Shopping Local for the Holidays

Get it all in the Hamptons

There’s a notable chill in the air that has settled in across the East End. Days are shorter, time on the beach has shifted to crisp weather walks, and fall and winter fashion has us bundled up. This is also the time of year when family and friends begin to gather, celebrating in groups big and small. Shopping lists are being made, homes are preparing to host, and dinners are being planned. The holiday season in the Hamptons has arrived with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Diwali, and New Year’s ready to be celebrated. No matter your denomination or how you like to spend the winter season, the Hamptons has everything you need for the occasion. Shopping local helps keep businesses from mom and pops to super luxe retailers going in the offseason. Now, Hamptons real estate agents share their tips and tricks for keeping it local this year.

Known as “The End,” Montauk gets particularly quiet in the winters, though many locals don’t mind. It is also a beautiful place to spend a peaceful holiday and do a little shopping at some stores that remain open. Corcoran licensed real estate salesperson Lois Moore and her husband Peter, a licensed associate real estate broker with Corcoran, understand the importance of shopping local as their son owns three retail stores on the East End. Montauk Mainstay, Amagansett Mainstay, and Local Knit in Greenport feature clothing and gift items with the names and logos of the local “mainstays” in that particular town.
“His intention was to have people take a little piece of their vacations home with them by remembering the places that resonated with them while visiting,” the Moores share. “He also sells other brands of men’s and women’s apparel. And the best part of shopping at Mainstay this holiday season is the fact that virtually every item in the stores is on sale!”
The Amagansett and Montauk stores will remain open every weekend through the holiday season. While on the North Fork the Greenport location may close for the season, online sales pick up as everyone longs to return to the East End. Even if you can’t make it out east for some shopping, you can still support local businesses.
Compass licensed associate real estate broker Maria Cunneen, a resident of Westhampton herself, is a seasoned expert in luxury real estate in the western Hampton market. From where to grab a quick bite or cup of coffee on the go to places to shop for every type of buyer on your list, she has several tips for supporting local businesses this holiday season.
After a quick stop at Hampton Coffee for a bite and delicious coffee, which also makes a great gift in itself, Cunneen suggests several shops to visit. “Good Westhampton has a clean style and great home products,” she says. “The owner has a great panache for interior design. Earthly Secrets Crystal Shop has fun, unique gift giving ideas for all, especially the yogi in all of us! Diana’s Unique Boutique has great easy, stylish dresswear. I love this store.”
Pick up a great selection of wine and get gift package ideas from the crew at Hampton Wine Shoppe. When taking a break for yourself at places like Mambo Kitchen, which is great for both vegans and meat eaters, or Justin’s Chop Shop with organic prepared meals, be sure to purchase a gift certificate for the foodie on your list.

For the person on your list with great style and a flair for home design, Sotheby’s International Realty licensed real estate salesperson and senior global advisor Angela Boyer-Stump suggests stores like Serena & Lily in Wainscott for its inspired spaces that are casual, coastal, and relaxed yet refined. Homenature in Southampton, which focuses on honest design, natural materials, and eco-friendly practices, is another top choice for unique home gifts.
“In addition, these spots are great for getting staging and decorating tips,” shares Boyer-Stump, who also keeps supporting local farms on her list. “I also love Milk Pail in Water Mill. They have great ciders, pies and donuts. These are real crowd pleasers as hostess gifts over the holidays!”
Friends and family are not the only people on a real estate agent’s holiday shopping list. This time of year, clients may have recently closed on homes, ready to move in and make the Hamptons a place where they get to spend even more quality time in late fall and winter. Knowing this, Douglas Elliman Real Estate licensed associate real estate broker Martha Gundersen likes to give her clients gift certificates to restaurants near the homes they have purchased, whether it be in East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor and beyond. With so many options, it’s easy to keep it fresh and also introduce people to new places.

Gundersen also enjoys a beautiful orchid, houseplant, or stunning arrangement from a local florist. In a new home, ideas for design are also helpful. “I’m a big fan of sharing beautiful decorating books as gifts, especially if they are written by people I know or own homes here,” she explains. “My current favorite is James Michael Howard’s book, ‘Atmosphere: The Seven Elements of Great Design.’ It’s an amazing book that will teach you everything you need to know about the elements of home decorating, building and style. I especially enjoy that it has the most inspiring photos from work he has done in the Hamptons.”
Though the summer season in the Hamptons is long gone, the East End continues to grow as a year-round destination. Activity is certainly quieter, but what could be cozier and more Hamptons than spending your holidays near the beach? With all of these insider suggestions on where to shop local this year, getting gifts big and small for everyone on your list is a little easier. Plus, you can feel good knowing you are supporting the places that help make the Hamptons what it is every year. Happy shopping and happy holidays!