Looking to spark some holiday joy while giving back to the community? Theater in the Open’s A Nutcracker Panto is more than just a show—it’s a festive celebration of laughter, family fun, and kindness. As you enjoy this high-energy, interactive holiday adventure at the Firehouse, you’re also invited to help brighten the season for local families by bringing along much-needed pantry and personal care donations. Below is a list of the most-requested items for The Pettengill House in Salisbury, so you can easily choose something to bring along and spread even more holiday cheer on your night at the theater.
Andover
1. Helen Thomas Simply Smashing
2 Main St, Andover, MA 01810
A beloved downtown gift gallery packed with home décor, jewelry, art, baby gifts, and custom gift items. Perfect for one-stop holiday shopping with lots of locally made pieces.
2. Highland & Heather
36 Main St, Andover, MA 01810
A cozy boutique specializing in bespoke floral arrangements, gift baskets, kitchen & home goods, vintage finds, and gourmet treats—great for hostess gifts and thoughtfully curated presents.
3. Savoir Faire Home
23 Barnard St, Andover, MA 01810
Interior design studio with a gorgeous boutique offering decor, textiles, and elevated home accents—ideal for “wow” home gifts and special splurges.
4. Quiet Pleasures Jewelry
24 Chestnut St, Andover, MA 01810
Jewelry and accessories shop featuring both classic and funky designs from a variety of artists—great for meaningful, wearable gifts.
North Andover
5. The Purple Couch Bookshop
350 Winthrop Ave, Unit 9B, North Andover, MA 01845
An indie bookstore with a curated selection for all ages, book clubs, and story hours. Perfect for gifting new releases, kids’ books, and bookish goodies.
6. Boston Hill Farm
1370 Turnpike St, North Andover, MA 01845
Year-round farm stand with baked goods, deli items, seasonal produce, gift and fruit baskets—great for food-centric holiday gifting.
7. Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens Gift Shop
153 Chickering Rd, North Andover, MA 01845
The on-site shop features local, handmade, and garden-inspired gifts; purchases support this historic property—perfect for garden and nature lovers.
Methuen
8. Circles of Wisdom
386 Merrimack St, Unit 1A, Methuen, MA 01844
A metaphysical shop with crystals, books, cards, sound tools, and spiritual gifts, plus readings and workshops—great for the “mind-body-spirit” folks on your list. Get more info HERE.
9. Sir Pennycandy’s Apothecary
246 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844
Old-fashioned candy and chocolate shop with penny candy, fudge, and custom party favors and corporate gift bags—perfect for stocking stuffers and teacher gifts. Get more info HERE!
Haverhill
10. The Winged Rabbit
53 Wingate St, Haverhill, MA 01832
Art and craft store featuring local art, fair-trade items, and unique gifts from around the world—ideal for one-of-a-kind, artsy presents.
11. Cottage Gardens
935 Amesbury Rd, Haverhill, MA 01830
Family-run nursery and gift spot with flowers, plants, garden decor, and gift baskets—great for plant lovers and festive holiday arrangements.
12. The Time Machine
41 Washington St, Haverhill, MA 01832
A retro/vintage gift shop organized by decade with toys, candy, games, decor, and vintage finds—perfect for nostalgic, quirky gifts and teens/tweens. Get more info HERE
Lawrence
13. Mendez Flowers
152 Broadway, Lawrence, MA 01840
Long-time local florist offering fresh arrangements, plants, and gift baskets, plus add-ons like chocolates and plush gifts for special occasions.
14. R&J Specialty Wines
678 Andover St, Unit 3, Lawrence, MA 01843
Specialty wine shop with a wide selection of Italian and other wines and giftable bottles—great for hosts, neighbors, and holiday dinner pairings.
Georgetown
15. The Stone Pantry
105 E Main St, Georgetown, MA 01833
A charming local shop blending women’s clothing, specialty foods, and gifts—an easy place to grab stylish accessories and foodie presents.
16. Lisa Scala Jewelry at the Scala Center
28 West Main St, Georgetown, MA 01833
A distinctive jewelry gallery showcasing one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted pieces made on site—perfect for heirloom-quality jewelry gifts. Get more info HERE!
Groveland
17. Pentucket Arts Foundation Makers Market at Veasey Memorial Park
Veasey Memorial Park, 201 Washington St, Groveland, MA 01834 (seasonal)
A seasonal holiday makers market featuring dozens of local artists, small-business owners, and artisans—an excellent spot to find handmade gifts, vintage jewelry, crafts, and more while supporting local arts.
Boxford
18. West Village Provisions / West Village Café
561 Main St, Boxford, MA 01921
A neighborhood general-store-meets-café with coffee, baked goods, local products, cards, and small gifts—great for picking up gift cards, treats, and cozy stocking stuffers. Middleton
19. Cardsmart – Middleton Marketplace
230D S Main St, Middleton, MA 01949
Fashion-forward gift store with cards, toys, Stonewall Kitchen products, and lots of seasonal gift items—good for teacher gifts, secret Santa, and small hostess presents.
20. JJ’s Haute Chocolat
96 S Main St, Middleton, MA 01949
Chocolatier offering gourmet chocolates and gift baskets—perfect for chocolate lovers, corporate gifts, and dessert-centric presents.
🎄 Why This Guide Works for Holiday Gift Shopping
- Variety: From handmade artisan jewelry and vintage décor to cozy wool goods and bath & body gifts — you’ll find something for everyone.
- Unique Finds: Many of these shops specialize in one-of-a-kind, locally made or vintage items that you won’t find at big-box retailers.
- Support Local Businesses: Shopping at these stores helps support artisans, small business owners, and the local economy across the Merrimack Valley and surrounding area.
- Perfect for Holiday Shopping: The mix of gift types — décor, clothing, jewelry, home goods, crafts, and consumables — makes this guide useful for friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues.
- Easy to Plan a Shopping Route: Since the shops are spread across multiple towns but clustered in the greater Merrimack Valley region, you can plan a half-day or full-day “shop local” outing.
