Welcome to SOHO MINI’s Third Consecutive Holiday Gift Guide!
Every year since I’ve started this blog, I have created this to share for holiday gift inspiration. Like clock work, right around when I know I’m supposed to get started on making this thing—I get inspired by something meaningful that is happening in my life. This year, it was getting reallll close to the wire and nothing was hitting me for the theme. I almost considered not doing it because, well, this year being this year and a part of me was a little sad that I wouldn’t be able to use NYC as my inspiration like I had done in previous years.
That’s when I began literally looking around myself for an idea and I told myself, ‘think about what you have instead of what you don’t.’ This sounds corny but gratitude is what birthed this gift guide! It was like a huge wake-up call that suddenly I realized where I am living right now IS the inspiration I was looking for. Never in a million years did I think I’d be living on the North Shore of Long Island right now but here I am, surrounded by incredible business that make this place so special. It just felt right to make this year’s guide focused on where I came from.
After doing a good amount of research on these recommendations, I’m positive that almost anyone can find something for themselves or for someone you care about, even if you’re not on the island. All of these are true small businesses and most practice some sort of sustainability methods and/or sell products are that ethically made.
Low Budget Gifts ($-$$)
Briarmere Farm in Riverhead, NY
Briermere Farms - If you ever come to the east end of Long Island and do only one thing, please make a stop and order a pie from here. You will not be disappointed and neither will anyone receiving a Briermere Pie! They have an online shop where you can purchase jams, jellies, butter, and syrups but the pie is only in person.
Life on Mars Beauty - Toxic-free make up, skincare, and beauty products. I love the story behind why this brand was created. The founder, Cynthia, created a safe beauty product line for cancer patients to use so that they weren’t putting any questionable ingredients on their bodies and be able to still feel confident. I personally love their lip glosses! Great for any beauty guru in your life.
Milkwayz Ice Cream - Because ice cream is life and everyone should be able to enjoy it. You may have heard me talk about this local ice cream shop because they offer dairy-free ice cream so now Jordan and I can both get something sweet for ourselves! This is a perfect gift-card idea for co-workers or could be a stocking stuffer for anyone that likes ice cream.
Mid Budget Gifts ($$-$$$)
Mint in Mattituck, NY
Banana Peel Skincare - for the person that always wants a facial. This is the perfect gift for your friend, family member, or whomever that really values their skincare routine. DM to make an appointment with Anna, but be mindful that she does book quickly!
Long Island in a Box - a local Long Island subscription and gift box service?! Say no more. We love a subscription box, but even more so one filled with local businesses and brands. My favorite ones are this “Home for the Holidays” box and the Spa Gift Box.
Mint - Long Island has MANY places to eat and visit, but the good clothing boutiques are far and few between. I’ve visited the Mint clothing boutique in Stony Brooke Village many times, but my sister and I visited the Mattituck location for the first time which is where they got started. They carry some awesome designer brands, which is nice to have locally instead of schlepping all the way to the mall.
Origin of Era - Lots of love for Origin of Era, a clothing boutique located in Bayshore that is dedicated to selling women owned brands + small batch designers, close to nothing is mass produced. Hip hop hooray for sustainability! I love love love the owner Renee, who surely convinced me I needed multiple items for myself instead of buying gifts for others. #oops
Paper Doll Vintage - Highly recommend for fantastic vintage finds, another great way to shop sustainably. Their price points range from low to high end pieces at their locations.
Roanoke Vineyards - For those who are too busy to go to the traditional vineyard setting for the day. Try taking this busy AF person to the Roanoke Vineyard Wine Shop on Love Lane. They have a ‘drive-thru’ window where you can purchase a glass of wine and select different food pairings for your glass (or bottle). Also, this cuteeee set up outside is worth it for the pictures!
Shinn Estate Vineyards - This is on here TWICE and you’ll see why…I’m including it in this section for their wine that you can order online. I tasted their 2018 vintage blend and it was amazing. Even my sister who is not a red wine drinker loved it! Highly recommend this particular vineyard because they practice sustainable farming with minimal intervention.
Big Budget Gifts ($$$$)
Mitchell’s - a high-end designer boutique located in Huntington. They have a pretty significant men’s collection because it originated as a mens clothing boutique before they added womens. They carry some of my favorite designers like Jonathan Simkhai and Veronica Beard to name a few. Definitely put on the wish list from a significant other or yourself! ;)
Shinn Estate Vineyards - Making another appearance on this list, this time for their beautiful Farmhouse Inn. It’s located on the North Fork of Long Island, which if you haven’t been, is truly a special and peaceful place. It’s a totally different vibe compared to the South Fork (aka the Hamptons), and much quieter. You get a complimentary wine tasting with your stay and a country breakfast. Definitely on my bucket list to stay here and I live very close at the moment LOL.
As Jordan and I are starting to wrap up our time here and starting the process of moving back to the city, this is my ‘love letter’ to all that’s good on Long Island. It’s been quite a ride and maybe one day in the future we will be permanent residents. But for now, I am thankful for these businesses who truly make this place what it is.
Comment below which business you’d like to try or if you have one that I didn’t mention here, I’d love to learn about more!
xox SOHO MINI
Turtleneck - Reformation, Shorts - Agolde Denim, Belt - Origin of Era, Booties - Paris Texas