Just one look at a treasured souvenir can bring back happy memories of a beloved vacation, whether it’s a special tchotchke or one-of-a-kind jewelry. The Cape offers visitors a plethora of options to find unique mementos of time well spent at the seashore.
Here are a few favorites.
Love Live Local 539 South Street, Hyannis
For Cape Cod makers, the economic future is bright and sustainable, thanks to the advocacy and support Love Live Local offers small businesses. The nonprofit’s retail shop in downtown Hyannis, along with its online store, features the work of over 100 independent artists, designers, potters and more. Find everything from hand-crafted jewelry and eco-friendly nail polish to plant-based candles and nautical-inspired clothing. Added bonus: Love Live Local hosts three annual Love Local Fests in July, September and December, where Cape Cod vendors gather to sell their homegrown wares.
The Shell Shop 276 Commercial Street, Provincetown
Every beach town needs a shell shop, and this aptly-named store doesn’t disappoint. Whether your budget is $1.50 or $150, you’ll find something to delight: bins of shells and brightly colored shards of sea glass, sailor’s valentines, blown glass baubles, jewelry, shell-encrusted keepsake boxes, sharks heads, giant clam shells, fossils, rocks, and other novelty items. If it’s shell related, they’ll have it.
Chatham Sign Shop 40 Kent Place, Chatham
Housed in a historic stone structure in downtown Chatham, the Chatham Sign Shop has been producing signs for decades, building on the local tradition of quarterboards bearing ships’ names. Today, they create carved wooden signs for homes and businesses personalized with such motifs as the pineapple, a traditional symbol of hospitality.
Mrs. Mitchell’s Gifts 362 Main Street, Hyannis
Since the 1960s, the Mitchell family has run their souvenir shops (with locations on Cape Cod and Hampton Beach, NH) featuring affordable beachy apparel like sweatshirts, hats and tees, along with nautical handbags and jewelry. Kids will love the fun assortment of toys, pirate gear and gemstones. Don’t miss their nearby sister store - Mrs. M's Summer House – offering dune jewelry, women’s resortwear, seaside antiques and shabby chic decor.
Cape Cod Beach Chair Company 1150 Queen Anne Road, Harwich
Recognizable for the giant beach chair in front of its workshop, Cape Cod Beach Chair Company was founded by Justin Labdon when he left corporate America and returned to his native Cape Cod. In search of a high-quality canvas folding beach chair, but unable to find one, he made one. Nearly 20 years later, Labdon has added colorful apparel, bags, lawn games, umbrellas, coolers, towels, blankets and more beach gear to his lineup of durable, stylish chairs.
Jewelcraft 585 Main Street, Hyannis
This family-owned business dating back to 1975 features fine jewelry expertly crafted from gold, silver and gemstones. Known for their unique Cape Cod jewelry highlighting such popular seaside motifs as anchors, mermaids and whale tails, they also create custom bijoux, reset and repair jewelry, and have a reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Mill Stone Pottery 766 Route 6A, Dennis
Artist Gail Turner takes her inspiration from the patterns found everywhere in international handicrafts and nature to create her stoneware pottery. Her working studio produces decorative, functional pieces, both hand-built and wheel thrown (along with dishwasher, microwave and oven safe). Turner uses wax resist techniques, mottled glazes and texture to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are at the crossroads of art and function.
Cape Abilities Farm 458 Route 6A, Dennis
Nonprofit Cape Abilities helps connect locals with disabilities with jobs, housing, transportation and other services, and the CapeAbilities Farm in Dennis gives participants training, employment and the chance to work with the community. The farm offers locally grown, organic food ̶ including their award-winning tomatoes – along with seasonal blooms and handcrafted gifts, while creating an inclusive space for all.
Ross Coppelman 1439 Main Street, Route 6A, East Dennis
After graduating from Harvard, Ross Coppelman decided to take a break from academia and create jewelry. It became his passion and life’s work. Working with high karat gold, silver, platinum and precious gems from his studio in Dennis, his timeless collections have been inspired by the Cape’s natural beauty, ocean landscapes, starry nights and shifting sands.
Thank you for Shopping Local!