Photos by Tony Vengrove, Styled by Beth Fowler
The holidays fill a need—for joy and excitement, gathering together, and the deeper things of life. Done well, it’s a season with equal parts celebration and serenity. Letting that inner mirth bubble over by gifting those in our sphere should be FUN …and simple. Shopping local not only keeps it easy, but ensures your gifts are unique to the Litchfield County way of life.
Creature Comfort
Seeing friends and family at this time of year is certainly special. But when January rolls around, only one remains by your side to slog out winter: that precious pooch (or two or three)! Make sure they’re spoiled with a stylish new Canine Styles barn-and-horseblanket coat, available at not one but two Depot Dog locations in Litchfield County. These plush coats aren’t just sporting, they’re warm and functional, too. While you’re at it, you can stock up on local, sustainable, and artisanal treats for your favorite dog and cat at this unique pet boutique. $95+
11 Titus Road, Washington Depot, 860-619-0430
7 North St., Litchfield, 860-361-6001
—depotdogboutique.com
Ringing in a Decade
In honor of its 10th anniversary, Litchfield Distillery is rolling out its first seven-year-old bourbon whiskey. Bottled under their prestigious Founders’ Reserve appellation, this expression is distilled from Connecticut-Grown grains and bottled at 100 proof. Every bottle is handsigned by each of the three distillery owners (David, Jack, and Peter Baker). The bourbon is lush, with delicious butterscotch notes and a hint of cinnamon. The special spirit also comes packaged in a limited-edition wood gift box, with a 10th anniversary Glencairn glass, and a note card for easy gifting. Stop by seven days a week (and check out the complimentary tastings and tours). $89.95
569 Bantam Road, Litchfield, 860-361-6503—LitchfieldDistillery.com
Give Them A Moment
You hear it all the time: “Just give me a moment, please!” This season, give someone permission to retreat, with this 20-minute candle gift set from The Safari Collective. The rose-gold tin contains 20 tiny candles, each of which burns for precisely 20 minutes—time to squeeze in a mini-workout, meditation session, or power nap. The kit also includes a stand, matches, and user guide. The 100% beeswax candles are crafted in the USA and are just the type of conscientious product you expect to find within the hip confines of The Safari Collective. This is the perfect item to stock up on for friends, colleagues, hosts …and that person you forgot! $30
The Safari Collective, 57 Bank St., New Milford 860-210-7901 — thesafaricollective.com
Yum and Done!
For some, there’s nothing better than the gift of a fabulous meal. Keep the cashmere sweater—show me a Sunday brunch, signature cocktails, and a cool place to catch up with friends! They’ll find it at Good Eats Restaurant & Bar, by the Housatonic River in New Milford. Good Eats just celebrated two years, with executive chef Kevin Deluca continuing to crank out modern American cuisine influenced by Korean, Mediterranean, British, and Indian flavors.The tap beers are local, the fries are triple cooked, and the service is top notch. Land here after a day of holiday festivities, and leave with gift cards for everyone on your list.
300 Kent Road, New Milford, 860-799-6611 —goodeatsrestaurant.com
Elevated Beauty
Indulge your friends, loved ones, and colleagues this holiday season with a gift from LaFrance Medical Aesthetics. For over a decade, this medical practice has ensured natural, subtle results, and exceptional service with every rejuvenating or transformative visit. Select from their most popular treatments—Clear + Brilliant® laser, Botox® Cosmetic, and DiamondGlow®—or let your giftee choose a service for themselves with their go-to gift card. Mention this offer with your $500 gift card purchase and receive a complimentary Alastin Holiday Bag (value $130). There’s something for all the special people in your life.
17 Old Barn Road, Kent, 860-845-8296
72 Pine St., Bristol, 860-845-8296—LaFranceMed.com
Winter Chill
Treat your loved ones (and yourself) to a Spaliday in the Hills this giving season. This limited-edition package is the ultimate gift of relaxation, designed to envelop you in tranquility with a 50-minute Cause+Medic CBD Massage, OSEA Organic Spa Facial, Spa Pedicure and Spa Manicure. You can also build your own spa day from The Spa’s thoughtfully curated menu of beauty, health, and wellness experiences. Gift cards to this award-winning salon and day spa can be purchased online, by phone, or in the boutique. In-store pickup and shipping available. $430
The Spa at Litchfield Hills, 407A Bantam Road, Litchfield, 860-567-8575—litchfield-spa.com
Rare and Exquisite
For that one-of-a-kind person, only something unique will do. New Preston’s third-generation family jeweler, Hays Worthington, specializes in fine and period jewelry—and, at this time of year, jeweled holiday trees. Their featured piece this season is a special New England country church brooch, circa 1930. The art deco design nestles a steepled church between two topiaries, surrounded by a jeweled forest. The bauble brings a burst of holiday sparkle and magic, with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and onyx. Handmade in platinum, and approximately one inch by one inch, this gift is proof that good things come in small packages.
13 East Shore Road, New Preston, 860-619-0714—haysworthington.com
Onyx Jewelers
1 18k yellow gold one-of-a-kind crescent moon with vintage diamonds, $14,000 2 14k yellow gold confetti set diamondcigar band, $3,250 3 Black South Sea Tahitian pearls with 14k white gold and black diamond clasp, $4,900 4 18k yellow golddiamond starburst with dendritic opal drops, $4,475 5 14k yellow gold and black rhodium diamond scatter band, $2,700 6 14k yellow gold and diamond geometric hoop earrings, $2,400 7 14k yellow gold and diamond radiating charm, $2,650 8 14k yellow gold mixed paper clip link charm chain.
740 Main Street, Woodbury, 203-405-1969—OnyxJewelers.com
