December is a beautiful time of the year here on the North Fork. Tree farms are buzzing with visitors, the air is crisp and it’s the last busy month before we hunker down for the winter. Enjoy the season by visiting our small hamlets and Main Streets for your gifting needs. With so many shops and makers here, there is no shortage of items to give to those you love or just to show a bit of gratitude to those you appreciate. And, in the season of giving, we’ve included some local organizations where you can make a charitable contribution in someone’s name instead of giving a traditional gift.
BISCUITS WITH HONEY BUTTER, $10 FOR SAMPLER
Is it perishable? Yup! But what’s cozier than a warm buttermilk biscuit? Bring the North Fork to your favorite people — and try not to eat them all on your way home. Main Road Biscuit Co., 1601 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-779-3463; mainroadbiscuitco.com
NORTH FORK CHOCOLATES, $32.95
Handmade in Aquebogue, the variety at North Fork Chocolates promises something for everyone, from chocolates infused with local ingredients like honey to fun flavor combinations the kids will love. North Fork Chocolate Company, 740 Main Road, Aquebogue, 631-779-2963; northforkchocolate.com
MEAL DELIVERY GIFT CARD, VARIES
Jess Kelleher’s tongue-in-cheek meal service, That’s What She Fed, is equal parts funny and delicious. Treat someone to a week’s worth of prepared meals so they can enjoy more family time and less cleaning up in the kitchen. That’s What She Fed, 617-821-4462; thatswhatshefednofo.com
NOFO DOCO GIFT CARD, ANY DENOMINATION
Every kid (and adult) will smile when they open this card. Doughnuts! Need we say more? North Fork Doughnut Company, 100 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-7941; nofodoco.com
WJF FARMS LOCAL HONEY, $15
WJF Farms sells honey from their apiaries at the funky Oregon Road Organics farm stand in Peconic. Their sweet honey is a fun way to showcase North Fork farm-to-table to your friends and family in the off-season. Cozy up with a cup of hot tea and a scoop of honey for a soothing end to the day. May we suggest some whiskey for a local hot toddy? Oregon Road Organics, 12595 Oregon Road, Peconic, 631-735-9195; oregonroadorganics.com
ELSEWHERE BLOOD ORANGE APERITIVO, $43 (750 ML)
Bitter and sweet with citrus undertones and a light hint of toasted spices, this aperitivo can be served with a large ice cube, mixed as a unique substitute for bright bitters like Aperol or served warm in a winter sangria with a cinnamon stick. Matchbook Distilling Co., 230 Corwin St., Greenport, 631-333-2064; mdcdropshop.com
COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION, $190
You can have one of our North Fork favorites delivered to your doorstep — or anyone’s — near or far. The subscription includes three months’ worth of small-batch, hand-roasted coffee, providing two 12-ounce bags biweekly. North Fork Roasting Co., 55795 Main Road, Southold, 631-876-5450, northforkroastingco.com
WOLFFER VERJUS, $12 (750 ML)
Made from chardonnay grapes, this non-alcoholic drink can be served chilled on its own, added to sparkling water for a spritzer or mixed for a low-ABV cocktail. Pour it into your favorite cocktail glass so you’re holiday-party ready. Roanoke Vineyards Love Lane, 165 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-7677; wolffer.com
ROANOKE MEMBERSHIP, VARIES BY QUARTER
While buying your own vineyard may be out of reach, becoming a member at one is not. Roanoke’s members-only model reduces crowds and lets the vineyard team focus on world-class winemaking. Commitment lengths vary but start around $75-$125 per quarter (including wine). Roanoke Vineyards, 3543 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-727-4161; roanokevineyards.net
‘EAST END A TO Z,’ $28
Filled with her whimsical artwork and local landmarks, this colorful book by East End artist Kara Hoblin will appeal to readers of all ages. Burton’s Bookstore, 43 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-1161; burtonsbooks.com
CAROUSEL TICKETS, $25 (BULK PURCHASE OF 15 TICKETS)
Pre-buy tickets for your family or your favorite North Fork house guests. Fun for all! Greenport Carousel, Mitchell Park, Greenport; villageofgreenport.org
SANDY CREW BAG, $19
A mesh bag to collect all of your beach treasures. Made by a local North Fork parent, these bags come in a variety of colors and can be monogrammed with up to six letters. Shown here in NOFO. Sandy Crew Bags; etsy.com/shop/SandyCrewBags
LONG ISLAND SCIENCE CENTER MEMBERSHIP, $150
Enjoy a rotating array of hands-on STEM education exhibits. Membership includes unlimited admission for two adults and up to four kids, plus 20% off member guests for one year. Long Island Science Center, 401 Tanger Mall Drive, Riverhead, 631-208-8000; sciencecenterli.org
MOUSE PURSE, $33
Certified fair trade and made in Nepal, this cute and functional purse in the shape of a friendly mouse face will bring joy to any recipient. White Flower Farmhouse, 53995 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-2353; whiteflowerfarmhouse.net
FLOATING ROPE DOG TOY, $15
This floating rope toy is perfect for walks on the beach with your favorite furry friend. It comes in a variety of bright colors and is made from recycled sail lines. Sea Bags, 29 Front St., Greenport, 207-239-5998; seabags.com
DOGGIE DELIGHTS BY ALLISON, $10
These dog treats are made by Allison, a young woman with Down Syndrome who loves to cook and is passionate about animals. Find a bag at One for All Gifts, the creative shop in Southold’s Feather Hill complex that features designs by neuro-diverse entrepreneurs. One for All Gifts, 53345 Main Road, Unit 7-2, Southold, 631-765-8317; oneforallgifts.com
BIRDS OF NEW YORK LAMINATED GUIDE, $8.95
We all have that one friend who got a bit into birding during COVID. Make their day with this easy-to-follow laminated reference guide. Burton’s Bookstore, 43 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-1161; burtonsbooks.com
RECLAIMED WOOD FRAME, $29 FOR A 5” X 7” (ADDITIONAL ASSORTED SIZES AND PRICES)
A frame with a story. The inside of each white frame gives a bit of history on where the wood it’s made from might have been found. White Flower Farmhouse, 53995 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-2353; whiteflowerfarmhouse.net
COPPER HANDLE CHEESE KNIFE SET, $78
This hand-hammered, copper-handled set includes four essential cheese/charcuterie servers. The convenient ivory sack makes it a pre-wrapped classic gift. The Weathered Barn, 41 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-6811; theweatheredbarngreenport.com
ANTARES STUD EARRINGS, $210
Made by jewelry artisan Alexa Suess, these studs feature a single white diamond flanked by four white brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in 14-karat gold. Common Ground Fine Jewelry & Studio, 29 Front St., Greenport; commongroundjewelry.com
KING-SIZED WOOL BLANKET, $150
Designed in Scotland and made in India from repurposed yarn, this king-sized throw is the winter staple our chilly North Fork nights need. The variety of colors and patterns available makes it easy to blend into anyone’s home decor. Fez & Ivy, 53800 Main Road, Southold, 631-407-5660; fezandivy.com
FRENCH OLIVE OIL SOAP ON A CORD, $10
Florist Nathaniel Savage raves about this soap as a great tool for scrubbing hands and nails after a day of working in the garden. The soap not only cleans but also gives a light moisture coating to hands so they don’t dry out as easily, making it perfect for the gardener in your life. White Flower, 53850 Main Road, Southold; 631-765-2353; whiteflowerfarmhouse.net
STRING OF BEADS POTTED PLANT, $45 ($24 PLANT & $21 POT)
Brighten someone’s day with the perfect houseplant. No green thumb needed. This low-maintenance, high-reward plant in a deep gray stone pot is a simple design that breathes life into any home. White Flower, 53850 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-2353; whiteflowerfarmhouse.net
RECYCLED GLASS TUMBLERS AND PITCHER, $56 (TUMBLERS $6 EACH, PITCHER $32)
These mouth-blown glasses and tumblers are made in Morocco and feature naturally occurring bubbles in the glass. The green tint is reminiscent of North Fork sea glass, an ideal gift for your beachcombing friends. touchGOODS, 53740 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-8455; touchgoods.com
NORTH FORK MARKET TOTE, $30
This fun canvas tote features an illustration of eastern North Fork towns and two local vineyards. Grab yours at Rose Hill Vineyards in Mattituck. Rose Hill Vineyards, 2000 Oregon Road, Mattituck, 631-804-0367; rosehill-vineyards.com
2023 SEA LIFE CALENDAR, $35
This calendar features artist Melissa Hyatt’s signature watercolor style in renderings of sea life from near and far. Melissa Hyatt Watercolor Artist, melissahyatt.com
PADDLEBOARD: STARBOARD 10’8” X 33” IGO TIKHINE WAVE DELUXE SC, $525 ON SALE
Calm North Fork waters are perfect for a paddle. This inflatable, foldable version comes with its own wheeled carrying case, ensuring that even those of us with limited storage space or compact cars can get out on the bay. One Love Beach, 211 Main St., Greenport, 631-333-2064; onelovebeach.com
PICKLEBALL PADDLES AND BALL, $130 PER PADDLE, $5 PER BALL
What’s the racket about pickleball?! The North Fork Tennis Shop can supply all you need for the North Fork’s hottest new pastime and owner Jason can answer all your pickleball questions. North Fork Tennis, 53345 Main Road, Unit 9-1, Southold, 631-765-8549; northforktennis.com
SEAFARER CARDIGAN, $350
Browder’s handmade cardigans are milled and knitted in New York from the wool of their flock of Heritage Cotswold sheep. These heirloom-quality pieces can be shared from generation to generation. Browder’s Birds, 4050 Soundview Ave., Mattituck, 631-599-3394; browdersbirds.com
NORTH FORK KIDS SWEATSHIRT (INFANTS, $38; TODDLER, $40)
Revel’s laid-back style makes their “coordinates” line a creative gift for the little ones. The designs and fabrics come in a variety of colors. Revel North Fork, 10 Front St., Greenport, 631-616-9128; revelnorthfork.com
RECLAIMED SAIL TOTE, $160
This piece features a nautical map of Greenport, Shelter Island and local waterways. It’s handmade in Maine from reclaimed sails and holds everything you could need for a day on the water or a stroll through town. Sea Bags, 29 Front St., Greenport, 207-239-5998; seabags.com
SIGNATURE SCENT, CANDLE, $42; ROOM SPRAY, $22; LOTION $45; PERFUME OIL, $48
Salt air, sand in your toes. The signature scent, Halcyon Days at New Suffolk Beach, created by North Fork Apothecary will transport you to your favorite beach day even in the middle of winter. Roll onto your wrists, light the candle, lather the lotion or spray your linens for immediate zen. North Fork Apothecary, 37070 Main Road, Cutchogue, 917-375-7773; nofoapothecary.com
AIR PLANTS (FROM $4.95 TO 19.95)
Cifarelli’s in Southold abounds with plants for all levels of green-thumb. Their air plant selection ranges from small to extra-large. The minimal care and space these plants require make them great for kids who are ready for a little responsibility. Cifarelli’s Nursery, 3504 Ackerly Pond Lane, Southold, 631-765-8654; cifarellis.com
CENTER FOR ADVOCACY, SUPPORT AND TRANSFORMATION DONATION
Through its mission of promoting self-sufficiency, but also as a safety net for Southold Town families, CAST has become a pillar of goodwill in the community. Their new community center with fresh local farm produce is a model of what “neighbors helping neighbors” truly looks like. CAST, 53930 Main Road, Southold, 631-477-1717; castnorthfork.org
PECONIC LAND TRUST, DONATION
A donation to the Peconic Land Trust is a contribution to preserving the beauty and nature that makes the North Fork the place you love to swim, hike and be present. Peconic Land Trust, 22600 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-5630; peconiclandtrust.org
NORTH FORK ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE, DONATION
The NFAWL is committed to saving animals from high-risk shelters and bringing them to their Aquebogue and Peconic shelters for care and placement in permanent homes. #adoptlove North Fork Animal Welfare League, 269 Peconic Lane, Peconic, 631-765-1811; northforkanimalwelfareleague.org
