Attention Shoppers…

It’s Holiday Time!

Last season most of us stayed home and made do with family Zoom calls, ordering presents online, and praying the mail wasn’t too backed up. This year we are finally getting back in the swing of things and Berkshire shopkeepers have doubled down on their holiday spirit! The wine is mulling, the lights are twinkling, and festive welcome mats are out for merry makers from near and far who are searching for that perfect holiday gift. 

MASS MoCA is the North Adams destination for immersive installations, cutting edge performances, and innovative arts education. It also has a fabulous gift shop with great books for the art lover in your life, unique jewelry for your favorite fashionista, and creative toys and games for the kids. Take in an inspiring exhibit, enjoy a gourmet sandwich or a hand-crafted ice cream treat at the museum’s cafe, Lickety Split, and then take care of your shopping list! 

African Christmas ornaments at ROAM

Not quite ready to leave the art world (or North Adams) behind? Stay in town and find out why ROAM: A Xtina Parks Gallery is a Berkshire favorite for African photography, art, and gifts. The upstairs gallery offers stunning contemporary African wildlife photography and artworks as well as exquisite African antiquities. The downstairs shop sells fair-trade African pottery, clothing, jewelry, toys, house wares, and home decor. 

Give the kids their own special art fix when you bring them down to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge where the newest exhibit; Jan Bret: Stories Near and Far offers an in depth exploration of the beloved children’s book author/illustrator’s original artworks. You’ll be inspired to visit the gift shop and stock up on boardbooks, coloring books, puzzles and toys for all the wonderful children in your life. There are also plenty of great gifts for your wonderful grownup friends as well! 

Need more inspiration? The AsiaBarong Gallery in Great Barrington offers fine Asian art imports and truly unique gifting opportunities. Pick out a lovely hand carved Buddha or Ganesha for your beloved, choose the perfect censer for your frankincense and myrrh, or dare to send that special someone an erotic object d’art!

On December 5th, many European countries traditionally celebrate St. Nicholas Eve by leaving shoes outside the door to be filled with treats and presents. Why not start your own tradition with a trip to Shooz this December? Shooz is your one-stop shop for fine footwear and accessories in Lenox. 

Looking for a timeless yet eco-friendly way to celebrate the season? Give the gift of light and scent with clean-burning soy wax candles from Soma’s Aromas. Located in a new brick-and-mortar in downtown Pittsfield, Soma’s offers unique blended fragrances like Apple Maple Bourbon, Coriander Tonka, and of course, Christmas Hearth (a blend over a dozen scents including cypress, clove, and vetiver), and Christmas Tree (blended with pine, apple, patchouli, and cedarwood). Searching for that perfect year-end thank you for employees, clientele, or patrons? Soma’s offers low-cost nationwide shipping of their private label candles; branded with your artwork or company logo. At the new shop, you can also purchase locally crafted wares like jewelry, pressed flower mandalas, and shadow boxes. And don’t forget the gift cards, which make great stocking stuffers.

Speaking of stocking stuffers, check out Blue Q’s cheeky array of socks, dishtowels, oven mitts, and coin purses. Decorated with sassy sayings and eye-popping graphics, these nifty gifties are available at local Berkshire stores like Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Hancock Shaker Village, and Berkshire Mountain Distillers, or you can patronize their online store. 

In fact, nearly all of our shops have online ordering options. We look forward to having you back in person, but we understand that this time of year can be overwhelming and sometimes you just want to click on a link! Whether we see you in the flesh or fulfill your online orders, Berkshire businesses wish you the happiest of holidays and a joyful new year! 

Written by Gretchen M. Michelfeld.

Read more in the Berkshire Blog.