Vogue Editors Share Their Favorite Hometown Stores to Shop for the Holidays
In the immortal words of Perry Como, there’s no place like home for the holidays. Of course, for those of us sacrificing our usual travel plans in an effort to keep loved ones safe, ‘home’ may mean something different this year. And though the annual traditions we have come to cherish seem out of reach in 2020, there is still hope for bringing magic to your holiday, wherever you may be. Thanks to the world wide web, gifts from many of your favorite hometown shops—the ones whose windows are normally lined in piney garlands and twinkly lights this time of year—can be shopped online and shipped worldwide in plenty of time for gifting season. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of warmth and familiarity to your 2020 holiday and, while you’re at it, safely support the small businesses and brick-and-mortar stores who are still fighting to survive the pandemic.
To give you a little inspiration, we asked Vogue editors to weigh in on the best holiday gifts from their favorite hometown shops. From Minneapolis to Beirut, you’ll find below a treasure trove of Vogue-approved gifts from local businesses across the world, so you can feel at home for the holidays, even if you’re far away.
Zoe Ruffner, Beauty Editor
Salter House, Brooklyn, NY
I used to live next door to Salter House in Brooklyn Heights, and I’d often slip into the small corner shop anytime I needed to buy a gift or treat myself to a pick-me-up in the form of one of their cotton nightgowns or gluten-free scones. I wish I could do my Christmas shopping there in person this year, but for now I’ll be adding their Cambodian baskets and beautiful brooms to my virtual cart.
Taylor Angino, Contributing Editor
Mitch’s Surf Shop, San Diego, CA
Opening their doors in 1967, Mitch’s Surf Shop has become THE surf institution in San Diego. What better way to fight the pandemic blues then to paddle out and to the surf the waves of the Golden Coast in this technicolor longboard. If water is not your thing, cozy up in this Sherpa Hoodie and explore the trails of Torrey Pines State Park.
Alexandra Gurvitch, Market Editor
Simple Syrup, Crown Heights, NY
My favorite gift to give and receive is wine. This year, as gatherings are limited and the cheer is weary, I am going to rely on my old reliable to bring some spirit back. Simple Syrup in Crown Heights has the best selection of natural wines and this funky bottle of Clos Lentiscus is one of my favorites.
Chloe Malle, Contributing Editor
Hero Shop, San Francisco, CA
It’s no accident Hero Shop is so-named; it is really a local hero. Not only does owner Emily Holt curate the best selection of fashion and home goods, but she also is always active giving back to her community, like turning her Post Street store into a polling site on Election Day. I grew up on the West Coast and love to return for the holidays. Sadly, this year, that won’t be possible but fortunately, Hero Shop is a click and ship away!
This La Ligne BonBon sweater is the perfect cozy/cheery combo for a more muted Thanksgiving.
Madeline Fass, Market Editor
Philip Johnson Glass House Design Shop, New Canaan, CT
Earlier this fall I visited the Philip Johnson Glass House, a true treasure located a short car ride away from where I grew up in Connecticut. If you’re a fan of mid-century modern like me, it’s not to be missed. The grounds were especially beautiful amongst a backdrop of golden foliage. The accompanying design shop located in the main town of New Canaan (separate from the property) is not to be missed either. From architecture books, to knick knacks, and incredibly chic and modern living objects, you can’t help but leave the shop without wanting to bring everything home with you.
Charlotte Diamond, Assistant Market Editor
Bellport General, Bellport, NY
Bellport General has quickly become a mainstay on South Country Road in Bellport, Long Island, and it’s not hard to see why. The store, which has been curated by Stefan Beckman, stocks a wonderful mix of fashion, art, food, and Beckman’s own Lateral Objects line. My family and I can’t get enough of his chic and playful gradient glasses, inspired by Beckman’s favorite beaches around the world. We will certainly be utilizing them this holiday season while dreaming of warmer climes. If you happen to be nearby, I highly recommend stopping in Bellport General for some light shopping or a cup of coffee prepared by the in-house barista—who happens to be my younger sister!
Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Jewelry Director
Daunt Books, London, England
Daunt Books is a truly magical shop on the equally charming Marylebone High Street in my hometown of London. Thankfully their website is easy to traverse and gives wonderful recommendations, like Brandon Taylor’s debut novel that is shortlisted for The Booker Prize.
Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor
Little Barn Apothecary, Chicago, IL
Everytime I travel back home to Chicago, I inevitably end up at Little Barn Apothecary. Founded by Joshua Morgan and Brad Scoggins, everything in the shop is not only luxurious, but also ethically made and totally natural. I always leave their charming store with the Honeysuckle and Grapefruit Body Oil, which I go through embarrassingly quickly, and the Coffee and Mint Exfoliating Scrub—the scent is addicting, especially for a caffeine fiend like myself!
Emily Farra, Senior Fashion News Writer
James Dant, Indianapolis, Indiana
I’m obsessed with James Dant, a menswear store a friend introduced me to in downtown Indianapolis. It has a bit of a rugged, mountain-y vibe, with great flannels, selvedge denim, and leather jackets, plus excellent vintage finds and lots of brands I’ve never heard of. I’ll probably find a few gifts for my boyfriend there, but may have to do a little shopping for myself, too…
Tonne Goodman, Sustainability Editor
C.O. Bigelow, New York, NY
I live in the village and have appreciated C.O. Bigelows as my pharmacy for many years. It’s a village institution and the oldest apothecary in the nation, originating in 1838. I remember when it still had a lunch counter, way back, when I was in grade school.
They have a wonderful line of their own products and my gift of choice this season is their delicious Lemon Bath & Body Care set. A true treat!
Mijenta, Jalisco, Mexico
There is also an amazing Tequila called Mijenta that I’ve discovered. It is incredibly delicious and has a lovely story behind it. It’s a small-batch, artisanal, and sustainable tequila company from Jalisco that gives back to the community and protects the land through its harvesting and distilling process. And a woman is behind it, Ana Maria Romero!
Kathleen Thomas, Fashion Market Assistant
The Blue House, Bethesda, MD
This cute little store in my hometown of Bethesda has always, quite literally, been a bright spot in the neighborhood. It’s been around since I was born and has maintained its footing in an ever-changing area. It’s across the street from another staple for my family, the Tastee Diner, so popping into The Blue House on a weekend while waiting for our table was pretty expected. From cute throw blankets and pillows to every holiday need possible, they have you covered. And to help you out during these uncertain times, they even offer Facetime shopping to make sure you secure that perfect gift!
I love their prints, especially this one of our beloved Tastee Diner.
Allie Michler, Director, Fashion Initiatives
William & Wayne, New York, NY
I love William & Wayne! They have everything for the holidays. Christmas ornaments, cocktail napkins, novelty salt & pepper shakers—you name it. It is impossible to leave without an amusing purchase.
Virginia Smith, Fashion Director
Papertrail / Hammertown Barn, Rhinebeck, NY
Two of my favorite stores in the upstate area are Papertrail and Hammertown Barn in Rhinebeck.
Papertrail is my go-to for beautiful wrapping papers, candles, and great stocking stuffers. Hammertown is a beautifully curated lifestyle store with a modern country vibe. The owner, Joan Osofsky, is an upstate legend with a keen interest in promoting local products and people.
Lilah Ramzi, Features Editor
Bokja, Beirut, Lebanon
Bokja is one of my favorite brands to shop. They weren’t around when I was living in Lebanon (they launched in 2000) but I was thrilled to discover them. Founders Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri are poets with a needle and thread. The textile-focused label began with furniture and upholstery (the most richly embroidered fabrics you’ve ever seen) and recently expanded into ready to wear. Yes, their pieces are colorful and evocative of the Middle East but Bokja’s ethics are really what excites me—the brand has worn their Lebanese heritage proudly and always puts their community first. In the wake of the Beirut blast, Bojka opened up their atelier for locals to bring in their damaged furniture to repair. How incredible is that?
Willow Lindley, Accessories Director
St. Viateur Bagels, Montreal, Canada
I’m all about self-care this holiday season, which means most of my gifts involve food and beauty products. I plan on sending all my family members a big old box of Montreal’s famous St. Viateur Bagels, in honor of my mom’s hometown and the fact that we won’t be together for Christmas morning like in years past.
Naturopathica, Montauk, NY
For friends, I plan to help them self-pamper with my favorite products from Naturopathica, which is a town over from where I’ve been living since COVID-19 began in March, and my true beauty and wellness obsession.
Madeline Swanson, Market Editor
The Foundry Homegoods / Forage Modern Workshop / Mille / Grethen House / Askov Finlayson / Golden Age Design / Idun, Twin Cities, MN
My hometown of Minneapolis (and the Twin Cities area in general) is one of my favorite places in the world to shop for gifts. Partially because it holds a dear place in my heart, but mostly because the stores there are so special and wonderfully curated for the holidays (which is only fitting for a part of the country which very much epitomizes ‘winter wonderland’ with its snowy climate and friendly habitants). From tabletop goodies at spots like The Foundry Homegoods, Golden Age Design, and Forage Modern Workshop, to chic, top-of-the-line wearables at The Grethen House, Mille, Idun, and Askov Finlayson, there is always a bounty of beautifully-designed and exceptionally unique treasures waiting to be discovered in Minne!
