Within the island’s historic setting, Nantucket hosts a vibrant merchant community. While many stores close up shop for the off season, visitors and locals alike enjoy phenomenal shop offerings in the summer months. With warmer days just around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite housewarming gifts for when your loved ones arrive. Whether someone has just bought a home or is renting for their first summer season, a thoughtful, locally-sourced gift is the perfect welcome. Follow below for a list of items from the island’s artists, crafters, and extraordinary shops.
Gifts to Enjoy Inside the Home
Hydrangeas are one of Nantucket’s most identifying features. Although hydrangeas grow all over the island, gorgeous bouquets can be purchased right in town at Flowers on Chestnut located on 1 Chestnut Street. The Soothing Fog arrangement (pictured) is one of many unique hydrangea bouquets crafted by Flowers. Image from Flowers on Chestnut.
Unicorn Mills, a peppermill brand founded by local Tom David, makes some of the most coveted pepper grinders. Grinders come in two models, the Magnum and the Magnum Plus. You can find Unicorn products at 60 Old Quidnet Milk Route or on Amazon. Image from Tom David Inc.
Gift and Box Nantucket is a local boutique that showcases over 100 artisans from across the island (and globe!). The store allows customers to build gift boxes with unique home and care items, including mugs sets, tea towels, and bath salts. Gift and Box Nantucket is located at 5 Washington Street. Image from Gift and Box Nantucket.
If your loved one is a chef (or simply loves to cook up a great summer meal), visit the Marine Home Center on 134 Orange Street to find a lobster pot. Image from Food.com.
Nantucket is home to an incredible range of artists in several genres. From surf photography at Dan Lemaitre’s Gallery on 26 Easy Street to atypical modern art at Samuel Owen Gallery on 40 Centre Street, a perfect piece of artwork for every homeowner is available on island. Image by Dan Lemaitre.
Head into Bodega on 2 Candle Street to find a welcome mat (among several other beautiful home furnishings). From bedding to table accessories, Bodega boasts a unique selection of home items. Image from Bodega.
For coffee table books and other gorgeous house fittings, the Nantucket Looms is your one-stop shop. Find the Looms on 51 Main Street.
Nantucket Sailors’ Valentines are historically cherished island creations. Each design kit is unique, giving full creative freedom to its crafter. Visit Nantucket Sailors’ Valentines website to purchase a kit. Image from Nantucket Sailors’ Valentines.
Gifts to Enjoy Outside the Home
If you’ve explored around town, you’ve noticed colorful doors and various adornments at nearly every doorstep. Find a timeless Michael Healy Brass Scallop Door Knocker at It’s a Shore Thing on 12 Straight Wharf, Marine Home Center on 134 Orange Street, or Nantucket Housefitters on 16 Sparks Avenue. Image from Michael Healy.
Nantucket quarterboards, which adorn almost every homefront, are available for custom crafting at a number of locations. Personalized quarterboards can be found at Nantucket QuarterBoards and Signs on 7 West Way, Petty Folk Art and Carving on 7C Hanabea Lane, or Sign Here Nantucket on 45 Old South Road. Image from Petty Folk Art and Carving.
Engraved rocks are a quintessential island gift.
If you’ve ever been on Nantucket, you’ve noticed a flagpole at many homes. Commercial grade fiberglass flagpoles and flags can be purchased locally at Island Flagpoles on 17 Tomahawk Road. The company installs and services their products with personal service given to each customer. Image from Island Flagpoles.
If you’re looking for an ever-lasting home gift, check out Nantucket Weathervanes. Handcrafted from copper and brass, these weathervanes are not only beautiful, but also durable against Nantucket’s colder months.
Gifts to Enjoy at the Beach
“Shut the Box” is a quintessential Nantucket-themed game. The box can be found at the Hub on 31 Main Street. Image from the Hub.
During Nantucket’s hot summer months, a Yeti cooler is an essential beach accessory. Stroll into The Haulover on 7 Salem Street for a plethora of Yeti brand and other related beach products. Image from Yahoo.
Like Yeti coolers, beach chairs and umbrellas are a coastal (and Nantucket homeowner) necessity. Find these items at Nantucket Beach Chair Co, Force 5 Watersports on 6 N Union Street or at Marine Home Center on 134 Orange Street Image from Nantucket Beach Chair Co.
Unsurprisingly, clamming is one of Nantucket’s most popular activities. Head into the Tidal Creeks Ship Store on 3 Square Rigger Road (right next to the Town Pier) to find any homeowner’s clamming, fishing, or ocean-related needs. Image from Tidal Creeks.
Born in Boston and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Emma has spent every summer on Nantucket since childhood. Emma currently attends Boston College where she studies Finance and Marketing in the Carroll School of Management. She hopes to pursue a career in marketing post-grad. Emma loves to travel, but finds the most joy in appreciating what Nantucket has to offer. When she isn’t assisting with Fisher’s marketing, Emma can be found at the beach!