Vintage books, house plants, tinned fish, ukuleles and more in East Lexington

In this week’s edition of our Local Holiday Gift Guide, we’re heading out of Lexington Center, to explore some of the great gift ideas in East Lexington. (Check out week one and week two of our Local Holiday Gift Guide.)

On our way out of the center, our first stop is at the brand new House 403, at 403 Waltham Street. More than a shopping destination, House 403 is a community gathering space. The lower floor hosts a coffee shop in a greenhouse setting. And in the back, the salon that formerly occupied the space still maintains a presence for their loyal customers. Upstairs, additional seating for coffee shop customers is available in a beautiful library space. A light filled studio on the second floor holds a forest of larger plants, all for sale, and offers classes focused on breathwork, yoga, and sound bath.

What caught my eye:

1. Attractive and well-made garden scissors and snips. Both useful for arranging cut flowers as well as indoor and outdoor gardening.
2. Salty Birds: A hot gift for this year. Each lovely bird sticker in this book comes with its own snarky or silly quotes. I can think of several people on my list who would enjoy this!
3. A wide offering of candles that smell as good as they look.
4. Equally impressive range of vintage inspired glassware. I’d pair one of these sets with a special bottle of wine (maybe from our next stop).
5. Chocolates from Compartés in the cutest woodland animal-themed wrappers and boxes. These would look so pretty under the tree or on a holiday table.
6. Root, Nurture, Grow and an aloe plant to go with it. This book will teach them all about propagating houseplants, and aloe plants are an easy way to get started.
7. Tiny dandelion and sparrow lockets. Sweet necklaces just big enough to hold a small memento of your favorite people. 
8. Any of the assortment of beautiful houseplants. These would all brighten someone’s space during the dark winter days. Some of these large plants upstairs would be a fun and sustainable alternative to a cut tree.

Next stop: Berman’s

My proximity to Berman’s Wine and Spirits is not the only reason I end up buying a lot of gifts here each year. New owner and long-time presence Alex Bluhm has done a wonderful job taking over from Joel and Bonnie Berman, maintaining the high standards of this Lexington institution. Along with wine, beer, and spirits, they have an excellent selection of gourmet food.

This December Berman’s will offer gift baskets for holiday shoppers, and a new “wine of the month club.” Check out the always enjoyable and informative tastings throughout the month, featuring expert importers, brewers, and vintners.

What caught my eye:

1. Colorful hand-dipped candles and equally colorful glass candle-holders.
2. On the hot gift list: Kolsvart candy fish from Sweden. These sought-after candies take “Swedish fish” to a new level.
3. Also on the hot list: tinned fish in beautiful packaging. For extra points you could pair any of these with The Fishwife Cookbook available at Maxima.
4. I love the graphic art on these chocolate bars from Ocelot Chocolate. Perfect for a design lover in your life.
5. Nyakers Gingersnaps: available in pretty tins for gifting or smaller sleeves for a December afternoon snack.
6. Momofuku sauces. It’s amazing how much a high-quality soy sauce can improve simple rice bowls and stir-fries at home. Great for your favorite take-outs too.
7. Pretty Les Anis de Flavigny tins. My favorites are the orange blossom and lemon flavors. All of these candies are a treat.
8. A special bottle of wine or selection of beer for a special person. There are too many excellent options at Bermans for me to pick favorites. Like a good book, a good wine depends very much on your giftee. I recommend asking any of the knowledgeable staff members to help you pick out a bottle.
9. When in doubt: Champagne!

While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to pop into MA France. Any party is elevated with a selection of their incredible desserts. You can also find French chocolates and other gourmet treats to elevate your gift-giving and hosting.

Twelve Trees Books and Twelve Trees Vintage 

These online shops are curated by East Lexington’s Nell Buck. But with a handy location on Mass Ave, local shoppers can enjoy free pick-up and even delivery this December! Free gift wrapping is also included with your purchase. I love shopping vintage, especially when I’m looking for a really unique and special gift. Nell is always available to help shoppers hunt down a perfect gift. Just send an email for her expert advice.

What caught my eye: 

1. A first edition of the Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou. This would make an absolute treasure of a gift.
2. A special edition of a classic series, like these beautifully illustrated Tolkiens, or the works of C.S. Lewis.
3. Beloved children’s books, maybe in the editions that parents will remember from their childhood.
4. Vintage cookbooks with recipes that are still in rotation in my kitchen. See below for gift pairing ideas.
5. This bright yellow balloon dog makes me smile. A little splash of pop art for their home.
6. An adorable, handmade wooden rabbit on wheels. This is such a timeless toy for a toddler to pull around.
7. Vintage enamelware pots. Any of these would be a beautiful gift for anyone setting up a new kitchen. You could pair one with a classic cookbook, pretty dish towels and wooden spoons from Center Goods, or gourmet treats from Berman’s or Wilson’s.
8. Fine bone china, white coffee mugs. With an elegant and modern design these would fit into any kitchen. 

If you have a musician in your life, the Music Emporium is a legendary guitar shop — once a storied gathering space in Harvard Square, now located here in East Lexington. Forgo the surprise and bring your musician along to help choose something — if you know how to play, the knowledgeable staff will let you try out the instruments, and the experience of visiting the place is quite magical. 

And of course, no trip to the east side of Lexington in December is complete without stops at Seasons Four’s Christmas City and the holiday magic at Wilson’s! From greens and trees, to gingerbread extravaganzas, visits with Santa, and ornaments of every description. I highly recommend a visit to Season’s Four to hear the Lexington Madrigal Singers and Lexington Chamber Orchestra.