We can all agree that December is probably the busiest month of the year, adding all things holiday to daily life — gift exchanges, preparing special meals and desserts, attending or hosting parties. It’s difficult to accomplish our holiday tasks when we find ourselves running in all directions. That takes time and energy we never seem to have enough of. But what if we can make it easier? Come to the Butcher Boy Marketplace, where you can check everything off your gift-giving and entertaining to-do lists! 

By shopping local, you not only will receive the benefit of more personal attention and excellent service, but you’ll also contribute to your own community. For every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community, according to a study conducted by American Express.

Art and Frame is the place to go when you want your gifts to mean something special. Danny and Joddi Chang can help you choose a piece of wall art or sculpture that will fit perfectly in the room you have in mind. Bring them your own prints or family photos to be professionally framed. They can also create personal gifts that hold sentimental value: preserve a work of needlepoint, a meaningful souvenir, sports jersey, puzzle, or other keepsake in a custom frame. If you have items you think would look great in a shadow box but you’re just not sure how to pull it off, Art and Frame can.

Does your family celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes? This time-honored Christmas Eve tradition features seven Italian seafood dishes of all kinds. Whatever is on your menu, you can find the best quality seafood at Lobster Tail Seafoods Restaurant and Fish Market. Let Dan O’Neill and his staff cater the feast or purchase what you need to prepare it in your own kitchen. In addition to fresh shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters, clams and whatever else your favorite recipes call for, you can also pre-order holiday platters to round out your feast. 

Who doesn’t like to be pampered? Give the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate from Tran Tran Nails. Ba Tran, Tran Nguyen, and their talented staff offer a variety of manicure, pedicure, and spa services. If you need a break from the holiday grind, then it’s time for some self-care. Whether you’re looking for a quick touch-up or an afternoon of relaxation complete with a paraffin dip for dry skin, a hot stone massage, or even a Reiki treatment, Tran Tran Nails has you covered. 

Family pets deserve some holiday love, too. Visit Ciao Bow Wow Ciao Meow for everything to spoil your favorite dog or cat. Jeff Mancarella, Todd Flolo and their knowledgeable staff can show you winter jackets and fleeces, along with toys, holiday goodies, and stocking stuffers. Freshen up the basics with a new bed, food and water dishes, and collars. Bring your pet into the store with you as you browse, and let them check out the Treat Bar stocked with the goodies they’ll love.

Take a break from shopping for lunch or dinner at Orzo Trattoria. But don’t leave without a gift certificate or two for someone on your gift list. And this month, when you purchase $100 in gift certificates, you’ll get a bonus gift card worth $20. Keep it for yourself or give it to a friend or loved one who would enjoy a good Italian meal. Michael Reppucci and Carol Webb will take good care of you!

Perfecto’s Caffe is another great spot to get a quick bite to eat during a busy day of errands. Start your day there with a hot breakfast sandwich or choose a gourmet salad or wrap to keep your energy up in the afternoon. Warm up with a delicious specialty hot or iced beverage. Peppermint and gingerbread flavors will put you in the spirit of the season. While you’re there, be sure to order trays of muffins and bagels for yummy breakfast options for holiday houseguests. Phil and Joanne Jay have ‘perfected’ the beverages and treats to give you that burst of energy you need to finish your holiday shopping.

Nature’s Cleaners is a chemical-free zone. Keep them in mind for all your pre- and post-holiday needs. You can get your special occasion table linens ready for family gatherings large or small. And after all the celebrations are complete, and the tablecloth and napkins are stained with memories of your favorite holiday meals, count on Jun Chong and the spot removal experts at Nature’s Cleaners to freshen them up for your next event. If you need your dress tailored for a holiday party, they do that, too!

Full service, personalized banking services are available at the Marketplace. Pentucket Bank is a valuable community partner, contributing to local organizations and programs. Marion Donahue and the employees at Pentucket Bank actively volunteer in the communities they serve. If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving, opening a savings account for a special child in your life will help them to save for the future and build financial literacy early in life.

While children have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, adults are more likely to have a kitchen renovation on their wish lists. Jackson Kitchen Designs can provide the inspiration! Lisa Torrisi and her team of talented designers can show you the options for making modern updates to your kitchen, or modify the layout of the kitchen to make large gatherings easier to host. Keep them in mind to gift yourself something extra special after the holidays so your spruced-up kitchen is ready for next year!