Western Massachusetts

Looking for a little help on your holiday gift list? Here’s our list of 9 great gifts that are made in Western Massachusetts that you can find when you visit or even online in many cases.

1. Local Music
Western Massachusetts is a hotbed of musical talent and activity with acts from the Pixies to Speedy Ortiz calling us home. Any of our record stores will have a packed local artist section with a little bit of something for every taste. Also check out Northampton’s Signature Sounds, an independent label supporting a bevy of musicians from the local to national level like Chris Smither, Eileen Jewell, and Lake Street Dive, whose releases can be ordered from the label online. 

2. Artisanal Chocolates from Heavenly Chocolate in Northampton
Heavenly Chocolate has a selection of confections that could you keep you guessing at the perfect combination chocolate box for hours; with crowd favorites like a Lavender Sea Salt Caramel, the Duke of Earl Grey or The Giggles (a vegan version of a Snickers bar), it’s not hard to imagine why. The owner develops his own recipes and handcrafts the pieces in the newly expanded Cornucopia kitchen right here in Northampton. These confections are available online but the best way to shop is at the counter in Thornes Marketplace. Just don’t drool on the glass.

3. Teas from the Tea Guys in Whately
While the tea is sourced from all over the world, Tea Guys teas are blended right here in Western Massachusetts. And, what a selection of flavors ranging from chocolate, ginger & bourbon to hibiscus, raspberry and currant. Tea Guys tea is available online, at local retailers, and its brand new factory store located in Whately.

4. Hot Fudge from Herrell’s in Northampton
Ice cream is a tough gift because it wouldn’t last an hour wrapped up (or maybe even the trip back to your car). But hot fudge, now that’s wrap-able and Herrell’s has their famous recipe ready to gift available online or at the store downtown.

5. Maple Cream from Local Maple Producers
Maple cream is one of those New England specialties that amazes anyone the first time he or she tries it. One of our favorites is by Justamere Tree Farm in Worthington, which can purchased online or in person at the farm after Thanksgiving in conjunction with its Christmas tree sales.

6. Beer from a Local Brewery
Visit Western MA breweries and take home bottles, cans, and growlers of beer for gifts. Some top picks this season include BLDG8 Brewery's new Double IPA and Amherst Brewing's Christmas Morning Stout brewed with Shelburne Falls Coffee. Brewery swag like glassware and t-shirts are other great ideas for the beer lovers in your life. Brew Practitioners in Florence even offers beer tokens for purchase. 

7. Wine from Local Vineyards
Just like our local breweries, the wineries and vineyards in Western MA have been making a splash, too. Most like Black Birch Vineyard and Mineral Hills Winery will have regular hours through the holidays, and we all know buying the from the tasting room is the best option because it means you get to try the wine, too! Though keep your eyes open when you’re shopping at local retailers.

8. Coffee Roasted Locally by Esselon in Hadley
Similar to the tea, the coffee is not sourced here, but it is roasted fresh twice a week at this local favorite. You can even get their special toddy blend for perfect iced coffee. Order online or at the store with your own beverage treat as well.

9. Literature of Massachusetts
You can go in a few different directions here. You could go for books written about Western Massachusetts by residents (past or present) like Running With Scissors by Augusten Bouroughs or Hometown by Tracy Kidder at one of our many bookstores. There are also even more works that were just created here. We are home to a handful of famous picture books artists like Eric Carle and Mo Willems, and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Bookshop offers a variety of items in each camp and more. And for a true throwback, consider gifting the poetry of Amherst’s Emily Dickinson.

Happy shopping!