We’ve pulled together a rich array of low-waste, low-carbon-footprint, reduce-the-stuff gift ideas. So ignore online and radio advertisements and dive deep into our list of meaningful gift ideas that can be secured right here in Arlington.
Benefits of shopping locally include:
- Inject money into the local economy.
- Keep downtowns vibrant.
- Better customer service.
- Embrace uniqueness—the merchandise, décor & atmosphere.
- Strengthen communities that help build social cohesion.
Over 60% of us prefer a gift of an
experience rather than a tangible gift.
Experiences
These Arlington businesses offer memberships, classes, subscriptions and entertainment.
List of Arlington Experiences
Arlington Boys & Girls Club membership, classes
Arlington Brewing Company - beer and swag
Arlington Center for the Arts - membership, classes
Arlington Children's Theatre - theater workshops & productions
Arlington Community Education - classes
Arlington Recreation - fitness and sports classes
Capitol Theater - movie, ice cream, membership
Clay Dreams - pottery painting
Code Ninjas - coding classes
Cyrus Dallin Museum, Jason Russell House or Old Schwamb Mill - visit, lecture series
Ed Burns Arena - public skating
Fidelity House - membership, classes
Mosaic Oasis Studio - art classes
Mystic Open Studio - art classes
Ready, Set, Kids! - kids classes
Regent Theater - concert or movie
Additional membership, class and experience ideas
Cheers to your health - massage, manicure, spa
Fitness - gym, yoga, dance, karate membership or classes
Music lessons
Gifts that you Eat
Looking for an idea for that special someone that doesn’t need more stuff? Consider consumable items from these local eateries.
Consumable Gifts in Arlington
Barismo - roasted coffee
Cookie Time Bakery - specialty cookies
Magic Bites Bakery - mediterranean nibbles
Penzeys - spices
Roasted Granola - granola, packaged coffee or tea, items from local artists
Looking to bring something delicious to eat to a gathering? These bakeries will not disappoint!
Local Retailers
Online shopping may be convenient, but you can find thoughtful, unique gifts at Arlington’s own local shops – and lower your carbon footprint too.
Arlington Retailers
13Forest Gallery - art
Arlington Centered - gifts
The Book Rack - gently used (or new) books
Carolle Chiq Boutique - children and women’s clothing and accessories
Derby Farm - flowers, gifts, decor
The Fox & Robbin Shop - gently used children’s clothing and toys
Helena’s - women’s clothing and accessories
Henry Bear’s Park - toys and children’s books
Maxima Gifts - books and gifts
Mind’s Eye Yarns - supplies and classes
Otaku - Asian gifts
Playtime - craft supplies
Portal Crystal Gallery - crystals
Quad Cycles - bikes and accessories
Regina Gifts - gifts
Shattuck’s ACE Hardware - tools and housewares
Sports Etc. - sporting goods
Swanson Jewelers - jewelry
Wood & Strings - instruments
Yes! Plastic Free - eco friendly household items
Restaurant Experience
Giving your time is more precious than any tangible gift. Consider a gift certificate for lunch, dinner or drinks to one of these Zero Waste Arlington partners that is reducing single-use waste.
Gift to a Local Charity
Looking for Zero Waste, hyper-local gifts? Donate to an Arlington-based charity that has personal meaning to you or the recipient.
Charitable Organizations in Arlington
ACMi - local media
ArCS Cluster - local refugee support
Arlington EATS - Arlington’s food pantry
Arlington Education Foundation - education enrichment
AFD Theater - theater
Arlington Health & Human Services Emergency Assistance Fund - resident financial assistance
Arlington Heating Assistance Program - resident financial assistance
Arlington Historical Society - historic preservation
Arlington Land Trust - land preservation
Arlington Libraries Foundation - library support
Arlington-Teosinte Sister City Project - El Salvador sister-city
Arlington Youth Counseling Center - youth mental health
The Children’s Room - youth grief support
FoodLink - food rescue
Housing Corporation of Arlington - low income housing
Mothers out Front - climate change
Sanborn Foundation - cancer financial assistance
YourArlington - local media
These regional organizations are working to preserve our environment.
Boston Area Gleaners - food rescue
Conservation Law Foundation - climate change
Lovin Spoonfuls - food rescue
Household Goods - helping people make homes
Mass Audubon - land conservation
MassPIRG - public health
Mass. Sierra Club - environment
Mystic River Watershed Association - Mystic River protection
The Nature Conservancy Mass. - land conservation
Trustees of the Reservations - land conservation
During this giving season, we hope this list better connects you to your local community.
Additional Resources:
Updated December 2024
