Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Bright Holiday Gift Ideas from a Cape Cod "Washashore"

This time of year can be overwhelming for many.  Are you befuddled about creative gift ideas this holiday season?  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas most of us are consumed with finding the perfect items for family, colleagues and sometimes the good old fashioned Yankee swap.  As a recent “washashore” I have learned that Cape Cod is the perfect place to begin holiday shopping.  

Before you start, however, you should ask a few questions.  Let's face it, how many people on your list need another bottle of wine, a sweater or hand lotion?  Since the pandemic there has been a shift from big box retail shopping to a more creative gifting approach. 


Each village in the Cape has local artists and small boutique type stores.  Love Live Local Cape Cod is an organization that represents small individual businesses and offers a gift guide for those who like online shopping. They also sponsor a holiday fair Saturday, December 3 in Hyannis to introduce consumers to many great local vendors.

Do you need a Gnome for Your Home?  One of a Kind Gnome has custom-designed gnomes for pet owners, newlyweds and other original requests.  These can be ordered on their facebook page. 

If you are a dog lover for $5.00 you can find the 2023 Patriotic Pooches of Cape Cod Calendar at local shops in Sandwich or on their facebook page.  The Sandwich Arts Alliance on 6a features several local artists and author works in their gift shop.  The Plum Porch in Marston Mills offers online live shopping for those who want to buy Cape Cod treats from their laps.

Each weekend between now and Christmas there are festivals and holiday bazaars with plenty of handmade crafts in almost every Cape village from the mainland to the Islands.  Check Cape Cod Xplore for up to date postings of events.

If you are a foodie there are many creative ways to gift from homemade to farm to table meals and desserts. Down the Cape Concierge has put together a great site featuring some great Cape Cod focused foodie gift ideas. 

Perhaps you want to spread a little culture through your gift-giving.  The Cape is home to many cultural and creative arts venues.  How about season tickets to a musical? ArtsCapeCod is a great way to check out upcoming shows and venues. Also did you know the Cape has over 25 museums and most offer season memberships as well as gift shop items for an education themed gift.  Check the Cape Cod Museum Trail for quick inspiration.

Don’t forget to be good to yourself this holiday season. Perhaps you may want to look at these gift ideas and treat yourself to some theater tickets or a museum pass.  Many of the venues offer discounts this month for enjoyment that can be spread throughout the year.  

Lastly,  my book Coffee Connections is an original idea for your coffee lover giftees and pairs well with a coffee shop gift card or mug.  It can be purchased here or for a signed copy ($20 with shipping in the U.S.) email 1bellacose@gmail.com to order directly.

I wish you a wonderful holiday season and welcome any other creative ideas you may want to share in the comments section.  


Wendy is a Realtor and freelance writer residing on Cape Cod. She recently published her first book, Coffee Connections: Finding Common Ground Through My Daily Brew.  Wendy enjoys networking and writing to connect her ideas and curiosities with people she meets.   She welcomes your comments. 

If you like her writing and want to support these efforts, please  CLICK HERE