Shopping small this holiday season is a great way to support local businesses and find that perfect gift for the history lover in your life. Salem is filled with shops, museums, and restaurants that all add to the city’s unique and magical character. Here are few picks to help you check off your list or treat yourself, while helping our community.
1. The Woman’s Friend Society has been supporting and empowering women since 1876. This year they are offering a beautiful limited edition ornament of their famed Emmerton House to new or renewing members that make an end of year donation before December 15th. Don’t miss out on this stunning gift and opportunity to continue this impactful mission!
2. Historic Salem, Inc‘s annual Christmas in Salem house tours have gone virtual this year! Stay warm and cozy while getting an inside look at the city’s most stunning and unique homes and get a little gift while you’re at it. Once again HSI has partnered with Black and Brindle to create these adorable mini house plaque ornaments. The perfect present for the history lover or new home owner on your list.
3. Speaking of Christmas in Salem, History by the Sea and Herbal Candle Co. partnered with Historc Salem, Inc. to create a deliciously fragrant candle inspired by this annual Salem tradition. The scent takes cues from the classic holiday orange pomander and has an all-natural essential oil blend of orange, clove, cinnamon, and chamomile. It’s an uplifting aroma that will keep your holiday season bright and merry! (Psst. Salem residents, use code: SALEMFREE for free Etsy shipping) Bonus: a portion of the proceeds are donated directly to Historic Salem to support their mission. The History by the Sea candle collection is also available at Moody’s Home + Gifts!
4. Salem has an incredibly rich history with roots in the spice trade. Past centuries saw the city’s wharves brimming with exotic spices. Salem Spice on Pickering Wharf helps keep this tradition alive, offering a large assortment of spices. herbs, and blends that you can’t help but love. My pantry is filled with their jars but my must-have is their Hawaiian Alaea Salt, once you try it, you’ll never want to use another salt again. Get a few for yourself and the cooks in your life.
5. There are so many amazing artists capturing this city’s charm but one of my favorite pieces are the historic house paintings on natural wood by Lucia Loveless at Coon’s Card and Gift Shop. The amount of detail in each painting is incredible and the resin finish makes them extra durable, so you or your loved one can enjoy them anywhere! Also, did you know Coon’s dates back to 1953? You’re not only shopping small but supporting a part of Salem’s history!
