WE’RE MAKING A LIST
And checking it twice
WE’VE GOT SOMETHING FOR
Everyone
for the
BOOK WORM
for the
DOG LOVER
even for your
MOTHERIN-LAW
Plus
MAINE-MADE GIFT IDEAS
HOW TO MASTER
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS • 2023
EARLY SHOPPING GREAT HOMEMADE
FOOD GIFTS
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2 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
ContentS for the readers
02 10 IDEAS FOR BOOKWORMS
for the pet owners
04 GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS
shopping tips
06 MASTER EARLY SHOPPING
give an experience 08 GIVE PASSES TO LOCAL MUSEUMS
for the inlaws
for the foodies
give local
19 MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS CANDY
10 PERFECT MOTHER-IN-LAW GIFT SUGGESTIONS 12 10 MAINE-MADE GIFTS TO GIVE THIS SEASON
18 HOMEMADE FOOD GIFTS
shop local
15 A MAINE HARDWARE STORE GOES ALL OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
09 EXPERIENCE GIFT IDEAS
bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 1
FOR THE READERS
BY KATIE SMITH E LIBRAR TH
OF
FRO M
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K.S.
We
all know a bookworm (or a few) who loves to stay in and read any time of year — but especially during the lazy days of winter. Christmas is the perfect time to get them something that fits in with their reader lifestyle, and we aren’t just talking about more books. Reading is more than a hobby; for many of us, it’s a lifestyle. Here are several gift ideas the readers in your life will love. 1. BOOK LIGHT Many readers like to stay up late and read, and one of their favorite places to do that is in bed. This may be hard if they share a sleeping space with someone else, which makes the little lamps that grip on to a book extra useful. They can keep reading, disturbing no one else in the room, and they are also perfect for travel. 2. PERSONALIZED BOOK EMBOSSER Did you know you can create your own book embosser? Not only is this a really pretty touch to add to the pages of your book, but it also lets people know who a book belongs to, should it get lost. Retailers like Amazon, Zazzle, and Williams-Sonoma offer tons of unique designs. 3. PERSONALIZED CORNER BOOKMARKS You can find personalized corner bookmarks from local crafters or online. They are inexpensive, make great stocking stuffers, and the personalization makes them an extra special gift. 4. READING VALET If you haven’t seen or heard of a reading valet, you need to check them out. It’s a little stand that has room for your book, a mug of coffee, and reading glasses. Not only are they functional, they are pretty. You can find one to fit the aesthetic of any room and make your favorite reader thrilled. 5. BOOK MERCHANDISE If the reader in your life has a special series they love, check to see if there is merchandise such as hats or T-shirts available. Many places also sell things like socks with phrases like, “Leave me alone, I’m reading,” which also make fun gifts.
PHOTO: PHOTO-SD/ADOBE STOCK
10 GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FAVORITE BOOK WORMS
in your life
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SEA BAGS MAKES TOTES PERFECT FOR BOOK LOVERS. FIND MORE MAINE-MADE GIFTS ON PAGE 12!
WHO WOULDN’T ENJOY CHOCOLATEY BON-BONS TO NIBBLE WHILE READING A GOOD BOOK?
6. LARGE TOTE BAG A large tote is essential for going to the library, their favorite bookstore, or traveling. You can purchase a personalized one with their initials, find a tote with pictures of books, or opt for something plain. 7. GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THEIR FAVORITE BOOK STORE Supporting a local bookstore is always a good idea. And gift cards are something fun to look forward to after the holidays are over. 8. COZY BLANKETS Blankets and books go hand in hand, and readers can never have enough. With so many colors, fabrics, and sizes to choose from, you will find one that suits the reader in your life just right. 9. ASSORTED COFFEES AND TEAS If your bookworm likes coffee or tea, gift them an assortment to try. There are so many varieties, accessories like frothers to make your own cold foam, flavored creamers, and pretty mugs to choose from. 10. HIGHLIGHTERS Some readers like to highlight certain lines or quotes to make their favorite parts easy to find and share. Be sure to get a few different colors and tip sizes for everything from highlighting to circling to doodling in the margins. bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 3
Gifts for
DOG LOVERS
BY KATIE SMITH
F ur
babies are a big deal. Many pet owners consider their dogs a huge part of the family and enjoy spoiling them with treats, gidgets, and gadgets, and taking them along everywhere the family goes. From matching outfits to luxurious beds, dogs these days have got it made. And if you have a dog lover in your life, or you are one yourself, here are a few exceptional gifts to give this holiday season. 1. CUSTOM PORTRAITS There are many places that offer custom portraits of your pet. All you do is send in a picture of your pet online and pick out what style picture you’d like. There are framed pictures, places that can put your pet in a vintage costume, minimalist portraits, or multiple pet picture options. 2. PERSONALIZED DOG BOWLS A new set of dog dishes is always a wonderful gift to give. Consider getting food and water bowls with the pet’s name on the side. It makes them more personal, and you can even get the dog’s face on the side of the bowl. Who wouldn’t want to eat from dishes with their name and face on them? 3. GIFT CERTIFICATE TO FAVORITE GROOMER Chances are your favorite dog lover takes their pet to the groomer at least a few times a year. This is an expense that can add up, so a gift certificate to their favorite groomer will be appreciated. Every dog needs a day of beauty, and what better time for them to experience some rest and relaxation after the holiday rush is over? 4. PET HAIR REMOVER Pet hair is an ongoing battle for all dog owners. It gets all over the house and in the car, and there are times when it seems impossible to keep up with the volume. There are some great pet-hair removers on the market. Anything from hand-held gadgets, to mini vacuums,
PHOTOS: (RIGHT MIDDLE) COURTESY OF KATAHDIN COLLAR CO.; (OTHERS) AFRICA STUDIO, TAN4IKK, LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/ADOBE STOCK
SURPRISE YOUR POOCH (AND YOUR DOG LOVING FRIENDS) WITH THESE FUN GIFTS
to rollers can be found in pet stores and online. This is one thing (besides treats) that dog owners can’t have enough of in stock. 5. WATER-ON-THE-GO BOWL There’s nothing better than taking your dog with you for a day of fun. And since they need water all day, a water-on-the-go bowl that can be kept right in the car is the perfect gift. Even a visit to the dog park, the vet, or a short hike is going to make your pup thirsty, and this collapsible bowl won’t take up much space and can be packed easily with all your other pet accessories. 6. A PET CAMERA If you haven’t seen all the funny pet videos floating around the internet, you are missing out. Who knew video taping your pet when you aren’t home could be so much fun? There are many sizes and features on the market. You can even get a camera that dispenses treats to your fur baby with the touch of a button on a phone app.
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8. CUSTOM SOCKS Every pet owner needs a pair of socks with a picture of their pet on them. Dog socks are the latest pet trend, and it’s super easy to order a pair online. Just download a picture of the pet, choose the size and color you want, and you have the perfect gift for any dog owner.
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7. PERSONALIZED COLLAR Every dog needs a personalized collar. You can get one in the pet’s favorite color and have their name and phone number added. These are much easier to read than dog tags, and they can be a lot cuter, too.
9. DOG TREAT POUCH AND POOP BAG CARRIER Walking the dog is a treasured activity for both pet and owner. There are many special pouches available that will hold everything you need for your daily walks. They come as funny packs, purses, and there are even some that clip onto a leash. Not only will this make exercising your dog easier, but you can keep all the essentials in one place. 10. CUSTOM PORTRAIT COOKIE CUTTERS Making cookies with your dog’s face is never a bad idea. You can have a custom cookie cutter for your dog of choice made from places like Etsy. These can make yummy cookies for humans or healthy dog treats for dogs. bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 5
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HOW TO MASTER SHOPPING EARLY FOR A LESS HECTIC HOLIDAY COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
early bird gets the worm” is a well-known English proverb that historians trace all the way back to the 1600s. Though the words might first have been popularized hundreds of years ago, they remain as true today as they were then, particularly in regard to holiday shopping. Savvy shoppers have long touted the importance of starting early when looking for holiday gifts for loved ones. Seasoned procrastinators may never embrace early shopping, but others who want to a less hectic holiday shopping season can consider these tips. · BEGIN WITH A PLAN. Holiday shopping excursions, whether they take place in town, at the mall, or online, can take longer than expected when shoppers have no idea what they’re looking for. Prior to your first holiday shopping trip, jot down gift ideas for each person on your list. Then scour stores or websites for those items. Starting early affords shoppers time to bargain hunt and ensures supply shortages or other issues won’t get in the way of a happy loved one come the holiday season. · RECOGNIZE THE NOTION OF “EARLY” HAS CHANGED. Early holiday shopping used to be synonymous with the retail holiday Black Friday, which occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. However, many holiday shoppers now begin buying gifts long before they’ve purchased a Thanksgiving turkey. In its 2022 Consumer Pulse Survey, McKinsey & Company found that 56 percent of consumers started their holiday shopping in October. A host of variables may have influenced that shift, but supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic have lingered, which undoubtedly compelled consumers to get an especially early start on holiday shopping. Shoppers who want to ensure everything arrives on time for the holiday season must recognize that “early” shopping now involves beginning around Halloween, if not earlier.
· TAKE THE (LOCAL) ROAD LESS TRAVELED. Shopping local merchants in person is a strategy savvy shoppers have long since embraced, but it’s one that’s L especially beneficial in an era marked by supply chain issues and inflation. Local A merchants don’t have the overhead or sizable staffs of big box or chain stores, LOOKING FOR which enables them to keep costs low. And since local merchants produce UNIQUE GIFTS MADE many of their own products, it’s likely there’s something in store that RIGHT HERE IN MAINE? shoppers will love and less likely that they will have issues filling orders. A FIND LOCALLY late fall afternoon in a local shopping district can yield an array of treasures SOURCED GIFTS and help holiday shoppers find the right gift for many a person on their list.
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· WHEN IN DOUBT, GO GIFT CARD. If the right gift is proving elusive even when shopping early, shoppers should not hesitate to go the gift card route. Shoppers need not feel as though a gift card is a nonstarter, as a 2022 survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of survey respondents indicated gift cards were the most desirable gift of the holiday season. Shopping early is a great way to enjoy a less hectic holiday season. 6 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK
ON PAGE 12!
bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 7
A walrus skull and other objects from the Portland Society of Natural History, which closed its doors in 1970, stand on display at the Maine Historical Society last spring.
Give an EXPERIENCE FOR A GIFT THAT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY, GIVE A MAINE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE BY ANNE GABBIANELLI are many hidden gems in Maine disguised as museums, and more than 300 are listed on tripadvisor.com. If you are looking for a unique holiday gift that will provide the recipient with a fun experience, consider a membership or pass to a museum. CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS There are four children’s museums across Maine, with Bangor’s Maine Discovery Museum being farthest north in the state. It offers three floors of educational fun with 30 interactive exhibits, art, music, and more. MAINEDISCOVERYMUSEUM.ORG
Portland boasts the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. Here they focus on play-based experiences in STEM, arts and culture, performing and visual arts, and early childhood education. KITETAILS.ORG In Rockland, the Coastal Children’s Museum offers the opportunity to explore, discover, and learn about the region and its diversity.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY There are many more museum options not only for children but adults as well, including the Maine State Museum in Augusta, which is expected to reopen in 2025. In addition, there are well-known sites like the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Maine Marine Museum in Bath, Moosehead Marine Museum in Greenville, Leonard’s Mills Forest and Logging Museum in Bradley, Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, Maine’s Paper & Heritage Museum in Livermore Falls, and the nationally recognized Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland.
ON THE MOVE The Loring Air Museum is located on the 9,000-acre former Air Force Base in Aroostook County. The museum was founded to preserve the history and memories of those who served there.
FOR HISTORY BUFFS A special holiday gift would be adopting a horse from the 1894 carousel, featured at the 19th Century Curran Village in Orrington. This museum is a stage for living history and hands-on learning experiences.
MAINELIGHTHOUSEMUSEUM.ORG
CURRANHOMESTEAD.ORG
And the Children’s Discovery Museum of Central Maine in Waterville is nearing completion of a new, larger facility, which is expected to open next year.
If the person on your holiday gift list is a military history buff, take them to see one of 25 historic forts in Maine. Some of them even date back to the 1700s. Fort Knox in Prospect is a popular destination, while others are more remote.
CHILDRENSDISCOVERYMUSEUM.ORG
VISITMAINE.COM
COASTALCHILDRENSMUSEUM.ORG
8 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
LORINGAIRMUSEUM.COM
Adding to the variety of Maine’s museums are 12 train-related venues, like the Railway Village Museum in Boothway. Find a full list on VISITMAINE.NET. The Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland, founded in 1972 by Coastguardsman Ken Black, is home to the largest collection of U.S. Coast Guard artifacts in the nation.
Dr. J. Howard Wilson, a civic-minded geologist who spent his summers in Castine, founded the Wilson Museum in 1921. Here you can meet a 460-million-year-old trilobite, marvel at a Neanderthal stone ax, and forge connections across history, places, and cultures. WILSONMUSEUM.ORG
Courtesy of his passion for cars, Richard Paine formed the nonprofit Seal Cove Auto Museum to provide a place to keep and display his extraordinary collection. The museum on Mount Desert Island features
PHOTOS: (TOP & TRAIN) TROY R. BENNETT/BDN FILE; (CHILDREN’S MUSEUM) LINDA O’KRESIK/BDN FILE; (COOKING) GOODLUZ/ADOBE STOCK
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Bridgton and Saco River Locomotive No. 7 steams down the tracks at the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum in Alna in 2022.
Bangor’s Maine Discovery Museum on Main Street.
Different types of
EXPERIENTIAL GIFTS COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
Seasoned holiday shoppers know it’s not always so easy to find the perfect gift. When shoppers find it especially difficult to pick the right present, it can help to consider experiences rather than material gifts. You can give a gift certificate for an activity or event, or better still — share the experience with the recipient by picking them, enjoying an activity and a meal together, and creating a new memory in the process. TRAVEL Experiential gifts related to travel are wildly popular. Travel-related experiential gifts include everything from airline miles to unique activities at a loved one’s eventual destination, such as a parasailing adventure at an island resort.
some of the earliest automotive artifacts from 1895 through the early 1920s. SEALCOVEAUTOMUSEUM.ORG
AND MORE Consider giving tickets to the Stanley Museum in Kingfield. The museum offers examples of Stanley Steamers dating from 1905 and highlights the history of the ingenious and entrepreneurial family. In Skowhegan, the Margaret Chase Smith Library is a Congressional Research Library, dedicated to preserving her history and promoting research into American politics. MCSLIBRARY.ORG Museum passes, memberships, and donations make perfect holiday gifts — or treat yourself with a visit. Better still, consider giving a gift to a local Maine museum to show your support.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Outdoor adventures need not be exclusive to vacations in parts unknown. Holiday shoppers can examine local attractions that will ensure their loved one enjoys an adventurous day close to home. Outdoor activities like skiing, boating, or hiking are all great options. An adventure with a local company that offers hot air balloon rides or a guided hiking tour through scenic local mountains are just a couple of ways to gift an outdoor experience loved ones won’t soon forget. FOOD Food-based experiences can include food tours, cooking classes, a night out at a local hotspot known for its appetizing menu, or even a meal at home prepared and cooked by a private chef. Beverage-related experiences also merit consideration, as many a food fanatic would undoubtedly love a course on wine tasting or even home brewing lessons from the brewmaster at a local brewery. ENTERTAINMENT Who wouldn’t appreciate tickets to a concert or show? Shoppers can scour the websites of a loved one’s favorite musicians to see when they’re in town. Live theater fans may appreciate a night out to enjoy dinner and a show at their local theater. There’s no end to the experiences holiday shoppers can gift to their loved ones. And such gifts have become wildly popular in recent years. bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 9
Great gifts for your
MOTHER-IN-LAW
12 IDEAS FOR EVEN THE HARDEST TO BUY FOR MOTHER-IN-LAW BY KATIE SMITH
S hopping
for your own mother usually isn’t a problem. But shopping for your mother-in-law? That can be trickier. She is the mother of your partner, and you want to get her something extra special. But what do you get the MIL who either seems to have everything or doesn’t drop any hints about what she’d like for the holidays? 1. SLIPPERS Everyone needs a fresh pair of slippers when the temperature dips. With so many styles, colors, and fabrics to choose from, you can find something you know your MIL will love. L.L. Bean always has a wide variety of the coziest slippers available in their store and online.
3. MASSAGE TOOL Who doesn’t love ending their day with a relaxing massage? It would be nice if we all had our own personal masseuse, but chances are your MIL doesn’t. No matter what her problem area is, you can find a massage tool that will suit her needs. You can get one that doubles as a heating pad, one that’s small and lightweight, or one that massages your entire legs all at once. 4. PERSONALIZED TOTE A tote is a wonderful gift, but a personalized tote is even better. You can find lots of monogrammed bags, purses, and totes on Etsy. It makes the gift super special to your MIL when she knows you’ve picked out the color and initials and had it made especially for her. 5. A DAY OF RELAXATION Whether you purchase a gift card to her favorite spa or a gift certificate to get her hair and nails done, a day of beauty and relaxation will give her something to look forward to after the holiday rush is over. 10 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
PHOTOS: JACOB LUND, JENKOATAMAN, MONKEY BUSINESS, NETRUN78/ADOBE STOCK
2. PHOTO PRINTER Printing photos from your phone is easier than ever. Your MIL can skip a trip and finally get all those pictures she has been saving put into albums. Photo printers come in a variety of sizes, colors, and price ranges, so you will find something your MIL will enjoy.
9. COZY BLANKET You can’t have enough blankets, and they always make wonderful gifts. Find one in your MIL’s preferred colors, and you will give her a gift she will enjoy all year long — and think of you every time she wraps herself up in it.
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A GILDED MAINE OYSTER MAKES A PERFECT RING DISH. FIND THIS AND MORE GREAT MAINE GIFTS ON PAGE 12!
12. PERSONALIZED JEWELRY BOX Jewelry boxes are fun and feminine keepsakes. Make your MIL’s jewelry box extra special by getting it engraved. Places like Pottery Barn, Etsy, and Mint and Lily have beautiful designs. You can choose from a small travel jewelry case or something larger that will allow your MIL to store all her treasures. bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 11
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8. BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY You can’t go wrong with birthstone jewels. Maybe your MIL would like her own birthstone, her kids’ birthstone, or perhaps her grandchildren’s birthstones in a beautiful necklace, bracelet, or ring.
11. PHOTO ALBUM Put photos you’ve taken over the years into an album and give it to your MIL to tug at her heartstrings. Companies like Shutterfly and Mpix make it so easy to customize your own albums. You can choose your layout, design, colors, and photos — they do the rest.
A TASTY LOCALLY MADE CHEESECAKE WILL BE A HIT AT YOUR FAMILY’S HOLIDAY GATHERING
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7. JOURNAL Journaling can be so therapeutic and a great gift to give. You can find some with daily affirmations, journals that double as planners, a variety of covers, and endless options for colors and sizes.
10. TRAVEL MAKEUP CASE This is a must have for anyone who likes to take trips. There’s something about packing up your skincare and daily essentials into a nice bag that makes you feel organized. Even if your MIL already has one, travel makeup cases get stained and often wear out quickly. A fresh one will always be welcome. There are so many colors and fabric to choose from, and you can get makeup cases personalized, making them extra special.
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6. GIFT BOX SUBSCRIPTION Gift box subscriptions have become a wonderful way to spoil someone all year long. Whatever your MIL is into, there’s a box subscription to fit her likes and hobbies. Whether she likes books, baking, skincare, haircare, or clothes, you can find the perfect one for her.
Gifting
LOCAL 12 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
SUPPORT MAINE ARTISANS & BUSINESSES
So many amazing things are crafted right here in Maine. Check out these fantastic Mainemade gift ideas.
BUY LOCAL! Looking for a truly unique gift that’s perfect for your loved one and supports a local Maine crafter? We’ve got you covered! Here are 10 fun and fab gifts for even the hardest to buy for on your list. Want even more ideas? Visit sites like MaineMade.com and MaineOutdoorBrands.com to find hundreds of Maine artisans and makers. Support your friends and neighbors by giving locally made gifts this holiday season.
HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY FROM ACORN AND ARTISAN • DIXFIELD Spruce up your holiday season with Acorn and Artisan jewelry. Handcrafted right here in the Pine Tree State, each unique piece combines modern boho vibes with classic craftsmanship. From 14k gold-filled treasures to designs in brass and sterling silver, we have the perfect pieces to elevate your holiday style or find that meaningful gift. Jewelry ranges from $20 and up, can be gift wrapped and shipped, and includes a mini jewelry care kit with each purchase.
ACORNANDARTISAN.COM
KNOT TYING KIT FROM MAINE CRAFT DESIGN • KENNEBUNK Knot tying is fun for all ages! Our Essential Knot Tying Kit teaches you to tie everything from the most basic knots to more advanced hitches and bends. Whether you know a young, curious mind who needs a toy to keep them engaged or an adult who loves new challenges, it’s never too late to learn the art of knot tying. It’s relaxing to learn and fulfilling to put into use in the real world. The Essential Knot Tying Kit comes with everything you need, including rope, pulleys, a cleat, diagrams, and a link to how-to videos. Looking for more? Try our Deluxe Kit! Let’s get tying!
ETSY.COM/SHOP/MAINECRAFTDESIGN
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HAND-GILDED OYSTER SHELLS FROM GILDED MAINE OYSTERS • RAYMOND The allure of the oyster and the natural beauty of Maine’s rugged coast inspire each unique shell from Gilded Maine Oysters. Sustainably sourced from hardworking Maine oyster farmers, each shell is hand selected and sanitized before the back is generously brushed with a non-toxic acrylic clear-coat gloss to highlight and showcase the natural beauty, color, and layers. Each shell is then delicately decoupaged with a beautiful image, hand gilded with classic gold leaf, and finished with a final coat of clear gloss. These shells make a unique coastal-themed gift, and can be used as a ring dish, trinket dish, salt cellar, or accent piece.
GILDEDMAINEOYSTERS.COM
CUSTOM DESIGNED GIFT ITEMS FROM RECLAIMED MAINE CO. • WINDHAM
HAND-POURED CANDLES FROM COLLEY HILL SOY CANDLES • HAMPDEN “Capture the Essence of Maine” by gifting a hand-poured candle from Colley Hill Soy Candles. Our 100% soy wax candles are available in fragrances like Season’s Greetings, Coastal Maine, Maine Balsam Fir, Cozy Maine Cabin, Mt. Katahdin Sunrise, and more. Visit our website to order a gift box for friends, family, or loved ones — or treat yourself! Visit Tiller & Rye in Brewer or Erickson’s Hardware in Hampden for a selection of holiday fragrances. You’ll be delighted!
COLLEYHILL.COM
Reclaimed Maine Co. is a one-woman owned and operated lifestyle brand built on a love for the Maine outdoors. Using lakes, pines, and coastlines as inspiration, each product is handmade and custom designed with nature in mind. Enjoy a variety of home goods, apparel, gift items, and more that promote outdoor adventure and exploration, while giving back to Maine’s environment and the places we love to explore most.
RECLAIMEDMAINECO.COM
HEATED CUSHIONS FROM HÜGA HEAT LLC • SOUTHPORT Hüga heated cushions are handsewn in Maine, where we know cold! Originally inspired by the outdoor dining scene, hüga heated cushions are engineered for durability, standing out as the longest-lasting and most robust fanny warmer on the market. Each hüga cushion provides many hours of steady 120+ degree warmth, with three battery sizes to choose from. Not only are they tough enough to stand up to daily use on restaurant patios, they are also a sustainable alternative to propane patio heaters and firepits. Just recharge the battery overnight and you’re set for a day of outdoor adventures. When you gift a hüga cushion, you’re not just offering warmth, you’re investing in Maine craftsmanship and innovation.
HUGAHEAT.COM
Holiday Shopping at a Hardware Store? A VISIT TO BOB’S FARM, HOME & GARDEN BY CRYSTAL SANDS
PHOTO: COURTESY OF BOB’S HARDWARE
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year during the holiday season, I am on the hunt for practical gifts for my family and friends. I am of the mind that the best gifts are ones that are useful in some way. But until recently, it never occurred to me to shop at a hardware store for the holidays. This summer, while visiting one of Maine’s most famous hardware stores, I learned the holiday season is one of their specialties. Bob’s Farm, Home & Garden is located in Dover-Foxcroft. The drive is well worth it, whether you are looking for gifts for the home cook, the gardener, dog lovers, or puzzle fans. And, while you may not expect a hardware store to stock so many wonderful holiday gifts, Bob’s features Maine-made candies, handmade candles, ornaments, and kitchen tools — all perfect stocking stuffers for anyone on your shopping list. One of the biggest surprises in this hardware store, however, is the volume of organ-
ic goods, including spices and grains, available for purchase. Owner Bruce Tibbetts says Bob’s is a “healthy hardware store.” And during the festive Christmas season, the store transforms into a haven for holiday shopping. The front window décor is a treat on its own, but inside, you will find Christmas lights, holiday signs, children’s books, greeting cards, and more. There is something so quintessentially Maine about supporting local businesses and being transported to a time when hardware stores were central in communities for providing everything from dry goods to Christmas toys. If Dover-Foxcroft is out of reach, check out your local hardware store. There are several in Greater Bangor, featuring treats for the whole family. If you are like me and thought hardware stores were for purchasing chicken feed, fencing staples, or tomato cages, you are in
for a surprise. There are many hardware stores in our area offering candles, books, local candy — in addition to that chicken feed and those fence staples.
bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 15
For your FURRY FRIENDS
CAT TOYS FROM PROXIMA DESIGN CAT TOYS • AUBURN Make the holidays fun for every member of the family with these joyful, handmade cat toys for every style of kitty play. These creative, durable designs are filled with potent, long-lasting catnip. Find even more cute designs and purchasing information online.
PROXIMADESIGNCATTOYS.ETSY.COM
16 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
DOG COLLARS FROM KATAHDIN COLLAR CO • AUGUSTA At Katahdin Collar Co, we are proud to offer a range of exclusive designs that are sure to turn heads on any adventure. From bold colors to unique patterns, our collars are as stylish as they are functional. And with our commitment to quality and sustainability, you can feel good about supporting a company that cares about the environment and the well-being of dogs everywhere. So why wait? Head to Katahdincollarco. etsy.com or email Katahdincollarco@gmail.com for wholesale opportunities!
KATAHDINCOLLARCO.ETSY.COM
FOR MORE GIFT IDEAS FOR DOG LOVERS, FLIP TO PAGE 4.
HOME GOODS & JEWELRY FROM MAINE SHELLWARE LLC • BANGOR
LONGBOARDS FROM LINDEN LONGBOARDS • DENMARK
Maine Shellware is a Bangor-based, female-owned company. Using locally sourced and recycled lobster, mussel, and clam shells, we create our unique line of home goods and jewelry. Each product is a one-ofa-kind, functional piece of reclaimed Maine art. Visit our website at maineshellware.com to view our entire line of home goods and jewelry. Products are also available at Rebecca’s, Palomas Gifts, Grasshopper Shop (BIA), Not So Empty Nest, Tiller and Rye, and the Ampersand.
Denmark-based designer Charles Linden restores old waterskis and converts them into unique one-of-akind skateboards perfect for cruising to the beach or getting around town. The spring from the old wood combined with the best hardware give these boards an exceptionally smooth ride. Prices range from $150 to $450, depending on the model.
LINDENLONGBOARDS.COM
MAINESHELLWARE.COM
WANT MORE GIFT GIVING IDEAS? Looking for more great Maine-made products to give this holiday season? (Or ways to pay for them?) Flip through the pages of this magazine and check out ads from companies like... HARVEST MOON DELI
ARCHIPELAGO
PEPPER’S LANDING
BIXBY CHOCOLATE
KATAHDIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
SEA BAGS
MOMO’S CHEESECAKES
MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATER
STRIKING GOLD
AND BE SURE TO VISIT DOWNTOWN BANGOR TO SHOP LOCAL AND FIND UNIQUE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.
bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 17
Great homemade
FOOD GIFTS MAKE IT HOMEMADE (OR BUY IT LOCAL) FOR A TASTY AND HEARTFELT GIFT
C ooking
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
and baking ramps up during the holiday season. People can turn extra time in the kitchen into opportunities to create festive treats that are ideal for gifting. Or find local bakers and food makers to buy from. But which items are the best of the best? Even though tastes are singular, these items will appeal to most foodies and others on your gift list. · JAMS AND PRESERVES: Fruit jams and preserves are versatile foods. They are as at home on toast and biscuits as they are as fillings in cookies and tarts. Jams and preserves can be made with relatively few ingredients and work well with seasonal fruits. · CINNAMON ROLLS: Warm, sticky, and full of aromatic spice, cinnamon rolls are the perfect comfort foods. These rolls do not typically have a long shelf life, so be sure to present them promptly before they get stale. · PANCAKES OR COOKIES IN A JAR: If you have a fantastic recipe that you can’t resist sharing, try turning it into a gift. Measure and package the ingredients into mason jars, tie with ribbons, and include directions for preparation and cooking. · MINI BUNDT CAKES: Fruit cakes may be a holiday standard, but bundt cakes make for great and traditional offerings as well. Miniature bundts filled with chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even those soaked in a favorite boozy butter glaze can be moist and delicious. · CHOCOLATE BARKS OR FUDGES: Seasonal flavors can come to life in chocolate treats. White chocolate filled with peppermint pieces or dark chocolate and cherry chunks are tasty pairings. Break apart portions of the bark or cut the fudge with cookie cutters and gifts inside cello bags tied with ribbons or in cardboard candy boxes. · COCKTAIL SYRUPS: Create spicy or sweet syrups that are tailor-made for enhancing cocktails. Anyone on your gift list can then become a master mixologist. · SHORTBREAD COOKIE ORNAMENTS: Circular shortbread cookies can be decorated with royal icing to look like Christmas ornaments. They can be eaten or even placed on trees to complete holiday decor. · FESTIVE CAKE POPS: Cake pops can be made by mixing homemade or pre-purchased crumbled cake with frosting or softened cream cheese and formed into balls. Insert a lollipop stick and dip the balls into melted chocolate or candy melts. Sprinkles, nonpareils, or luster dust can be used to enhance the covered pops. Food gifts are perfect for the holiday season. Handmade treats from the heart show loved ones how just much you care. 18 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023
Let us host your HOLIDAY PARTY FAMILY GATHERING COMPANY DINNER COCKTAIL PARTY and more at
Holiday Memories
OLDFASHIONED CANDY BY RICHARD SHAW
OPEN DAILY AT 11AM
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE IN-STORE AND ONLINE! 170 MAIN STREET, OLD TOWN ME (207) 817-0280 www.pepperslanding.com
My family’s collective sweet tooth had a special place under our Bangor Christmas tree when I grew up in the 1950s and ’60s. Dad gave Mom turtles, her favorite store-bought pecan-cluster treat. Mom reciprocated with colorful ribbon candy for Dad. The rest of us three kids would receive candy canes and assorted other sugary treats. But the real holiday delicacies were made in the Pine Tree State by our aunts, cousins, and grandmothers. Perennial favorites included chocolatecoated coconut-and-potato treats called Maine Needhams, salted peanut brittle, and caramel-flavored popcorn balls. Our dentist loved us on Dec. 26. bangordailynews.com BANGOR DAILY NEWS / 19