We all know how stressful gift shopping can get during the holidays. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be! Auburn is full of and surrounded by amazing local spots that make it super easy (and fun!) to find the perfect gifts — and you’ll be supporting our community at the same time, which never stops being important.
Whether you're on the hunt for an experience gift your kids will never forget, a unique treasure from a local artist for a friend, or a gift card that tells a co-worker, "I thought of you," this guide has you covered.
Here are some of our favorite local gift ideas in Auburn/Lewiston:
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Experience Gifts in Lewiston
Give the gift of adventure and memories this holiday season! From family-friendly activities to classes and events, experience gifts are perfect for everyone.
Mr Drew and His Animals Too
- Location: 20 East Ave Unit 14, Lewiston, ME
- Contact: 207-713-0165 www.mrdrewandhisanimalstoo.com
- Why we love it: Probably my favorite local business! Drew, Susan and the rest of the staff are incredible. So many creatures to experience and things to explore. Always a hit with my family - even the teenagers!
Splittin' Wood Axe Throwing
- Location: 20 East Ave, Lewiston, ME
- Contact: 207-713-3118
- Why we love it: Make a full day of it by going next door after visiting Mr. Drew! The staff here is great, too. Helpful, informative and really just wants everyone to have a good, safe time! (I'm *weirdly* good with the knives!)
Know of other experience gifts nearby that we should include? Let me know at erinl@macaronikid.com
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Locally-Owned Stores in Lewiston
From locally-made T-shirts and baked goods to specialty stores, let's make this a year that we buy all local! Each purchase from a locally-owned business makes such a difference to our community business owners. These local shops offer a range of unique gifts that we love:
EllieAnna Gift Shop
- Location: 758 Main St, Lewiston, ME
- Contact: https://www.facebook.com/EllieAnnaGiftShop
- Offerings: Jewelry, keychains, candles, trinkets, clothes, you can even buy most of their display furniture! The majority of their items are even locally made.
Quiet City Books
- Location: 124 Lisbon St, Lewiston, ME
- Contact: https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyQuietCity
- Offerings: The coziest selection of new and gently used books. They also have stationary, art and a thoughtfully selected collection of gifts.
Do you have a favorite locally-owned shop? Share their info with me at erinl@macaronikid.com
Locally Owned Auburn Dining
Not sure what to get? A gift card to a local restaurant is always a great idea. Here are two places I love in Auburn:
Side By Each Brewing Co
- Location: 1110 Minot Ave, Auburn, ME
- Contact: https://www.facebook.com/sidebyeachbrewing
- Why It’s Great: It's a brewery but it's so much more than beer! The coffee is truly the only I will drink and it's roasted right on site (you can buy beans for home!) The weekend brunch specials from the kitchen are always incredible and a lot of the menu is house-made. Bonus: there are gluten free and vegan options!
Kristi's Cafe
- Location: 767 Minot Ave, Auburn, ME
- Contact: https://www.facebook.com/kristiscafela
- Why It’s Great: The regular menu is delicious but it's always the specials (and the seasonal mimosas!) that draw me in. The stuffed waffles never disappoint.
Know of a great local spot we should feature? Email us at erinl@macaronikid.com
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My Favorite Craft Fair
Support local vendors and find an array of holiday treasures at craft fairs, seasonal markets and pop-up shops this season! Check out my favorite for unique holiday finds:
Know of other seasonal markets? Submit it here
Celebrate our amazing local businesses this holiday season by choosing to shop local as much as you can. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Happy holidays from all of us at Macaroni KID Androscoggin!
