As holiday gifts go, you can’t do much better than books. They’re easy to wrap, cheap to mail, and for the most part, unperishable.
That said, they’re so easy to give that givers of books can come off looking cheap, not so much for the money they spent but for the lack of effort involved. But that’s a problem easily solved by adding a “plus one” to your gift — a complementary knickknack or two. (Think a decorative spatula attached to a cookbook.) Conversely, a book can add physical heft to an otherwise generous gift that looks unsubstantial by itself, such as a ticket to a game or a concert.
Here’s a guide to the best books for everyone on your list; we did the heavy lifting for you. Buy local if you can because Jeff Bezos is set for the year. (Note: These suggestions are all new releases, or new in paperback, although publishing information is for hardcover editions. Don’t give paperbacks if you can help it.)
For football enthusiasts:History Through the Headsets: Inside Notre Dame’s Playoff Run During the Craziest Season in College Football History by Reed Gregory and John Mahoney (Triumph, 256 pages) or It’s Better to Be Feared, The New England Patriots Dynasty and the Pursuit of Greatness by Seth Wickersham (Liveright, 528 pages). Plus one: game ticket or team-branded merch.
For baseball lovers:The Baseball 100 by Joe Posnanski (Avid Reader Press, 880 pages) Plus one: MLB Ballpark Traveler’s Map from the website and catalog Uncommon Goods.
For hockey freaks:Beauties: Hockey’s Greatest Untold Stories by James Duthie (HarperCollins, 320 pages). Plus one: warm gloves and a hat.
For horse lovers:The Last Diving Horse in America, Rescuing Gamal and Other Animals by Cynthia A. Branigan (Pantheon, 288 pages) and/or Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley (Knopf, 288 pages). Plus one: (for horse owners) bag of peppermint horse treats or (for non-horse owners) gift certificate for a riding lesson or trail ride.
For dog lovers:A Dog’s World, Imagining the Lives of Dogs in a World Without Humans by Jessica Pierce and Marc Bekoff (Princeton University Press, 240 pages). Plus one: nice leash.
For lovers of animals in general:On Animals, by Susan Orlean (Avid Reader Press, 256 pages) or National Geographic’s Photo Ark Wonders (National Geographic, 400 pages). Plus one: ticket to local zoo, or animal socks from the World Wildlife Fund.
For music lovers:The Beatles: Get Back, edited by John Harris (Callaway Arts & Entertainment, 240 pages) or Rock Concert, an Oral History as Told by the Artists, Backstage Insiders, and Fans Who Were There by Marc Myers (Grove Press, 400 pages). Plus one: gift subscription to Spotify or Apple music.
For lovers of comics: The DC Comics Encyclopedia by Matthew K. Manning and Jim Lee (DK, 384 pages). Plus one: vintage comic book or gift card to Newbury Comics.
For the Fox News enthusiast:All-American Christmas by Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy (Broadside Books, 272 pages). Plus one: American flag.
For the MSNBC fan:Rachel Maddow, a Biography by Lisa Rogak (Thomas Dunne Books, 288 pages). Plus one: MSNBC baseball cap from the network’s online store.
For lovers of literature:A Literary Holiday Cookbook, Festive Meals for the Snow Queen, Gandalf, Sherlock, Scrooge and Book Lovers Everywhere by Alison Walsh and Haley Stewart (Skyhorse, 272 pages). Plus one: gift certificate to a local bookstore or fingerless gloves from the website Storiarts.
For fans of The Sopranos:Woke Up This Morning, the Definitive Oral HIstory of The Sopranos by Michael Imperioli and Steve Schriripa (William Morrow, 528 pages). Plus one: bag of ziti or pasta machine.
For fans of The Office:Welcome to Dunder Mifflin, The Ultimate Oral History of The Office by Brian Baumgartner and Ben Silverman (Custom House, 464 pages). Plus one: Dunder Mifflin socks or shot glasses.
For car enthusiasts:A Man and His Car, Iconic Cars and Stories from the Men Who Love Them by Matt Hranek (Artisan, 240 pages). Plus one: gas card or box of Armor All cleaning wipes.
For birders:The Birds of America, a reissued work by the late John James Audubon, with an introduction by David Allen Sibley (Prestel, 448 pages). Plus one: bird-seed wreath.
For ski buffs:100 Slopes of a Lifetime, The World’s Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Destinations, by Gordy Megroz (National Geographic, 400 pages). Plus one: ski mittens or box of hand warming packets.
For runners:Running is a Kind of Dreaming: A Memoir by J.M. Thompson (HarperOne, 320 pages). Plus one: Yaxtrax Pros and a stick of BodyGlide.
For bicyclists:The Cycling Chef: Recipes for Getting Lean and Fueling the Machine (Bloomsbury Sport, 192 pages) Plus one: fingerless cycling gloves.
For TikTok addicts: Sympathy. Don’t enable.
For new parents:How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t ***holes by Melinda Wenner Moyer (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 352 pages) Plus one: bottle of vodka and earplugs.
For writers or writer-wannabees: The venerable guide to selling your work released a new edition in November: The Writer’s Market 100th Edition (Writer’s Digest Books, 912 pages). Plus one: a journal or monogrammed pen.
For artists and illustrators: The Writers and Artists Yearbook 2022 (Bloomsbury Yearbooks, 816 pages) Plus one: a box of fine pencils or a sketchpad.
For travel buffs:1,000 Perfect Weekends: Great Getaways Around the Globe by George Stone (National Geographic, 704 pages) Plus one: a luggage tag or airline gift card.
For foodies: Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide by Cecily Wong and Dylan Thuras (Workman Publishing, 448 pages) or The Great British Baking Show: A Bake for All Seasons (Mobius, 288 pages). Plus one: a restaurant gift certificate or gift card for a delivery app.
For everyone else: A generous gift certificate to your local bookseller (or local to the recipient). Plus one: a box of bookplates.
You’re welcome, and happy holidays.
Book Events
Author events
• SIMON BROOKS Author presents a storytelling event for ages 16 to adult. Sat., Dec. 11, 6:15 p.m. 185 Main St., Hopkinton. Reservations required. Call 406-4880.
• MEET THE AUTHOR EVENT The Belknap Mill Page Turners Book Club presents authors from Laconia, the Lakes Region and throughout New England, including Larry Frates, MJ Pettengill, Christopher Beyer, Cathy Waldron, Ian Raymond, Heidi Smith and Courtney Parsons, Janice Petrie, Rose-Marie Robichaud, Jane Rice and others. Authors’ books will be for sale. Sat., Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia. Visit belknapmill.org.
• AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING Featuring New Hampshire authors Dan Szcznesy, Jerry Lofaro, Simon Brooks, Byron Carr. 185 Main St., Hopkinton. Sun., Dec. 12, noon to 2 p.m. Call 406-4880.
Poetry
• NH POET LAUREATE ALEXANDRIA PEARY Poet presents a new collection of poetry, Battle of Silicon Valley at Dawn. Virtual event hosted by Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. Tues., Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Via Zoom. Registration required. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com or call 224-0562.
• CAROL WESTBURG AND SUE BURTON Virtual poetry reading hosted by Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. Thurs., Jan. 20, 7 p.m. Via Zoom. Registration required. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com or call 224-0562.
• DOWN CELLAR POETRY SALON Poetry event series presented by the Poetry Society of New Hampshire. Monthly. First Sunday. Visit poetrysocietynh.wordpress.com.
Book Clubs
• BOOKERY Online. Monthly. Third Thursday, 6 p.m. Bookstore based in Manchester. Visit bookerymht.com/online-book-club or call 836-6600.
• GIBSON’S BOOKSTORE Online, via Zoom. Monthly. First Monday, 5:30 p.m. Bookstore based in Concord. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com/gibsons-book-club-2020-2021 or call 224-0562.
• TO SHARE BREWING CO. 720 Union St., Manchester. Monthly. Second Thursday, 6 p.m. RSVP required. Visit tosharebrewing.com or call 836-6947.
• GOFFSTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY 2 High St., Goffstown. Monthly. Third Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. Call 497-2102, email elizabethw@goffstownlibrary.com or visit goffstownlibrary.com
• BELKNAP MILL Online. Monthly. Last Wednesday, 6 p.m. Based in Laconia. Email bookclub@belknapmill.org.
• NASHUA PUBLIC LIBRARY Online. Monthly. Second Friday, 3 p.m. Call 589-4611, email information@nashualibrary.org or visit nashualibrary.org.
Language
• FRENCH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE CLASSES
Offered remotely by the Franco-American Centre. Six-week session with classes held Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $225. Visit facnh.com/education or call 623-1093.
Give the gift of local eats this holiday season — whether it’s a ready-to-eat meal, a cooking class certificate, or a specialty box of sweets, there’s something that’s sure to please every palate.
Make a meal out of it
A certificate or subscription to a local meal delivery service or caterer makes a great gift for those who just don’t have that time in their schedule to cook during the week. Here are a few weekly meal companies based in southern New Hampshire offering gift-giving opportunities.
• All Real Meal (87 Elm St., Manchester, 782-3014, allrealmeal.com) is a weekly meal delivery service offering fully prepared meals you can readily reheat and eat in minutes. Ordering is done online for a weekly Tuesday delivery to up to more than 50 New Hampshire and Massachusetts towns (minimum orders of $49 for free delivery), as well as at the kitchen from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Real Meal also offers several unique gift giving options, from customizable gift cards to special monthly cooler bag deliveries for the holidays that can be purchased for a period of up to three, six or 12 months. Each bag is stuffed with eight portioned meals, two savory sides and two desserts, and deliveries will begin the first Tuesday of January.
• Caroline’s Fine Food (132 Bedford Center Road, Bedford, 637-1615, carolinesfood.com) offers individual to-go options, as well as family-style prepared meals that can feed up to six people, with at least a 24-hour advance ordering notice requested. Gift cards can be purchased through the website for redeemable amounts of up to $100.
• Ding Dong Deliver (dingdongdeliver.com) is a ghost kitchen powered by Great New Hampshire Restaurants, the parent company of T-Bones Great American Eatery, CJ’s Great West Grill and the Copper Door. The service offers ready-to-heat and ready-to-cook meal packages delivered to Manchester and Bedford, as well as restaurant pickup at each location. Meal orders must be placed by noon on Wednesday for delivery on Thursday, Friday or Saturday of that week, and can be sent to a friend or family member as a gift.
• Local Baskit (10 Ferry St., Concord, 219-0882, localbaskit.com) offers online gift cards that are specially designed for gifting a meal to a friend or family member. Each card is redeemable for one prepared meal or a meal kit listed on the “Cook Tonight” section of the website — see shop.localbaskit.com/collections/cook-tonight. Selections vary each week but will always include both meat and vegetarian options for main courses and sides, sourced primarily from local farms and businesses. Local Baskit is also partnering once again with the Cherry Bomb Cookie Co. of Exeter, offering platters of hand-decorated cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees and poinsettias, as well as paint-your-own cookie kits.
• New Roots Meals (Manchester, newrootsmeals.com) is a plant-based meal prep and delivery company launched last year. Weekly deliveries are made within a 30-mile radius of Manchester, as well as on the Seacoast — the menu changes every other week but is always 100 percent plant-based, with both breakfast and lunch items available. Gift certificates can be purchased for meals, and New Roots is also offering a special “gift bundle” for the holidays, featuring two entrees, two breakfasts, smaller snacks, a simmer pot jar and a peppermint mocha coffee kit with oat milk, coconut whipped cream, peppermint and mocha syrups and crushed candy cane and cacao nibs. Gift bundles are $85 each and must be placed by 8 p.m. on Fridays to be delivered the following Monday.
For the chocoholics
From customizable boxes of treats to more unique items like flavored hot cocoa bombs and chocolate “charcuterie boards,” these gift ideas will make anyone with a sweet tooth happy.
• Candy Kingdom (235 Harvard St., Manchester, 641-8470, candykingdom.shop) has a wide variety of holiday-themed sweets and treats available now, like decorative chocolate Christmas trees, chocolate molded Santas, assorted fudges, and milk, white or dark chocolate solid Christmas tree pops decorated with rainbow nonpareils.
• Dancing Lion Chocolate (917 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us) has gift-giving opportunities that include a “chocolate tasting experience” featuring samples of eight of its bars, and a drinking chocolate set complete with a ceramic drinking bowl and a wooden device used to froth the chocolate called a molinillo. You can also purchase six-month or one-year “cacao connoisseur’s club” subscriptions, featuring one new custom bar each month (local pickups only); and cacao tree gift sets, which come with bonbon sharing boxes and a one-year heirloom cacao tree adoption helping to improve the lives of cacao farmers.
• Granite State Candy Shoppe (13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St., Manchester; granitestatecandyshoppe.com) offers all kinds of homemade holiday-themed sweets and treats available for purchase now online and in both retail stores. Selections include white peppermint bark, milk, dark and chocolate Santa Claus molds, peppermint or wintergreen candy canes, and hot cocoa bombs in flavors like candy cane and salted toffee.
• Loon Chocolate (Manchester, loonchocolate.com) is a small-batch producer of bean-to-bar chocolate. In addition to multiple types of handcrafted bars, the company offers hot cocoa mixes, four-packs of hot cocoa bombs, bagged organic cacao nibs that are great for yogurt or smoothies, and do-it-yourself chocolate-infused elixir kits for your favorite spirits.
• Nelson’s Candy and Music (65 Main St., Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandymusic.com) offers all kinds of holiday-themed sweets and goodies, like cocoa bombs, handmade candy canes, and sleigh-shaped gift baskets filled with fine chocolates and other treats.
• Sweet Boutique (21 Kilton Road, Bedford, 222-1521, visitsweetboutique.com) offers customizable boxes and baskets, in addition to novelty items like chocolate sleighs, holiday peppermint bark and foiled chocolate Santas. Co-owner Lynn MacKenna has also begun offering chocolate “charcuterie boards” in various sizes, featuring assorted chocolates, nuts, gummy candies, dipped fruits and more. Special ordering by Dec. 18 is recommended.
• Sweet Treats by Emilee (Milford, emileessweettreats@gmail.com, and on Facebook and Instagram) is taking orders for handmade hot cocoa bombs for the holidays, available in more than a dozen flavors, from milk, dark and white to egg nog, gingerbread, milk chocolate peppermint, salted caramel and more. They’re available as single orders or in packs of four and make great stocking stuffers. Order by Dec. 20.
• Van Otis Chocolates (341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1611, vanotis.com) has several themed gift boxes and baskets available for purchase, like a Swiss fudge gift set, a maple-themed gift set with treats from Ben’s Sugar Shack, and an “ultimate snacker” gift set featuring chocolate bars, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and the shop’s own line of Evangeline’s caramel corn. Other seasonal offerings include white chocolate candy cane dipped pretzels, candy cane and orange-flavored Swiss fudges, milk, dark or chocolate molded Santa pops, and now flurry gummies.
Things are cooking
Certificates for cooking classes make great gifts not only for those who are adventurous eaters, but also for those who may want to learn a thing or two in the kitchen or get back into the activity altogether.
• The Culinary Playground (16 Manning St., Derry, 339-1664, culinary-playground.com) has a year-round schedule of cooking classes for kids and adults of all ages. Gift certificates can be purchased online and are redeemable to any of the available programs, which also include special adult and child team cooking classes and date night classes for couples.
• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898; 14 Route 111, Derry; labellewinery.com) has an ongoing schedule of cooking classes at both locations, often featuring wines paired with each item and recipe cards participants can take home with them.
• Tuscan Kitchen (67 Main St., Salem, 952-4875, tuscanbrands.com) offers the Scuola Culinaria program, featuring an ongoing schedule of cooking classes dabbling in different areas of artisan Italian cuisine. Each class is designed to appeal to all backgrounds and experience levels and can be booked online. Private culinary classes can be booked too.
Order your holiday dinners and desserts
While you’re finishing up that Christmas shopping, it’s not too late to think about what you’ll be serving at the table. Check out this list of local restaurants, bakeries and other businesses offering specialty eats from entrees and sides to pies, cakes and other desserts.
• The Bakeshop on Kelley Street (171 Kelley St., Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com) is taking orders for layered cookies and cream tarts, mini Bundt cakes, Yule logs, cheesecakes, pies, assorted holiday cookies and more. Order by Dec. 17. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22, Thursday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 24.
• Bearded Baking Co. (819 Union St., Manchester, 647-7150, beardedbaking.com) is taking orders for pies (apple crumb, Key lime, chocolate cream or coconut cream), cakes (holiday spice cake or vanilla lamington cake with raspberry filling and coating of chocolate ganache), cupcakes (red velvet, chocolate peppermint, lamington, chocolate, vanilla, eggnog and spice cake), vegan cupcakes (cookie butter or Snickerdoodle), cheesecakes (plain, blueberry, strawberry, cherry or raspberry), and cocoa bombs in packs of six (classic, peppermint or salted caramel). Order by Dec. 18. Pickups will be on Thursday, Dec. 23, or Friday, Dec. 24.
• Benson’s Bakery & Cafe (203 Central St., Hudson, 718-8683, bensonsbakeryandcafe.com) is taking orders for cakes, pies, holiday cookies and cookie kits, miniature gingerbread houses, gingerbread house decorating kits, cocoa bombs, holiday drinks and more. Order by Dec. 20.
• Bite Me Kupcakez (4 Mound Court, Merrimack, 674-4459, bitemekupcakez.com) is taking orders for a variety of specialty items for the holidays, including chocolate flourless torte, strawberry shortcake, chocolate whipped cream cake and six-inch cheesecakes available in several flavors, plus dairy-free options, like double-layer red velvet cake, cookies and cream cake, vanilla cake, chocolate cake and Boston cream pie. Other options include pies (with flavors like apple, triple berry and Samoa with toasted coconut, caramel and whipped cream); and assorted platters, like brunch platters with coffee cakes, muffins and doughnuts; Santa cookie platters; or dessert platters with cupcakes, brownies, cookies and whoopie pies. Orders must be in by Dec. 13, with pickup times to be arranged during the week of Christmas.
• The Black Forest Cafe & Bakery (212 Route 101, Amherst, 672-0500, theblackforestcafe.com) is taking orders for pies (apple, Dutch apple, apple cranberry, pecan, pumpkin, summer berry and chocolate cream); cakes (coconut, carrot, chocolate mousse, Black Forest gateaux or Frangelico mousse cake); and assorted holiday cookies, as well as savory items like baked pastas, cheese trays, scratch-made dips and spreads, and a la carte sides, like sausage focaccia stuffing, maple Dijon glazed carrots and parsnips, turkey-sage gravy, cranberry orange sauce, and cream of curried butternut squash soup. Order by Dec. 20. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22, Thursday, Dec. 23, or Friday, Dec. 24.
• Brothers Butcher (8 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 809-4180; 142 Lowell Road, Hudson, 577-1130; brothers-butcher.com) is taking orders for specialty roasted meats like spiral ham, boneless prime rib and stuffed pork loin with traditional bread stuffing. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22, Thursday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 24, until 1 p.m.
• Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe (436 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 262-5929; 9 Market Place, Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com) is taking orders for specialty holiday cakes, including Yule logs, gingerbread spice cakes and dark chocolate peppermint cheesecakes, as well as 8-inch pies (Key lime, chocolate cream or apple), Parker House rolls, Dresden stollen rolls, and assorted breakfast, dessert pastry or cookie trays. Order by Dec. 19.
• The Cannoli Stop at The Candy Shop (239 Loudon Road, Concord, 224-9706, thecannolistop.com) is taking orders for all kinds of items for the holidays, from cannolis with dozens of available handmade fillings to cannoli cream pies, whoopie pies, macarons, tiramisu, mini eclairs and cheesecakes, chocolate-dipped Oreos, Italian cookies and assorted dessert platters. Order by Dec. 15. Pickups will be available through Friday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m.
• Carter Hill Orchard (73 Carter Hill Road, Concord, 225-2625, carterhillapples.com) is taking orders for homemade pies in a variety of flavors, like apple, apple crumb, pumpkin, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb and pecan. Order by Dec. 12. Pickups will be available through Sunday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m., when the orchard closes for the season.
• Chez Vachon (136 Kelley St., Manchester, 625-9660, find them on Facebook) is taking orders for more than a dozen flavors of dessert pies and cakes, in addition to some savory items, for the holidays. Order by Dec. 21.
• The Common Man (25 Water St., Concord, 228-3463; 304 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-3463; 88 Range Road, Windham, 898-0088; 21 Water St., Claremont, 542-6171; 10 Pollard Road, Lincoln, 745-3463; 60 Main St., Ashland, 968-7030; Foster’s Boiler Room, 231 Main St., Plymouth, 536-2764; Lago, 1 Route 25, Meredith, 279-2253; Camp, 298 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-3003; Lakehouse Grille, 281 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-5221; Italian Farmhouse, 337 Daniel Webster Hwy., Plymouth, 536-4536; Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 623-5040; 61 Laconia Road, Tilton, 286-2204; Route 104 Diner, 752 Route 104, New Hampton, 744-0120; thecman.com) is taking orders for holiday feasts to go, featuring herb-roasted prime rib dinners with mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, garlicky green beans, maple-roasted Brussels sprouts, horseradish cream, demi sauce, Parmesan-crusted dinner rolls, sweet bread and cheesecake with berry compote for dessert. Meals serving one or four people, as well as additional optional a la carte items like spinach-artichoke dip and crackers and peel-and-eat shrimp cocktails, are available. Order by Dec. 17. Pickups will be on Thursday, Dec. 23, or on Friday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Concord Food Co-op (24 S. Main St., Concord, 225-6840, concordfoodcoop.coop) offers all kinds of items on its catering menu, from hors d’oeuvres and soups to half- or full-tray entrees, like house lasagna, grilled flank steak, grilled chicken breast, and tofu stir-fry, as well as assorted breakfast and dessert platters, from scones, croissants and muffins to cookies, bars and brownies. Orders should be placed as soon as possible.
• Copper Kettle To Go (39 Main St., Wilton, 654-2631, copperkettletogo.com) is taking orders for Christmas dinners, featuring ham, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, green beans and dinner rolls. Two sizes are available (feeding two to four people or four to six people), with additional a la carte options, like sausage gravy and biscuits, cinnamon rolls, assorted muffins, and pies like pecan, gingerbread cream, eggnog and Nutella. Order by Dec. 20. Pickups will be on Friday, Dec. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Crémeux French Patisserie (707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 320-4702, cremeuxfrenchpatisserie.com) is taking orders for several specialty French desserts and delicacies for the holidays, including cherry and pistachio or winter spice tea, caramel and clementine bûche (Yule log), as well as bûche tiramisu, and croquembouche, featuring multiple choux pastries filled with Tahitian vanilla bean crème pâtissière assembled into the shape of a Christmas tree. Order by Dec. 19 at noon. Pickups are on Friday, Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Crosby Bakery (51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com) is taking orders for dessert pies (apple, apple crumb, blueberry, banana cream, chocolate cream, pumpkin and pecan); as well as savory specialties like salmon pie and meat pie with hamburger and pork; assorted cakes, cookies, party platters and more. Order by Dec. 20. Pickups will be available through Friday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m.
• The Crust & Crumb Baking Co. (126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com) is taking orders for a variety of scratch-made items for the holiday season, including dinner rolls (Shaker squash or butter), cinnamon buns (pecan sticky or vanilla glazed), and pies and cakes, like chocolate raspberry layer cake and maple bourbon pecan pie. Savory offerings include a local pork pie with sweet potato, rosemary and apple, and quiches in several flavors, like bacon and cheddar, spinach, marinated tomato and feta, and broccoli and pepper jack. Orders must be placed by Dec. 17. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22, Thursday, Dec. 23, or Friday, Dec. 24, at a pre-arranged time (the bakery will be closing early at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24).
• Ding Dong Deliver (dingdongdeliver.com) is a ghost kitchen powered by Great New Hampshire Restaurants, the parent company of T-Bones Great American Eatery, CJ’s Great West Grill and the Copper Door. They’re taking orders for holiday roasts and freshly baked homemade cakes and pies in several flavors. Online ordering will be available from Wednesday, Dec. 15, through Friday, Dec. 17, at noon, for deliveries to Manchester and Bedford only on Wednesday, Dec. 22, as well as local pickups at each restaurant.
• Earl’s Steak Sandwiches (99 Oak St., Dover, 834-9659, find them on Facebook @earlssteaksandwiches) is taking orders for ready to heat and serve dinners for four, featuring your choice of either brined and smoked whole chicken with gravy or house cured and smoked holiday ham with a brown sugar glaze. Each dinner also comes with your choice of two signature sides (roasted garlic mashed potatoes, creamy white cheddar macaroni and cheese, fresh green beans with shallots and almonds, brown butter sage roasted carrots, or cornbread with honey butter). Order by Dec. 15.
Gingerbread house kit from Frederick’s Pastries. Courtesy photo.
• Frederick’s Pastries (109 Route 101A, Amherst, 882-7725; 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 647-2253; pastry.net) is taking orders for all kinds of holiday-themed sweets, treats and goodies, like dark chocolate Christmas Yule log cakes filled with light chocolate orange mousse, gingerbread cupcakes made from scratch with molasses, cinnamon and sugar, and moist gold eggnog cakes laced with Myers’s dark rum. New offerings this year include gingerbread pyramid tree kits that come with 10 shaped gingerbread cookies, green and white buttercream frosting and candy to decorate. See pastry.net/category/christmas for a complete list of holiday items. Orders are strongly encouraged by Dec. 18. Pickups will be available through Friday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m.
• Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar (270 Granite St., Manchester, 232-3323; 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 883-7333; 524 Nashua St., Milford, 673-3939; giorgios.com) is taking orders from its catering menu now ahead of the holiday season, featuring everything from appetizers, sandwiches and wraps to pasta trays, meats sold by the pound, a la carte sides and desserts. Visit giorgios.com/catering to view the full menu. Place your holiday catering order by Dec. 22.
• Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant (233 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-6212, hartsturkeyfarm.com) is taking orders for individual and family-sized meals to go, featuring your choice of whole roasted turkey, prime rib au jus or baked ham, all of which come with sides like whipped potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, dinner rolls and your choice of dessert pie. Order by Dec. 20. Pickups will be on Friday, Dec. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For any last-minute needs, the eatery’s grab-and-go store will also be open that day, featuring a la carte items like sliced turkey by the pound, gravy, stuffing, butternut squash, soups, chili, rolls and more.
• Harvey’s Bakery & Coffee Shop (376 Central Ave., Dover, 742-6029, harveysbakery.com) is taking orders for Christmas cookies, pork and chicken pies, maple cakes and doughnuts, fruit cakes, and eight- or 10-inch pies in all kinds of flavors, from apple, pecan and pumpkin to chocolate cream, coconut cream, lemon meringue and more. Order by Dec. 17.
• Just Like Mom’s Pastries (353 Riverdale Road, Weare, 529-6667, justlikemomspastries.com) is taking orders for specialty holiday cakes, like raspberry mousse-filled Yule logs and cranberry orange white chocolate vanilla cakes, as well as pies (Kahlua black bottom, apple butterscotch pecan, chocolate pecan or savory pork), quiches (tomato, pepper and onion, spinach and feta, bacon, tomato and onion, or meat lover’s), assorted flavors of dinner rolls, cupcakes and cheesecakes, and holiday cookie, whoopie pie or finger pastry platters. Order by Dec. 18. Pickups will be through Friday, Dec. 24, at noon.
• Klemm’s Bakery (29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com) is taking orders for all kinds of sweet treats for the holidays, from pies and cakes to mini pastries, cookies and more. Order by Dec. 20. Pickups will be available through Friday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m.
• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898; 14 Route 111, Derry; labellewinery.com) is taking orders for a variety of items for Christmas at both locations, including a la carte items, like artisan cheese boards, shrimp cocktail, spiced cranberry sauce, red wine gravy, brown sugar ham glaze, maple sweet potatoes, honey glazed carrots, and cinnamon maple bread pudding. Items can also be ordered as packages, serving either six to eight people or 12 to 14 people. LaBelle is also taking orders for cocktail kits in several flavors, with wine, natural ingredients and instructions (liquor is not provided and must be purchased separately). Order by Dec. 17. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22, and Thursday, Dec. 23, at your location of choice.
• Morrissey’s Porch & Pub (286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, 569-3662, morrisseysfrontporch.com) is taking orders for holiday meals to go, featuring your choice of an entree (slow-roasted Angus prime rib au jus, roast chateaubriand, seafood pie, roast leg of lamb, roast stuffed pork loin, honey Dijon baked ham, roast turkey, or surf and turf). All meals are served with your choice of vegetable (broccoli gratin, broccoli and carrots, green bean almondine, or roast butternut squash); a potato (colcannon potatoes, O’Brien potatoes, scalloped potato casserole, baked potatoes or mashed potatoes); and a dessert (tiramisu, cheesecake, white chocolate bread pudding, apple strudel, or fruit of the forest pie). Order by Dec. 18. Pickups will be on Thursday, Dec. 23, or Friday, Dec. 24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese (497 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com) is taking orders for macaroni and cheese trays, available in any type of regular menu flavor in small, medium or large, as well as macaroni salads, assorted green salads and desserts. An advance ordering notice of at least 24 hours is encouraged. As of last month Mr. Mac’s is now also offering nationwide shipping of about a dozen of its take-and-bake options, according to a statement from founder Patrick Cain. Orders submitted on Thursdays and Fridays will be shipped the following Monday and should arrive at their destination in two to three business days. Each order is packed fresh with cool packs to keep it at a safe temperature.
• New England’s Tap House Grille (1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com) is taking orders for savory French-Canadian meat pies for the holidays, freshly made with pork, beef, potatoes, celery, garlic and seasonings. Order by Dec. 16. Pickups will be on Thursdays or Fridays, Dec. 23 and 24, or Dec. 30 and 31.
• Pinard Street Bakery at Charlie’s (1 Pinard St., Goffstown, 606-1835, find them on Facebook @pinardstreetbakery) is taking orders for savory pork pies or chocolate cream pies, as well as assorted home-baked cookies by the half-dozen or dozen. Cookie flavors include snickerdoodle, gingerbread, molasses, chocolate chip or sugar. Order by Dec. 18. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22, or Thursday, Dec. 23, from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Presto Craft Kitchen (168 Amory St., Manchester, 606-1252, prestocraftkitchen.com) is taking orders for several specialty holiday menu offerings, like lasagna, a roast beef tip dinner with mashed potatoes, green beans and fresh bread, a stuffed chicken dinner with stuffing and gravy, glazed carrots and fresh bread, and a bourbon-glazed ham dinner with country macaroni and cheese, garlic green beans and fresh bread (dinners feed six people). Other featured a la carte items include charcuterie boards available in several sizes, butternut squash ravioli in a brown butter sage cream sauce, and “elf on the shelf” holiday-themed cocoa bombs. Order by Dec. 18. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22, and Thursday, Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
• The Red Arrow Diner (61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118; 137 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 552-3091; 112 Loudon Road, Concord, 415-0444; 149 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, 204-5088; redarrowdiner.com) is taking orders for homemade double-layer cakes and 10-inch pies, which must be placed at least 24 hours in advance. Pie flavors include banana cream, coconut cream, chocolate cream, brownie cream, cherry, blueberry, pecan and more. Cake flavors include carrot, chocolate peppermint, almond raspberry, pumpkin spice and more.
• Red Beard’s Kitchen (Manchester, redbeardskitchennh@gmail.com, red-beards-kitchen.square.site) is taking orders for a variety of specialty items for Christmas, including honey-roasted ham dinners featuring country mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, buttermilk biscuits with honey butter, pineapple raisin relish and sausage cornbread stuffing. Each of the sides can also be ordered a la carte (serving four to five people), in addition to gravy, macaroni and cheese, and loaded twice baked potatoes, as well as seasoned oven-ready prime rib (serves four to five people) and pork pies with gravy and bread and butter pickles. Pickups will be on Thursday, Dec. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at Noodz (968 Elm St., Manchester).
• The Red Blazer Restaurant & Pub (72 Manchester St., Concord, 224-4101, theredblazer.com) is taking pie orders for the holidays, available in several flavors from apple, pecan or pumpkin to chocolate cream, coconut cream and more. Order by Dec. 19.
• Roundabout Diner & Lounge (580 U.S. Highway 1 Bypass, Portsmouth, 431-1440, roundaboutdiner.com) is taking orders for family-sized Christmas dinners that feed five to six people, featuring slow-smoked prime rib or seasoned pork loin smoked with sugar-cured bacon. Both also come with red bliss mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. A la carte items include appetizers like shrimp cocktail, Italian meatballs and bacon-wrapped smoked chicken or scallops; and desserts, like double chocolate Black Forest cake. Pie orders and half-sheets of cornbread are available too. Pickups will be on Friday, Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Smoke Shack Cafe (226 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 404-2178, smokeshackcafe.com) is taking orders for Christmas dinners featuring smoked ham with sides like mashed potatoes, butternut squash, brown sugar carrots, green beans, macaroni and cheese and cornbread. Other a la carte items include bacon-wrapped turkey breast with jalapeno and sausage stuffing, smoked prime rib, a breakfast casserole and dessert pies. Order by Dec. 19. Pickups will be on Friday, Dec. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sweet Caroline (28 Homestead Place, Alton, 875-0263, find them on Facebook @sweetcarolinenh) is taking orders for 10-inch pies in several flavors (apple, blueberry, pecan, chocolate cream, pumpkin, ricotta or lemon meringue), as well as traditional Yule log cakes, eggnog cheesecakes, and assorted mini pastry or cookie platters. Order by Dec. 18.
• Tammaro’s Cucina (469 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield, 377-7312, tammaroscucina.com) is taking orders for several homemade pasta trays, with options like cheese or meat lasagna, stuffed shells, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken broccoli penne alfredo and more. Half-sized trays (feeding six to eight people) and full-sized trays (feeding 12 to 16 people) are available, and each comes with a loaf of garlic bread. Order by Dec. 22, for pickup on Friday, Dec. 24, at the latest.
Featured photo: Cocoa bombs and gingerbread from Benson’s Bakery & Cafe in Hudson. Courtesy photo.
While the cold season and its wind chills, frost and snow will certainly not be slowing down the winter hiker in your family or that crazy friend who takes midnight hikes up Mt. Washington, you can make their lives easier and maybe safer by stuffing their ragg wool stockings with some hiker gear over the holiday.
From books and maps to help navigate the White Mountains, to tough and warm gear to take on a frigid overnighter, to starter gifts for the tiny hiker in your croo, what follows is a brief overview of some (mostly) locally sourced gift items the John Muir in your family will enjoy.
Books: Because the first step is not getting lost
• New Hampshire’s 52 With a View: A Hiker’s Guideby Ken MacGray ($23.95, kenmacgray.org) Longtime hiker and guidebook writer Ken MacGray recently published the quintessential guidebook to what’s becoming one of the state’s most popular hiking lists, the “52 with a view.” The list is a collection of hikes to mountains around the state under 4,000 feet that offer spectacular views somewhere along the way. Some of the hikes on the list are family-friendly, others very difficult. But all of them get thoroughly analyzed in this guidebook that includes directions, mileage and a bit of history on each mountain.
• The 4,000-Footers of New Hampshire’s White Mountains by Steven D. Smith and Mike Dickerman ($24.95, bondcliffbooks.com) Mike Dickerman, the owner of Bondcliff Books in Littleton and a well-known mountain writer and hiker, just released a unique and beautiful photographic history of the White Mountains that any hiker would love to unwrap under their tree. The book features 200 vintage photos, historical background about the mountains and tourist sites and even an elevation list of the high mountains in our state.
• NH Rocks That Rock: An Adventure Guide to 25 Famous Boulders of the Granite State by Uma and Dan Szczesny ($12, dan-szczesny.square.site) Looking for some shorter hikes kids of all ages will enjoy? Six-year-old Uma Szczesny and her dad (full disclosure: that’s me!) have written an adventure guide to more than two dozen famous boulders scattered across New Hampshire. The book includes directions to all of these interesting glacial erratics, along with photographs, their history and GPS coordinates.
Family hikes
• Hiking field journals / mountain passports What better way to involve the kids in your family’s hikes and adventures than through journals and logbooks? From White Mountain passport books where you can stamp your adventures to simple blank field guides, your littlest hiker can draw and color about their hike like a mini Jane Goodall. Go for a blank field guide with a brightly colored cover from Elan Publishing (elanpublish.com), or, if you want some prompts for drawing and writing, the Nature Journal and Sketchbook for Kids from River Breeze (riverbreeze.com). The handy pocket-size White Mountain 4000-Footers Passport from The Mountain Wanderer (mountainwanderer.com, $20) has a peel-off stamp for each peak.
• White Mountain Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Program($5, recreation.gov/tree-permits) Want to bring part of the White Mountains into your living room for the holidays? For a $5 permit, the state will let you cut down and bring home your own Christmas tree from the Whites. They only offer one per family and as you can imagine there are rules about where you can go and how you can cut them, but there’s nothing like a family hike to bring back a tree.
• Keen Greta Waterproof Boots, plus Snowline Kids’ Traction Spikes (Approximately $80 for boots, $40 for spikes, most local retailers, prices vary) If your little hiker is going to help you find a tree, they need to protect their feet. We like the Keen Greta boots for comfort and ease to slip on. Over the top of that, pick up a pair of XXS Micro-Spikes and your mini hiker will have warm feet and sturdy footing!
Heavy-duty winter gear
• Burgeon Outdoors Flume Base Layer ($89 to $100, burgeonoutdoor.com) Hardcore hikers know warmth and safety start with a solid base layer. Lincoln, N.H., outdoor company Bergeon Outdoors is offering a Tencel and Spandex base layer top that was named best hiking shirt by Field and Stream. The company specializes in sustainable outdoor wear inspired by and designed in the White Mountains.
• The Nemo Quasar 3D Sleeping Pad ($129 to $249, nemoequipment.com) If you’re overnighting on snowpack, you’re going to need a tough and warm pad. We’re recommending Dover outfitter NEMO’s Quasar #D Sleeping Pad. Low weight, easy inflation completes the package. Rest easy!
Miscellaneous hiking gifts you didn’t know you needed
• Artwork from Kat Maus Haus Illustration and Design (katmaushaus.com) Artist Kat Maus has been illustrating amazing and unique scenes and landscapes from around New England for posters, book covers, stickers and greeting cards for years. One of her specialties is White Mountain scenes, everything from Mount Washington to the Cog Railway to mountaintop fire towers. Pick up a pack of White Mountain postcards for your favorite hiker’s stocking.
• New Hampshire State Park ornaments (newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com) The state has teamed up with artist Lyn Collins of White Mountain Smile Makers to create a series of Christmas tree ornaments that commemorate several state parks, including Mt. Washington, Bear Brook and Franconia Notch. You may want to grab one now, though, so it’s on the tree when you’re opening your presents.
Featured photo:Field guide, hiking journal and the White Mountains 4000 Footer Passport. Courtesy photo.
There are plenty of opportunities to shop locally for handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts this month. Some art galleries host special holiday exhibits focused on small and affordable works of art, with gift shopping in mind. Pop-up holiday arts markets and craft fairs have a little of everything, including photography, pottery, woodwork, textiles, jewelry, glass, metal, fine art, mixed media and more. New Hampshire also has a number of retail shops that sell items created by local artists and craftspeople.
“Buying handmade and local not only supports the local economy, and our neighbors’ livelihoods, but also presents an opportunity to gift unique, one-of-a-kind, heartfelt gifts that are so much more personal than things you may find in a bigger retail environment,” said Jessica Moores, owner of Manchester Craft Market.
Arts markets and craft fairs
• The annual holiday showcase at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen), “Sleighbell Studio,” is open now through Dec. 18, featuring a wide selection of fine art, jewelry, cards, books, honeys, soaps and more, all locally made and priced affordably for gift buying. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.
• “Small Works —Big Impact,” the annual holiday exhibit at Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford), is going on now through Dec. 31, in person at the gallery and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com/product-category/small-works-show). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.
• Two Villages Art Society (46 Main St., Contoocook) has its Holiday Art Show and Sale now through Dec. 23, featuring handmade gifts by more than 30 local artists, including paintings, pottery, mixed media, photography, fabric art and more. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org.
• The Craftworkers’ Guild’s Holiday Fair is open now through Dec. 23, with in-person shopping at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford), open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an online shop. The fair will feature seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabric, stained and fused glass, mixed media, jewelry and more by juried local artists and craftspeople. Visit craftworkersguild.org.
• The GreatHoliday Shopping Extravaganza is Friday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club (50 Emerson Road, Milford). More than 80 local crafters and artisans will sell jewelry, scarves, home decor, woodwork, pottery, metal art and more. Visit hampshirehills.com.
• The Holly Jolly Craft Fair takes place at DoubleTree Hotel (2 Somerset Parkway, Nashua) on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 80 exhibitors will sell jewelry, wreaths, metal art, pottery, children’s items, candles, scarves and more. Admission costs $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and is free for kids under age 16. Visit joycescraftshows.com.
• The New Hampshire Audubon hosts its Holiday Fair on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord). A number of local artists will show and sell their work, including jewelry, pottery, nature photography, greeting cards, quilted items and more. Visit nhaudubon.org.
• The Artisan Market at The Cider Mill Gallery (24 Francestown Road, New Boston) is going on now through Dec. 24, open Friday through Sunday, and, for last-minute gift shopping, Monday, Dec. 20, through Thursday, Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., each day. Call 487-5522 or visit eileenbelanger.com.
Handmade gift shops
• Creative Vibes (2 Pauls Way, Amherst, 557-2457, creativevibesnh.com, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Currier Museum of Art gift shop (150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org, open Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fine Craft Galleries (nhcrafts.org)
• Concord (36 N. Main St., 228-8171, open Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Hooksett (530 W. River Road, 210-5181, open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Nashua (98 Main St., 595-8233, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday)
• Meredith (279 Daniel Webster Hwy., 279-7920, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.)
Locally Made
• Salem (99 Rockingham Blvd., Salem, 890-7141, locallyhandmadesalemnh.com, open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.)
• Merrimack (80 Premium Outlets Blvd., Merrimack, 377-7610, facebook.com/LHMerrimackNH, open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Manchester Craft Market (Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St., Manchester, manchestercraftmarket.com, open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.)
• Spriggs Shoppe (Twiggs Gallery, 254 King St., Boscawen, 975-0015, twiggsgallery.wordpress.com, open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.)
• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.)
• Wild Little Art Shop (Wild Salamander Creative Arts Center, 30 Ash St., Hollis, 465-9453, wildsalamander.com, open Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 23.)
Performance venues
For the theater-lover in your life, consider tickets to an upcoming show that you know they would like.
“Giving the gift of theater and allowing someone to have a night out and away from the daily grind of life is a great thing,” said Robert Dionne, artistic director for The Majestic Theatre, a theater company based in Manchester.
Or let the recipient choose a show themselves with a gift certificate for a local entertainment venue.
“Entertainment is a great gift because it’s providing an experience that is always unique, and it’s a flexible option that can satisfy the tastes of any recipient,” said Dan Darling, executive director of the Franklin Opera House.
• Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., and Bank of New Hampshire Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com)
• Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin, 934-1901, franklinoperahouse.org)
• The Music Hall (Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut St., and Loft, 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org)
Art classes/workshops
Give the gift of knowledge to an aspiring artist, actor or musician with a gift certificate for a local art studio, theater program or music school, which they can use for workshops or classes to improve their craft.
“Perhaps someone played an instrument many years ago and has been wanting to pick it up again,” said Dionne, who is also the administrator at Ted Herbert Music School in Manchester. “Our teachers [work with] all ages, abilities, and musical styles. Whether you are learning for fun or to further a music career, we are here to lead you in the direction you wish.”
• AR Workshop Manchester (875 Elm St., Manchester, 573-9662, arworkshop.com/manchester) Offers DIY workshops for creating custom wood signs, canvas pillows, centerpiece boxes, canvas tote bags and more.
• Currier Museum of Art, Art Center (180 Pearl St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org) Offers seasonal weekly classes, master classes and one-day workshops for kids and adults in all kinds of media.
• Kimball-Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com) Offers weekly classes, master classes and one-day workshops for kids and adults in all kinds of media.
• The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fine Craft Galleries (98 Main St., Nashua, 595-8233; 279 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-7920, nhcrafts.org) Offer weekly classes and one-day workshops for a variety of crafts.
• Muse Paintbar (42 Hanover St., Manchester, muse paintbar.com) Offers paint-and-sip workshops and step-by-step painting workshops for families.
• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com) Offers classes and workshops for all ages and experience levels in pottery, clay, painting, stained glass and more.
• Time to Clay (228 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, timetoclay.com) Offers pottery workshops for all ages.
• The Voice of Clay (16 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Brookline, 672-2626, voiceofclay.com) Offers pottery classes for all ages and experience levels.
• You’re Fired (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-3473; 133 Loudon Road, No. 101, Concord, 226-3473; 264 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-5456; 204-5559; yourefirednh.com) Offers open studio times and materials for pottery and mosaic projects.
• The Canvas Roadshow (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 913-9217, thecanvasroadshow.com) Offers DIY workshops for creating custom wood signs, canvas paintings, sea glass art and more.
• Wild Salamander Creative Arts Center (30 Ash St., Hollis, 465-9453, wildsalamander.com) Offers a variety of art classes and workshops for all ages.
Music and performing arts classes/workshops
• Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St., Concord, 228-1196, ccmusicschool.org)
• The Majestic Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net)
• Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St., Manchester, 644-4548, mcmusicschool.org)
• Manchester Music Mill (329 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8022, manchestermusicmill.com)
• Nashua Community Music School (5 Pine St. Ext., Nashua, 881-7030, nashuacms.org)
• New Hampshire Theatre Project (West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., No. 3, Portsmouth, 431-6644, nhtheatreproject.org)
Meet the crafters selling one-of-a-kind wearable, decorative and whimsical objects this season.
For many local crafters, the holiday season is one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. They’ve been hard at work, creating unique, gift-worthy items like upcycled sweaters-turned-mittens, jewelry made with real flower petals, painted wood peg dolls and more. Over email, we asked 15 crafters from across the state to tell us about their chosen craft, what the past year has been like for their business, what they’re working on now and where you can find their products. (Find more craft fairs happening this weekend on page 9).
We craft mittens from upcycled and repurposed materials, mainly sweaters. We then line them with new fleece, making a super warm and cozy mitten. With so many sweater patterns most mittens are one of a kind, but at times [one] may have a twin.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
Ten years ago I bought a pair of sweater mittens. I thought they were so fun and unique. Unfortunately they didn’t fit well. They felt like I was wearing an oven mitt. My husband suggested I make my own, so I modified a pattern and made my own. From there we made dozens and started selling at a local craft fair and sold out quickly. Since then we have made thousands and have expanded our retail outlets. We enjoy the process of creating mittens, from choosing the sweaters at thrift stores [and] matching with other sweaters. … We also enjoy working with our customers to create mittens from their own sweaters or a loved one’s, making an heirloom-quality gift.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Our line of mittens includes sweater mittens, fleece hats and mittens and scarves in trendy patterns, including New England sports teams. We also repurpose new cashmere scarves, making them into mittens, then lining them with cashmere and pairing them with a matching scarf for a great luxurious gift set.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been an incredible year for us. Our selling time is short with such a seasonal craft; however, we create all year. It has been wonderful getting back to events to see our customers.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire; Gilford Country Store (1934 Lake Shore Road, Gilford); and LOCAL (1009 Upper City Road, Pittsfield). We will also be at the Gilford High School Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Julia Swierz
Candia, divinedesignsbyjulez.com
Describe your craft.
I use acorn caps, pine cone leaves, fallen birch bark and other materials found in my New Hampshire backyard to make little critter magnets and ornaments, [like] birds, cows, frogs and ladybugs, just to name a few.
Acorn ornaments by Julia Swierz. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
This craft stemmed from an overabundance of acorns that had fallen one year. I thought … there just had to be something I could do with all these acorns. I didn’t want to take a food source away from the local wildlife, so I focused on the acorn caps that always seemed to be left behind. My first critter was a snowman. … I love the challenge of trying to make something new out of found objects. Who would have thought you could make a cow out of acorn caps and pinecone pedals, or a butterfly out of fallen birch bark?
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I like to make unique seasonally themed items in addition to my regular offering. … I am currently working on a Christmas manger scene. … Other items in stock right now are snowmen, Santas, angels, Christmas trees, white doves, cardinals and more. I have limited-edition winter cows painted … with tiny glittery snowflakes. … Ornament sets of four will be [available], as well as a Mrs. Claus to keep Santa company.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been another challenging year. … I sell my work at the Manchester Craft Market … and I’m hoping the holiday season brings more people into the [store]. … I hope that my work, in my own small way, helps it to grow and thrive in the future.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Year-round at the Manchester Craft Market, located in the Mall of New Hampshire near Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Darleen Bellan
Hollis, etsy.me/2cszygc, search “Darbella Designs” on Facebook
Describe your craft.
I work primarily with polymer clay and painting. I love sculpting on a small scale — things like figures, focal beads and charms. I have a line of custom pet ornaments I sculpt … where folks can send me pictures of a loved pet and I replicate it as a comically sculpted roly-poly ornament. I also make pet portraits on canvas, ornaments or most any material that can take paint.
Polymer clay figures by Darleen Bellan. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
These forms of crafting are very therapeutic. I could be having the worst day and then decide to … work on something, and all the stress just disappears. … What satisfies me the most is when a customer picks up their order, looks at it, and I see either a big smile or tears of joy because of happiness or a memory that a pet brings them.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Pet portraits this time of the year are always popular. They are the perfect gift for the person that has everything and is hard to shop for. … The sculpted ornaments are also popular because not only is it an ornament for the tree, but they are actually small, one-of-a-kind works of art, embellished with beds, Swarovski crystals and designs that can be displayed year-round.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been a bit slow. I think Covid and the increasing prices on necessities are making it difficult for most people. … It’s hard to be in a joyous, festive mood, especially when fairs and markets had Covid restrictions, and now, with the new threat of the virus, I think people will be hesitant to physically go to shops and fairs. I am hoping to have some online sales. Regardless, I will continue to create and at least build up inventory for better times to come.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Online through my Facebook or my Etsy page.
Brandi Wallace
Londonderry, forevermemoriesnh.com, facebook.com/forevermemoriesllc, @forevermemoriesnh on Instagram
Describe your craft.
We custom print personalized photo gifts. We take the customer’s vision, design it and print it on … apparel, drinkware, jewelry and more.
Personalized printed pillow by Brandi Wallace. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I’ve always loved creating. I started making my own T-shirts because I wasn’t happy with the “do it yourself” transfers that you would buy in the store. Friends started … buying from me. From there I invested in equipment to create a better product. … It makes me so happy when a customer receives their product and the response is, ‘This is so much better than I thought it would be.’ I’m not sure what they were expecting, but it feels great when you exceed a customer’s expectations.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Our popular items for the holidays are coffee mugs, tumblers, photo canvases and T-shirts. In most instances [when shopping online], someone will see a T-shirt [with] ‘Papa’ in the design, but their grandpa is called Pepere, Grumpy, Grampy, Pepe, Puppy, etc. We custom-make the design to their specifications.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
This year has been interesting. We are starting to see more and more people who prefer to shop local and support local small businesses than we have in the past. … I’m hoping to be able to provide keepsakes and gifts for thousands of people. I would also like to see sales growth over 2019, because 2020 was not great.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
We have a retail store in the Mall of New Hampshire, near Macy’s and next to Eastern Mountain Sports. I also have ready-made products at the Manchester Craft Market, which is also in the mall.
Doris Massetti
Nashua, facebook.com/fawnscraftcloset
Describe your craft.
I am a multimedia artist. I create mostly using resin and make glass art windows and frames. I also combine sea glass, crushed glass and painting on some, with many added scenes and embellishments to give it life. I also use old recycled windows to create some of the glass art.
I paint and embellish bamboo utensils for wall decor and mini jars as spice or snack jars. I do ornaments as well, and fill those with joyful beachy scenes. … I do custom work as well.
Glass art window by Doris Massetti. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
My sister taught me [the craft]. She has been doing well in Florida as a glass artist. … I enjoy the scene-making and the joy it gives to people when they look at it and say things like, ‘Wow, I have never seen this type of art, and it’s so life-like and beautiful.’
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I have been creating fall and winter scenes like owls, Christmas trees, snow and even ballerinas dancing on diamonds and ice. I put one scene of carollers inside a shadow box with lights.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was a learning curve as I just started [crafting] this spring. … What I hope to get out of the holiday season is more attention to this type of art and people appreciating local artists … and, of course, [seeing] joy in the eyes of the people that take home a piece of art.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I am currently in the Manchester Craft Market at The Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, and in Locally Handmade at the Merrimack Premium Outlets. I will be part of the Holly Jolly Craft Fair at the DoubleTree Hotel in Nashua on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Elizabeth Dickerson
Derry, roolamoms.square.site
Describe your craft.
I use resin, silicone molds, sprinkles and sometimes glitters to create one-of-a-kind pieces, mostly focused on letters, numbers and play.
Resin letters, a tactile learning aid for children by Elizabeth Dickerson. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
My sons are both neurodiverse. … My youngest has sensory processing disorder and needs a more hands-on approach to help make learning connections. I made a set for him, then a friend, and it just grew.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I have Christmas and winter sprinkles for letters and numbers. Our two most popular items have been our I Spy coasters with winter bundle buttons and sprinkles, as well as our resin gingerbread house with a glitter roof and small gingerbread men and candy canes with sprinkles to give the coloring.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
This year has been so much fun. I have learned so much about myself, shipping and social media marketing. I want to make the holidays fun for my kids and others.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
My website will be open for gift cards and local delivery.
Dasha Randlett
Manchester, search “Dash of Creativity” on Facebook
Describe your craft.
I enjoy many crafts. I’m mostly known for my macrame plant hangers, but I also do a variety of crochet, decoupage and cards.
Macrame keychains by Dasha Randlett. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
It’s very meditative and really cool to see the outcome. I grew up in a crafty and artistic family, so it’s cool to bring my work to others. … Surprisingly, not a lot of people do macrame, so it’s cool to bring the art form back.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Plant hangers, soap savers, decoupage vases and cards.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
It was actually a great year to grow as a maker. I have always enjoyed crafting, but 2021 was the year I started getting serious about seeing if I could turn it into a micro-business. My hope for this year is to keep growing and developing as a professional.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
All of the Locally Handmade locations (The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem; The Mall at Fox Run in Portsmouth; and Merrimack Premium Outlets); the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire; and Goffstown Green Thumb Landscaping and Garden Center.
Christine Rathje
Londonderry, christinescreationsco.com, search “Christine’s Creations Co.” on Facebook, @xtinescreationsco on Instagram
Describe your craft.
My craft is hand dying or painting and arranging sola wood flower arrangements. I receive loose white wood flowers, dye or paint them different colors, allow them to dry for at least 24 hours, stem the flowers, and arrange the flowers into centerpieces and other decor items. I have made pieces that have six flowers, and I have made pieces that have over 100 flowers.
Sola wood flowers wreath by Christine Rathje. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
When I discovered what sola flowers were, I thought, ‘Well, that’s different.” I ordered a bunch and just started to make arrangements as a stress relief tool as I was dealing with some health problems. It soon became so much more. I transformed my hobby into a small business and haven’t looked back. My favorite part … is that I know that these flowers last forever, and hopefully bring a smile to whoever buys them.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
For the holiday season I like to focus on different shades of red and green flowers as well as winter colors like whites, silvers and blues. I try to add different fillers to my items, such as mini presents, mini ornaments and mini pine cones to make the arrangements more festive.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
I didn’t start my business until the end of 2020, so 2021 was the first full year of my business. I honestly did way better than I was expecting. I had more orders than I anticipated, and I even booked a few weddings. This holiday season I’m just hoping to grow the awareness of my business.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I have ready-to-go arrangements at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire. I also accept custom orders through my website.
Irene Kravtsova
Londonderry, facebook.com/bluett-jewelry, @bluett_jewelry on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I create jewelry, accessories, decor with premium Japanese seed beads, natural stones, vintage beads and original Austrian crystals. … I work in many beading techniques, such as seed bead crochet, bead embroidery and bead weaving.
Beaded Frida Kahlo brooch by Irene Kravtsova. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
It’s very challenging and gives endless opportunities for growth as a master. It’s so meditative and calming. When we relocated to the United States from Belarus it was a huge life-changing event, so crochet and beading helped me to beat all the anxiety and depression during adaptation. Creating boosts my creativity, brain activity, motor skills and brings me joy.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I prepared a variety of colorful jewelry, [including] dangle earrings with Swarovski elements, coffee bean stud earrings hand-sculptured with polymer clay, … sparkly seed bead crochet pieces with crystal montees and Czech fire-polished beads, infinity necklaces that can be styled in more than 20 ways, … pendants [made with] bezel natural stones, … seed bead crocheted and embroidered ornaments, … and brooches and pins with beaded butterflies and embroidered flowers.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
Despite all the obstacles, 2021 was pretty successful for me. I realized it’s very important to develop your business in different directions and use every opportunity. I started to post more of my goods online and directed lots of my energy to spreading the word about my craft. … I also launched beading parties, where I bring all my materials to the customer and run a beading class at their location. This holiday season I hope to get good sales so I can invest more in my beading classes, spread the word about my jewelry and obtain more experience running a small business.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
The Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester; the Framers Market art gallery (1401 Elm St., Manchester) and Coffeeberries coffee shop (4 Orchard Dr., Londonderry).
Gabrielle Laplante
Bedford, lovemeknotstreasures.etsy.com, @lovemeknotstreasures on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I crochet mostly baby and child items. I focus a lot on amigurumi creations, creating stuffed toys and teething ring rattles. I also make hats, blankets and home decorations. I use everything from acrylic to natural fiber yarns, depending on the project.
Crocheted snowman hat Craft by Gabrielle Laplante. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I started crocheting when I was on maternity leave with my first child. I quickly found that I enjoyed the process of creating during nap times and was able to put my project down and come back to it when I was able. Now that my children are older I’m able to bring my projects with me to work on while we are at games and practices or while they play at the park.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I will have my usual collection of teething ring rattles as well as snowmen and reindeer rattles available only during the winter season. I also have children’s hats in a variety of animals and snowmen [designs] as well as an adult-sized light-up Christmas tree hat.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
The beginning of 2021 was tough. A lot of the craft shows I had signed up for ended up being canceled. Once the weather became nice and outdoor shows started up, things picked up. … This holiday season I’m hoping to expand my business and get more of a following. I’m seeing a lot more people supporting small business … and I’m hoping that continues.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I can be found at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire. I will also be at the Mini Holiday Arts Market at Kimball Jenkins (226 N. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m.
Erin Neller
New Boston, etsy.com/shop/alliandmocraftco, @alliandmocraftco on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I hand paint and hand cut all of the fabric for little wood peg dolls and accessories … [made with] wood, paint and fabric.
Wood peg doll set by Erin Neller. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I’ve always enjoyed crafting. These particular wooden peg dolls really struck a chord with my 4-year-old daughter, so I thought, why not make some for more kids out there to play with? However, I have found that adults like them just as much.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Christmas peg dolls and accessories. My style is simple and clean, adding a little sparkle wherever I can. They’re great for play or your holiday decor.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been a good year for me. I launched my Etsy shop in September and have had good success. I also sold at a few local craft fairs and farmers markets. I’m hoping to be able to make someone smile with these peg doll cuties, now and in any season.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I am exclusively selling on Etsy for the winter season. I hope to sell at some craft fairs in the spring.
I’m a resin artist and teacher. I work with liquid resin to create functional and beautiful art pieces.
Resin flower jewelry holder by Cathii LaPierre. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
As a stay-at-home mom to an autistic child, I needed something fun and unique that I could do from home. I found some YouTube videos and I was hooked.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I sell coasters, trays, serving boards, ornaments, jewelry and more.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was busy. I did several art shows over the summer and still taught online classes.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Online.
Leslie Kahn
Manchester, etsy.com/shop/nhquilts78, @NHQuilts78 on Facebook and Instagram
Describe your craft.
I am a quilt artist. I work in 100 percent cotton fabrics. Color is my passion, combining it in layers, often using unexpected combinations. … I pull fabrics that make me happy, then pull a few more that complement them. … My favorite style is bargello, something I learned as a needlepoint pattern many years ago. Then I discovered people were doing bargello quilts, and I was in love. I design all my own; working from patterns is not something I’m good at.
Quilt by Leslie Kahn. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I enjoy the complete freedom of quiltmaking. Yes, [quilts should] have neat seams and precise corners, but within that structure the possibilities are endless. The color combinations are endless. The actual hand quilting is both time-consuming and relaxing.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Cozies — bowl cozies have been my big seller … and I’ve added dinner-size cozies — as well as Christmas masks, fabric boxes and table toppers. I recently added a New Hampshire print and a firefighter print.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
In 2021 I tried to come up with new items. … I’ve tried to listen to shoppers as far as what fabrics they might want to see. Fun and unique prints are still something I look for.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Year-round at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire and online.
Hillary Flanders
Sunapee, heebeegeebs.com, @heebee_geebs on Instagram and Facebook
Describe your craft.
Our flower petal jewelry is made from real flower petals through a unique process. … It takes over six months from start to finish, starting with plucking the petals right off the flowers and going all the way to the finished wearable art. It requires multiple steps and lots of drying time. Only certain flowers work — sunflowers, black-eyed susans, daffodils, cosmos, pansies and coreopsis. We are constantly trying more varieties, with most not being successful.
Pendant made with real flower petals by Hillary Flanders. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
This craft came about because of a huge love of nature, combined with a huge love of science, along with a huge desire to capture nature’s true beauty. There have been many trials and many, many errors that have gone into the development of this jewelry. Fortunately everything has come together in the best way. It has become the best combination of science, nature and jewelry.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
We have earrings … in brass, sterling silver and 14k gold-filled varieties; necklaces in sterling silver and 14k gold-filled, … and bracelets and more styles coming soon. They are bright, colorful, lightweight and completely unique. No two petals are the same.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was great to get back out to some events. We have some really amazing customers and venues, and it was great to see them again. We hope to have a wonderful holiday season, spreading as much sunshine as we can.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
My jewelry can be purchased anytime online. Earrings are available year-round at the Sweet Beet Market (11 W. Main St., Bradford). We will also be at the Concord Arts Market Holiday Market at Kimball Jenkins (226 N. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m.
Alycia McDuff
Milford, dalimalovedesigns.etsy.com, @dalimalovedesigns on Facebook and Instagram
Describe your craft.
Stickers are my primary product and feature a wide array of mandala designs and intricate patterns. I draw all of my images on my iPad. … I recently started branching out by offering canvas iron-on transfer bags, buttons, magnets and greeting cards. My current portfolio features a wide array of colors and patterns ranging from moon phases to floral designs to patterned animals and more.
Printed zipper pouches with original designs by Alycia McDuff. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
What started out as a fun doodling project has become my form of meditation. I don’t particularly like to plan out many of my designs as I enjoy drawing from the heart. I get lost in the lines and find a lot of joy in making patterns that are complex and bold in design.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
For this holiday season I have been focusing more on holographic stickers as they make fabulous stocking stuffers, along with these adorable coin pouches … that are perfect for sharing a gift card and adding a bit of personality for the recipient.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been very busy. … My shop started out as a very small production with only 10 sticker designs and now I am currently closing in on 700 orders with over 100 listings. I have also been doing more custom digital pet portraits, which have been a wonderful holiday gift. … I am hoping that this season of life will show others how wonderful it can be to support a small business, and the joy you can find in gifting a unique handmade item for your loved ones.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I will be at the End 68 Hours of Hunger Monadnock Holiday Craft Fair at the Monadnock Regional High School (580 Old Homestead Way, Swanzey) on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 9 a.m., and I will be at Santa’s Workshop Craft Fair at the VFW (18 Railroad Ave., Derry) on Sunday, Dec. 12, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Featured photo:Upcycled sweater mittens by David and LeeAnn Fay-Ellis. Courtesy photo.
See holiday classics like Elf, The Polar Express, It’s a Wonderful Life and more on the big screen at these local film events.
• Regal Fox Run(45 Gosling Road in Newington; regmovies.com) is showing a series of classic holiday films, including The Polar Express (G, 2004) on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 1 p.m.; Gremlins ( PG, 1984) on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m.; Elf (PG, 2003) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m.; and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13, 1989) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $5.
• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) has several holiday-themed events on the schedule. On Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., Chunky’s Manchester will host a 21+ Die Hard-themed trivia night (It’s a Christmas movie! Debate settled!). For this and other trivia nights, purchase a $5 food voucher to reserve a spot.
Also on Thursday, Dec. 2, at all Chunky’s, catch the 21+ “Christmas Vacation Ugly Sweater Party” starting at 7 p.m. in Manchester and Pelham and 8 p.m. in Nashua. The PG-13 1989 movie will screen during the event, where people who wear ugly Christmas sweaters get extra prizes. Tickets cost $5.99. Take notes — there will be a 21+ Christmas Vacation trivia night on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Manchester.
There are also two Elf (PG, 2003) screenings on the schedule. On Wednesday, Dec. 8, catch a family-friendly screening at all three locations — 6 p.m. in Manchester and 7 p.m. in Pelham and Nashua. On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at all three locations there will be a 21+ Elf screening.
On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Manchester, it’s a 21+ Home Alone-themed trivia night.
On Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, at noon, 3:15 and 6:30 p.m., all three locations will hold screenings of The Polar Express (G, 2004). Tickets cost $5.99.
All three locations will screen It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5.99.
After multiple TV viewings of A Christmas Story, bring your knowledge of Ralphie and his desire for a Red Ryder BB Gun to the 21+ trivia night on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
• The Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; 225-1111, ccanh.com) presents an evening with Chevy Chase including a screening of National Lampoon’sChristmas Vacation (PG-13, 1989) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $59.50.
• The Park Theatre (19 Main St. in Jaffrey; theparktheatre.org) will have a free screening of The Polar Express (G, 2004) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Admission is free but go online to get tickets. Have a photo taken with Santa and Elves in the lobby.
• The Strand (20 Third St. in Dover; 343-1899, thestranddover.com) hosts its Christmas Break on a Budget event on Saturday, Dec. 18, starting at noon, featuring a screening of Elf (2003, PG) plus family activities and a story time. Tickets cost $8 per person or $20 for a family of four.
• Catch a screening of a broadcast presentation of The Bolshoi Ballet —The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 12:55 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; 225-1111, banknhstage.com). Tickets cost $15.
• The Music Hall will show a series of holiday movies during Christmas week at its Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth), including White Christmas (1954) on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m.; Love Actually (R, 2003) on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.; It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 3 and 7 p.m.; The Grinch (2018, PG) on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 3 p.m.; and Last Christmas (2019, PG-13) on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors age 60 and up, students, military and first responders. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.
• The Senior Movie Mornings Series at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) presents White Christmas(1954) on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
