25 Maine Stores to Shop Local this Holiday Season
We asked our agents and staff for their top recommendations of Maine-owned businesses to visit and find unique gifts for your families and friends this holiday season. Our list covers the state, with regional recommendations from each of our six offices: Kennebunk, Portland, Brunswick, Damariscotta, Camden and Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Happy holidays from all of us and remember to shop local.
Kennebunk Office Recommendations
Kittery Trading Post
301 US 1 Route One, Kittery, Maine
kitterytradingpost.com
“It’s a family-owned single-store business selling products reflecting the outdoor spirit of Maine – everything from hiking to fishing! Excellent shoe department! Whether you are a local, part-timer, passing through Southern Maine, or on vacation, Kittery Trading Post is the place to shop. Known for its exceptional level of service!” – agent Mary Jean Labbe
Daisy Trading Co
388 US Route One, York, Maine
daisytrading.com
From the website: Sisters Judy Bean and Susie Bean Lemire “created The Daisy Trading Company in a small building on Route One in York, Maine, which previously held their mother’s antique business. This quickly blossomed as their categories grew to furniture and lamps, home and garden décor, as well as whimsical signs and gifts for all occasions.” – recommended by Dana Whitney, Director of Marketing & Photography
Minka
3 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, Maine
minkahome.com
From the website: “Minka is a modern, handmade boutique, inspired by the beauty of natural materials and the art of design. The owners Michelle Rose & Chris Larochelle are partners in life and in work; a passionate team committed to creating modern art and home goods that are timeless in design and useful in their purpose. Minka started over a decade ago as a boutique artisan gallery out of the couple’s home. It grew to become a sustainable lifestyle brand, based on the coast of Maine.” – recommended by Marissa Hyland, Kennebunk office administrator
Portland Office Recommendations
Gus & Ruby Letterpress
28 Exchange Street, Portland, Maine
gusandruby.com
“Cards, gifts, and custom letterpress stationery storefront on Exchange Street with inspiring window displays, curated must-haves, and art. Owned by two powerhouses dynamos Whitney and Samantha, the shop was named after their dogs. They also have locations in Portsmouth and Boston.” – agent Emilie Cole (images shown above are some of their whimsical ornaments)
Fitz & Bennett Home
43 Silver Street, Portland, Maine
fitzandbennetthome.com
“This store is nestled on Silver Street cobblestone, with the most endearing and affordable home goods. They have a great balance of new and vintage, trendy and timeless. They’re always prepared with seasonal items along with their regular inventory. This is my go-to on a regular basis!” – agent Jessica Falcone
GoGo Refill
62 E Street, South Portland, Maine
gogorefill.com
“It’s hard to ignore the increasing impact of single-use plastics, especially for those of us who live so near the water and cherish the preservation of natural marine habitats. That’s one of the reasons that Laura Marston launched GoGo Refills. Her own New Year’s resolution to quit using plastic water bottles blossomed into a business that provides package-free options and bulk refills for just about any household purpose you can imagine, from kitchen cleaning to toothpaste tablets and beauty products. Laura’s reassurance to waste-reducing newbies is that there’s really no inconvenience in changing how you buy and refill your everyday products… and the difference you make by doing so is huge. In GoGo’s first year, Laura and her customers prevented the purchase of almost 20,000 plastic packages.” – agent Heather Shields
SoPo Seafood
171 Ocean Street, South Portland, Maine
soposeafood.com
“SoPo Seafood takes the crown with its locally-sourced, fresh, high-quality seafood. You can choose to eat in the Ocean St restaurant, or purchase your seafood at the onsite market, have your fish delivered locally to your door, or use the user-friendly online overnight, next-day or planned shipping. This holiday, the website and shipping have become my go-to for clients and family from ‘away’ gifts. Lobster tails to NYC, Halibut steaks to Charlotte, Scallops to Austin. And, gift certificates to my more local, seafood-appreciating friends and family.” – agent Elizabeth Banwell, who adds “If you decide to check out the area, don’t miss The Lamp Repair Shop (yup, that’s right), Bonny Read, Heirloom Consignment. Solo Cuchina Market, Judy Gibson, Cafe Louis, BenRueben’s Knishery, and tried and true favorites including Verbena, Taco Trio & CIA coffee shop.”
The Couleur Collection
240 US Route One, Falmouth, Maine
couleurcollection.com
“Celebrating 20 years of business with owner Marcia Feller at the helm. The store features women’s fashion organized by color palette and includes extensive whimsical art from local Maine artists, including Marcia’s, on all the walls. The perfect place for holiday shopping!” – agent Lois Lengyel
Maine Crafts Association
521 Congress Street, Portland, Maine
288 Lewiston Road, West Gardiner Service Plaza, Maine
shopmainecraft.com
“I love the Maine Craft’s Association. My “go-to” for holiday shopping with two locations in Maine – Downtown Portland and Gardiner (at the turnpike rest stop). Local makers and fantastic gifts … and sometimes something for myself or my office. Supporting local makers and our economy here in Maine.” – agent Shannon Richards
Glitter & Pine Co
Topsham-based Etsy shop
etsy.com/shop/GlitterAndPineCo
“The City Deli inside One City Center (the Portland office’s favorite lunch spot, since it’s right across the street and has the best soups around!) has a selection of Maine-made holiday gifts for purchase including these amazing wood-cut ornaments from this adorable Topsham-based creative known as Glitter & Pine Co. I know several people in our office already got their hands on some!” – Dana Whittaker, Brokerage Services
Upcycle Maine Home Furnishings
18 South Street, Gorham, Maine
Find on Facebook and Instagram
“I moved to Gorham a little over a year ago and absolutely love this little shop downtown. They always have the cutest window displays and carry a wide selection of local craft vendors and ‘upcycle’ and repurpose home decor and furnishings.” – Joanna Buffum, Content Marketing Specialist
Brunswick Office Recommendations
Nest
100 Maine Street, Brunswick, Maine
Find on Facebook and Instagram
“Located across from our Brunswick office, Nest offers a plethora of unique gifts for everyone along with home furnishings. You will want to peruse and spend hours shopping. From furniture to kitchen gadgets, to jewelry, and decor for the home. It is endless and so fun to explore this local store.” – agent Kristie Jorgensen
“I also like ‘Nest’ on Maine Street in Brunswick. It’s a neat little home decor store with a wide selection of goods to fit many different styles. I always find something I like when I go in. A great store for holiday shopping!” – agent Ian Duggan
Seaside Creations
47 Washington Avenue, Bailey Island, Maine
seasidecreations.net
“Enjoy a short and “viewtiful” hike along the Giant’s Stairs Trail on Bailey Island in Harpswell and then trot over to Seaside Creations. You will be surprised what this cute little cottage gift shop offers inside! Gifts made by local Maine artisans from artwork to jewelry. Open Memorial Day through the holidays in December but call ahead, 207-833-6645, or check their Facebook page to check on hours opened. Open Thursdays – Sundays & Holidays from 10 to 5.” – agent Kristie Jorgensen
L.L. Bean
95 Main Street, Freeport, Maine
llbean.com
“L.L. Bean in Freeport has long since been synonymous with all things Maine and has a long track record of quality products, service, and employee satisfaction. It’s a family business with deep roots in Maine. The best part is, there is something for everyone at Bean!” – agent Ian Duggan
Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections
143 Maine Street, Brunswick, Maine
wilburs.com
“Just two doors down from our Brunswick office is one of Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections’ three locations. The factory store and retail store are located in Freeport. Wilbur’s of Maine offers coastal and seasonal themes with their confections. From Gummi Lobstahs to Maine Mud or chocolate-covered blueberries, Wilbur’s confections use locally sourced ingredients and are handcrafted by their own chocolatiers.” – agent Kristie Jorgensen
Hatch on Maine
96 Maine Street, Brunswick, Maine
hatchonmaine.com
From the website: “As co-owners of Hatch On Maine, Hannah and Dustan share a love of all things vintage. Whether creating new products or transforming the old, they are inspired by the creative process and their wonderful customers. Hatch on Maine reflects their styles and personalities but is also a collaboration with many local artisans. Come to Hatch on Maine for outstanding customer service, unique gifts, home decor, and all of your Chalk Paint needs.” – recommended by Caroline Lowell, Brunswick office administrator
Damariscotta Office Recommendations
Weatherbird
72 Courtyard Street, Damariscotta, Maine
theweatherbird.com
“A favorite place for holiday gifts (and supporting a small business) is Weatherbird. They are located just off Main Street behind King Eider’s pub. It has been around since 1983, wine and cheeses, kitchen and home gifts along with unique gift ideas.” – agent Joanne Moore
The Good Supply
2106 Bristol Road, Pemaquid, Maine
thegoodsupply.org
“I buy all my client gifts at the Good Supply, as well as gifts for family and friends (and too often for myself there). The shop carries beautiful pieces made by Maine makers and artists, the selection is well-tailored and varied. Catherine and her awesome staff, who are artists themselves, also wrap the packages in a stylish and tasteful way which makes everyone look good. Highly recommend!” Open Fridays and Saturdays through December 18 – agent Cristina Stirratt
Maine & Ivy
23 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, Maine
maineandivy.com
From the website: “We are a boutique located in downtown Boothbay Harbor, Maine, specializing in all things preppy and home of the Preppy Mainer Podcast!” – recommended by agent Stephanie Branch
Split Rock Distilling
16 Osprey Point Road, Newcastle, Maine
splitrockdistilling.com
“Split Rock Distilling is an organic distillery just off Route 1 in Newcastle. They have put their spin on an industry which is otherwise a faceless corporate conglomerate into a small town, craft cocktail, ‘farm to flask’ experience. You aren’t just walking into a store, you are walking into the actual distillery, bottling plant, tasting room, and outlet store. Everything that you need to create your own craft cocktail experience at home or anywhere is here except the ice (but they do have the big square ice cube trays).” – agent Tom Field
Camden Office Recommendations
Glendarragh Farm Lavender Store
22 Main Street, Camden, Maine
mainelavender.com
From the website: “From our all-natural lotions, soaps and salves to the handwoven Irish woolen throws to the cashmere scarves made in Italy, you’ll find only the finest selection of all-natural products at Glendarragh.”
“Glendarragh Farm Lavender Shop is full of herbal specialties with a wonderful collection of imported goods. Shopping locally is good for all of us!” – agent Heidi Steele
Margo Moore Interiors
74 Elm Street, Camden, Maine
margomoore.com
From the website: “Margo Moore Interiors is a year-round retail location as well as a full-service interior design firm featuring a design studio with an extensive collection of resources and working relationships with a network of professionals in the trade. Visit our Camden showroom to browse furnishings, lighting, accessories, and a beautiful selection of gifts for the home. Our second-floor Design Studio is brimming with designer fabrics, carpeting and rugs, wall coverings, and trims that will inspire you.”
“It’s been Camden’s year-round specialty shop interior decorating and gift shop since 1972, Going on 50 years in April!” – agent Peter Van Der Kieft
Sugar Tools
29 Bayview Street, Camden, Maine
sugartoolsshop.com
From the website: “Sugar Tools is a small shop in Camden, Maine that is open seasonally from May through December. The store stocks things that are good looking and useful and a little bit different. We are located on Bayview St. right next to the ice cream shop. If you find yourself in Camden, come check us out.” -recommended by agent Cindy Lang
Northeast Harbor Office Recommendations
Rooster Brother
29 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine
roosterbrother.com
“Known as ‘The Store for Cooks and those Who Love Them,’ Rooster Brother consists of one floor of specialty cookware, linens and beautiful things for the home, and another floor of specialty food, wine, cheese and the coffee roasting operation.” – agent Laura Pellerano
The Kimball Shop
135 Main Street, Northeast Harbor, Maine
kimballshop.com
“This is a longtime favorite shopping destination year-round. They have a carefully curated selection of everything from exquisite wedding gifts, beautiful home goods and clothing, cookware, baby and children’s items and much, much more. Their personal service is the best and they gift wrap!” – agent Linda Jonas
