Every year at this time, we begin the hunt for the best gifts for the special people on our list and we are so fortunate to live in an area where shopping local is a way of life. We visited just a few of our favorite local shops for holiday shopping inspiration and this is what we found. Please note that we will add to this list right up until Christmas, so please be sure to check back often!
Chic Boutique by a Perfect Face – 12638 Ocean Gateway Village | West Ocean City
When Perfect Face Day Spa owner, Carol Withers, began knocking down walls in an effort to expand the gift and apparel section, we knew that something really good was on the way and boy, were we right! We were excited to visit the Chic Boutique to see what Withers had in store for us and we can assure you that there is plenty to choose from. Great stocking stuffers beginning at $4.95 and the shelves are stocked with holiday tote bags, stockings, cute ornaments, and serving platters. Mud Pie baking dishes make the perfect gift, especially when you include your own personal recipe for pumpkin bread this season. Lots to choose from for the dog-lovers that are on everybody’s list this year and large reusable canvas tote bags for gifts that are just too big to wrap. Did we mention cute and recyclable so you can use them for years to come? Probably the best holiday find had to be the PJ Salvage pajamas that are served up in their very own pizza boxes! Yes, Perfect Face is much more than a fabulous day spa and should be included on everyone’s shopping to-do list this season.
Dolle’s – 500 South Boardwalk, 6701 Coastal Highway, 120th Street & Coastal Highway | Ocean City
Can you smell it now? That sweet smell of melting chocolate, saltwater taffy and all things sugary and sweet? We can and we would love to be on the receiving end of something spectacular from Dolle’s this year! Anything you choose from the Dolle’s store is sure to be a winner, but we have to take a moment and highlight some of their more popular holiday items, like the brand new Hot Cocoa Stirs. Imagine a beautiful block of rick chocolate molded to the end of a convenient wooden spoon, perfectly ready for the dipping in a cup of hot milk. Yes holiday shoppers, heaven really does exist. Oh, and the stacked packages that include caramel popcorn, saltwater taffy and candy! Yes, these are pre-packaged and can be easily purchased at one of their many locations. For something more personalized, order on-line or call Dolle’s to place your order today! Oh, and we couldn’t forget the watercolor prints created by Rachel Alvarez, the perfect piece of nostalgia for all Dolle’s fans.
Heart of Gold Kids – 27 N Main Street | Berlin
The Heart of Gold Kids shop located on Main Street in Berlin has really become a staple shopping destination within America’s Coolest Small Town with their extensive line of Mud Pie products for the little ones, but did you know that they also carry locally made clothes for kids? Yes! The cutest knit hats that you could imagine instantly transform your baby into the most darling little fox, Santa’s helper or strawberry picked straight from the patch. Oh, and we couldn’t leave out the little skirts and dresses made by Dana Queen that are perfect for the toddler fashionista on your list. The boys will find it easy to play and tumble in handmade tops and pants this season while slaying dragons and steering pirate ships on the playground. The 2016 holiday Mud Pie collection includes Santa pajamas, reindeer barrettes, holiday stockings, pictures frames and ornaments. The real show stopper is the Daddy-n-Me bowtie set made from the perfect red and green plaid for any holiday party. But please know that the list doesn’t end there. Heart of Gold Kids carries an extensive list of the perfect finds for the littles and grand-littles on your list this year!
Quiet Storm – 4 Caroline St. & Boardwalk and 7409 Coastal Highway | Ocean City
The Quiet Storm stores are excited to announce that just in time for the holiday season, they are carrying the full line of Patagonia products, which includes sweaters, flannels, t-shirts, hats, coats and more. The perfect gift for the “outdoorsy” type on your list or someone planning a trip to the mountains this winter! Quiet Storm also offers the largest selection of Costa sunglasses in the mid-Atlantic. With hundreds of pairs to choose from, Costa sunglasses are the perfect pair for those who spend a majority of their day out on the water and need additional blockage from powerful UV rays. And the star at the top of this wonderful Christmas tree is the current sale happening at both locations – 30% off Fall Gear (Patagonia excluded) and 50% off Summer Gear. Happy shopping everyone!
Rita’s World of Wines – 11007 Manklin Creek Road | Ocean Pines
Please don’t be fooled by the name. Rita’s World of Wines is so much more than just wine! In Rita’s World of Wines, you will find a considerable selection of locally crafted brews in addition to many hard-to-find items. And the wine selection is so plentiful that we are sure the stocked shelves go on for miles and miles. We had the chance to ask business owner, Rita O’Neil, what some of her favorites were this year and her response was simple and fast – Bourbon. Yes, the Bourbon business has really boomed over the last few years and doesn’t appear to be fading out any time soon. One of O’Neil’s favorite features in the store includes the Bourbon Barrel located in the spirits section, stocked with a few recognizable names, but many rare items. That seems to be the best part about a rare bourbon, the actual story and how the bourbon came to be. And please don’t be afraid to ask questions! The Rita’s team is always ready to make suggestions and to describe the products that they offer. Looking for something very specific? Call and ask… they may just be able to track down the perfect holiday gift for you this year.
Salvaged – 17370 Coastal Highway | Lewes
Oh, are you in for a home shopping treat with this one! The perfect shop for so many people on your list – new homeowners, newlyweds, updating the furniture in your own home, the list goes on and on! Salvaged is the perfect combination of up-styling antique and vintage furniture. They specialize in painted furniture, home décor, mid-century modern pieces, industrial pieces and coastal style living. Their furniture ranges from small to large, tall to wide, some pieces have mirrors and some are donned with vintage stained glass. It’s not just furniture that you’ll find in this one-of-a-kind shop. They carry an abundant offering of home décor from display pieces, wall art, birdhouses, wreaths, candles, accent pillows, vintage mirrors, chairs and more. Oh, and the selection of holiday decorations boldly teeters in the middle of country chic to modern metal and wood! Be sure to follow Salved on Facebook to stay tuned in with their in-store events that sometimes include chalk paint demonstrations.
