Hamptons Holiday Shopping

Ah, the holiday season. There are family and friends to host, dinners and outings to plan, and of course, gifts to buy and wrap. While you’re making your list this year, think outside of the traditional holiday sweater and fruit cake, and opt items that are as different as your recipients. Think music, books, art, jewelry, and more to check off every lucky person on your list. It’s the Hamptons after all, and the shopping here is among one of the biggest draws to the East End. Let the holiday fun begin with these local suggestions.

The holiday season often comes with holiday tunes. Music fans will swoon over the opportunity to skim through rows of music where you never know what you’ll find at Innersleeve Records in Amagansett. What’ll be even more exciting is finding that perfect record for your fellow music fan. Here, there is always a rotation of new and vintage vinyl coming in every week. Think Beck, Robert Plant, St. Vincent, Pink, and Courtney Barnett, each who had recent new releases. Owner Craig Wright, who is a sucker for jazz music, looks forward to another holiday season in his store.

“There is always something exciting going on at Innersleeve,” says Mr. Wright, who shares the store also hosts live music events. “We have one of two annual events coming up the day after Thanksgiving, which is called Record Store Day ‘Black Friday,’ where exclusive and limited releases are available only in brick and mortar record stores worldwide. This year is the 10th year for Record Store Day, and our 4th year participating.”

For the bookworm in your life, Harbor Books in Sag Harbor has a variety of old classics and new wave favorites in their bookcases and on tables in the expansive yet cozy Main Street shop. From Ernest Hemingway to Emma Donoghue and Ken Follet to Margaret Mitchell, there’s something to be found for everyone. Give the gift of discovery through reading with an exciting offering by owner and bookseller Taylor Rose Berry. Blind Date with a Book is a gift-wrapped book with a modest description of what’s inside. It’s a thrilling surprise to give, and even more fun for someone to open. While you browse the shelves, be sure to enjoy a warm beverage from their recently opened Dobrá Tea counter.

If you’re looking for other local bookstores, Canio’s Books in Sag Harbor sells new and used books, as does Harper’s Books in East Hampton, which is also a gallery. BookHampton in East Hampton is another popular stop. Looking for another interesting take on books as gifts? Vogel Bindery in East Hampton crafts books through traditional hand binding techniques that are more than 300 years old.

Telling a story through jewelry is a beautifully expressive gift. Jewelry designer Stella Flame and her namesake Main Street shop and gallery in Sag Harbor is home to collections of unique and interchangeable pieces fitting for every occasion. Her popular Story Chains are one of her most admired styles. “New clients find the personalization appealing and existing clients often add a second and even a third chain since layering and multiple chains continue to be a strong trend,” the designer shares as adding your own touch for a gift is both beautiful and meaningful.

Bringing the outside in has been a strong trend in interior design, so why not use that to your advantage when shopping for new and different gifts this year? The Garden Shop at Marders in Bridgehampton holds a wonder of extraordinary objects and finds for the person on your list with a green thumb. Interesting plants and pots in all shapes and sizes make for a distinctive present, and there’s also an eclectic mix of tableware, ceramics, succulents, and an array of small gifts. You’ll get lost exploring as the holiday season takes over the property.

Help your loved ones create their Hamptons home look with coastal home décor from Gansett Lane in Montauk. Think clean lines, cool shades, and comfort-centered items in furnishing, décor and accessories, tabletop items, art, and more. Throws and pillows are a cozy season favorite and perfect for creating a warm and inviting space. Candles in decorative tins make for a nice stocking stuffer as well. Talk about feeling warm and fuzzy for the holidays!

If you’re hosting holiday dinners, don’t forget all of the local produce and ingredients the Hamptons has to offer. Round Swamp Farm in Bridgehampton and East Hampton offers greens, root vegetables, fruits, and more from the land. This generations-old farm also sells seafood caught by family fishermen Charles Niggles and Harold Snyder, while another family member, Lisa Niggles, whips up irresistible cakes, pies, and other warm baked goods. They also sell prepared meals if you’re in a pinch or just want some delicious and easy for dinner.

Shopping local is a beautiful way to thank the businesses that help make the Hamptons what it is. Not only will you surprise the loved ones on your shopping list with different and exciting gifts this year, you will also be supporting the local community. It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all. Happy Holidays!