Guide to Holiday Gift-Giving!
Thanksgiving came and went. We said goodbye to family and friends, tidied up the kitchen, packed up the leftovers, and started to shift our focus toward the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Everything seems serene, but then the gift-giving frenzy begins to take over!
As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to feel that wave of panic, but there’s no need for that. We’re here to offer a personalized gift-giving guide designed to help you find the perfect presents for everyone on your list this year!
CT Grown gift ideas for…
Busy Moms - mugs, cutting boards, wine, flowers, jewelry, candles
Outdoors Lovers - mulch, soil, flowers, pots, hand crafted woodwork products, socks
Teachers - mugs, flowers, tote bag, magnets, candles
Food Lovers - CSA gift cards, Modern Milkman subscription, recipe books
In Laws - jams, pots, workshop classes or retreats, jewelry, candles
Pet Lovers - dog treats, cat yarn toys
Kids - blankets, Christmas ornaments, handmade stuffed animals, board games, stickers
Secret Santa/Grab Bag - board games, wine, liquor, beer, blanket, candles, chocolates
Most of these CT Grown products are also ideal for assembling gift baskets! You can even use a CT Grown woven basket to fill with your items, creating a complete CT Grown gift basket from top to bottom!
CT Grown farms to shop at…
We enjoyed chatting with some farms across Connecticut, and any of them would make fantastic spots for your holiday shopping. Here’s what we discovered!
Kalenauskas Farm & Market:
Located in Watertown, CT, Kalenauskas Farm & Market is a fourth-generation family-run farm and market offering a variety of products, including beef and lamb. Alongside their meats, they provide an array of items such as honey, soap, handcrafted wood cutting boards, cozy wool blankets, scarves, and mittens, all made by their family. They are thrilled to welcome customers this holiday season to meet all their shopping needs! Check out their website here!
Tonn’s Marketplace:
Located in Burlington, CT, Jordan Tonn and his wife Aubri have revitalized the family business, transforming the farm into a vibrant destination over the past few years. Their children, Sienna and Maverick, often welcome customers with warm smiles! The couple has worked diligently to establish a variety of innovative events such as farm-to-table gatherings, Fall Fest, Christmas celebrations with Santa, yoga sessions, and numerous local activities. They have also successfully launched a CSA that has expanded significantly. Tonn's Marketplace has earned the title of "Best Farm Stand" from Hartford Magazine for five consecutive years, from 2020 to 2024, with even more exciting developments on the horizon.
Open throughout the year, Tonn's Marketplace features a contemporary farm store, hosts various events, offers a CSA, and includes food trucks and ice cream, ensuring there’s always something happening. They warmly invite you to plan your visit! Check them out here!
Killam & Bassette Farmstead:
Killam & Bassette Farmstead has officially opened their gift shop, and let me tell you - while it may seem small from the outside, the inside is truly impressive! The shop features a plentiful selection of items, including ornaments, blankets, books, candles, jewelry, winter accessories, cleaning supplies, pottery, seasonal decorations, and much more!
But wait, there’s more!
This Saturday marks Small Business Saturday! It's the perfect opportunity to shop for your holiday gifts at local small businesses. Explore these various small businesses available online!
Chocolate (GF, pretzels, marshmallows, Oreos, ect.
Handmade Soap Sacks
Crochet Blankets, Hats, Washcloths, ect.
Perler Bead Coasters and more!
Clothing
Tote Bags
Stickers
Mugs
Magnets & more!
Wire wrapped jewelry and art
Handcrafted soaps made from goat milk
Baskets
Workshops
Mystery boxes & more!
Aromatherapy scented clay
Custom, handmade wooden furniture
Greeting cards
Educational materials
Prints
Watercolor artwork
Tote Bags & more
Additionally, check out some of these other CT Grown farm stores we found!
Tulmeadow Farm Store - West Simsbury
Greszyk Farm Store - New Hartford
Scott’s Farm Store - Old Saybrook
This holiday season, you'll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Whether it's for a busy mom, a dedicated teacher, or a fun grab bag, we encourage you to shop local and support your nearby farms and small businesses while you celebrate. Good luck, and happy shopping!