A Designer’s Guide to the Best Local Holiday Gifts in Newton & Boston
Looking for thoughtful holiday gifts in Newton and Boston? We've rounded up some of our favorite local shops, markets and artist destinations for gifts that feel a little more personal from beautiful home accessories and design books to artisan-made objects and original art.
As a Newton-based interior design studio, we're always discovering local sources through our work. Some of these are places we turn to when sourcing for DFI Interiors projects; others are simply neighborhood favorites we return to for our own homes, friends and family.
If you're hoping to shop locally this holiday season, consider this our designer's guide to a few of the places we think are well worth a visit.
Artefact - SoWa, Boston
Why We Love It: Artefact is one of our favorite stops for distinctive, elevated home décor. Think sculptural vases, beautiful pillows, furniture and objects that feel collected rather than mass-produced.
Designer Find: Artefact carries Verellen, one of our favorite luxury furniture lines and a brand we frequently turn to when sourcing for DFI projects.
1317 Washington St Boston MA 02118
Comina — Wellesley & Concord
Nothing beats the smile of Linda, the manager from the Concord Comina Store. Not to mention how lovely it is to just hang out on Main street in Concord during a nice and crisp winter afternoon!
Why We Love It: There's something special about shopping at Comina, especially the Concord location, where Linda always makes a visit feel personal. Pair it with a walk down Main Street on a crisp winter afternoon and it makes for a lovely holiday-shopping outing.
Designer Find: British Colour Standard candles, Walter G pillows, Chilewich pieces, throws, lighting and small home accessories.
566 Washington St # A, Wellesley, MA 02482, 9 Walden St, Concord, MA 01742
Newtonville Books - Newton
Located in Newton Center, it is the perfect location to spend time in this area full of nice shops from Tatte, to nail salons, ice cream shops and consignement stores!
Why We Love It: An independent bookstore is one of our favorite places to find a gift that feels genuinely personal. Newtonville Books has an excellent selection of fiction and nonfiction, along with design books, puzzles, mugs, calendars and smaller finds that make easy hostess or teacher gifts.
It's also perfectly located for an afternoon in Newton Centre. Grab coffee, browse the surrounding shops and make a little outing of it.
Location : 10 Langley Rd, Newton, MA 02459
SoWa Artist Studios — Boston
This is special place that will give you Holiday vibes and help support local artists.
Why We Love It: For someone who would rather receive something truly one-of-a-kind, the artist studios at SoWa are one of our favorite places to browse. The building is filled with working artists and offers the opportunity to discover original pieces directly from their creators.
Designer Find: We've sourced artwork here for DFI clients, and it's one of those places where you can arrive without knowing exactly what you're looking for and leave having discovered something completely unexpected. Four floors filled with artists' studios that open their doors every first Friday of the month (5-9 pm) and every Sunday. This is where we often source unique pieces for our luxury interior design clients.
Location: 450 & 550 Harrison Avenue, Boston MA
Situation in the artsy neighbourhood of SOWA, the studios at 450 Harrison Ave are a must visit for art lovers.
Greentail Table - Newton
Why We Love It: Greentail Table is a charming Newton shop for anyone who loves entertaining, cooking or simply finding something unexpected for the home. Their assortment has a distinctly Scandinavian sensibility, with colorful tabletop pieces, servingware, vases, cookbooks and clever kitchen accessories.
Designer Find: A beautiful serving bowl, colorful glassware, an interesting vase or a cookbook paired with something for the kitchen.
Location: 343 Watertown St, Newton, MA 02458
About us
DFI Interiors is a full-service interior design studio based in Newton, Massachusetts, serving clients throughout Greater Boston. Led by principal designer Dominique Fowler, we create layered, highly personal interiors that balance beauty, function and the character of the people who live in them.
Many of the local shops, makers and artists we discover become part of our sourcing library because some of the most memorable pieces in a home are the ones with a story behind them.
Planning a home project? Explore our interior design services and portfolio.
