Residents don’t need to go far to find gifts to match everyone’s tastes, especially if they want to give locally crafted items that support the town’s independent retailers.
That’s why The Belmont Voice decided to compile a brief list of shops in town that carry a variety of goods at all price points. Is your friend a cat fan or a cycling enthusiast? Does your mom enjoy fragrant candles or listening to Aretha Franklin? Does your dad crave sweet treats? Even if your answer is “no” to those questions, independent shops in Belmont shops are bound to have a special gift for your loved one.
Oldies but Goodies
It’s hard to predict what treasures you’ll find from day to day at All That Matters and Want List Records because the inventory is constantly changing.
On a recent day at All that Matters, a shop selling antique and new items, shoppers could find vintage Christmas tree ornaments ($3 to $5) in vibrant colors; festive new and handmade miniature houses ($13 to $40); as well as stuffies and sachets ($28 to $68) crafted with vintage cashmere.
“People love local artists’ work,” said owner Ursula Weaver, who used to work in high tech.
However, be warned – if you see something you like, you should probably grab it, since much of her vintage stock is one-of-a-kind, like an intricately carved Eastlake table ($108) from the Victorian era and a mid-century bar cart.
Want List Records offers a wide range of used vinyl from multiple genres, including music by local artists and holiday tunes.
“You never know what will be in here,” said co-owner Dave Belson.
If you’re unsure whether your loved one likes to groove to funk, soul, rock, classical, polka or ragtime, you can always get them a gift certificate so they can spin their own tunes.
Sensible to Whimsical
Curate and Westcott Mercantile are both welcoming shops, stocked floor to ceiling with gift inspiration that draws in a loyal, local clientele.
“Small businesses bring warmth, personality and connection to the community,” said Curate owner Tina Miller. “I think people really value having shops in the neighborhood that they can go to for a gift and have it wrapped and ready to give.”
Curate carries elegant Glasshouse Candles ($60) in intricately decorated metal containers in a variety of scents, including “Under the Mistletoe” (spiced apple and red berries) and “Christmas Morning” (spiced blood orange and pine), to name a few.
For those who want unusual decorations, Miller also carries whimsical ornaments shaped like a charcuterie board ($28) or a mini tequila bottle ($20), among many other designs. Other items she recommends are soft throw blankets and classic jewelry.
Westcott Mercantile carries items for Christmas, Hanukkah and beyond. If you celebrate Hanukkah, there’s still time to grab colorful, patterned candles for the menorah ($15) or holiday bonbons by Maeve ($18). But, if bonbons aren’t your loved ones’ favorite, perhaps they’ll be tempted by a massive 850-gram (1.87 pound) Cadbury bar for $38.
In addition to edible items, Westcott Mercantile stocks comfy socks by World’s Softest ($14); ceramic vases, candlesticks, planters and other containers by Danish Collective ($42-$135); funky and classic jewelry at a range of prices; and much more.
Good Taste
The Spirited Gourmet is brimming with gifts that demonstrate good taste, some of which are made locally and others that are imported.
A shelf full of Panettones ($52.99 to $57.99), Italian sweet breads typically eaten at Christmas, features a variety of flavors including fig and chocolate; cherry; orange and chocolate; and classic (raisins and candied orange).
The shop also sells goodies made nearby, including treats from Cambridge, Winchester, Sudbury, Newton, and West Roxbury.
“Whenever we can, we try to buy locally sourced products,” said staff member David Rizza.
Looking beyond the holidays to New Year’s, wine director John Mooradian can help you choose the right adult beverage, especially from their impressive array of champagnes.
If you can’t make up your mind, there are set gift baskets listed online for $100-$150, or you can create your own custom basket, filled with store goodies.
Fun and Games
Although it’s ice skating and skiing season now, soon enough people of all ages will want to venture outside to enjoy a bike ride— minus the street salt and sand. In addition to learning how to balance and start pedaling, children also relish the chance to play with new toys they’ve received for the holidays.
Three Belmont stores – the Toy Shop of Belmont, Wheelworks, and Wheelworks Too (for kids) – carry items that will help get gift recipients moving and inspire creativity.
If you’re inside either Wheelworks and look up, you’ll be greeted by a plethora of bicycles hanging above. The stores are a dream come true for those who enjoy pedaling around the city or in nature.
While the bikes are the big-ticket items, both shops offer other essentials. Helmets by Specialized were $75 but now cost $34.99. The company’s “Camber” model for adults goes from extra small to extra large.
If you’re looking for something more whimsical, attach a silly cactus or ladybug bike bell ($11-$15.99) to your two-wheeled ride.
The Toy Shop of Belmont carries smaller vehicles like remote-control racecars, including one by Hyper Drive ($25.99) that has “smoke vapor action” like a real racecar.
If you’re looking for a gift that inspires the artist within, there are plenty of crafting possibilities, including a friendship bracelet kit by Creativity for Kids ($17.99).
