The third in our series on local shopping
Over the last two weeks we've looked at local, independently owned stores in Harvard, Acton, Berlin, Bolton, and Lancaster—all offering unique gifts for everyone on your holiday gift list. Discriminating shoppers who seek out what they offer help keep these stores in business—which benefits not only the stores, but also those discriminating shoppers. There's no need for a trip to the chain stores at the mall or the faceless sites online, when you can find that something special close to home.
Another place to try your search for that distinctive gift is Clinton, where you'll find a number of shopping opportunities. One of the most unique is at Sunrise Boutique, a cozy shop on High Street filled with an eclectic mix of women's clothing, jewelry, handbags, New Age accessories, trinkets for children, and more. Those wishing to make a statement at upcoming holiday fêtes can choose from among the colorful, flowing dresses and crinkly "broomstick" skirts from India, as well as one-of-a-kind capes and fringed shawls. For a more casual look, the shop offers a variety of jeans, and cotton blouses from Indonesia, along with sweaters made in Peru and a collection of shoes, slip-ons, and clogs from Israel.
And to go with that special outfit there is an impressive array of jewelry from which to choose, including gold jewelry accented with precious stones and a huge collection of silver, in designs you won't find at the mall. For New Age practitioners there is an assortment of Buddhist and Hindu religious figurines—Buddha, Quan Yin, and Ganesh—along with many choices of incense and incense holders, meditation balls, aromatherapy candles, and more.
A few doors down the street from Sunrise, shoppers interested in celebrating the home team or memorializing a favorite saying can check out Corner Sports Embroidery, one of the leading embroidery companies in Central Massachusetts, which carries a wide variety of imprintable apparel.
For those seeking a bit o' the Irish, The Tinker's Cart is also nearby on High Street and offers a collection of gifts from the Emerald Isle, including men's and women's apparel, jewelry, home décor and more.
If fine jewelry is what you're after (for a Christmas engagement, maybe?), you'll find it at Duvarney's Jewelers, also on High Street. The store carries rings, necklaces, and bracelets in white and yellow gold, some with precious stones. It also offers vintage estate jewelry, as well as fine watches. This full-service jeweler, family-owned, has been around for more than 150 years, and also has a store in Fitchburg.
On Union Street, a short walk from High Street, you'll find the Museum of Russian Icons. The museum holds more than 400 Russian icons, the largest collection of its kind in North America and one of the largest private collections outside Russia. For a truly unique gift, consider a membership to the museum. For more concrete gifts, the museum's gift shop offers trinkets with a Russian theme, including nesting dolls, carved boxes, keepsake crosses, and lacquered carved figures.
If you're a treasure hunter at heart and have on your gift list someone who appreciates the antique and unique, Gallery 56 on Sterling Street is a must-see. With more than 9,000 square feet of space, this consignment shop has something for everyone, including furniture and accessories, antiques and collectibles, pottery, glass, art, fine and costume jewelry, textiles, vintage clothing, and more.
And for those still considering their gift-giving options—there are only seven more shopping days until Christmas.