I’m seeing a lot of my online friends posting about how crucial it is for us all to shop local this season. Maybe you have too and you’re wondering where to begin. I mean, it can be overwhelming. Where to even begin…Well, if you’re looking for some suggestions for affordable items that your loved ones will actually use and enjoy — and not shove into a junk drawer or set aside to be re-gifted at a later date, you’ve come to the right site. My friend Erika of the blog I ❤️ Rhody and I have put together our favorite things to bestow on your beloved, your besties, and your extended family ty.

Erika Of I ❤️ Rhody’s Picks

These Rhode Island gift ideas are all also under $100.

1️⃣ For the socially conscious: Your socially conscious friends and family will love the Hope Strikes Back box from Giving Beyond the Box. A curated collection of eco-friendly Rhode Island-made goodies from businesses owned by people of color.

2️⃣ For the wine lover: Newport Vineyards Port is dark, sweet and comforting. It’s the flavor of Christmas in a bottle for the wine drinkers on your list. Newport Vineyards has a wide selection if port isn’t your style.

3️⃣ Jewelry: For the holidays and year-round, Sue Gray Jewelry’s Evergreen pendant is a unique and elegant piece they’ll treasure. Sure to be an heirloom. Available in dozens of other designs, too.

4️⃣ For the hygge home: Chunky knit blankets are all the rage now. Snuggle up in soft style with a lap blanket from Honey Bee Comfort. Available in a range of sizes and colors.

5️⃣ Deck the tree: I love the mixed materials ornaments from Nantucket Mosaic. Don’t let the name fool you – she’s based in Rhode Island. Sure to be a keepsake. 

6️⃣ For the planner: You can support the Roger Williams Park Conservancy with the purchase of a 2021 calendar. Photos and images of the park by local artists, and scenes of the outdoors all year, even when you’re stuck in the office.

Patty J’s Picks

7️⃣ For the makeup lover on your list, I recommend something from Twinkle & Smooch in Cranston. The owner, Jenny DiMucci, has years of experience as a makeup artist with marquee brands that you are probably quite familiar with. She struck out on her own a few years ago (she’s done my makeup for a lot of my photoshoots) and recently launched a new line of vegan makeup and skincare. To see and shop all the products, do check out JennyDiMucci.com.

8️⃣ Barrington Books has a marvelous selection of the latest releases for the bibliophile in your life. Beyond that they have all kinds of incredibly covetable gift-y items that you never knew you needed for your loved ones (or yourself) this season, many from Rhody makers and creatives including Kent Stetson and Nicole Romano.

9️⃣ Serendipity is an adorable shop in Wickford where you’ll find lotsa fun stocking stuffers and little gifts for fam and friends. It’s perfect if you’re wanting to send small but memorable presents to friends you miss and haven’t been able to see ty because of the pandemic.

1️⃣0️⃣ Got a coffee lover on your list who also strives to support small business in RI? Get ‘em a gift card to the cute cafe Notes Coffee Co. in Pawtucket. Notes has everything from chocolate covered espresso beans and branded tees to whole bean coffee and yes, babka.

1️⃣1️⃣ Forget the partridge in a pear tree, we want P-I-Z-Z-A! I mean, who doesn’t enjoy tearing into a hot and tasty pie every now and again? The folks at Federal Hill Pizza have frozen pies that they will ship all over the country. Why not surprise that buddy or cousin who has moved away and misses Rhody food and restaurants? Imagine how giddy they will be when they unpack that box this month.