Written in partnership with George Rotsch
With the holiday shopping season’s arrival, traveling to the mall or the outlets to search for the perfect gift may seem daunting. Instead of taking the trek in traffic to a big box store this holiday season, consider looking no further than Milford.
“Whenever you shop at a local store, you keep money in our local community,” Sade Truiett, Downtown Milford Coordinator, said. “For every dollar spent at a small business about two-thirds of that stays in the local economy while big box stores keep less than half in the area. Small businesses also create as much as 66 percent of new jobs.”
In the first of a series of “Milford Holiday Gift Finds,” local merchants describe items they feel are perfect for your gift-giving needs.
Second Street Players has a wide range of theater productions planned for 2026. The Diary of Anne Frank is planned for January 30 through February 8 with Cheaper by the Dozen scheduled for March 20 through 29. Tickets for both plays go on sale December 22. Purchase tickets online through the Second Street Players website.
If you have a vinyl lover on your gift list, Shock Vinyl, located at 39 North Walnut Street, Suite 102, which is inside Penny Square, has exactly what you need. For under $40, purchase a vinyl copy of the Beatles Abbey Road album. They also have vintage toys, instruments and concert photographs taken by owner Marc Clery. Learn more by finding them on Facebook, calling 302-7425-4422 or via email.
The comic book lover, gamer or Pokemon collector on your list will find everything they want at Red Bandana. The store is like Santa’s Workshop for nerds with back-issue comics, retro toys, video games and the ever-popular Pokemon cards. Find them at 3 North Walnut Street or find out more on Facebook.
Milford boasts the only Irish shop in the state and Irish Rose Gift Shop does not disappoint. One of their most popular items is their Aran Woollen Mills sweater, created in County Mayo from 100 percent natural Merino wool. This is a timeless, warm gift that will bring out anyone’s Celtic charm. Irish Rose Gift Shop is located at 42 North Walnut Street or find them online.
One of Milford’s newest stores, Glasshowes, located at 614 Northwest Front Street in Milford, offers a stained-glass experience. Malinda Howes teaches how to turn sheets of glass into works of art and there is no experience required. They also accept commissions for custom gifts or pick up supplies for your crafty friends. Call 302-396-3266 or find them online.
Open less than a year, Overgrown Plant Market & Workshop is the place to find the perfect living gift for the plant lover in your life. Walking into the store, located in an historic building at 107 North Walnut Street, is like stepping into a jungle. Dalton Carter and Gage Ferriera can help you select plans designed for anyone, whether they have a black thumb or can grow just about anything. Call 302-632-5103 or find them on Facebook.
With a new location at 10 South Walnut Street, North Pole Creamery offers more than 1,500 flavor topping combinations. A gift card is the perfect selection for anyone who wants malted milkshakes, banana splits, dipped waffle cones and even hot dogs. Great stocking stuffer or gift for teachers, babysitters or the teen who is impossible to shop for. Find out more by calling 302-388-0246 or find them on Facebook.
The Farmacy Market features Jam Session Jams which can turn regular toast into a breakfast headliner. Locally made in small batches, Jam Session features unique flavors that make them perfect for gift baskets or stocking stuffers. They are also an excellent addition to charcuterie boards for your holiday party. The Farmacy Market is located at 28 South Walnut Street, Milford. Give them a call at 302-265-2656 or find them online.
Jewelry is always a welcome gift, but wouldn’t it be great to give someone a unique, locally made set of earrings this year? Queenie’s Curios, located at 39 North Walnut Street, Suite 106, one of the Shops in Penny Square, is where boho, vintage and artsy all come together. Find them online or send an email for more information.
At June Bugs Beauty Boutique, a beanie is not just a beanie. The Upcycled LV Pom Beanie, with its sporty pom-pom, has a patch created from actual Louis Vuitton bags. Add style to warmth, pairing the beanie with June Bug’s size-inclusive clothing and everyone will ask where you shop! Find them online, send an email or call 833-912-3042.
Vintage is in right now and you can find the perfect vintage gift at Milford Memories and More. How about an antique cookie jar that reminds someone of their grandmother’s cookies? Milford Memories and More is located at 34 North Walnut Street. Find them on Facebook.
Often, the most meaningful gift is one that has been in your family for generations. A silent mantle clock or your great-grandfather’s pocket watch can be restored to its original condition at It’s About Time. Located at 7 Northwest 2nd Street, It’s About Time specializes in restoring and repairing old clocks. Call 302-222-1007 or find them online.
Next in the series, look for ideas for the foodie in your family, plus much more!
