When Olivia and Heather were at the Atlanta gift show, they discovered the delicious chocolates ofMarieBelle. Don't worry-- we will always carry our infamous must-have caramels at the front counter, but they just had to bring these in to our shop and here's why:
What makes MarieBelle stand out? Well, for starters, their product is on Oprah's Favorite Things list!! If that wasn't enough, aside from their stunning packaging and presentation, all of their chocolate products are handmade from single origin cocao resulting in rich complex flavors not commonly found in chocolate. They choose only the finest selection of Criollo cacao beans from all over the world. What exactly is Criollo? (Don't worry, we didn't know either...) What the fine Arabica bean is to coffee, the even finer and rarer Criollo bean is to chocolate. Criollo cacao makes up less than 10% of worldwide chocolate production, and as such is highly sought after by connoisseurs. Chocolate made from Criollo beans has a distinctly reddish colour, and an equally distinctive complex taste which can include flavors of caramel, nuts, vanilla and tobacco. They are made in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY. We just love that they are locally made in the USA.
The company was founded by Maribel Lieberman and started as a chocolate shop in Soho, New York. Maribel's passion for discovering and sharing new flavors isn't something new; it started at an early age when as an eight-year-old child, she would make sugar candies and sell them to neighborhood children in her native Honduras.
We fell in love with so many of MarieBelle’s products, as evident when you step in to the shop. From Mint Chip Malt Balls (layered with the highest quality dark chocolate with a crunchy mint cook malt in the center) to Milk Chocolate Pearls (crunchy milk chocolate pearls pack a lot of chocolate flavor for their delicate size). We also love that by bringing this company in, we are supporting a company that is made in the USA
We have brought them in right before Easter because they make the perfect addition to any basket! Especially the Milk Chocolate Easter Bunnies! Ready to jump right into your Easter basket, this pair of Milk Chocolate Easter Bunnies are filled with milk caramel marshmallow and beautifully packaged in the signature Mariebelle lunch box. Stop in and have a taste of these adorable and affordable chocolates, we are sure you can find a new sweet obsession … just like we did.
It's that time of year in New England. The weather vacillates between unbearably hot and torrentially pouring. While there is always a chance to hit the beach when our notoriously fickle weather gods decide to grant us a little bearable sunshine, we've hit the "duck and cover" end of summer.
It's a fine coincidence that a gift shop is almost always the idea place to pop out of the rain or heat and get a little something for someone you hold dear. We'd like to introduce you to two of our favorite collections of jewelry that are quite perfect when you are weathering the... well... weather.
Lucky Feather
Lucky Feather is fun and funky, totally perfect for kids and adults. Not only are the designs to die for, but they might just bring a little luck - exactly what you need going into a new school year or entering a new job.
We have lots of their products - necklaces, charms, earrings - the whole nine yards. They are easy to pack and a great surprise for your best friend, child recently gone to school, or a close loved one.
Dune Jewelry
We love Dune for a totally different reason. Sure, they're still wonderfully cute and simple fashion statements. However, each Dune piece is filled with sand collected here, on the island. When you look at a particular necklace or earring you will notice that the beach where the sand was found is clearly labeled.
Maybe a friend or relative couldn't come with you, but has loved the island ever since they were young. Perhaps you know a former islander gone to school or moved away who would appreciate taking a piece with them. Or maybe you just want to have a little keepsake for yourself!
We hope you stop by the shop during the dog days of summer. This is just a dip in our extensive, unique collection of jewelry!
Have you ever had a day where a thoughtful card or a chocolate bar might just make everything a little bit better? We've had those days. Even when you are feeling on top of the world, there's nothing that feels quite so much like a nice pat on the back.
Maybe that's why we love Curly Girl Designs.
Curly Girl is cute. Curly Girl is endearing. Curly Girl says the things we can't figure out how to say, with a light, off the cuff eloquence.
Whether you are congratulating or sending condolences, we're happy that we can offer Curly Girl's cards and chocolate bars. Designed somewhat locally (Boston!) by a lovely lady named Leigh, who not only creates all the beautiful artwork and witty writing featured throughout her products, but owns her own little shop AND manages to find time to write a blog. Oh, and she's raising twins.
Leigh may be a superhero; we're still investigating.
We hope next time you visit you find yourself inspired to walk away with a little piece of Curly Girl. It can never hurt to stock up on whimsy, now can it? Make someone's day a little bit better.
Living on the coast of New England, nestled in a little island, we often forget how lucky we are. That is, until a customer who has traveled halfway across the country to enjoy some Vineyard air remarks on all our shell products. To us a part of life, to others a novelty.
There is a "Coastal New England" aesthetic and we are chock full of it. However, rather than selling rinky-dink seashell imposters, we've got the real deal. There are starfish and shells in many a nook and cranny.
You may be leaving the island soon, or you may be arriving to your summer island home. Either way, you really can't go wrong with filling your shopping basket up with seaside mementos. Take the island with you. Get yourself something that will remind you of your perfect day at Katama Beach. Bring back a token of the Atlantic to a loved one who has never dipped their toes into the ocean.
Finally, pick the perfect frame to remember your time here. If you're a local, remember what we are reminded every day. The seashore and all it's bounty are special and we are lucky. Next time it's a midwest relative's birthday, think about giving them a little piece of your world.
When you hear the words "New England gift shop" it's easy for your brain to jump to a very particular image - stuffed lobsters, taffy, fudge, piles of sweatshirts and swag emblazoned with the name of the city you're visiting. Gift shops feel tacky, a "made in China" paradise.
That's not what Rainy Day is about.
Anyone who's visited our shop knows that it's an eclectic explosion of colors and options. Our items only scream Martha's Vineyard when it makes sense, when they are really supposed to. We believe a gift shop should be exactly that - a place where you can find the perfect gift for a loved one... or yourself. We hold value in the idea that our wares are precious enough to be put on display, rather than tucked away as a forgotten memento.
We also think a lot about where our products come from. Every year we get in more Fair Trade, US Made, and Island Crafted products. It makes us feel good. It should make you feel good too. Here's why:
Fair Trade, Hand Made, or Give Backs
What is Fair Trade? Fair Trade Goods are exactly what they claim to be - fair. Fair Trade products are certified by Fair Trade USA, an organization that ensures the farmers and laborers abroad who create Fair Trade products are compensated justly. Fair Trade USA also helps farmers and communities navigate the free market and utilize the tools they need to face the competitive global economy.
"
With Fair Trade USA, the money you spend on day-to-day goods can improve an entire community’s day-to-day lives." Says Fair Trade USA.
We also invest a lot of time in sourcing products that are handmade or give back a percentage of their products to global help organizations. These products, while not living under the Fair Trade title, give back to the artists, communities, and individuals working so hard to live a decent life!
Ask one of our wonderful employees about which of these products we have in stock when you stop by!
Made in USA
Why should you buy American made products? Every time you purchase something made in America, you are putting that money back into our national economy. A process where dollars continue to recycle from hand to American hand begins. American producers are also often faced with strict regulations and inspections. Most important? It's fun to support America.
Check out some of our American Made products next time you're in the shop!
Vineyard Made
This category, we are particularly proud of. We love knowing the actual artisans and crafters who make our products. Whether it be locally foraged teas, salts, rock slabs, soaps... the list goes on, we know where that money is going. And living on an island means that, like any small town, we get to learn about the intricate lives and backstories of our Vineyard producers.
When you walk into Rainy Day, you're not just walking into a gift shop. You're walking into an experience, a way of life, a perspective of the world that values small companies whose sources you can trust.
In fact, that's why we started this blog. To highlight new products and sales, of course, but also to introduce our wonderful customers to the people and companies behind the products they're purchasing.
What makes MarieBelle stand out? Well, for starters, their product is on Oprah's Favorite Things list!! If that wasn't enough, aside from their stunning packaging and presentation, all of their chocolate products are handmade from single origin cocao resulting in rich complex flavors not commonly found in chocolate. They choose only the finest selection of Criollo cacao beans from all over the world. What exactly is Criollo? (Don't worry, we didn't know either...) What the fine Arabica bean is to coffee, the even finer and rarer Criollo bean is to chocolate. Criollo cacao makes up less than 10% of worldwide chocolate production, and as such is highly sought after by connoisseurs. Chocolate made from Criollo beans has a distinctly reddish colour, and an equally distinctive complex taste which can include flavors of caramel, nuts, vanilla and tobacco. They are made in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY. We just love that they are locally made in the USA. 
The company was founded by Maribel Lieberman and started as a chocolate shop in Soho, New York. Maribel's passion for discovering and sharing new flavors isn't something new; it started at an early age when as an eight-year-old child, she would make sugar candies and sell them to neighborhood children in her native Honduras. 
We fell in love with so many of MarieBelle’s products, as evident when you step in to the shop. From Mint Chip Malt Balls ( layered with the highest quality dark chocolate with a crunchy mint cook malt in the center) to Milk Chocolate Pearls (crunchy milk chocolate pearls pack a lot of chocolate flavor for their delicate size). We also love that by bringing this company in, we are supporting a company that is made in the USA
We have brought them in right before Easter because they make the perfect addition to any basket! Especially the Milk Chocolate Easter Bunnies! Ready to jump right into your Easter basket, this pair of Milk Chocolate Easter Bunnies are filled with milk caramel marshmallow and beautifully packaged in the signature Mariebelle lunch box. Stop in and have a taste of these adorable and affordable chocolates, we are sure you can find a new sweet obsession … just like we did.
