowell Gallery and Framing is your one-stop-shop for high quality custom frames and digital prints. This Holiday Season, why not get a specially framed picture for your loved ones?
Find it: Lowell Gallery and Framing is located at 219 Central St., Suite 1C, in Lowell, MA. That’s right where The Canalway Cultural District meets Hamilton Canal. Lowellgallery.com

2. Red Antler Apothecary

When you meet artisans Rachel and Rick from Red Antler Apothecary for the first time, you will fall in love with their warm and genuine character. That character and love is reflected in all products sold in this quaint and adorable shop. From soap and cleaners to herbs and cures, Red Antler has it all, and each ingredient is personally and as locally as possible sourced.
Find it: Red Antler Apothecary is located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street in the Hamilton Canal District in Downtown Lowell. redantlerapothecary.com

3. Bad Moon Shop

What do you get when you have two women who believe there is life and beauty after death and want to bring their vision to others? Bad Moon Shop. After a few years of online and market selling, Jamie and Jennifer moved into the hallways of Mill No. 5, and just like their home, their shop is filled with the “discarded and no longer wanted parts and pieces of the ones who’ve passed”. All cared for and handled with a deep respect for animals alive and dead.
Find it: Bad Moon Shop is located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5 on Jackson Street in the Hamilton Canal District in Downtown Lowell. badmoonshop.com

4. Roger’s Toys

There aren’t many original toy stores left anywhere, so it’s exciting and special that Roger’s Toys calls Lowell home. From vintage and rare to find toys and brands to today’s must-have character toys, you will find it at Roger’s.
Find it: Roger’s Toys is located at 150 Middle Street in the Canalway Cultural District in Downtown Lowell.

5. The COOL Place

A new addition to Downtown Lowell and Lowell’s Canalway Cultural District, the COOL Place is a shop dedicated to locally made products from some great artists around this city. COOL Place is open 7 days a week and has well, a cool selection of jewelry, ceramics, clothing, cards, books and more. Proceeds from every sale support the Cultural Organization of Lowell.
Find It: The COOL Place is located at 122 Merrimack Street in Downtown Lowell. cultureiscool.org

6. Sweet Lydia’s

There are experiments that are so sweet, they need a name! Sweet Lydia's started out as an experiment in the kitchen and has grown into a local favorite. For everyone on your list with a sweet tooth, you will be amazed by the selection of flavors and delicious marshmallow combinations, hand crafted chocolates, caramels and more. Let your sweet tooth know no bounds!
Find it: Visit Sweet Lydia in downtown Lowell at160 Merrimack Street. sweetlydias.com

7. Humanity Boutique

For the last 8 years, Humanity Boutique in downtown Lowell has brought timeless style and fashion into the lives of many. For us, Humanity encompasses some of what Lowell is all about: style, beauty, peacefulness and a bit of attitude. For your latest fashion cravings make sure you visit Ani at Humanity right away!
Find it: Humanity Boutique is located in Lowell’s downtown at 128 Merrimack Street. humanitystyle.com

Note: Some quotes and descriptions taken from featured businesses webpages