As the holiday season approaches, why not shop locally and find something unique for everyone on your gift list? When you shop local, you’re not just finding unique gifts, you’re also supporting the businesses that make Reading thrive. There’s something for everyone, all within our own neighborhood. From bookworms to chocolate lovers and even your furry friends, Reading’s shops offer a wide variety of treasures that will make your gifts truly special.
With Shop the Block and the annual tree lighting just around the corner, here are some of the best spots to check out next time you stroll downtown.
For the Fashion Lover: Aine’s Boutique
A shop offering fashion that’s both trendy and timeless, Aine’s carries a curated range of tops, dresses, sweaters, shoes, bags, jewelry, and accessories that you won’t find in big-box stores. It’s the perfect stop for the fashion lover on your holiday list.
At Aine’s, every customer is encouraged to embrace their own unique style and leave feeling their absolute best. The stylists here are happy to help and make the experience fun, welcoming, and stress-free.
Tip: When you visit, ask the stylists about the new arrivals in their ever-rotating seasonal collections. These exclusive pieces make for extra-special, only-found-here gifts.
ainesboutique.com; 662 Main St
For the Little Ones: Goodhearts Children’s Shop
Goodhearts Children’s Shop is a long-loved Reading favorite, offering premium traditional and contemporary clothing and gifts for infants, toddlers, and young children. The shop is known for its exceptional quality, classic style, and thoughtful service.
In addition to everyday apparel, Goodhearts offers head-to-toe pieces for life’s biggest moments, including bonnets, booties, veils, headpieces, and one-of-a-kind finishing touches.
The shop is especially magical during the holidays. From velvet, tulle, plaid, and smocked Christmas dresses to dapper boy’s outfits including coveralls, knit sets, corduroys, and sweater vests, there’s something for every festive gathering. Baby’s First Christmas is covered too, with adorable footies, bibs, diaper covers, and monogrammable options for a picture-perfect Christmas morning. Favorite brands include Sarah Louise, Biscotti, Isobella & Chloe, Joules, Tooby Doo, Nano, Appaman, and more.
Whether your child’s style leans traditional, trendy, or somewhere in between, Goodhearts has a curated selection to fit the moment and the memory.
Tip: Visit in person to explore their holiday racks and turn the outfit into a treasured keepsake with a monogram!
goodheartsshop.com; 642 Main Street
For the Book Lover: Whitelam Books
For the book lover on your holiday list, Whitelam Books is a treasure. This family-owned, independent bookstore offers a thoughtfully curated selection of new titles across every genre: bestsellers, literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, local authors, and everything in between. Whether you’re shopping for an avid reader or someone just discovering the joy of books, you’re sure to find a perfect match.
Beyond the shelves, Whitelam Books is a true community hub, hosting author signings, book clubs, children’s story times, and collaborations with local organizations throughout the year. Their mission is simple but powerful: to connect readers with meaningful stories while enriching the Reading community.
The shop also carries a charming array of literary-themed gifts, including mugs, shirts, prints, journals, toys, puppets, greeting cards, reading glasses, book lights, and other goodies that make for thoughtful stocking stuffers.
Tip: Chat with the staff in person. They know the shelves inside and out and can help you find a book that’s perfectly suited to your reader’s tastes.
whitelambooks.com; 610 Main Street
For the Chocolate Lover: The Chocolate Truffle
Sweeten someone’s holiday season with artisanal chocolates from The Chocolate Truffle. Famous for decadent truffles, hand-dipped chocolates, and festive holiday treats, this local gem offers an indulgent experience for anyone with a sweet tooth. Every truffle is crafted in small batches using fresh dairy cream and premium chocolate, with soft ganache centers hand-rolled and coated in chocolate.
Tip: Their gift boxes and customizable options make it easy to create the perfect chocolate experience for your loved ones.
thechocolatetruffle.com; 494 Main Street
For the festive spirit who loves handcrafted charm: Tin Bucket
Tin Bucket is a perennial favorite during the holiday season. The shop offers unique gifts for everyone on your list alongside festive décor, ornaments, and charming hostess gifts. Many shoppers return year after year to find a special new addition to their holiday decorations from this beloved local shop which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. You might even stumble upon a celebration in Tin Bucket’s creative space — birthday parties for kids, craft nights for adults, or workshops where attendees leave with something created by them add to the energy of the space.
Tip: Look for their seasonal bundles. Curated items like décor, candles, and ornaments make for thoughtful gifts to celebrate the season.
tinbucketshop.com; 12 Woburn Street
For Furry Friends: Everything But the Dog
Everything But The Dog has gifts for every pup on your list—and for the humans who love them. From adorable seasonal toys and cozy winter wear to fresh-baked dog treats no pup can resist, this cheerful shop makes holiday shopping for four-legged family members downright fun. Whether you’re stuffing stockings, spoiling your own dog, or shopping for a fellow pet parent, they’ve got Santa’s list covered.
Tip: Don’t forget to pick up a special holiday bakery treat for Christmas morning!
everythingbutthedog.net; 2 Haven Street
For Someone Special: Simms Jewelers
For fine and distinctive jewelry, Simms Jewelers is the go-to destination. The shop features a large collection of ready-made pieces perfect for finding a dazzling gift on the spot. Looking for custom designs? Commissioned pieces start with a conversation, ensuring your vision is captured from the first sketch to the final wax model. Whether you’re looking for a special ring, a statement necklace, or a meaningful gift, Simms combines craftsmanship and collaboration to create jewelry that’s truly personal.
Tip: Ask about custom design consultations. Seeing a CAD rendering or wax model in person is part of bringing that dream piece to life.
simmsjewelers.net; 648 Main Street
For the Collector: Comically Speaking
For pop culture fans of all ages, Comically Speaking is a one-stop destination for comics, collectibles, toys, and more. This independently-owned store has been delighting collectors and casual fans alike for over 30 years, offering an ever-changing selection of comics, hardcovers, trade paperbacks, action figures, Legos, POP!, vinyl, statues, and video games. There’s something for everyone, and you’ll need plenty of time to explore the many different items across the collections.
Tip: Ask about their subscription service and new-arrival alerts—perfect for scoring limited editions and staying ahead of the latest comics.
comicallyspeaking.com; 575 Main Street
For the Athlete: Dynamik Sports
For the athletes and sports enthusiasts on your list, Dynamik Sports is a full-service sporting goods store offering everything from hockey and lacrosse gear to soccer and more. Is your athlete part of a local youth sports program? Dynamik has special “team stores” with athletic gear and spirit wear to show your team pride.
Tip: Gift your athlete or super fan something truly tailored through the Team Store program.
Dynamiksports.com; 163 Main Street
For a Thoughtful Gesture: Reading Town Florist
For holiday arrangements that go beyond the ordinary, Reading Town Florist is the place to go. Here, florals aren’t just designed; they’re transformed into immersive, emotionally rich works of art. The team prides itself on creating trends rather than following them, offering signature arrangements that feel vibrant, distinctive, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Reading Town Florist is also rooted in purpose. Five percent of every sale is donated to the Tamar Bucci Foundation, supporting the effort to build a memorial park in honor of Tamar Bucci, the owner’s daughter and a Massachusetts State Police officer who was killed on Route 93 a little over three years ago. Shopping here means supporting both exceptional craftsmanship and a meaningful cause.
Tip: Stop by in person to see their seasonal arrangements up close. Staff can help you customize something on the spot.
www.readingtownflorist.com; 47 Harnden St.
Tis the Season: Calareso’s Farmstand and Garden Center
Calareso’s is the place to find fresh, local treats and seasonal delights for the holidays. Their bakery offers everything from bread pudding to fresh-baked cookies and more, perfect for enjoying now or gifting. Their expansive garden center features a wide selection of plants, arrangements, wreaths, Christmas trees, and other seasonal items, making a visit this month a festive experience.
Tip: Stop by to pick out a fresh Christmas tree or wreath to add holiday cheer to your home.
calaresosfarmstand.com; 100 Main Street
