During COVID-19, masks are required in downtown Salem in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Click here to learn more about Salem’s COVID-19 response, and here to find a list of shops downtown selling masks.
The holiday shopping season has officially begun in Salem, and to help you find something for everyone on your list, we’ve outlined some of our favorite local gift ideas by price.
$100 or less
Outerwear & Sweaters
As the holidays approach, outerwear and sweaters are always at the top of the list for winter gift ideas. Many of Salem’s downtown clothing retailers stock high-quality jackets and sweaters, along with all the accessories you are sure to need to stay warm this winter. For just under $100, pick up a cozy sweater from J. Mode or for a more vintage approach, pick up a holiday-inspired cardigan from Modern Millie.
Jewelry
$50 or less
Accessories
Salem’s shops offer something for everyone on your list in terms of hats, gloves, scarves, handbags, and more. Whether you’re shopping for fans Harry Potter at Trolley Depot or something more nautical at Style Snoop, you’ll find all the accessories you need to complete your holiday shopping this season in downtown Salem. On Pickering Wharf, Salem’s local goth shop Die With Your Boots On stocks clothing, shoes, patches, pins, and more, and Modern Millie on Central Street has everything for the vintage fashion lover on your list. Many of Salem’s museums and attractions have gift shops filled with historic and literary themed accessories, including the Salem Witch Museum Store, The House of the Seven Gables Museum Shop, and the Witch History Museum Gift Shop.
Art & Home Décor
Whether you’re shopping for the new homeowner, art enthusiast, or modern witch, you can come across everything you need with a walk through downtown Salem. Handcrafted witch balls like the one shown above are sold at Crow Haven Corner, Artemisia Botanicals, Salemdipity, and the Witch History Museum Gift Shop, and additional witchy décor pieces like statuary, prints, and candles may be found around town at HausWitch Home + Healing and HEX: Old World Witchery.
Original art and reproduction prints are available at the Peabody Essex Museum Shop, Moody Interiors, and Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints. A recent addition to Salem’s local shopping scene is Hive & Forge, which offers a curated selection of accessories and home decor pieces by local, independent makers. The shops on Artists’ Row also create beautiful décor pieces, accessories, and original paintings and prints. You can keep up with each shop’s hours and products online at the Artists’ Row Facebook page.
Sweets & Treats
Tis the season to indulge in your sweet tooth, and what better way to do so than with some locally made chocolates? Candy gift sets are available from Harbor Sweets and Ye Olde Pepper Companie, and a variety of sweet treats and gift items may also be found at Maria’s Sweet Somethings. For a more savory treat, visit Pamplemousse for a specialty gift basket or bottle of wine or stop by the Cheese Shop of Salem.
$25 or less
Ornaments
Add a personal touch to your family’s tree with a Christmas ornament from your visit to Salem. Remember a visit to your favorite attraction with an ornament from The House of the Seven Gables Gift Shop, the Salem Witch Museum Store, or the Salem Maritime National Historic Site at Waite and Peirce or browse through a variety of styles from Halloween to Christmas themes at Partridge in a Bear Tree. Don’t forget to visit Merry & Bright on Pickering Wharf, which is stocked with Christmas ornaments, lights, tree toppers, figurines, and more.
Mugs
Stay under $25 and impress the coffee and tea lovers on your list with uniquely “Salem” mugs. Pick up the Witch City mugs featured above at HausWitch Home + Healing, or find just the mug to go with your attraction ornaments at the Salem Witch Museum and The House of the Seven Gables.
Snacks
Score the sweetest stocking stuffers with made-in-Salem snacks! Pick up a couple of bags of popcorn from Popped! Gourmet Popcorn, or shop for candied treats gummy worms and “catch of the day” candy fish from Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie.
Can’t make it to Salem to shop in time for the holidays? Many local retailers have online shops in addition to their downtown storefronts. Visit our Shop page to view a complete list of retailers and learn more.
Tags: Family, Gift Guide, Holiday, Shop, Things To Do