Shopping local for last-minute gifts

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Suzanne Laurent
Suzanne Laurent
Suzanne Laurent
Suzanne Laurent

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December 17, 2009

By Suzanne Laurent

11There are a half-dozen gift shops in Derry and Londonderry, and a number of other small specialty shops that will give people ideas for the people on their list.

"A lot of people don't think to come to Derry for gift purchasing," said Marylee Martin, owner of Poles Apart on Broadway. "My slogan this year has been, 'Feel good about your purchase — buy U.S.A. made.'"

Small shops across the country are touting the "3/50 Project," which educates consumers about the power of, for example, buying $50 of merchandise at three different stores once a month. Supporters say the ripple effect will make for healthier downtowns. They argue that for every $100 spent in locally owned and operated stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, payroll and other donations to local organizations. But $100 spent in big-box stores return just $43 to the local economy, and spending money online typically returns nothing, they say.

In Derry, Poles Apart sells handmade goods from juried artists. There are old-fashioned wooden toys, organic bath products, framed photography by Derry artist Laurie Daily and ornaments from Maine made with clay.

"We also have horse hair pottery," Martin said.

Horse hair pottery, by artist Mary F. Holmes, is created by applying horse hair and feathers to the pottery after it's removed from the kiln. The hair and feathers carbonize into the white polished surface creating beautiful abstract patterns.

Wisteria Flower Shop, also on Broadway, has handmade wreaths and other decor including a California pine-cone topiary designed by owner Kim Pacocha. The shop has many items for gift-giving like the Demdaco "Mama says..." series that include a nativity starter set. There are collectables by artist Bobbie T. called "Figments," which are carved out egg shapes with beautiful miniature scenes inside, glass ship balls Sweet Grass products and Beanpod soy candles. Andover artist Valerie Jeanne Borgal has scenic water colors on display that are also for sale.

"Usually people come to us after they've been to the mall and still need to find that 'special something,'" Pacocha said.

Daren's Music Store has been in downtown Derry since 1966, when it first occupied the former Insurance Exchange Building. You can find guitars, drums, cymbals, music books and small items like guitar picks and sticks, drum sticks and rattle shakers for stocking stuffers.

Gem Jewelers, at 12 E. Broadway, has been making wishes come true for 30 years and is offering a storewide sale to celebrate the anniversary.

"The personality bracelet is popular," Jan Rochlin, Gem's office manager. "They can be sterling silver or gold with Merano glass from Italy. The different charms you can add make them personal."

The Country Cupboard on Crystal Avenue, now in its 21st year, boasts a "year-round Christmas room" on the second floor. Popular gift items include Vera Bradley bags, Webkinz, Crabtree & Evelyn products and Yankee Candles.

Parents, grandparents and aunts of little princesses or drama queens can stop at Costume Gallery on Broadway for some fun stocking stuffers like tiaras or magic wands. It's also a great place for a holiday costume for a party.

Just off Broadway, poke around in Benson's Hardware or Ski & Sports Shop for the handyman or sports enthusiast. Round the corner at Manning Street off Broadway and you'll find Derry Feed & Supply offers a wide selection of supplies for your pets, such as birdseed and saddle goods as well as toys, catnip and chewies for good dogs and kitties. Blue Seal on Crystal Avenue is also a good place for the pets and pet lovers on your list.

Scrapbooks, Etc. and Ritz Camera have ideas for preserving all your holiday memories. A digital photo frame makes a great gift for a grandparent when it's loaded with family photos.

Other ideas include browsing for kitsch or an antique treasure at Derry Depot Antiques in Derry or at Apple Blossoms and ReRuns in Londonderry. Or stop into the White Birch Fine Art Gallery on Mohawk Drive in Londonderry for an original piece of art.

Have a person on your list who might like a little taste of home? Mack's Apples will ship gift baskets, and the farm stand has maple syrup, pancake mixes and other items to help you make up your own "care package."

You can even throw in a copy of historian Richard Holmes new book, "The Road to Derry." The book is available at locations in Derry and Londonderry including the Derry Museum of History. Also with a hometown theme is a game of Londonderry-opoly, now in its second edition and available at Martinelli Travel in the Apple Tree Mall.