Locally made Yankee Swap gift ideas

15+ Yankee Swap gift ideas that are under $20

November 5, 2016

Site Staff,

Yankee swaps are a time-honored holiday tradition here in New England. The concept is simple enough: Guests bring a gift to the party costing less than an agreed-upon price limit — usually around $20. When it’s your turn, you choose a gift, open it and then decide whether to swap it with someone else or keep it. The only thing worse than showing up empty-handed is bringing a gift that everyone tries to trade away. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Bring a great gift made right here in the Granite State and your fellow party guests will be vying for your item.

Here are some of our favorite NH-made gift ideas:

Handmade to your home
These handcrafted, made-to-order ornaments, created in Wolfeboro, provide an old-fashioned feel to your holiday décor. Featured in both Yankee Magazine and Martha Stewart Living, guests will no doubt make note of these hand-etched, handsome additions to your tree. Reclaimed wood topped with a gingham ribbon will ensure that whoever picks this in the swap will want to keep it ($5.50 each, $14.25 for a set of three).
More information: birchlandinghome.com

Functional and flattering
Fine Wine Designs’ handcrafted Designer Stemware Coasters, made in Nashua, will not only protect your furniture from condensation, they will also wow your holiday guests. Coasters are available in several fabric choices. You can find them at Gilmanton Winery & Vineyard, the Hooksett rest area stores, Moonlight Meadery in Londonderry and Lovell Lake Food Center in Sanborntonville.
More information: finewinedesigns.net

Dual-purpose candles
Wick-It Cool Candles are cool-burning soy candles that will make your home smell nice, and bonus — the oil soothes dry skin and is excellent for massage. Scents include lilac, cherry bomb and green tea. You can find them at select local grocery stores including Sully’s Superette in Goffstown, Vista Foods in Laconia and Harvest Market in Bedford, Hollis and Wolfeboro.
More information: wickitcoolcandles.com

Don’t forget Fido
Barkin’ Biscuits’ best seller is the peanut butter bones — whole-wheat based and made with the creamiest organic peanut butter. Barkin’ Biscuits products do not contain fillers, additives or preservatives, and are free of all by-products. You can find them at dozens of local retailers in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine.
More information: barkinbiscuitllc.com

For coffee connoisseurs
Give the gift of coffee roasted locally by Woodshed Roasting Company located in the Lakes Region. They have several options from the Lakehouse Blend to the Winnipesaukee Weekend Blend to the Pink Ribbon Blend. Thre’s something for every palate.
Find it at Woodshed Roasting, 116 Hounsell Ave., Laconia, (603) 737-2000, woodshedroast.com.

Tree trimmer
Hampshire Pewter in Somersworth creates Christmas ornaments that capture the essence of New Hampshire, including this one with a maple sugaring scene. A beautiful addition to any tree.

Find Hampshire Pewter at 350 Route 108, Somersworth, (603) 569-4944, hampshirepewter.com.

Family activity time

Piece Time Puzzles creates and sells puzzles using images provided by local artists and photographers. Breathtaking Granite State landscapes, animals, nature scenes and landmarks are featured.

Piece Time Puzzles is at 746 1st NH Turnpike, Northwood, (603) 942-5291
piecetimepuzzles.com.

Pass the mustard
Blackwater Mustard’s award-winning hot/sweet mustard in a pint mason jar (with a handle!) is great on brats, burgers and dogs or as a companion for pretzels and beer. Bring it to your next office party. Find it at dozens of stores including: Robies in Hooksett, Apple Crest Orchard in Hampton Falls, Buckley’s Bakery in Merrimack and more.

More information: blackwatermustardco.com

Don’t forget the popcorn
You can’t have a movie night at home without the popcorn. Michele’s Sweet Shoppe in Londonderry has you covered with its Movie Pack that includes a bag of plain popcorn, a bag of Extra Cheddar, a box of candy and a popcorn container. All packaged and ready for gifting ($16).
Visit Michele’s Sweet Shoppe at the Crossroads Mall, Londonderry, (603) 425-2946.
More information: michelesweetshoppe.com.

A Chip Off the Old Block
Show your New Hampshire pride with Gourmet Granite — candy-coated chocolate formed to look like rocks by Rochester chocolatier Winsome Forge.

Where to find it: Macro Polo in Portsmouth, Osborne’s Agway in Hooksett, Bedford Fields in Bedford, Zeb’s General Store in North Conway, Harman’s Cheese and Country Store in Sugar Hill and more locations.

More information: winsomeforge.com

Let There Be Light
Brighten the dark nights and cold Granite State nights with Arbor Candles, a New Hampshire-made, soy-based candle. Get an 8-ounce Mason jar filled with chemical-free scents like warm apple pie or balsam and cedar. Arbor Candles also offers car/room sprays and brittle bags for those with electric warmers.

More information: arborcandles.com

From the Woods
Handcrafted, wooden utensils, cheese and cutting boards are a great addition to any kitchen. Get a wide variety of carefully carved beauties at New Hampshire Bowl & Board, based in Webster. They also offer great wedding and corporate gifts. Don’t miss our favorite: the NH-shaped cutting board.

More information: newhampshirebowlandboard.com

Lather Up
Choose from an array of warm and welcoming scents by Cardigan Mountain Soap, like Holly Berry or Warm & Cozy By the Fire soaps to help make bath time more fun.

Cardigan Mountain Store
464 Mount Cardigan Rd., Alexandria
(888) 288-2248,cardiganMountain.com

Pamper a Friend
Gilsum-made Badger Balm features an array of organic products for everyone. Get started with the Mind Balm Variety Pack, featuring Headache Soother, Stress Soother and Cheerful Mind Balm. You can find Badger Balm products are hundreds of stores across the US and locally at Marketplace New England in Concord, A Market in Manchester and the Concord and Milford Osborne Agways.
More information: badgerbalm.com

Breakfast Lover
Start the day out right and indulge in the Pittsfield-made Life’s Little Pleasures’ pancake mix.

New England Everyday Goods
16 Coll’s Farm Rd., Jaffrey
(866) 963-9662, newenglandeverydaygoods.com

For the Sweet Tooth
Savor the warm, sweet goodness of Pure Maple Cream made by Woodard’s Sugar House. Woodard’s also offers maple cotton candy, maple coated pecans and, of course, maple candy.