PRESENT PERFECT: THE GIFT OF GIVING

November 14, 2007 – We’ve made our list and checked it twice. Connecticut is filled with idyllic places to shop and special deals this holiday season. “The gift of giving” can be an enjoyable experience – grab friends and family and spend the weekend shopping for “undiscovered treasures” and exploring country shops.

Whether the occasion is for a birthday, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or any other holiday or cultural celebration, here are some top picks to fulfill every gift-giving need this year:

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

The Christmas Barn in Woodstock has the perfect decorations and trinkets for the holidays. With 12 rooms to explore, shoppers have their pick of mini-Santas, Nutcrackers, Christmas displays, holiday cookie cutters, miniature villages, tree garlands and original pieces made by local folk artists. Stop by November 23-25 for a Peppermint Party and indulge in peppermint treats and hot chocolate. The barn will be open through December 31, including Thanksgiving Day.

HOLIDAY TREATS

Sweet Maria’s in Waterbury bakes some of the best homemade treats – and its seasonal menu is sure to curb the sweetest tooth. From gingersnaps and butter cookies to hot buttered rum cake and Mexican wedding cookies, Sweet Maria’s has it covered. Don’t leave without picking up December’s specialty cake, Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake with a hazelnut crust and topped with chocolate buttercream.

HANDCRAFTED GIFTS

Handcrafted gifts are a specialty in Connecticut and this is the perfect time to check out some of the top craft centers in the state. Some of the best known centers include the Guilford Arts Center in Guilford, the Brookfield Craft Center in Brookfield and Wesleyan Potters in Middletown. These centers hold year-round classes and have shops for visitors looking for a perfect, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gift. 

The Canvas Patch in Milford carries a special collection of holiday decorations from around the world. Be sure to check out the hand-painted ornaments, Russian dolls and custom-made clocks and mirrors. Or, hold a private, holiday shopping party at Me Boutique, also in Milford. Bring anywhere from five to 12 friends and shop for handmade jewelry and accessories. Receive a $25 credit (for the hostess) for every $250 spent. Hunt for handcrafted gifts at Olde Mistick Village in Mystic and enjoy a scenic stroll among a setting of holidays decorations, duck ponds and a waterwheel. While you shop, enjoy holiday music from the Festive Brass who will be playing throughout Olde Mistick Village on November 23.

LATE-NIGHT SHOPPING

Shoppers can hop aboard the New Haven Trolley for a free ride around New Haven, decked-out in holiday style. Every Thursday night through December, New Havenites come together for “Late Night Thursdays” designed to fulfill every last-minute purchase. Shops, cafes, restaurants and local art galleries will be offering extended hours just in time for the holiday season.

WEEKEND ART EXCURSION

The Old Riverton Inn in Riverton is offering Glass Blowing Weekends every weekend through December 30. Guests can experience first-hand art of ancient glass blowing – tour the famous Peter Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio, get a 20 minute hands-on lesson and make a free-form crackle glass bowl to take home. The package includes a one-night stay (Friday and Saturday nights), a romantic dinner for two and a full country breakfast. Prices start at $530 for a room with a private bath.

ANTIQUE-ITY

Gallery 33 in Westport features art from some of the most influential European and American designers from 1940-1980 including works by Francois Monnet, Jay Spectre and Maria Pergay. Also in Westport is George Subkoff Antiques which specializes in American, French and Asian antiques from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the pieces are now handled by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and several house collections. Pauline’s Place in Kent is known for having great antique jewelry and while in the area, stop into Foreign Cargo which includes everything from unusual clothes to Asian and African antiques and tribal jewelry.

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