When it comes to holiday shopping you fall into either one of two camps 1) presents wrapped and ready to go or 2) it’s not Hanukkah and/or Christmas Eve yet, I’ll shop eventually. If you fall into the latter of the two categories and want to steer clear of Greenwich Avenue, there are many shops worth popping into this time of year. Check out some of our picks below where you’re sure to find a gift for everyone on your list. We’ve even included our top gift choice at each local shop.
Abilis Gardens and Gifts
Tucked just off Glenville Street is Abilis Gardens and Gifts. Abilis is a local nonprofit organization that advances abilities for people with special needs. The gardens and gift store is a training site where their members work toward community-based jobs in sales and production. Here you can find a lovely assortment of handcrafted candles and bath products, an assortment of gifts and accessories, and fresh cut flowers and holiday plants. The members are all very happy to help you find a gift to take home with you. Our gift pick: a handcrafted candle.
Website: https://www.abilis.us/gifts
Address: 50 Glenville Street, Greenwich, CT 06831
Store Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am – 5pm
Tuesday: 10am – 3pm
Thursday: 10am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 2pm
The Bruce Museum Store
When one thinks of a Museum gift store, you immediately think of having to pay the admission charge in order to visit. However, this is not so with the Bruce Museum. You can in fact pop into the Bruce to just visit the store (but we do recommend checking out their current exhibitions!). The museum store has a wide selection of gifts ranging from one-of-a-kind jewelry, home décor items, children’s gifts, to traditional museum items including rocks, fossils, art books, and so much more. Our gift pick: A fun puzzle!
Website: https://brucemuseum.org/site/store
Address: 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830-7157
Store Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday : 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Special Holiday Shopping Hours: Monday, December 16th & 23rd, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dogwood Books & Gifts
If you haven’t yet been to Dogwood Books & Gifts, a part of Christ Church, you’re missing out. The holiday display is so spectacular when you walk in you immediately feel as though you’re in a winter wonderland. The store carries a selection of both religious and secular new and notable books, as well as every day and seasonal gifts. Dogwood has a gorgeous selection of ornaments as well as intricate advent calendars made out of delicate woods, sure to make a beautiful holiday statement as you count down to the big day. What can’t be missed is the stocking stuffer bar. Here you can find fun small items, from wind-up toys, to hair clips, stickers, games and more. And before you leave, or settle in upstairs to rest those feet before more holiday shopping, grab a coffee at the coffee bar. Our gift pick: raid the stocking stuffer bar!
Website: https://dogwoodbooksandgifts.com/
Address: 254 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830 (Christ Church Greenwich)
Store Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Greenwich Exchange
Have you heard of the Greenwich Exchange? It’s a non-profit organization that supports the art of handcrafted items by providing a marketplace for artisans and consignors to sell their products. In the historic house on Sherwood Place you will find a wall of handmade sweaters, toys and blankets, handmade American Girl doll clothing, vintage linens, hostess gifts, antiques and collectibles. The charming cottage through the garden courtyard is decked for the holidays with ornaments and holiday décor and not to be missed upstairs is the sale section where you can find some amazing deals. When we went, we saw hand-painted Greenwich ornaments for less than $10. Our gift pick: a cozy, hand-knit children’s sweater.
Website: http://www.greenwichexchange.org/
Address: 28 Sherwood Place, Greenwich, CT 06830
Store Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 2pm
Greenwich Historical Society Store
Another museum store not to be missed. The Greenwich Historical Society store has a lovely selection of hand-painted cards, scarves and bags, holiday items and lots of Greenwich themed gifts. From mugs, and artwork, to trays and embroidered throws, you can find something for a Greenwich-lover here. What we also loved were the Votes for Women ornaments to celebrate 100 years of the Women’s Suffrage movement, coinciding with the upcoming exhibition next February 2020. Our gift pick: show your town pride and sip your coffee in a Greenwich mug.
Website: https://greenwichhistory.org/visit/
Address: 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT 06807
Store Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: Noon – 4pm
The Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop
Owned and operated by the Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary all proceeds are donated to the Greenwich Hospital. Located in the Atrium of the main hospital (the Helmsley Medical Building), it’s a quick stop whether you’re picking up a thoughtful gift for someone at the hospital or just popping in to browse their selection. Here you can find a wonderful selection of new baby items, books, home décor, a fun selection of socks and so much more. Our gift pick: fun socks!
Website: https://www.greenwichhospital.org/patients-visitors/amenities/our-shops.aspx
Address: 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich, CT 06830 (Greenwich Hospital)
Store Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:30am – 7pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 7am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Noon – 5pm
