A curated guide to building the perfect Vermont Holiday gift basket.
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
The holiday season in Vermont is a time of giving, gathering, and celebrating the things that bring us joy—and there’s no better way to share the magic of the season than gifting a carefully-curated holiday gift basket filled with locally made, artisanal treasures! Whether you’re gifting to friends, family, or colleagues, a Vermont-themed gift basket not only showcases the state’s finest makers—it also provides a meaningful way to capture the warmth and beauty of the Holiday season.
From hand-poured candles, gorgeous wooden boards, and beautifully crafted ceramics to gourmet cheeses and locally brewed beverages, Vermont offers everything needed to create the perfect gift basket.
To help inspire your own gift-giving this season, we’ve partnered with J.K. Adams—a world-renowned Vermont home goods store - currently celebrating their 80th anniversary in business. At J.K. Adams’ flagship store in Dorset, you’ll find everything from their iconic wooden kitchenware to Vermont-made food products, beverages, and home goods, making it the perfect one-stop shop for creating your ultimate holiday gift basket. In addition, we have curated an assortment of many of our favorite Vermont-made products from other makers and businesses, made with care by specialists and craftspeople at some of the finest establishments throughout the Green Mountain State. These stellar selections are sure to spark feelings of joy and wonderment in all who receive them, providing a happy holiday for friends and loved ones in Vermont and far beyond!
Decorative Charms
Whether you’re crafting a thoughtful gift basket for your friends and loved ones or looking to elevate your own home, local Vermont artisan makers offer showstopping decorative pieces that blend elegance with the natural charm of the Green Mountain State. Ardent Flame Candles are hand-poured candles made in Bennington. Crafted with soy wax and lead-free wicks, the candles are both environmentally friendly and long-lasting. Each candle’s fragrance captures the natural essence of Vermont, from the crisp scent of evergreen forests to the warm and cozy aroma of a fireside cabin. These candles are available in a range of inviting scents at J.K. Adams, and are perfect for creating a soft, welcoming glow during the holiday season. Whether placed on a mantle or used as part of a festive centerpiece, they offer a simple, yet elegant way to enhance the atmosphere of any room.
For a decorative piece that doubles as functional art for holiday parties and other occasions throughout the year, look no further than Laura Zindel’s exquisite nature-inspired ceramic and wooden pieces. A renowned Vermont artist, Zindel brings the beauty of the outdoors into the home with her intricately detailed, hand-painted designs that adorn everything from serving platters to bowls and vases, including several distinctive pieces made in collaboration with J.K. Adams. Featuring botanical motifs such as ferns, wildflowers, and woodland creatures, Zindel’s pieces are timeless and sophisticated. Adding one of her signature platters or bowls to a holiday gift basket enhances its visual appeal, offering the recipient a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art. Her creations are ideal for entertaining during the holidays, whether used to serve dishes or simply as a conversation-starting accent on the dining table.
If you’re looking to add another element of Vermont artisanal elegance to your basket, consider including one of the iconic Simon Pearce glass trees. Handblown at their glassworks in Quechee, these striking glass trees have become synonymous with holiday décor in Vermont, and they are available at the J.K. Adams flagship store. They come in a variety of sizes and textures, and each one is a true work of art. Whether placed on the holiday table, displayed on a windowsill, or given as a gift, Simon Pearce glass trees add a festive sparkle. In addition to the glass trees, their collection of glassware and barware, also available at J.K. Adams, can elevate any holiday gathering, making their pieces a thoughtful and luxurious addition to a holiday gift basket.
For those who appreciate local craftsmanship with a bit of a modern twist, Bennington Potters offers beautifully made, functional ceramics that combine Vermont tradition with contemporary design influences. Their Rimmed Serving Bowls and Harvest Bowls are sold at J.K. Adams, and they are perfect for holiday meals or everyday use. Bennington Potters’ pieces reflect a deep connection to Vermont’s artisan history, and their distinctive stoneware designs will complement any table setting.
Another thoughtful touch for any basket is April Cornell linens, which are also available at J.K. Adams. Known for their vibrant patterns and luxurious textiles, April Cornell’s tablecloths, napkins, and placemats bring an explosion of color and warmth to any holiday table. Their designs often feature bold floral motifs, rich colors, and vintage-inspired patterns that can be layered with wooden accents from J.K. Adams to create a beautifully styled holiday dining experience.
Warm and Fuzzy
When building the perfect Vermont-themed holiday gift basket, don’t overlook the practical and luxurious comfort of Darn Tough socks. Handcrafted in Northfield, Vermont, and known for their unparalleled durability, these socks are the epitome of high-quality Vermont craftsmanship.
Darn Tough socks are made with fine-gauge Merino wool, which naturally wicks moisture, making them perfect for any adventure. Whether worn for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or just staying cozy, their socks are designed for comfort, performance, and resilience. Popular models, like their hiking socks, offer long-lasting wear and cushioning, making them a perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts.
For a more playful touch, Darn Tough’s lifestyle line showcases vibrant designs, featuring whimsical motifs like llamas, foxes, and sloths—ideal for adding some personality to your gift basket. With a lifetime guarantee, Darn Tough socks are not only a gift of comfort but a promise of long-term quality.
Nothing brings people stronger feelings of holiday joy and connection than a cuddly companion from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Handcrafted in Shelburne, these beloved bears have become iconic gifts for all ages, bringing warmth and smiles to both children and adults for generations. Vermont Teddy Bear’s classic bears come in a variety of sizes and styles, with options that range from soft, realistic faux fur to playful Holiday-themed designs.
For those looking to make a more personal holiday connection, Vermont Teddy Bear also offers customizable options, with embroidered names, messages, or important dates on their bears. These personalized touches make the gift even more meaningful, turning every teddy bear into a cherished keepsake.
Form and Function
J.K. Adams’ finely crafted wooden kitchenware has been a staple in homes in Vermont and beyond for 80 years. Their Turnabout Board is a must-have for anyone who enjoys cooking and entertaining. A favorite on America’s Test Kitchen, this board is fully reversible, and it is designed to make carving holiday roasts or slicing fresh-baked bread a breeze. Its solid maple construction and tasteful design make it a stunning addition to any kitchen—as well as a welcome gift to send alongside any Vermont holiday basket. As Sean Osborne, Marketing Director at J.K. Adams, explains, “Our boards are designed to be as practical as they are beautiful—perfect for both prepping and displaying your holiday creations.”
For those who enjoy hosting, the Artisan Maple Round Serving Board is another versatile piece. Whether you’re serving up a rustic cheese spread, fresh charcuterie, or even a holiday dessert, this board showcases the beauty of Vermont craftsmanship. Its smooth, elegant finish makes it the ideal foundation for creating stunning food presentations. If cheese boards are your go-to, the Shelburne Cheese Board is specifically designed for showcasing Vermont’s best cheeses. Pair it with artisan fromagerie selections from Grafton Village Cheese or Jasper Hill Farm, and you’ve got a thoughtful and delectable gift.
For the baking enthusiast, J.K. Adams’ French-style Rolling Pin is a kitchen essential. Its sleek, tapered design allows for precise rolling, making it ideal for preparing pie crusts or holiday pastries. For those who prefer a simpler, beginner-friendly option, the dowel-style rolling pin offers great control and has been highly praised by America’s Test Kitchen. These beautifully crafted tools will be appreciated by any home cook, ensuring that every batch of holiday cookies or pie crusts is rolled to perfection. (Speaking of cookies, see our story on Ann Clark cookie cutters on page 30, also available at J.K. Adams).
A Taste of Vermont
No Vermont-themed gift basket would be complete without a selection of the state’s finest artisanal foods. A culinary treasure trove of local flavors, Vermont offers everything from savory cheeses to sweet preserves, making it easy to create a delicious and thoughtfully curated basket that captures the essence of the Green Mountain State.
Start with the foundation of any great Vermont gift basket: cheese.
Vermont’s cheesemakers are renowned for their craftsmanship, and no selection would be complete without an assortment from Grafton Village Cheese, Plymouth Cheese, Jasper Hill Farm, and the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company. From the sharp tang of Grafton Village’s award-winning cheddar to the creamy richness of Jasper Hill, these cheeses offer a range of flavors that are sure to impress. Pair them with Stowe Crackers, made locally in Vermont with high-quality ingredients that enhance the cheeses’ flavors. A basket filled with this dynamic duo will satisfy any cheese lover, and the balance of textures and flavors will make it the star of any holiday gathering.
To complement the savory cheese offerings, a touch of sweetness is essential. Blake Hill Preserves and Sidehill Farm are two of Vermont’s premier producers of jams, chutneys, and preserves that perfectly capture the bounty of the state’s seasons. Whether you opt for the tart, fresh flavors of Blake Hill Preserves’ finest jams or the warmth of Sidehill Farm’s Apple Butter, these spreads elevate the cheese and crackers combination to a new level of Vermont splendor. Imagine spreading tangy jam over a slice of sharp cheddar on a crisp cracker—there’s no better way to enjoy the flavors of Vermont.
For those who love to cook or enjoy the ease of quick, delicious meals, Halladay’s Harvest Barn soup and dip mixes are a must-have. Known for their high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, Halladay’s offers an array of mixes that make it easy to whip up comforting, home-style dishes with little effort. For a quick and easy appetizer, their Caramelized Onion Dip Mix adds a touch of gourmet flair to any gathering. These mixes not only taste great, but they also bring the feel of Vermont’s farm-to-table culture into your home, making them perfect for the busy holiday season.
For a taste of glorious, savory satisfaction, be sure to include some of the state’s finest snacks, like Vermont Smoke & Cure meats or Vermont Salumi’s artisanal salamis. These high-quality, slow-cured meats are the perfect addition to any charcuterie board, offering robust flavors that pair nicely with the state’s famous cheeses and crackers. Whether you’re gifting to a gourmet enthusiast or simply adding variety to any basket, these savory treats are sure to please.
For those who love to bake—or simply want to offer the gift of some of Vermont’s finest pancakes—consider including Halladay’s Harvest Barn pancake mixes. Butternut Mountain Pancake Mix also pairs beautifully with any bottle of maple syrup, creating the perfect combination for a classic Vermont breakfast. The light, fluffy pancakes made from these mixes will leave a lasting impression, and they offer a simple, yet delicious way to enjoy Vermont’s finest ingredients at home.
Feeding the Soul
When assembling the perfect Vermont-themed gift basket, why stop at food and home goods? Adding a touch of local culinary wisdom and artistic flair can elevate your gift basket into something truly memorable. The Vermont cookbooks available at J.K. Adams, such as The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook and My Vermont Table, bring a taste of the state’s celebrated farm-to-table movement right into the kitchen. These cookbooks offer more than just recipes—they tell the story of Vermont’s rich agricultural traditions, inspiring the recipient to explore the flavors and ingredients of the region. Add On Board, a guide to creating showstopping charcuterie and grazing boards, and you’ll have the perfect companion to your beautiful wooden serving pieces, which are also available at J.K. Adams.
Looking to expand your gift basket beyond culinary delights and cookbooks? Manchester’s own Northshire Bookstore is the ideal destination. Situated in the heart of town, this beloved independent bookstore’s flagship location offers a thoughtfully-curated selection of reading materials, from cookbooks to novels to art books. Add a few literary treasures or perhaps a local history book, and you’ve given a gift that both nourishes the body and feeds the mind. Northshire also carries beautiful stationery and journals, perfect for capturing ideas or reflecting on life’s peaceful moments—ideal additions to a truly Vermont-inspired gift basket.
Just over the border from Southern Vermont in the scenic town of Eagle Bridge, New York, Mt. Nebo Gallery is home to the stunning artwork of Will Moses, a fourth-generation artist from the renowned “Grandma Moses” family. The gallery, nestled in a charming countryside setting, is just a stone’s throw from Bennington County. It offers beautiful prints and original works that celebrate rural life. Will Moses’ Americana-style paintings capture the timeless beauty of the region.
The region’s enduring connection to the Moses family’s ongoing artistic legacy is also celebrated at the nearby Bennington Museum, which has recently added to its incredible collection of Grandma Moses paintings with a stunning new exhibit. The exhibit reframes Grandma Moses’ artistic impact in a new and refreshing context, offering novel perspectives on the legacy of the artist.
For those who appreciate handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items, EPOCH Artisans Gallery in Manchester features products that can round out your Vermont gift basket in marvelous ways. Housed in a welcoming building, EPOCH features an impressive collection of fine art, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more, all of which are created by local, Vermont artisans and artists. Each piece tells a story of Vermont’s vibrant artisan community, making any selection from EPOCH a meaningful and unique gift.
Toast the Season!
As you curate your gift basket, don’t forget to add a selection of Vermont’s finest beverages. For a refreshing, alcohol-free option, include bottles of Aqua ViTea Kombucha, which is scientifically alcohol-extracted and made with sustainable ingredients, or TOST Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which offer a wonderful alternative to traditional, alcoholic, celebratory libations. These drinks offer sophisticated flavors that are perfect for guests who prefer lighter, alcohol-free options.
For beer lovers, Vermont is known for its craft breweries, and no gift basket is complete without a selection of local brews. Be sure to include cans or bottles from Lawson’s Finest Liquids or The Alchemist, two of the state’s most celebrated breweries. Both offer an array of IPAs and other craft beers that showcase Vermont’s dedication to quality brewing.
And for those who enjoy spirits, Smugglers’ Notch Distillery offers a range of locally made, small-batch spirits, from bourbon to vodka. Whether it’s for sipping by the fire or mixing into a festive cocktail, Vermont’s craft beverage scene offers something for everyone. For the coffee lover, consider including some java from Dorset-based Tall Cat Coffee, a locally focused Vermont roaster that offers bold flavors sure to please any coffee connoisseur.
By assembling a Vermont-themed holiday gift basket, you’re not just giving presents—you’re sharing the story of Vermont’s rich artisanal heritage. Each handcrafted item, from elegant kitchenware to delicious Vermont treats, embodies the warmth and authenticity of the Green Mountain State. These beautifully made treasures will create lasting memories, bring a touch of Vermont’s festive spirit into the homes of those you care about most, and make this year’s holiday season truly unforgettable.
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