Summer may be behind us, but there’s no reason you can’t get away to the Hamptons for a little shopping. The Main Streets are completely Instagrammable right now, with beautifully colored leaves gently falling onto the sidewalks. Soon, the stores will be decked out in white lights and holiday decorations. As we gear up for the biggest party and gift-giving season of the year, I searched the East End to help you find 10 perfect presents for your hosts, family, friends and even yourself.
The Smoothest Cocktail
image: sag harbor rum
Enjoy the flavors of fall before winter comes. The perfect rum to mix with any autumn cocktail, Sag Harbor Rum is the first and only rum company to hail from the seaside village. Care for a Sagaponack Breeze or A Rum Manhattan? Sag Harbor Rum’s website serves up some recipe inspiration. Then, head to one of the East End’s many liquor stores to purchase one (or do it online if a trip out East just isn’t in the cards).
The Cutting-Edge Athlete
image: juja active
For your favorite yogi or marathoner, Southampton-based Juja Active has an extensive collection of unique, bold printed tanks, leggings and bra tops from independent designers worldwide that will make anyone feel more confident working out. A store exclusively for women, favorites include their Peplum Vest and SUP Ladder Top.
An Artist and a Chef
Did you know that Jackson Pollock and his wife, artist Lee Krasner, also have culinary talents? Spoil that special cook in your life that loves to bring art to the table with Dinner with Jackson Pollock by Robyn Lea. It is a masterpiece of curated old-fashioned style recipes from stuffed peppers to banana cream cake.
One-of-a-Kind Jewelry
So you aren’t ready to dive into the ocean and wrangle a few sharks, especially because it’s freezing, but you miss the beach. I understand. Wear a piece of the ocean all year round with one-of-a-kind shark tooth necklaces and earrings dipped in 18kt gold from FIN Montauk.
Artisanal Salt
image: Hamptons Salt Company
Experience Bali Pyramid or Cypress Flake without leaving your kitchen. Hampton Salt Company launched in November of 2014 and offers a selection of raw, smoked and flavored salts that will jumpstart any meal with a just a dash of their salt varieties from around the world. For some flavor, try Vermont Maple Syrup, Smoked Chardonnay Oak or the almost too hot Ghost Pepper ($19.99-$24.99).
Chocolate with a Kick
image: matthew barton
One of the many things you love about your little sis is that she’s a kid at heart that can never have enough chocolate. Gift her Old School Favorites chocolate “szauce” with a gourmet twist and maple-syrup coated “nutsz,” available online and in select Hamptons stores year-round for Hamptons-style barbecues, picnics and holiday parties. Expect two new flavors, caramel and peppermint, to appear on the shelves around Thanksgiving.
A Candle a Day
image: hamptons handpoured
Treat your loved ones to the warmth of small batch candles from HAMPTONS Handpoured. Can’t decide on just one? Choose from an extensive selection of Hamptons hamlets and towns such as North Haven, Southampton, East Hampton and Shinnecock Hills. Perhaps you are yearning for a new autumn-inspired scented candle, think brandied pear and apple cider. Pick out an 8oz tumbler ($28) or 3oz votive ($12). Candles are sold at many South Fork retailers.
The Essential Belt
image: montauk outfitters
Have the man in your life feeling like he’s sailing across the Montauk waves all winter long with a Montauk Outfitters rope belt. The pops of color add nautical essence regardless of the temps, and the Rum Runner Belt will compliment almost any ensemble.
Cozy Evening Essentials
image: lexington clothing company
On chilly evenings, Lexington Clothing Company‘s Jacquard Wool Throw and Alice Poncho pair perfectly with piping espressos and freshly baked apple pies. Have a look at the full collection online with stores in Southampton and East Hampton.
Coastal-Inspired Towel
image: 8 knots
For that coastal dweller in your life, 8knots has an exquisite and customizable assortment of soaps, linens and towels that are even. Based on Shelter Island, a set of two Pareo Towels will soon become an essential companion for a beach goer, boater or surfer. Gift-wrapping is available for $20 per box.