Greetings!
It's that time of year again -- 'tis the season for turkey, hot toddies and the marlo monthly holiday gift guide! Chock full of creative gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list courtesy of some of our beloved clients, you'll see a familiar theme throughout the suggestions from many of our team members; this year, perhaps more than ever, there's an appreciation for giving the gift of an experience over anything else.
Even if you don't live in markets where these gifts can be found, we hope you'll be inspired to find gifts for your loved ones from similar businesses in your neck of the woods.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and, as we do every November, Happy Shopping!
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Brady. Papi. Kelly. Boston is no stranger to icons. And while the first two most likely won't be sitting under your tree gift-wrapped (major cred to you if I stand corrected), the latter legend is well within reach.
By 'Kelly,' I of course mean Kelly's Roast Beef, one of the region's most Revere'd (I know, I know, I'll see myself out...) cuts of savory nostalgia. This holiday season, I'll be giving the gift of taste and tradition with gift cards (hello, stocking stuffer goals) and catering platters (oh hey, host/hostess goals).
To sum up: This holiday season, Kelly's is my own personal gifting touchdown/grand slam/insert your own sports metaphor here!
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My parents have always killed at the gift-giving game. Growing up, they made it a holiday tradition to take the fam to Broadway; I remember each show like it was yesterday. These trips to NYC have stuck with me throughout the years, which is why this holiday season I'm giving a memorable travel experience back to them. They've been itching to visit Italy, so I'm gifting the next best thing during these uncertain travel times by taking them to Puro Gusto.
This authentic all day Italian café is located mere steps from the White House, the National Mall, iconic monuments, and the Smithsonian Museums. I can think of nothing better than relaxing over espresso, Italian food, and Aperitivo while we catch our breath from the adventures that only D.C. can offer. And since it will be officially opening to the public early next month, I'm even more excited to be one of the first to experience the Italian way of life...without having to wear a mask on a flight for hours!
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If you're as tired of pandemic home cooking as I am, the mere thought of braising, broiling, or baking for the holidays sends shivers down your spine. While good health stands firmly at the top of my wish list, a close runner up is the gift of a mouth-watering meal prepped and served lovingly without me having to lift a Zoom-fatigued finger. Enter the primo pitmasters at Providence-based Durk's B-B-Q.
At a time when the rituals of the past have had to be reimagined for a new normal, why not forgo the usual holiday ham/chicken/tofurkey dinner and instead introduce a new tradition to your merry menu -- that of succulent smoked brisket, delectable ribs, or the unexpected delight of pierogis and poutine (after all, Durk's ain't your typical BBQ joint, y'all). As if you need another reason, reserve a ‘Holiday with Friends’ dining package for your crew by December 1, and you’ll receive a $100 Durk’s gift card. And if you want to pick up a few extra gifts while you’re at it, every $100 gift card purchase comes with an additional $25 gift card.
So whether it's a well-deserved night out, or catering to be enjoyed on your fine holiday china at home, the smoked classics, unique sides, divine desserts, and expansive whiskey menu will most definitely leave visions of sugar plums dancing in your head long after you've left the holiday dinner table!
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Pro tip: When you give out a gift that even one of Hollywood's biggest stars would totally freak out about, you'll win the holiday gift competition. No, we aren't talking about a designer wardrobe, fancy car, or a lux vacay. We're talking about the gift of a lifelong memory (and potentially your most-liked 'gram post ever!) -- the gift of time with a sloth. Yes, you read that correctly. You can give the gift of time with a two-toed tree-dweller at Zoo New England.
Both Franklin Park and Stone Zoo offer exclusive "Behind-The-Scenes Tours" where up to four guests over the age of six have the opportunity to meet select animals, including the world's slowest mammal, and speak with their educational specialists and care staff. This unique and memorable experience is perfect for any and every animal enthusiast -- or celebrity -- on your gift list!
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Let's face it, the holidays are tiring AF. So this year I say treat myself... I mean yourself... to a night off by decking the table with the delicious, chef-crafted selections available from Foodlove Market. The newest member of the Newport Restaurant Group, the Chef-crafted Marketplace & Cafe on Aquidneck Island has everything you need to keep the celebration going with minimal effort from you!
Whether picking up locally sourced, organic meats, cheeses, crackers and all the fixings to create the ultimate charcuterie party board, loading up on Castle Hill Inn's famous chocolate chip cookies for stocking stuffers that will bring your fam back to summers on that famous lawn, or skipping cooking altogether by pre-ordering a selection of fully prepared meals from NRG restaurants, Foodlove Market is your one-stop shop for stress-free and delicious holiday treats all season long.
I'll be stocking up on gift cards during Foodlove's Holiday Gift Card Sale -- for every $500 purchased, get $100 free. Whether I'll give them as gifts or just gift myself remains to be seen but, either way, my family and friends will benefit with good food not prepared by me all year long!
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If your family is anything like mine, they LOVE holiday traditions! This year, bring your loved ones together for a private screening at any Showcase Cinemas location, either for a brand new film or a nostalgic classic, then sit back and relax in their lush reclining seats and let the movie memories begin. Whether it's so you can go guiltlessly mask-free, throw popcorn with abandon at your siblings, or talk throughout the film without being 'shushed' (at least not by a stranger!), just trust us when we tell you that -- after this experience -- your fam's gonna have a new holiday tradition for years to come!
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Hands down one of the coolest things we helped to launch this year was Stoneacre Picnics, from the hospitality geniuses at Stoneacre Hospitality in Newport, Rhode Island. Choose your location (Beach, Cliff Walk, Park, Polo Grounds, Mansion), choose your menu (Rise & Shine, Parisian Lunch, Sunset Chaser, Polo Picnic), add wine and any other extras, and get ready to dine al fresco like you've never dined al fresco before!
So this holiday season I'm going to think ahead and gift my loved ones what promises to be a highlight of Summer 2022 for them... and then sit back and wait to see their gratitude reflected in their Holiday 2022 gift to me!
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As a Midwest-native, Steak 'n Shake was the center of many of my social shenanigans growing up. Now when I head home to Chicago, it's a comforting reminder of those memories -- and the perfect meal for catching up with old friends over classic milkshakes and Steakburgers. If you're in need of a holiday gift for your Midwestern friends and family (hint hint, Mom and Dad), a Steak 'n Shake gift card is a tasty stocking stuffer. And if you're road tripping by any of their hundreds of restaurants across the country this holiday season, treat yourself to a limited time Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshake.... I know I will!
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Maybe it's the extended time with relatives, chilly New England winters or looking ahead to a new year, but my family always seems to develop a strong sense of wanderlust during the holidays. That's why even though we won't be planning a big ol' trip juuuust yet, I'm determined to bring a little #vacay to them this year. So, when I saw the bottled Negroni from Bully Boy Distillers, I immediately knew I had to give the gift of a virtual trip to the Amalfi Coast!
The classic Italian aperitif from Boston's first craft distillery is a perfectly balanced blend of Bully Boy Estate Gin, Brovo Sweet Vermouth, and house-made bitter liqueur that's sure to satisfy any cocktail lover. Not to mention, the gorgeous cherry red hue and stunning label make it the perfect topper for any holiday bar cart. Simply pour over ice, garnish with an orange peel, picture yourself on the Italian seaside and it will be a 'Buone Feste!' for the whole armchair globe-trotting fam!
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The word Stressed spelled backwards is Desserts. And after the past year and a half that we've all had -- conforming to nonstop Zoom work meetings, remote schooling for kids, and the hustle and bustle of everything in between -- we all deserve some sweet treats this holiday season.
If you're someone, like me, who appreciates both culinary and travel experiences over excessive material goods, a gift card to the ridiculously fresh Bakey is pretty much utopia. The new hot spot located across from the Boston Common is straight from Israel with baked goods that could only come from the mind of master baker Uri "Babka" Scheft himself.
So whether it's for your own family's holiday table or a hostess gift that is sure to impress, stop by Bakey for a well-worth-the-calorie indulgence. And, not to worry... the Peloton will still be there tomorrow.
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If there's anything I've learned from the craziness of a global pandemic, it's that I will never take travel for granted again. And though I've yet to venture outside of the U.S. for the better part of two years, I've been able to fill the void by spending evenings out with friends and family enjoying meals that transport me to faraway destinations at places like Coquette -- one of Boston's newest hot spots and the ultimate dinner experience for anyone who's had France on their bucket list. The modern-day brasserie will immediately have you transported to the French Coast with its breathtaking interiors, inspired cuisine, and old-world hospitality. The murals alone will make you feel like you're exploring the halls at the Chateau de Versailles -- peek above the bar and you might even recognize the fresco.
An evening filled with copious amounts of wine (Coquette has a selection of over 350+ bottles), refreshing cocktails, and shellfish towers -- not to mention the unique selection of shareable dishes (order the Merda de Can, you won't be disappointed) -- are guaranteed to make anyone forget about anything outside of Coquette's four walls. We may not actually be in France, but it's damn close!
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As I've gotten older, I've started to value experiences over "things" -- and so I'm all about gifts that give me the chance to go out and do something fun! Arsenal Yards is a vibrant new neighborhood just outside of Boston in East Watertown, offering great restaurants, shopping, fitness options, and attractions. While gift cards can get a bad rap for being the easy way out, I believe with a little consideration gift cards can absolutely make a thoughtful gift.
For example, I'll be gifting my fitness-loving friend a gift card for a class at Pure Barre, followed by lunch at Sweetgreen, and a gift card to the new Nike Unite for some new workout gear, and the new mom and dad who need a date night are going to get a gift card to a restaurant followed by a movie. So use your imagination and package up your gift cards with a personalized itinerary for a fun day or night at Arsenal Yards for a thoughtful gift sure to delight any recipient on your list!
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While the idea of eating until my seams burst, roasting chestnuts, and wrapping gifts all bring me great joy, the hurdles I need to jump over to make this happen always cause undue stress. From sitting in hours of holiday traffic, answering endless questions about my life choices, or wrapping gift upon gift upon gift, I know I will always need a drink... or two... to make it through. So I like to stuff my stockings (and my fridge) with an assortment of creative bevvies sure to fit every palate from our friends at Rhode Island's own Narragansett Beer. From hard tea to shandies, IPAs to the traditional lager -- making sure I'm always stocked up around the holidays makes my gift giving -- and my stress reducing -- solution one and the same!
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Looking for a quick and easy stocking stuffer? Don't worry I've GUT you covered! GoLive Probiotics are the perfect way to help you and your family bounce back from that post-holiday feast sluggishness and boost your overall gut health for a head start on any health focused New Year's resolutions.
Packed with essential prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and beneficial nutrients, GoLive comes in ready-to-mix packets that are ideal for anyone who is always on-the-go. Choose from numerous delicious flavors including Berry Pomegranate, Tangerine Turmeric, and more or grab a Variety Pack to try them all! Health is the gift that keeps on giving long after the holiday season is over, so GUT going and pick some up today!
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