The holiday shopping season has kicked off and along with it another time-honored tradition: googling holiday gift guides to figure out what to get the friends, family and coworkers in your life.

We appreciate the struggle. To help, we’ve assembled a collection of gift ideas. Some are tried and true, others are more unique, and all have a connection to Cape Cod. In fact, visiting for a weekend is a very practical way to get all your holiday shopping done while also savoring the festive season.

Keeping It Cape
Beaches, bike trails and memories of fun-filled family vacations; there are lots of reasons visitors return time and again to Cape Cod. Mrs. Mitchell’s Gifts in Hyannis has an ever-changing selection of candles, charming home decor and Cape-branded apparel to help bring a little bit of the Cape Cod feeling back home. If your Secret Santa gravitates towards the abstract, consider a handcrafted figurine or decanter made by the artisans at Pairpoint Glass. The Sagamore glassblowing studio has been designing and creating specialty commissioned pieces since 1837. The shop also offers hands-on glassblowing classes that might be just the thing for your crafty friends.

The Perfect Beach Day
There is no shortage of people who relish basking in the summer sun on one of Cape Cod’s plentiful beaches. Pair a great read with a high-quality Cape Cod Beach Chair for the perfect day, and a thoughtful gift. Each of the five different styles available online are made from durable materials like hardwood and Sunbrella fabric. Not, sure which book to buy to go with it? The staff at Books by the Sea in Centerville or Titcomb's Bookshop in Sandwich can help you choose from a myriad of local authors and bestsellers.

The Daredevil
A day spent lounging on the beach isn’t for everyone. When choosing a gift for the runners, jumpers, and all-around movers in your life, consider gifting them a new experience. The Sick Day Surf Shop in Wellfleet has a surf school with personalized, hands-on lessons. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 4 students per instructor and cover a range of subjects, from technique to terminology. Or treat them to an outside-of-the-box adventure at House of Hatchets in Hyannis, the Cape's only indoor axe-throwing venue.

Pampering
Health and wellness are the gifts that keep on giving. Pick up a gift card for inspiring yoga sessions (offered both in-person and virtually) at Nove Yoga & Wellness in West Dennis, or an indulgent pedicure at the Beach Plum Spa in Sandwich or Hyannis (their Cranberry Spa Pedicure comes with a Cranberry Cosmo cocktail). The Beach House Spa at Ocean Edge Resort offers such hydrating treatments as the Sea Change Brightening Facial, which rejuvenates the skin with exotic Riberry, Muntries and Pepperberries from Australia. Shui Spa at The Crowne Pointe Inn & Spa in Provincetown provides Kiehl’s facials, body wraps and restorative massages, along with a sauna and steam room set; for a truly indulgent experiences, include an overnight stay in one of the Crowne Pointe's lavish guestrooms.  .

Looking Good
Most of us have that one person in our life who’s an undeniably sharp dresser. Whether its your husband who loves a well-fitted suit or your mom who rocks a cream-colored trench better than most twenty-somethings – Puritan Cape Cod has an array of high-style fashions that will help them shine (along with four Cape Cod store locations to choose from). The diametric opposite of behemoth online retailers, this 100-year-old establishment is a reminder of what shopping should feel like. Attentive staff, personalized service and complimentary alterations will have your favorite fashionista feeling fine and dressed to the nines.

Know someone with an eye for sparkle? Sachs Jewelers in Mashpee Commons has a diamond-crusted solution for nearly every budget. Drift among beautifully displayed merchandise in natural accented wood cases, or head into one of the private diamond salons where employees can help you choose the perfect stone and setting. Or, surprise someone you love by having one of the Sachs’ specialists repair and restore a treasured family piece.

Great Coffee and Flavorful Teas
For some, starting the day off with a hot cup of coffee or tea isn’t just a ritual, it’s a requirement. Make their mornings a little bit easier with a gift card for their favorite beverage. The Cape has a number of a great places to get a fine cup of homegrown joe, including Mashpee's Cape Cod Coffee and Brewster’s Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters. This relaxed-but-hip, spot prepares coffee several ways including espresso, AeroPress, Chemex, pour-over, traditional brew and cold-brew. At Mashpee Commons, Cape Camo has a full line of casual apparel in trendy camouflage designs.

Sweet Tooth Temptations
When in doubt, give chocolate. Most people like it, and there are infinite varieties such as traditional caramels to more lux champagne-flavored truffles. Visit Cape Cod Chocolatier in Barnstable, to pick up an assortment of expertly handcrafted delights. Themes are a great way to make finding the perfect present easier. If you’ve decided to go with “all things Cape Cod” this year, Kandy Korner in Hyannis can provide the finishing touch. In addition to saltwater taffies and Cranberry Bog Frogs, the shop has a variety of nostalgic candies as well.

For the Littles
More than just giving a child a stuffed animal, Capt'n Cod's Bear Cove is an opportunity for the kiddos to discover how toys are made while learning to express themselves. The mobile emporium (you can also design your stuffie right online) has more than 35 animals, 40 outfits, and an extensive selection of accessories to choose from. It's a great way to encourage kids to create a truly personalized present - or for you to personalize it for them.

Make ‘Em Smile
If you’re looking for a quacky, wait – we meant quirky – gift, look no further than Ducks in the Window. The Chatham shop stocks one of the world’s largest selections of rubber ducks in an array of characters, professions and styles. These mini mallards are great stocking stuffers, and could probably even get Ebenezer Scrooge to crack a smile.

We hope you’ve found some inspiration in our Cape Cod Holiday Gift Guide. Share this list with your friends and family to help them finish up their shopping or to gently suggest a little something for yourself. Either way, Happy Holidays and have fun Shopping Local!