We’ve all been there. As the days draw shorter and colder the autumn begins to slip away from us, and before we know it our pumpkin spice and bright foliage give way to peppermint sticks and frost just when we have begun to recover from our turkey and stuffing comas. As the winter holidays sneakily but steadily approach, our calendars fill up with family get-togethers and end-of-year celebrations with friends and colleagues. Our children begin their wish lists of newly advertised games and gadgets, (that will inevitably wind up at the bottom of the toy box by the new year), and they remind us of the gifts they need for their teachers, friends, and bus driver. Our Great-Aunt has decided on a last-minute Yankee Swap. Our parents, notoriously hard to shop for, tell us not to worry about them and that they don’t need a thing. Seemingly in cahoots with St. Nicholas, Father Time does his work and the second week of December hurries upon us when we aren’t looking.
Black Friday deals have come and gone, and as what is arguably the most shopped holiday of the year draws near, parking lots become scarce. Storefronts that brim with holy and fir garlands of bells and lights accommodate patrons who fill the aisles, busily surveying for the best deal. While the festive tunes and snowy afternoons may put us in the mood for spiced egg nog and gift-wrapping by the fire, we don’t always have the perfect gift in mind, and we don’t always have the time or luck to drive all over to look for the very perfect thing. What if our favorite people are minimalists? What if our kids just don’t have the space on their shelves for another football or Lego set? What do you get that special someone who has it all? What is a Secret Santa to do?
Gift Baskets can be thoughtfully personalized in countless ways to surprise your giftee, and on any budget. Selecting the “basket” is the first step. Make sure your gift-holding vessel of choice is big enough for cushioning material on the bottom, (tissue, shredded paper, confetti- the possibilities are endless!), and 5-7 items for a robust and visually attractive presentation. For a more customized gift choose a basket and filler that can be used as part of the gift. To finish, wrap the basket in a coordinating color of cellophane and ribbon. Want to support local businesses? Here are some gift ideas that you won’t need to leave the Yarmouth area for!
Gift Ideas from Local Yarmouth Businesses
Wicked Thrift and Pop Rock Vintage, in South Yarmouth, was Cape Cod’s best of the best winner for 2022, boasting new arrivals daily, all year-round. Featuring vintage and designer clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, Wicked Thrift is an exhilarating shop to peruse the racks for that rare find. Or you can shop online for local pickup or discount shipping! A vintage handbag containing jewelry and a gift card will certainly put a smile on the faces of your fashionista friends. Can’t narrow down your choices for that special someone? Electronic and traditional gift cards are available for online and in-store use. You can visit Wicked Thrift Thursday through Saturday 10 am- 6 pm, and Sundays 11 am- 4 pm. Wicked Thrift, 1094 Route 28, South Yarmouth MA 02664. Phone: 508-648-5902
Old King’s Coffeehouse, established in 2019 is open 7 am – 3 pm year-round 7 days a week. A coffee mug containing a t-shirt and gift will energize the coffee lover in your life. Old King’s Coffeehouse, 44 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673. Phone: 774-470-5808
Ritual is your one-stop shop for the spiritual soul in your life. A small cast iron cauldron can be stuffed with an assortment of crystals, incense cones, talismans, and oracles. Gift cards are available to your pal to register for a workshop, or pick the goodies that speak to their soul. Ritual Cape Cod, 939 MA-6A Unit B, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675. Phone: 774-994-8358
Gift an Experience in Cape Cod
Experiences are a hot gift-giving trend this year, for recipients of all ages! Prolonging the excitement of the season with the promise of a fun experience can be even more valuable than the trinkets and consumables that are more traditionally chosen as gifts. It’s the perfect treat for the loved one in your life that has it all! You don’t have to travel far and wide to gift an experience, nor does your giftee!
Ryan Amusements has locations on Cape and beyond for bowling and games. The South Yarmouth location offers bowling, cornhole, and for those over 18 years old- axe throwing! Special offers are available at select locations, and of course, gift cards are perfect for stocking stuffers for the whole family! Ryan Amusements, 1067 Route 28, S. Yarmouth, MA 02664. Phone: 508-394-5644
Cape Cod Gymnastics offers classes for kids of all skill levels in various sessions throughout the year. Register your child for 2022 Holiday Vacation Mini Flips Tuesday, Dec 27th through Friday, Dec 30th, and keep them busy during vacation! Cape Cod Gymnastics, 5 Corporation Rd – Yarmouth Port, MA 02675. Phone: (508) 744-7751
Whydah Pirate Museum is hosting children’s events during the last week in December and Saturdays in January and is included with admission. Gift certificates and cards are available for ticket purchase and the gift store. Take a look at the calendar and plan a visit! Whydah Pirate Museum, 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673. Phone: 508-534-9571
Cultural Center of Cape Cod’s mission is “to serve the entire Cape community and visitors to the area by offering instruction, entertainment, and exhibition in the visual, literary, and performing arts.” Buy tickets for the Winter Magic Antiques Show, or treat someone special to an upcoming class for them to discover a new hobby, or learn techniques for an existing favorite! Upcoming classes include Pastel Painting: Still Life and Interiors-Painting the familiar with Betsy Payne Cook, Introduction to Wheelthrowing, with Holly Heaslip, and “The Art Spirit” with Susan Overstreet. Winter Magic: A Quality Antiques Show on Sunday, January 1, 2023, from 10 AM – 3 PM. Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main St, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. Phone: 508-394-7100
Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!
This blog is funded through the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.
Photo credit: Britt Skinner
(Britt Skinner is a freelance writer.)