Five Local Shops For Gift Giving Essentials

Getting into the spirit of the holidays can be made easier by shopping early and keeping it local. From unique toys, designer handbags, accessories, customized artist-wear, jewelry and memorabilia, there is something for everyone on your holiday gift giving list.

There are some great finds in smaller, local mom and pop shops located practically right in our own backyard.

Danvers Patch has got you covered. We’ve compiled a short-list of five shops every shopper needs to check out during this holiday season to help find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

1: Green Elephant Toy Store: Their unique and timeless toys with a nod to nostalgia is just ones of the things that makes Green Elephant Toy Store in Danvers Square special. There is a huge selection of modern toys with three bays Lego kits, baby dolls, Klutz crafting books, Radio Flyer ride on toys and Gund plush baby toys as well.

“When toys are great, they are much more than just fun," said company founder Jack Schylling. "They can take you on an adventure. They can teach you about new things. They can bring friends together. A great toy makes memories that can stay with you the rest of your life."

Paperless item tracking, loyalty incentives and always free gift wrapping are the icing on the cake.

2: Partridge Tree Gift Shop: With their large selection of Vera Bradley bags and wallets, Miraposa dinnerware, jewelry, scarves, gloves, hats and ladies clothing and accessories, Partridge Tree Gift Shop in Danvers Square should be a top destination this holiday season. Bonus for the tired shopper? Partridge Tree has free gift wrapping.

3: Ben Franklin Tees: Recently featured in our business spotlight section of Danvers Patch, Ben Franklin Tees located at 467 Maple St. behind Supino's Restaurant, Joe Schulte has 850 square feet of retail and work space, featuring a showroom packed with exclusive artist Tees like Noize Clothing, which is locally produced, musically-inspired urban street wear. Plus, there's one of a kind artwork, sculptures and even music from local bands.

4: The Country Store: The Country Store & Wine Shoppe located at 5 Wenham St. is owned and operated by Alison and her husband Louis Nguyen. Alison has mastered the art of jewelry design and has been selling her custom pieces in the shop since 2010. With modern elements like silver plated swirls and dragonfly charms, interlaced with traditional rhinestones and sparkly beads, her unique and reasonably priced drop earrings, and crystal bracelets and necklaces make the perfect gift for the holidays.

5: Little Shop of Treasures: Little Shop of Treasures is a one-of-a-kind gift shop located in the Liberty Tree Mall that sells vintage toys, collectibles, gifts, comic books and much more. Owner Angela Petrelis keeps her little shop stocked with items from yesteryear like diecast cars, toy train sets, E.T. board-games, Star Wars collectibles, Care Bears, Smurfs and Strawberry Shortcake dolls and Shirley Temple memorabilia.