Shop Small, Shop Local!

Rhode Island is full of artists and small gift shops that have weathered a challenging year, and they need our help this holiday season to enter the next one strong. Francie Eannarino and Shirley Prisco, Motif’s graphic designer and astrologer, respectively, ventured across the state to find some cool, unique gifts from small businesses and artist co-ops. Their favorite spots to find special gifts for friends and loved ones are listed below, along with some of Francie’s and Shirley’s personal favorite items from these businesses.

FOR THE ART LOVER

Made In Warren
476 Main St, Warren
Made in Warren is on a beautiful street for strolling and features local artists’ work. Some of our favorite pieces here were the glass-blown toothbrush (or Sharpie) holders made by Jim Chlebecek. Necessary? Not quite. Beautiful? Absolutely.

South County Art Association
2587 Kingstown Rd, Kingston
SCAA is not having their usual annual holiday sale; however, their gallery and gift shop are open throughout the season. We fell in love with the organic feel of these hand-made plates and the feathery leaves that adorn them.

Wickford Art Association
35 Beach St, North Kingston
This women-led association is having their annual Shop Small Works sale until December 22. The sale consists of locally crafted artwork – mainly small paintings, including this adorable Wickford Cat by Rhonda Melucci.

FOR THE ASTROLOGER

Hot Point Emporium
39 State St, Bristol
This charming shop features 36 local artists and is noted for its restored Hotpoint sign (see story here). The Zodiac magnets crafted by Jennifer Charleson caught Motif‘s astrologer’s eye.  

FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALIST

Craftland
212 Westminster St, PVD
Craftland boasts an unusual and eclectic inventory made by local artists. A gift that caught our eye was the Conservation To Go Reusable Drink Kit. Each kit features a metal straw with its own cleaner, along with a sticker of an at-risk animal hand drawn by RI native Laurelin Sitterly.

FOR THE COOK

Sassy Mama Cuisine
132 Mendon Rd, Cumberland
This shop features an amazing array of spices, rubs, sauces, dips, spreads and more, and they’ll help you craft a delicious gift basket for any occasion. 

FOR THE SPIRITUAL FRIEND

White Light Book Store
1462 Park Ave, Cranston
After 40 years in business, this is a mainstay on the RI scene. You can find archangels, stones, incense, artifacts and the finest selection of astrology books in Rhode Island. This shop features gifts for believers of all kinds, from Christian to Pagan.

Wicked Zelda’s
879 Smithfield Ave, Lincoln
For all your Wiccan needs. This shop features items handcrafted by Zelda, along with crystals and herbs. New items arrive every week.

FOR ALL YOUR OTHER COOL FRIENDS

Imagine Gift Store
5 Miller St, Warren 
The venue was at one time a movie theater and at another time a YMCA — there’s still a pool in the basement. Imagine features three full floors of assorted curios and fun items for all ages.