14 Must-Have Holiday Gifts

So you are diving head first into the choppy waters of holiday shopping and you’re not sure where to start… Well, we have some ideas! The shops in downtown Providence, RI are here to help: from sparkling champagne, to ceramic bowls with PVD architectural icons, the small businesses on Westminster Street provide a unique and exciting variety of options when it comes to gift giving.

In this InDowncity gift guide, we’ve outlined items we absolutely adore, from whimsical merchandise that screams “Rhody,” to a few glittering items that are well worth the splurge.

WEARABLE MUST-HAVES

Model wearing aqua jacket.

Knit Jacket, Queen of Hearts and Modern Love, $99

Quilted and comfy, this fashionable knit jacket brightens up any winter ensemble.

Purple tortoise shell glasses.

90s Tortoise Shell Sunglasses, The Vault Collective, $20

A solid and stylish pair of sunglasses can go a long way! We’re all about these vintage tortoise shell sunnies from The Vault Collective.

Navy crewneck sweatshirt.

Civil Crewneck, Civil, $42

Who doesn’t love receiving a brand new, soft and warm sweatshirt?! With navy material and the subtle and classy Civil logo, this crewneck is a great gift for anyone on your list!

Green dangly earrings.

Earrings, Queen of Hearts and Modern Love, $56

Acrylic earrings are always a great gift, especially ones as likely to make a statement as these.

Jean jacket on mannequin.

80s Jean Jacket, The Vault Collective, $78

Jean jackets are versatile and a wardrobe staple. If someone you know and love is missing this vintage piece, now is the time to help them add it to their closet!

SOMETHING SWEET MUST-HAVES

Golden bottle of champagne.

Louis Roederer - Brut Champagne Cristal, Eno Fine Wines, $315

If there was ever a year to celebrate with expensive, sparkling, and unbelievably delicious champagne, 2021 is it!

Book cover of "Instructions for Dancing" by Nicola Yoon

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon, Symposium Books, In-Store

Tales of love are timeless and always a good gift! Head to Symposium Books to pick up one of Abby from InDowncity’s favorite young adult reads of 2021.

Milk chocolate and peppermint in dark chocolate bars.

Milk Chocolate Bar & Peppermint in Dark Chocolate Bar, Serendipity Gourmet, In-Store

The chocolate bar selection at Serendipity Gourmet on Weybosset Street is truly breathtaking. We would not survive long without the gift of luxury chocolate!

RHODY, RHODY, RHODY MUST-HAVES

Black mug with sea creature in Providence.

Providence Mug, Craftland, $16

Sea creatures and Providence’s iconic Manchester Street Power Station? On a mug!? This is an amusing and useful addition to any Rhode Island—or beloved visitor’s—kitchen cabinet.

Rhode Island Coaster, Homestyle, $6.50

With images of Rhode Island landmarks—the Superman building, State House, Newport Bridge, and more—these charming coasters complement any coffee table.

White and blue ceramic bowl with image of Providence power plant.

Ceramic Hand Painted Bowl, Craftland, $19

These sweet mini bowls are thrown right in Rhode Island! (Hence all the fantastic Rhody icons on each.)

EXTRACURRICULAR MUST-HAVES

Pink skateboard with blue and white stickers that read "hello my name is" and "Civil."

Civil Skateboard Deck, Civil, $45

If there’s a need for a new skateboard deck, support your local skate shop with a vibrant and original deck from Civil!

Black and light blue Symposium Books tote.

Symposium Books Tote, Symposium Books, $19.99

All readers need a sturdy bag to store their books in while they’re on the go… Make sure the reader in your life is representing Providence with a classy tote from Symposium Books!

Bluetooth speaker with wooden exterior and vintage style antenna and FM radio knob.

Rosewood Bluetooth Speaker, Homestyle, $125

Music can be used as a tool to soothe or celebrate. If the music listener on your list is looking to up their portable speaker game, this vintage style bluetooth speaker projects beautifully (and looks beautiful too)!


Looking for more recommendations for shopping local in downtown Providence? Check out our gift guides!

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