Business Spotlight

Shop Local with Our 2024 New Gloucester Holiday Gift Guide

| Caitlyn Davison |

This holiday season, give a gift that’s as unique and special as the community that created it! 

New Gloucester is home to a variety of local artisans, growers, and other small businesses offering the perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for the foodie, the bookworm, or someone who enjoys handcrafted treasures, you’ll find something made with care right in our backyard. 

The NGX Gift Guide showcases a selection of locally grown and made gift ideas that are sure to delight. Our 2024 guide is the biggest yet, featuring more than 40 local businesses! Check out these great ideas, and be sure to comment on our Facebook post to help keep the list growing!

1. Pineland Farms Annual Farm Pass ($100)

Can’t get enough of Pineland Farms? Consider giving an Annual Farm Pass. Pass holders receive free 2-hour farm visits during farm hours (pre-registration required), 50% off family programs with advanced registration (events excluded), and 10% off purchases at The Market (excludes beer and wine). All valid for a family of four for one whole year! Purchase online

2. Baked Goods from Cafe 1055 (prices vary)
To purchase, stop by the cafe at 1055 Lewiston Road. 

3. Wreath from Thompson’s Orchard (Contact for pricing)
The bakery/wreath crew have made a large selection of beautiful wreaths. Come check them out. Purchase at Thompson’s Orchard (276 Gloucester Hill Road).

4. Light Me Down: The New & Collected Poems of Jean Valentine (Hardback) from Alice James Books ($39.95)

Multi-award winner, including a National Book Award, Jean Valentine published twelve full-length collections of poetry during her lifetime, and all of them—plus an entirely new, unpublished manuscript—can be found in this masterful collection of her life’s work. Order online from alicejamesbooks.org, or Bookshop.

5. Long Natural Wool Curls by Betsey Leslie of Ewes to You ($30)
Purchase via the Shaker Village store, online or in person. 

6. Baked Goods from XO Bakery (prices vary)
Check Facebook for offerings and availability. 

7. Photo Session with Victoria Alyssa Creative ($250)  

A photoshoot for a family, branding, or lifestyle session!

One-hour session for up to five people with 30 fully edited images returned in color and black and white.

Fill out the inquiry form on the Victoria Alyssa Creative website and mention the NGX Gift Guide in your message.

8. Homegrown Gourd Gifts from Sweet Woodruff Farm (prices vary)
Purchase at the Chigobee Farm Stand in Pownal (156 Fickett Road). Limited availability.

9. Overnight Stay at the Old Bell Tavern (prices vary)
Book a stay at this historic home via AirBnB

10. 60-Minute Massage from Joel Patterson Certified Rolfer ($110)

60-minute Swedish full body massage. Purchase gift cards or book online at joelpattersoncertifiedrolfer.com

11. Showroom Pieces from C.H. Becksvoort (contact for pricing)
Although Chris recently retired, he has a few pieces in the showroom for sale and will make select small pieces upon request.  Contact for more information

12. Jewelry from Luna’s Treasure/Los Tesoro de Luna ($12+)
Contact via Facebook for product and purchase information.  

13. Full Spectrum 800mg CBD Pain Bee Gone Stick from Healing Hive Collective ($60)

Purchase on the Healing Hive Collective website–they ship anywhere in the U.S.

14. Woodburned Snowy Owl Welcome Plaque from Maine Cabin Goods ($25)
Purchase on Etsy.  

15. Wristlet from OftheGardenCreations ($16.50)
Purchase on Etsy.   

16. Gift Card from Forged by Thor ($15+)

Forged by Thor offers a variety of hand-forged products ranging from simple hooks to fire tools, grill tools, charcuterie utensils, and camping/outdoor items. Everything is forged of solid steel and meant to last a lifetime. The gift card can be used online for any products in the store.

Purchase online at forgedbythor.com

17. Handmade Jewelry from everydaypeoples (prices vary)
Purchase on Etsy.

18. Antique and estate jewelry from MarzilliVintage (prices vary)
Purchase on Etsy

19. Vintage Inspired Candle from Eva Louise Candle Co ($32)

This 7-ounce vintage inspired glass candle makes the perfect holiday gift. Available in multiple fragrances and colors to choose from. The crystal jar doubles as a decor item once the candle is complete. 

Purchase on the Eva Louise Candle Co. website.

20. Custom Mural from Tony Castro Company (Contact for pricing)
Email for more information. 

21. Fishing Rod Rack from Craftsman Fish ($95)
This handmade rack is simple sturdy and is ideal for those who need to organize with limited space. Purchase on Etsy

22. Photo Session Gift Certificate from Andrea Segars Photography ($125+)

A photo gift certificate offers the recipient the opportunity to capture lasting memories with a professional photo session. It’s a thoughtful and personalized gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or any special occasion. To purchase, email andrea@asegarsphotography.com

23. Mittens from Shadow Hill Farm ($42)
These Bouclé lined mittens combine a thick outer shell knit of soft U.S. alpaca yarn with an ultra-fine bouclé style acrylic lining. The combination will keep hands warm and comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Purchase online.

24. Steaks from Pineland Natural Meats
Purchase at the Pineland Market (15 Farm View Drive). 

25. Maine Cribbage Board by Rowe Station Woodworks ($55)

The Maine-shaped cribbage board is a perfect blend of fun and function! With three tracks winding through the iconic shape of the Pine Tree State, it’s great for any cribbage fan looking to add some flair to their game.

The peg holder adds convenience, keeping everything neat and tidy, while the board itself brings a playful touch to your cribbage nights. Purchase online

26. Phinela – Sport Weight Finn and Kid Mohair Blend Yarn from Mindful Folk Farm ($42)
The ‘Phinela’ line is a blend of kid mohair and finn sheep fiber from animals naturally raised on our farm. All yarn is naturally dyed in small batches by hand. Finn sheep fiber is very soft, while the mohair adds strength and luster. Purchase on Etsy.

27. Sculpture and Studio Furniture in Steel and Wood from Patrick Plourde 
For prices and purchase information, please contact Pat Plourde.   

28. 2025 Wall Calendar from the New Gloucester Historical Society ($5)

The calendar features all of the photos from the NG250 Photo Contest, an aerial (drone) photo over New Gloucester, and dates of historical events each month. Other items are available including bronze limited edition NG250 Commemorative Coins and books about the history of New Gloucester.

Purchase at the History Barn Museum on Dec. 1st during the Tiny Timber lighting festivities from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on Dec. 7th when the History Barn is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Or for a special visit to the Barn email bjtc4ngmhs@gmail.com

29. Cider from Norumbega Cidery
Purchase at the Pineland Market. 

30. Stitched Felt Whimsy Kit Hummingbird Ornaments from Shaker Village ($26)
This kit contains everything you need to make three Hummingbird ornaments. Quick and easy to make, simply cut and stitch felt layers together.  Purchase online or visit the Shaker Village Store (707 Shaker Rd.)

31. Custom-Made Gift Baskets from The Market at Pineland Farms ($30+) 

The Market at Pineland Farms has a wide variety of gift baskets for all your gift giving needs. Their friendly staff can help assemble a basket full of wonderful locally made products that will please everyone on your holiday shopping list!

Visit the Market at 15 Farm View Drive on the Pineland Farms campus, or order online

32. Happy Feet Spa from Human Nature ($24)
The Happy Feet Spa makes a great gift for someone you want to pedi-pamper! Comprised of a 5 oz jar of foot soak salts, a foot brush/pumice, a full bar of Happy Feet foot soap & a 2 oz. jar of Happy Feet Foot Cream this is perfect for an at-home foot spa. Purchase online.

33. Gift Card from Brickyard Hollow ($5+)
Gift Cards can be purchased at Brickyard Hollow (437 Lewiston Rd) or online.  

34. This Is How It Begins, a novel by Joan Dempsey ($16.95)

“Dempsey’s fine debut, set in 2009, explores how hate, fear, and intolerance cast a lifelong shadow. Current events have only made this gripping story more relevant.” —Library Journal

Order online or from your favorite indie bookstore.

35. Easy To Grow Garden Kit from Pine Tree Seeds ($50)
Help a friend start their garden adventure with this Easy to Grow Garden Kit. Includes popular seed packets, two gardening books, peat pellets, and wood labels.  Purchase online

36. Pottery from Muddy Toes Pottery (prices vary)
Stop by the Muddy Toes Pottery annual open house, Dec. 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 309 Cobbs Bridge Road.

37. Apple Pie from Bird’s Nest Bakery ($25)

Fan Favorite – Signature family recipe passed down six generations. A flaky homemade pie crust with a baked down cinnamon-sugar apple filling. 

Email birdsnestbakeryme@gmail.com or message on Instagram @birdsnestbakeryme to purchase. 

38. Goat Cheese from Flying Goat Farm
Visit the farm stand at 766 Intervale Rd. Open Friday through Sunday until Dec. 21. Farm Store hours vary–look for the “Open” flag. 

39. Gourd Ornament from Full Circle Craftworks ($36)
These are real gourds that have been dried and gilded. A stripe of acrylic paint sets off the midline, and it is hung with a handmade wire hook. Purchase online

40. Gift Card for a Photo Session with Sharyn Peavey Photography

Want to gift a session to that someone special? Gift cards are available in any denomination and can be used for a session and or products from a previous session. Purchase online.

41. Donna’s Gift Shop is stocked with locally made pottery, bird feeders, sundials, candles and gifts for the nature enthusiast. 
Purchase in person at 216 Ricker Road New Gloucester, ME 04260 before Dec. 20. 

42. Body Butter from Peaceful Pond Apiary ($13)
Contact via Facebook for pricing and availability.