Holiday shopping doesn't need to be an overwhelming experience as you search for the perfect Christmas gift. Cape Cod is packed with small, locally-owned businesses, where personalized service, unique finds and attention to detail are the norm. Recapture the essence of the season, and shop local this Christmas on Cape Cod.

Large Shops with Small Town Feel
Mashpee Commons is your one-stop destination for gifts, clothing, and jewelry from local boutiques and trendy retailers. Kensington’s is a bag lover's paradise, with a smart collection of luxury handbags, briefcases, suitcases and weekend bags. Stocking stuffer gifts from Sachs Jewelers will light up anyone's holiday, whether it be one of their gemstone charms, Tahitian Pearl pendants or a pair of designer cuff links. At McDermott Glass Studio, find one-of-a-kind glass ornaments, along with blown glass stemware, vases and other handmade decorative items that will add a bit of dazzle to anyone's home. On weekends in season, Mashpee Commons' horse-drawn carriage rides and strolling carolers add a festive feel to your shopping experience. And there are plenty of nearby lunch options, ensuring no one shops hungry. Choose from upscale pub fare at Bobby Byrne's, signature Greek dishes and coal-fired pizza at Estia, hearty Italian entrees at Siena, or French-inspired bistro classics at Bleu.

Unique Gifts
Cape Cod excels at boutique gift shops carrying locally made and distinctive items. Check out the selection of original items at Red Fish Blue Fish in Hyannis, including sea glass jewelry, eclectic home decor, eco-friendly bags and locally-sourced artwork. Housed inside a restored barn in Cataumet, Bobby Baker Gallery showcases prints from Baker's impressive photography portfolio - including his award-winning New England coastal landscapes. West Barnstable Tables crafts original furniture such as tables, cupboards, and more from unusual and antique woods. Their showroom in a converted barn in West Barnstable brims with design inspiration from across New England. For craft cocktail lovers, locally-made Oysterville Vodka could be a great addition to the bar cabinet, or the perfect hostess gift at any holiday gathering.

Clothing & Accessories
It's easy to find chic and fashionable apparel around Cape Cod, starting with Chatham Clothing Bar, whose wide range of men's and women's apparel includes nautical themed tees, outerwear, and business casual items that look good whether on a sailboat or in an office. Puritan Cape Cod (Mashpee, Hyannis and Chatham) offers fashion that fits into the active New England lifestyle; from leather coats, jeans, wool sweaters, and even ski clothing, you'll find plenty of options for gift giving. Cellar Leather is the place to find locally-crafted leather belts and buckles (our faves include the Cape Cod Fish Hook Buckle Belt and the Cotuit Oyster Belt), as well as handbags and leather accessories. Bringing a little rustic western style to Cape Cod is Country Soul in Hyannis, where you can round up cowboy hats and boots, turquoise jewelry, and accessories for that person in your life dreaming of ranch life.  Meanwhile, find all that glitters gold and diamonds at AJ Marks Jewelers. The locally-owned shop (locations in Hyannis and Wareham) specializes in fine jewelry, diamond-studded pieces, and engagement and wedding rings.

Furry Friends
Last but certainly not least, don't forget the pets on this year's holiday shopping list! In addition to being a full-service feed store, Barnstable Farm & Pet has a large selection of chew toys, biscuits and other cute things for pets large and small. And Agway of Cape Cod has locations in Dennis, Chatham, and Orleans, making it easy to find grooming supplies, leashes and other treats to fill up Fluffy or Fido's holiday stocking.

Find more great shop-portunties on Cape Cod to shop. And thank you for shopping local!