Talented artists and crafters of Connecticut turn out unique gifts

The gift selection at The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village is, in a word, gigantic. Art glass and other home decor items can be found at the Artful Gift Shop, and all sorts of toys and games (including everything dino, of course) are on the Ageless Toy Shop’s shelves. The Absolute Bead Shop is the largest beading supplies shop in New England, and jewelry is one-of-a-kind at the Artistic Jewelry Shop. Seeking something really unique? Check out the A to Z Mineral Shop for crystals and minerals or the Ancient Fossil Shop for fossils from every corner of the globe. And don’t forget the PAST Antiques Marketplace, with an ever-changing inventory of antiques, collectibles and crafts on two floors.

There’s a surprise in every shop as you stroll the seaside streets of Stonington Borough. Interested in antiques? Art? Meander through fascinating galleries and antiques shops with items from Roman coins to vintage furniture and paintings. At the Velvet Mill, each studio features something unique from local artists and artisans. How about clothing and jewelry? Stonington’s stores feature chic shoes, handprinted fabrics, cutting-edge fashion and hand-crafted jewelry from sterling silver to pieces with coastal flair. Home decor, fabrics, gifts and collectibles can also be found. And if you’re looking to score some fresh produce, a jar of honey, fresh-baked bread or homemade crafts, check out Saturday’s Farmers Market, one of the borough’s favorite shopping traditions.