The invitations are piling up like presents — via text, email, snail mail, word on the street and all the other ways we reach out to each other these days. It’s a delight to be included in holiday festivities, especially when they’re in someone’s home (and, well, you didn’t have to do all the work). It’s special. They’re taking a lot of time and toil and often expense to gather their near and dear, so make sure you show up with an offering that’ll make ‘em smile. Not that your mere presence doesn’t do that, but you know what we’re getting at — being a good guest is appreciated. Be it a dinner, a full weekend stay, a kids party or a rousing afternoon of White Elephant shenanigans, we’ve compiled a haul of holiday gifts from right here on the North Fork that will let you show your host how much you cherish being brought into the fold. Happy holidays!
Holiday Dinner
Be the guest with the best when you bring any of these thoughtful treats to the table.
Long Island Wine, $27 – $36 So many of us get befuddled when faced with what bottle to bring to a dinner. Narrow your choices by keeping it local! There’s a river of riches right here on Long Island. From lightly sparkling petillant naturels like Lenz Winery’s NV “Firefly” ($36) and Chronicle Wines’ 2023 “Curiosity” ($29) — both perfect choices to kick off the evening — to Macari’s bright 2024 “Lifeforce” Sauvignon Blanc ($30) to Saltbird Cellars’ brambly, rich 2020 Merlot ($27) and Paumanok’s irresistible 2022 Cabernet Franc ($36), any or all of these will have your host raising a glass to you.
Magazin Minori Striped Vase, $68 Everyone brings flowers. Instead, arrive with something beautiful to put them in that will never wilt. Head to Terra Vite Winery for this imported Italian hand-painted vase from Magazin, an Italian lifestyle ceramics brand, that will add a complementary pop of color to any home. Bonus: You can grab a glass of wine from the tasting room mid-holiday shopping! Terra Vite North Fork Winery & Vineyard, 250 Manor Lane, Jamesport, 631-722-3416, terravitevineyard.com
12-Piece Chocolate Gift Box, $36.95 Be the guest of the hour with these stunning artisanal chocolates made with local ingredients, like Bayview Market & Farms strawberries, merlot from Lenz Winery and Duck Walk Vineyards’ blueberry port. North Fork Chocolate Company, 8700 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-779-2963, northforkchocolate.com
Reclaimed Wood Trivet, $28 This handmade trivet is crafted from recycled hardwoods like maple, cherry, walnut and oak. An always useful gift, the trivet is one of many items produced at Camphill Village, an integrated community in Copake, N.Y. where people with developmental differences create unique goods. One For All Gifts, 53345 Main Road #7-2, Southold, 631-765-8317, oneforallgifts.com
White Elephant
Look, you don’t want to wind up with the gift that nobody wants to steal (and no, re-gifting is not an option here!). Bring the coveted White Elephant offering that everyone is going to clamor for. From vintage albums to a cool show-your-NoFo-pride cap to a great read and unique holiday ornaments, the competition is sure to be stiff for the winner of any of these prudent presents.
Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster, $20, Low, $30, Mind Garage, $18
Ben Webster and Gerry Mulligan come together on the 1960 Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster jazz and swing album. David Bowie’s 1977 album is a mix of pop, rock and electrotonic beats. Mind Garage’s 1969 album showcases the band’s psychedelic rock and roll style. Whatever you choose, these vintage vinyl records will be a hit with the music lover in your life. Forked Road Press, 53975 Main Road, Southold, forkedroadpress.myshopify.com
North Fork Vintage Cotton Twill Cap, $28, North Fork Ceramic Campfire Mug, $16.95
All designed by local artist Carol Young, give the gift of repping the North Fork with this chic baseball cap that brightens dreary winter days. The matching mug is great for sipping all your hot chocolate, warm tea and coffee from. Jamesport Country Store, 1299 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-722-8048, instagram.com/jamesport_country_store
Nautical Ornaments, $9.95 and up
Preston’s Chandlery has a range of nautical ornaments — pirate ships, seagulls, lobsters, rowboats, jellyfish and more — that make fabulous gifts to brighten someone’s day while adding sea-centric flair to their Christmas tree. Preston’s Chandlery, 102 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-1990, prestons.com
Cellar Rat: My Life in the Restaurant Underbelly by Hannah Selinger, $29
Northforker contributor and James Beard-nominated writer Hannah Selinger lays bare her tough years working in the high-stress, high-end New York restaurant world in this sharp 2025-released memoir. Selinger’s book not only names names but explores the reasons she (and, not reaching too far, others in the hospitality world) fall prey to powerful and influential industry insiders.
Holiday Kids Party
Skip the overwhelming toy section at Target — there are so many treats for the kiddos right in our own backyard. From super fun puzzles and games to cuddly stuffed animals and bedtime books, when it comes to the wee ones, shopping small (as in businesses) yields a treasure trove of fun.
50 Must-Read Books Bucket List Puzzle, $24.99 This 1,000-piece puzzle is a fun project and inspires budding minds to delve into literature. Showcasing the most classic, well-known titles in a colorful design, other varieties, including movie, music and travel-lover puzzles, are also available. A Book Place, 489 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-405-7902, instagram.com/abookplace_boutique
Bunny, $45, Lamb, $45, and Chick, $34, Thistle Stitch Studio Stuffed Animals Snuggle up with these super soft minky fabric-made farm pals. Inspired by the look of real animals, get your hands on these fluffy friends, which artist Treva Elwood produces in small batches. White Flower Farmhouse, 53995 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-2353; Instagram.com/whiteflowerfarmhouse
Jenga, $22 Nothing tops a family game night. Break out this wood block classic (which we have on good authority is still a top seller) and don’t let the tower tumble. Perfect to keep kids entertained and giggling all winter long. Goldsmith’s, 128 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-0466, instagram.com/goldsmithsgreenport
Trial and Error, $18.99 Robin Newman’s clever tale of an ant that becomes a lawyer is sure to engross kids ages 7 to 11 (and hey, maybe inspire a career!). The early-graphic chapter book features charming drawings by Deborah Zemke. Burton’s Books, 43 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-1161, burtonsbooks.com
Overnight Guest
There’s an art to being a good overnight or weekend guest, which of course always starts with being thoughtful (and helpful, too — put your dishes in the dishwasher, even if your host restacks ‘em. From sweet tokens to a full-on handwoven blanket that’s sure to become a living-room heirloom, these gifts guarantee “your room” will always be ready.
Black Cypress & Tobacco Reed Diffuser, $22, decorative bottle, $12 Switch up the typical candle and bring this moody diffuser instead. Evocative of scents from a woodsy forest, with floral notes and rich tobacco, it brings about all the cozy winter vibes. The Weathered Barn, 41 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-6811, theweatheredbarngreenport.com
French Press Gift Basket, $109.95 Aldo’s premium house-blend beans, biscotti varieties, a mug and a luxe French press coffee brewer will leave your host in awe. Curate the perfect winter morning with everything this basket has to offer. Aldo’s Coffee Co, 103-105 Front St., Greenport, 631-213-9353, aldoscoffee.com
Recycled Wool Blanket in Sage Gingham, $162 Bring your host something warm, like this recycled and washable wool blanket that also happens to be a gorgeous décor piece for any room. Its gingham pattern and deep colors add a wintery touch. Fez & Ivy, 53800 Main Road, Southold, 631-407-5660, instagram.com/fezandivy
Houseplant, $4 and up
A fresh new houseplant is a welcome gift and fully customizable, too: choose the size and type of plant, the container and add-ons like stakes or signs. Care instructions come with whatever plant you pick. Willow + Bloom, 6 Sound Road, Wading River, 631-886-1701, willowandbloomwr.com
