Best Gift Shops in Boothbay Harbor

Source: Sweet Bay Facebook
Sweet Bay

There are always lodging, dining, and shopping options (yes, even in wintertime) for all tastes and budgets, and if you like to bring home a little something for friends & family as well as for yourself (like me) from your sojourn, read on for a bit of insight on the gift shop scene in Boothbay Harbor.

Mpa of Boothbay Harbor Gift Shops

This map will help you navigate to the best gift shops in Boothbay Harbor.

Tidepools

Tidepools is the best place to head if you know you want to buy something made in Maine—but have no idea what you are looking for.

This seasonal shop leases space to artists, makers, and vendors of all ilk; you’ll find everything under one roof here.

Fresh produce, baked goods, and preserves? Yes! Handmade accessories, décor, bath/body products, stationery, and wall art? Affirmative!

And while most things you’ll find here are locally made, you’ll also find “cool stuff from all over the world” at Tidepools.

Location: 10 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Tidepools

Sweet Bay

Taking pride in their variety of high-quality products and top-notch customer service, the folks at Sweet Bay can guide you through the process of curating a customized gift basket for anyone on your list—especially if you’re looking for items with a coastal motif.

Totes, artwork, pottery, and more are displayed beautifully at Sweet Bay—and you can even have certain items personalized here.

Location: 9 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Sweet Bay

The Footbridge Shop

The Footbridge Shop features items you won’t find at its sister shop, Sweet Bay, and vice versa—so you should always visit both for the best selection.

The Footbridge Shop’s products are kitchen-and home-centric, so you can expect to find unique dishware here, along with home décor, throw pillows, area rugs, blankets, and furniture.

Location: 4 Bridge St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: The Footbridge Shop

Gimbel & Sons Country Store

For one-stop, local-flavor gift shopping, what better place to head than a country store? The stock curators and purchasers at Gimbel & Sons are very selective—you’ll only find high-quality stuff here.

Unique apparel, a humidor full of top-shelf cigars, homemade fudge and candy, and Gimbel’s own preserves are just a few of the products on offer here.

And, if your gift recipient is more of a maritime history buff, you can always head next door to Gimbel’s sister store, The Windjammer Emporium, to track down a more appropriate item.

Location: 14 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Gimbel & Sons Country Store

The Windjammer Emporium

If you or the person you’re shopping for is a maritime history fan, The Windjammer is the place for you.

One-third of this fascinating store is a free-to-the-public maritime heritage museum, and the rest of the floor space features upscale apparel, home goods, accessories, local preserves and coffee, and much more.

Location: 14 Wharf St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: The Windjammer Emporium

The Smiling Cow

Another sister shop to Gimbel’s and The Windjammer, this seasonal store is bursting with souvenir items both whimsical and practical.

Whether you’re looking to bring the scent of the Pine Tree State home with a handmade balsam sachet, or remind family members of their summer vacation with Boothbay Harbor ornaments at Christmas, The Smiling Cow (such a cute name, too) has all this and more.

Location: 41 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: The Smiling Cow

Mung Bean

Mung Bean (yet another adorable name) opened its doors as a craft shop in Coopers Mills, Maine, way back in 1974—and today, having moved to Boothbay Harbor in 1977, the owners are still “celebrating quality and good design in Maine and American handcrafts.”

Everywhere you look in this year-round store, you’ll find handmade wonders—beautifully crafted works of art like pottery, jewelry, clothing, woodwork, metalsmithing, preserves, and clothing.

Location: 37 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Mung Bean

The Nautical Rooster

While the name of this shop may sound whimsical, the true nature of what lies within will surprise and delight you—especially if you’re on the hunt for a more elegant gift idea.

The Nautical Rooster offers a carefully selected collection of gorgeous, refined glassware as well as both designer and vintage jewelry pieces.

Worried about traveling with your delicate purchases? No worries—the helpful folks here can carefully package and ship your prizes anywhere in the continental U.S. at no extra charge.

Location: 102 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: The Nautical Rooster

AE Ceramics & Home Store

This shop of all things house and home is perfect for all manner of gifts—especially those of the wedding, bridal shower, and housewarming variety.

But, having said that, AE isn’t just about beautiful furniture, home goods, décor, and pottery.

You’ll also find fabulous jewelry, cashmere apparel, handbags, photographic prints, accessories, and more.

Location: 93 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: AE Home Store

Village Store & Children’s Shop

With over ten separate rooms to browse through, the kind folks at The Village Store “encourage dawdling.”

Coastal-themed gifts…practical kitchen gear and gadgets…handmade wall art and décor…children’s clothing, books, and toys…bath & body products…big brands like Fiestaware, Vera Bradley, and Simon Pearce…the list goes on and on.

So dawdle to your heart’s content without shame!

Location: 34 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Village Store

Dirty Bird Pottery

If you’re looking for a handmade gift that ticks boxes for both form and function, I recommend you stop into the Dirty Bird Pottery shop. Mugs, shaving scuttles, vases, bowls, dishes—hand-thrown, glazed, and fired to breathtaking results.

All of the stoneware dishes crafted here are dishwasher-, microwave-, and food-safe, and while the brick-and-mortar store is open during the summer only, you can always order these works of art via the website.

Location: 4 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Dirty Bird Pottery

Orne’s Candy Store

July 4, 1885—that’s when Orne’s started selling their amazing, handmade chocolates and candies.

You’ll be transported to a bygone era the moment you step into Orne’s; the red-striped awning, burnished wood-and-glass display cases, and sweet, nostalgic aromas create the effect of a magical time machine.

And, as I always say, the gift of chocolate is always well-received…so peruse the fudge, chocolates, and myriad candies on offer at Orne’s and have them assemble the perfect mix for the perfect gift.

Just don’t forget to get some for yourself!

Location: 11 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Orne’s Candy Store

Abacus Gallery

The Boothbay shop is the original flagship Abacus store, but I’ve visited all five locations (also in Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, Portland, and Freeport) of this fabulous gallery-gift shop; they are my favorite shopping haunts when I’m not sure what to buy for someone.

Featuring the colorful, energetic calendars and prints of artist Dana Heacock as well as gorgeously handcrafted jewelry pieces by local makers, you’re sure to leave here with exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for—whether for you or someone else.

You’ll also find one-of-a-kind décor, lighting, sculptures, and much more on display, from floor to ceiling, at Abacus.

Location: 12 McKown St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Abacus Gallery