Shopping small is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your community. When you choose to spend your dollars with local businesses, more of that money stays right in your own town, supporting your neighbors, creating jobs, and helping families thrive. Local shops reinvest in the community in ways big corporations never can, from sponsoring youth sports teams to donating to local causes to keeping your main street vibrant and alive. Every purchase becomes a vote for the kind of community you want to live in, one where people know your name, customer service feels personal, and your dollars make a real difference. By choosing small, you are helping your town grow from the inside out, one thoughtful purchase at a time.

Stop 1: The Mill of Hampstead

The Mill is so much more than hay and chicken feed. It is a treasure trove of thoughtful gifts for the animal lovers in your life, from dogs and cats to horses and even the backyard wildlife. You’ll find plants, bird houses, garden supplies, unique home items, and the perfect little surprises you never knew you needed. My personal go to gift from The Mill is their Bird Seed Wreath. It is always a hit with my bird watching family and a sweet way to bring nature right to the window.

Chelsea, the manager, is a huge part of what makes The Mill special. She is a wealth of knowledge and always ready to help, offering the kind of customer service big box stores simply can’t replicate. Supporting The Mill means supporting a local business that truly pours back into the Hampstead community.

Download their official gift guide HERE

Stop 2: Steamin’ Mad Crabs

Steamin’ Mad Crabs might be known for their incredible seafood, but many people don’t realize they also have a charming little gift shop filled with local goodies. You can pick up candles, honey, chocolates, decor, and other unique finds that make perfect gifts. But if you want to give something unforgettable, skip the typical home goods and go straight for their famous crab cakes. Fresh, local, and absolutely delicious, they make a gift that goes a whole lot further than another candle ever could. Steamin’ Mad Crabs is a true Hampstead gem and a fun, unexpected spot to shop small this season.

Stop 3: Main Street Liquors

For all your beer, wine, and spirits needs, Main Street Liquors is the perfect stop. Whether you’re picking up a bottle of wine on your way to a holiday party or searching for a gift that feels a little more special, they have you covered. One of my favorite gift ideas is creating a cocktail themed basket with everything needed to make a favorite drink. A bourbon lovers basket with cherries, bitters, and simple syrup makes an amazing Old Fashioned kit and feels personal and thoughtful. Eric and his team also stock plenty of holiday gift sets and can place special orders if you’re looking for something unique. It’s a great way to shop small while giving a gift that feels custom and truly enjoyable.

Stop 4: Family Pharmacy

Family Pharmacy is truly one of those local businesses that goes above and beyond for the people they serve. Their customer care is unmatched and if you haven’t already, this is your sign to transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy that treats you like family. During the holidays, they offer a wonderful selection of Christmas cards for anyone who still loves to send a handwritten note or tuck a gift card inside. You will also find a great variety of Melissa and Doug wooden toys, which make perfect gifts for toddlers and little ones who love hands on play. Shopping here supports a pharmacy that supports the community every single day.

Stop 5: Petals Flowers and Gifts

Petals Flowers and Gifts is the perfect place to find something beautiful for the holidays. Aside from their gorgeous floral arrangements, which make an incredible gift on their own, Petals carries a lovely selection of gifts and home decor that anyone would be thrilled to receive. Their flowers are always fresh and thoughtfully arranged, and when you order directly from the shop instead of through a third party, you get so much more value for your money. It is truly twice the arrangement for the same price. Petals is a Hampstead favorite for a reason and a must visit when shopping small this season.

Stop 6: A Manor of Thyme

A Manor of Thyme is one of Hampstead’s greatest local supporters. Truly. They have sponsored just about every community event and sports team in town. And be honest… when was the last time you stopped in? Yes, that is absolutely a guilt trip and you should take it.

The customer service from the amazing women who own and run this shop is outstanding. From the moment you walk in to the custom gift wrapping at checkout, it is always a wonderful experience. The store is packed with incredible gift options, especially for teen girls. You’ll find E Newton bracelets, Jelly Cats, accessories, and so much more.

There are gifts for babies, tea lovers, coffee lovers, moms, beauty lovers, hosts, and even men. My husband swears the Old Fashioned syrup here is the best you can buy. You’ll also find clothing, kitchen goods, soaps, home items, and thoughtful little treasures for every personality on your list.

If you only make one stop this year, make it A Manor of Thyme. They truly have something for everyone and they pour so much heart back into Hampstead.

Stop 7: House of Madness

If you’re looking for a gift that is extra special and a little more permanent, House of Madness is the perfect stop. They offer gift cards for tattoos, which make unforgettable presents for someone who has been dreaming of new ink. The shop also carries a unique selection of prints, artwork, and oddities that you won’t find anywhere else. It is the ideal place to support local artists and pick up something creative, meaningful, and completely original. If you have an artist or art lover on your list this year, House of Madness is a must visit.

Stop 8: Shipley’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry

Shipley’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry is another fantastic place to check off several people on your list. They offer beautiful gifts at every budget, so you do not need to spend thousands to give something meaningful. You’ll find watches and wallets for men, special charm options for young girls, and a wide range of jewelry pieces that make truly memorable gifts.

And the service? It deserves its own spotlight. The team at Shipley’s provides outstanding, personal care and takes the time to help you find exactly what you need. The shop is not only small and local but also veteran owned, which makes supporting them even more impactful.

So instead of grabbing earrings from a big box store, stop in and say hello to the Shipley’s staff. They will be genuinely excited to help you find the perfect gift.

Stop 9: Rocco’s and Outlaw BBQ

Owned by the same wonderful local family, Rocco’s and Outlaw BBQ are gifts that will never go to waste. A gift card to either spot is always a hit and perfect for anyone who loves great food. If you want to make an entrance at your next holiday gathering, pick up a box of Rocco’s gorgeous desserts. They disappear fast and you will instantly become a crowd favorite. Whether you choose sweets, smoked meats, or both, supporting these small local staples is always a delicious idea.

Stop 10: True Value

True Value may look small from the outside, but anyone who has ever needed a random nut, bolt, or screw knows this place is a lifesaver. You walk in for one little thing and walk out with everything you didn’t know you needed. They truly have it all. If you’re shopping for tools or looking for the perfect gift for dad or grandpa, skip the big box stores and support a small, local hardware shop instead. And while you’re there, be sure to say hi to Mary at the register. Chances are she’ll be there with a smile, ready to help.

Stop 11: Car Quest

For the car lovers in your life, or the teens who just started driving, Car Quest is a great spot to grab a gift card or put together a little car care bundle. Think car wash supplies, cleaning kits, or practical tools they’ll actually use. It truly does not get more small town than this place. It looks almost exactly the same as it did twenty years ago, and the employees’ hands are usually as black as the coal you’ll get from Santa if you’re on the naughty list. That is how you know they’re the real deal. Supporting Car Quest means supporting a long standing local staple that has been helping Hampstead drivers for decades.

Stop 12: Main Street Beautique

Main Street Beautique is the perfect place to pick up gift cards for massages, nails, pedicures, and more. A gift card here works for any service they offer, from hair to nails and everything in between, which makes it an easy and thoughtful option for just about anyone on your list. The salon has all the small town charm you could hope for, and every stylist and technician has more than a decade of experience behind the chair. Trust me on this one, your wives will not be disappointed with a gift card from Main Street Beautique. It is a gift that guarantees a little peace, pampering, and joy this season.

Stop 13: Goose Ridge Soap

Goose Ridge Soap is hands down one of my absolute favorites. I get all my soap there and you should too. This woman owned, small, local business deserves every bit of support it gets. The ladies behind Goose Ridge pour so much time, care, and money back into our community and show up for Hampstead in countless ways. Their products speak for themselves. The soaps are beautifully made, gentle, long lasting, and make perfect gifts for anyone on your list. Supporting Goose Ridge Soap means supporting hardworking women who truly make our town better.

Stop 14: Greenmount Bowl

Experience gifts are always a hit with kids, and nothing beats a night of bowling, good food, and fun memories. Greenmount Bowl has made so many upgrades over the past few years, and it has become a fantastic spot for all ages. Kids especially will love it as a holiday gift. Give them a night out bowling, add some snacks, and definitely order food so the robot can deliver it right to your lane. It is a unique, joyful experience and a perfect way to shop small while giving a gift that creates real memories.

Stop 15: Love Yourself First (Manchester)

Just a short drive up the road, Love Yourself First in Manchester is absolutely worth the trip. This cozy holistic shop is full of wonderful gifts for your nature loving, granola minded, or witchy friends and family members. You’ll find essential oils, jewelry, crystals, natural wellness items, and so many thoughtful treasures that make meaningful, personal gifts. Their selection is always changing, so it is definitely worth stopping in to browse. You are sure to find something special for someone on your list.

Stop 16: AMH Records (Also Manchester)

Last but definitely not least is AMH Records, the perfect stop for the music lovers in your life. Whether they collect vintage vinyl or love the latest releases, you’ll find a fantastic selection of records to choose from. The shop has a great vibe, and Terina is always there with a smile, ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. The customer service here is top notch and makes the experience even better. If you have a music buff on your list, AMH Records is a must visit.

Shopping small is one of the greatest gifts we can give our community. Every stop on this list represents a local business that pours heart, time, and support back into the place we call home. When you choose to shop local, you are choosing stronger hometown connections, better customer service, and gifts that are meaningful in ways big box stores can’t match. Whether you hit all fifteen stops or just a few, every dollar spent locally helps keep our small town vibrant, thriving, and full of the businesses that make it special. Thank you for supporting our neighbors, our friends, and our community this holiday season.