Doncha love GOOD Morning Wilton‘s “Gift Guide 2013″!
We heard such great things about all the amazing gift ideas Under $20 that we showed you last week. Now we’re so excited to bring you even more fabulous gift suggestions from your local retailers and entrepreneurs right here in Wilton. Today, we’ve compiled the best things Under $50, and tomorrow we’ll finish up with suggestions for gifts that run $50-and-above.
Remember, be sure to read the descriptions carefully–some of the retailers have offered special discounts and offers only for GOOD Morning Wilton readers. Look for the codes and specials.
If there isn’t something that’s just right for you on this long list, that’s okay, as long as you get to know your Wilton shops, stores, artists and businesses just a little bit better. Stop in, check out their websites or get in touch with them, because there’s bound to be something you fall in love with wherever you go!
And make sure to tell them, GOOD Morning Wilton sent you!
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Gifts Under $50
You’re making your lists and checking them–twice, three times and more! Don’t fret, we’ve got the solution to that quest for everyone on your list, even the hard-to-gift ones. (And don’t forget to remember yourself, especially if you spot that just-right thing you know you’ll love.)
Snappy Gator has adorable apparel–anytime you have someplace to go, they’ll find the perfect dress for you to wear. They’ve also got a great selection of Alex and Ani bracelets, priced $20.00-30.00. These eco-friendly, positive energy accessories incorporate powerful symbolism and design into each piece. Alex and Ani lets the wearer express her individuality in an organic, spiritual way. Snappy Gator is at 21 River Road.
Ambler Farm gear is here! Support one of Wilton’s last working farms by purchasing one of their top-quality items sporting the Ambler Farm logo. A perfectly unique gift that gives back. You can order merchandise by contacting the Friends of Ambler Farm at amblerfarm@gmail.com with the subject line “Ambler Gear.”
Picnic blankets are $30.00 each
Kids’ fleece jackets are $45.00 each (for adult sizes see $50-and-over Gift Guide; for prices on the other merchandise, likes hats and totes, see the Under $20 Gift Guide.)
Ancona’s knows, everyone loves bubbly! Champagne is always a treat to receive as a gift as it is festive, celebratory, and the most versatile food wine. Ancona’s Wines and Liquors (5 River Rd.) suggests Domaine Bruno Gobillard Champagne Brut Vieilles Vignes at $47.99.
According to Ancona’s wine director, Monica McCall, this champagne is a precise and focused wine with minimal dosage. It is 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier. A linear yet creamy Champagne that offers finely delineated notes of honey, pear, citrus and brioche. Its refined texture lends additional complexity while lively acidity provides lift on the mouthwatering, aromatic finish. The Gobillard family has been growing grapes since the 18th century in the small village of Pierry, near Epernay, in the Marne Valley, the heart of France’s Champagne region. Now, in their sixth generation, the Gobillards are growers and producers of estate-bottled champagne with an emphasis on quality that begins in the vineyard. His 17 acre estate is divided into 27 individual parcels and all fruit is meticulously hand-picked by a group of seasoned veterans. Bruno employs a gentle, minimal approach to winemaking. The wine is aged for a minimum of 2 years prior to disgorgement, the date of which is printed on each bottle. Dosage is minimal leaving a purity and precision.
Wilton Hardware may not be the logical stop for gifts, but there’s something surprising for everyone on your list in just about every aisle. For the bird lover, why not check out their selection of bird feeders, which range in price up to $46.00.
Another great find at Wilton Hardware? This WorkPro 40 Piece Tool Kit Bag makes a thoughtful gift for a college student or someone moving into their first apartment. And it’s only $30.99. (21 River Rd.)
Not only is Cara Lorenzoni a new Wilton resident, she’s also a consultant for Rodan + Fields dermatologists, the doctors who created the Proactiv acne system.
She says she loves the line’s Brightening Hand Treatment ($32.00). Its hydrating formula replenishes skin’s natural moisturizing factors to improve elasticity and resiliency, while skin brighteners visibly even skin tone and improve the appearance of hands.
To order, contact Cara at her website or call 914.656.1959.
Wilton’s own Beth Bernier Crowell owns Wilton Artisans’ Sea Glass, and she designs and handcrafts jewelry and fine art using sea glass and other materials, many reflecting a love for the beaches of New England. Her Beach Quotes Pendants are handcrafted, sterling silver pendants featuring a variety of beach quotes, and they’re only $24.00.
We love everything we find in Blue Star Bazaar, the once-online, now brick-and-mortar-boutique owned by Wilton native Megan Labant Abrahamsen. She suggests these great customized clipboards for a thoughtful teacher gift. They come in a variety of colorful, chic motifs and you can personalize them, all for just $35.00. Find them at 146 Danbury Rd..
Sweet Pierre’s, a small chocolate shop located at 5 River Rd., in the Stop & Shop plaza, carries a wide and unique variety of gourmet chocolates from around the U.S. and Europe. Owner Nancy Saxe says boxes of Bridgewater Chocolates are wonderful gifts–they’re made right here in Connecticut, and they’re inspired by European recipes. A half-pound box is $25.00, a one-pound box is $45.00.
We’re doing our best to make Wilton’s best-kept secret–otherwise known as the Betts Store, the adorable museum boutique inside the Wilton Historical Society–not-so-secret anymore. Among the many handcrafted items, most of which are made locally, you’ll find something for everyone. We love this charming 2014 letterpress calendar from Wilton’s own Saltbox Press, all made by Wilton artist Lynda Campbell. $35.00, at the Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Rd.
Simon was one of my favorite toys as a kid, and now the classic is the hot toy of the season again. Find it at Wilton’s Toy Chest at 5 River Rd., if they still have any in stock. ($29.99)
We love the vibe at home-decor hot spot Lost & Found (300 Danbury Rd., Suite 410). Spread the hip chic by gifting these Royal Botanical Bath Salts in a beautiful amber bottle made by Brooklyn-based florist, Ariel Dearie. They come in two scents, Original and Rose Geranium. On sale for $35 (marked down from $45).
Open House Gift Shop (9 Center St.) has a soft, fashionable, warm gift idea. This luxurious faux fur scarf in leopard for $38.00 also comes in black and “snow leopard.” It’s perfect for the recent frigid weather!
There’s fashionable warm, and then there’s extreme sports warm. For that someone special who spends a lot of time being active outdoors during the cold winter months, Outdoor Sports Center (80 Danbury Rd.) has the perfect thing: Patagonia Capiline Baselayers. The experts at OSC say these baselayers are the best option for high-sweat activities and wet conditions. Patagonia makes four Capilene fabrics for different levels of exertion and temperatures; it is a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that keeps you warm even when wet and dries quickly. Capilene polyester is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor® natural odor control. (check store for pricing)
Our four-legged friends need to stay warm in this weather too. Pet Pantry has the perfect gift for them as well. They have a selection of quality coats and sweaters to help dogs stay warm outside. A good coat or sweater is especially beneficial for older, infirmed dogs, dogs with hair not fur, short haired dogs, small, close to the cold ground toy breeds and puppies. Pet Pantry’s staff can always help with in-store fittings. (3 Godfrey Pl.)
My daughter has these and luuuuuuuuuvs them. These cozy slipper-socks are great for hanging out at home, or even to keep in school. Petite Chou Chou has them for $39.95. (5 River Rd.)
Here’s a great gift idea for someone who loves a delicious meal. Reiki Sushi and Asian Bistro (239 Danbury Rd.) has some of the best sushi in the area, and their menu is bursting with pan-Asian specialties, from Thai to Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian.
*Special for GOOD Morning Wilton readers: mention “GOOD Morning Wilton,” when you buy gift certificates to the restaurant and get an additional 20-percent value. $25 gets you a $30 gift certificate; $50 for a $60 gift certificate, and so on.
Signature Style is one of Wilton’s favorite stores, as you’re always bound to find the exact right gift for whomever it is you’re looking. And of course the best part is making it so personal. There was a lot to choose from in finding great gift ideas here, but we loved these key fobs (left) for $25.00 and the wine tote (below) for $49.00, which includes personalization. Imagine the cheer from the gift recipient opening that up (only to find a great bottle of bubbly from Ancona’s tucked in there too!). Signature Style is at 72 Old Ridgefield Rd..
Stella & Dot has something great for everyone on your list. Local stylist Melly Bonita knows that keeping jewelry organized is just as important as finding the right jewelry at all. This Jewelry Roll lets you tote jewelry everywhere with a slim, super organized carrying case, complete with elastics that hold delicates down so they don’t tangle. It’s only $39.00.
She has another gift item for keeping organized…These Stella & Dot Poufs are perfect for organizing makeup, pens and pencils, tech gadgets and everything else inside your handbag. They make an ideal gift for teachers and babysitters! $24.00
You can reach Melly at 203.210.5036 or visit her website.
