Searching for unique holiday gifts this season? Explore the shopping options nestled right in The Lake Champlain Islands! This season, embrace the challenge of shopping locally and support the businesses in Grand Isle County. Discover a selection of island shops and skilled local artisans below.

1. Island Craft Shop

The oldest artisan cooperative in Grand Isle County, The Island Craft Shop boasts more than 21 artisans showcasing a diverse range of handmade treasures. Visit them every Saturday and Sunday in South Hero, Vermont until December 19 to explore their offerings. For further details, take a peek at their Facebook Page.

2. Bijoux Gervais

Bijoux Gervais crafts unique jewelry using silver, gold, brass, and copper. From beautiful handmade earrings to lovely pendant necklaces, these jewels will be the perfect token for someone on your list. Check out Bijoux Gervais on Facebook for holiday markets. You can also find their goods at Arbor Farm Market.  

2. Arbor Farm Market

Arbor Farm Market showcases an array of farm-fresh goods alongside various creations from Vermont artisans. Located in the South Hero Village you can drop by between Wednesdays and Sundays to peruse their collection, brimming with wonderful gifts like handcrafted jewelry and delightful pottery pieces. 

3. Dusty Pine Wood Design, Grand Isle

Dusty Pine Wood Design is a quality wood decor and furniture maker based in Grand Isle. They specialize in custom builds and gifts, focusing on utilizing reclaimed materials. They have an online store as well and attend many holiday pop ups. Shop

4. The Green Frog 

Located on Ferry Road in South Hero, Vermont, The Green Frog Gift Shop is a contemporary, rustic shop featuring lots of local products from Vermont and New England. For more info, take a peek at their Facebook Page.

5. Muriel's Sweaters 

Muriels, a Vermont-based garment company, specializes in crafting exquisite, long-lasting knitwear. With a commitment to sustainability and a dedication to promoting slow fashion, they source their fiber locally from Vermont farmers. Their cozy sweaters stand as an ideal choice for a thoughtful, sustainable gift that embodies the essence of Vermont's local craftsmanship. Shop

6. Hero's Welcome General Store, North Hero

When in doubt, head to Hero’s Welcome in the North Hero Village. This Vermont general store is an Island staple, packed with games, books, gag gifts, household items, clothing, and a wide selection of local goods! Shop

7. Viva Marketplace

Viva Marketplace in South Hero, Vermont will be reopening its doors and hosting two holiday markets with an array of unique gifts on the first and second Saturday of December. You can expect to find curated gifts, jewelry, clothing, and many other items made in Vermont. They will be open from 11 am to 5 pm in South Hero, Vermont. In person shopping only. For more details, check out Viva Marketplace on Facebook. 

8. Champlain Islands Indoor Farmers Market 

Indoor winter markets will continue the first three Saturdays of December from 10 am to 2 pm at the South Hero Congregational Church. Put together a local gift basket for your friends or family with items from vendors such Blue Heron Farm, Grand Isle Pasta, Snow Farm Vineyard. Learn more

9. Buy a Local Gift Card

This holiday season, opt for a local gift card and lend support to nearby businesses. You can purchase gift cards from restaurants like North Hero House Restaurant, Pan’s Pizza, or Kraemer and Kin, contributing to the local community while giving the gift of a delightful dining experience. 

From the timeless knitwear of Muriels to the eclectic treasures at Hero’s Welcome, you will be sure to find something for everyone on your list this holiday season. This guide highlights just some of the great small businesses that are here in The Lake Champlain Islands. What other small businesses do you like to support? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Throughout the country businesses are struggling to find workers and this is being felt in our community. Some businesses have even had a temporary closure to give their current employees a much deserved and needed break. Are you or someone you know searching for a job opportunity? Keep reading to see who is hiring in Grand Isle County. Let's get back to work, Vermont!

1. Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant 

Shore Acres is currently looking for housekeepers, servers, hosts, groundskeepers, front desk, and bussers. Get in touch with them today. Call 802-372-8722 or email them @jason@shoreacres.com to learn more. 

2. The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant

The North Hero House is hiring for all shifts with flexible start and end dates email resumes to info@northherohouse.com

See Employment

3. The Snow Farm Vineyard 

Snow Farm is currently seeking a winemaker and vineyard assistant. Call 802-372-7534 or email Patrick@snowfarm.com to learn about that specific position. They also have two tasting room positions available. If interested, call 802-372-9463 or email Cassandra@snowfarm.com for more information. 

4. Wally’s Place 

Wally’s Bagel Place is temporarily closed due to staffing shortages, they are in need of hardworking folks to join their crew!

Join the team

5. Keeler Bay Variety Store

Keeler Bay is currently hiring for multiple positions such as Cashier, Deli, Stock, and Meat Slicer.

Apply Today

6. Victoria’s Cafe 

Victoria's Cafe is seeking a cook assistant/wait staff who can pitch in and help as a team.

Apply Today

7. Turn To Joy, Early Learning Center

Turn To Joy, South Hero’s newest learning center, is seeking a part-time assistant and substitutes to join their team.

Contact here

 8. Champlain Islands Parent Child Center

Champlain Islands Parent Child Center is seeking a full-time infant teacher to join their team.

Learn more 

Did we miss a business that’s hiring? Please comment their name and contact information below!