This is the third story in our series featuring Holiday Gift Finds in Milford and a reminder that by shopping local this holiday season, you are not only likely to find great gifts, but you will be helping a neighbor and making our community stronger.
From speakeasy suppers and bourbon clubs to gymnastics classes, floral arrangements, and craft beer, this third Milford LIVE holiday roundup highlights gifts that support local businesses and build community.
By George Rotsch of Milford LIVE and Terry Rogers of the Milford Times
MILFORD, Del. — As the calendar fills with parties, concerts and last-minute errands, Milford residents are being reminded that some of the best holiday presents are found close to home — and often come in the form of experiences, local flavors and hometown pride.
Local business owners say holiday spending can be the difference between a strong winter and a slow one. Choosing a Milford restaurant over a chain, a neighborhood florist over a national website, or a local online brand over a mass-market retailer helps keep paychecks, sponsorships and community support rooted right here.
This is Week Three of Milford LIVE’s “Holiday Gift Finds” series, focusing on food, experiences and locally themed gifts that turn holiday shopping into an investment in the community.
A night off from cooking … at EasySpeak Spirits
After weeks of holiday hustle, cooking can slide to the bottom of the wish list. A gift card to EasySpeak gives families a chance to skip the kitchen and enjoy wood-fired pizza, crispy wings, quesadillas and sandwiches alongside craft cocktails made with the distillery’s own vodka, bourbon, rum and gin. Burger Night on Wednesdays and Sunday brunch make it an easy go-to long after the tree comes down. EasySpeak Spirits is located at 586 Milford Harrington Highway, Milford, DE.
Fine Italian dining and a Bourbon / Spirit Club membership … at Benvenuto
For a true night out, Benvenuto offers Tuscan-inspired fine dining, world-class wines and a romantic, candlelit atmosphere — an ideal setting for holiday dinners, anniversaries or “just because” evenings. A gift card can be used for Italian classics, seafood specialties, desserts and more.
For the bourbon lover on your list, Benvenuto’s Bourbon / Spirit Club is a standout gift. For $50 per year, members receive invitations to private tastings, special bourbon dinners, supplier events and curated spirit experiences that aren’t available to the general public, often paired with the restaurant’s Italian cuisine. Benvenuto is located at 249 NE Front St., Milford, DE 19963; call (302) 265-2652 for information, reservations or club membership.
A speakeasy-style evening … at Cured Plate
If you want to give an experience instead of “stuff,” Cured Plate is one of downtown Milford’s most unique destinations. Styled as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, this intimate spot requires guests to secure a password before entering. Inside, low lighting, high-top tables, sofas and carefully crafted food and drink create the feel of a secret 1930s bar. A gift card here is an invitation to a night your recipient will talk about long after the holidays. Cured Plate is located at 27 S. Walnut St., Unit 103, Milford, DE.
Bagels, brunch and swag … at Surf Bagel
Surf Bagel’s Milford shop is already a go-to for true New York-style bagels, but it’s also a fun stop for gifts. Branded swag — including their new stoneware coffee mug — is perfect for the person who lives on coffee and carbs. Pair a mug with a gift card and you’ve covered breakfast and a smile in one stop. Surf Bagel’s Milford location is at 204 NE Front St., Milford, DE.
Seasonal craft beer packs … from Big Oyster Brewery
For the craft beer fan on your list, Big Oyster Brewery’s seasonal releases make easy, festive gifts. Warm Like Apple Pie Ale and Shuckin’ Pumpkin Ale both come in cans and on draft, capturing holiday flavors with notes of apple, cinnamon and baking spices. Wrap up a six-pack, add a Big Oyster glass or hoodie, or tuck in a gift card to the brewpub for a locally brewed present that’s ready to share. Big Oyster Brewery has locations in Lewes and Milford, DE; check their taproom or local store shelves for seasonal releases and gift options.
Fresh flowers, wreaths and centerpieces … at Milford Florist
A bouquet or wreath from Milford Florist can brighten a home, office or holiday table. The family-owned shop offers seasonal bouquets, festive centerpieces, fresh evergreen wreaths, customized gift baskets and arrangements for remembrance and sympathy. Recognized as a Best of Delaware 2025 winner, Milford Florist is known for tailoring designs to each recipient — a local touch that makes every gift feel personal. Milford Florist is located at 918 Milford Harrington Highway, Milford, DE; visit milfordfloristde.com or call (302) 422-8166 to order or learn more.
Delaware-proud apparel and décor … at Not Too Shabby
Not Too Shabby is known for beautiful flower arrangements and refurbished furniture, but it’s also a fun stop for Delaware-themed gifts. Beanies, socks and tumblers featuring state pride pair perfectly with other local items, creating a gift that supports more than one small business while celebrating the First State. Not Too Shabby is located at 614 NW Front St., Milford, DE.
Hometown merch and Milford ornaments … at Downtown Milford Inc.
Downtown Milford Inc. (DMI) doesn’t just organize events — it now runs a “Milford Store” inside its office. Shoppers will find LOCAL-themed shirts and hoodies, pint and wine glasses, tumblers, tote bags, stickers, a 2025 Milford ornament and a Christmas card collection. Purchases support DMI’s work promoting downtown while giving friends and family a way to show off hometown pride. The store is open Tuesday–Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Downtown Milford Inc. is located at 17 N. Walnut St., Milford, DE.
Regional style and student support … at Mid Atlantic Clothing Co.
Headquartered in Milford and operating online, Mid Atlantic Clothing Co. turns tees and tanks into a statement of local pride. Designs like the Atlantic Piping Plover T-shirt, Broadkill Beach Watercolor tee and the New Aged Wood Collection are paired with scented soy candles in cozy scents such as Apple Harvest. A portion of sales supports the Interact Club at Milford High School, so each order helps fund student-led service projects. Mid Atlantic Clothing Co. is based in Milford, DE; shop online at www.midatlanticclothing.com.
Ladybug jewelry and local history … at Milford Museum
The Milford Museum safeguards the town’s history — and its gift shop is full of ideas for history buffs and proud locals. Handmade ladybug jewelry honors Delaware’s state bug, first championed by a second-grade class at Lulu Ross Elementary. Shoppers will also find ornaments, books, postcards and other small items that connect recipients to Milford’s past while supporting the museum’s mission. The Milford Museum is located at 121 N. Walnut St., Milford, DE 19963.
Gymnastics, tumbling, and ninja fun … at Bayside Gymnastics
Instead of another toy, give kids a place to flip, climb and grow. Bayside Gymnastics offers gymnastics, tumbling, ninja training and cheer programs that build strength, coordination, confidence and teamwork. Gift certificates can be used for classes, parties or camps, giving children of all abilities — including those with special needs — a supportive place to move and make friends. Bayside Gymnastics is located at 239 NE Front St., Milford, DE 19963; call (302) 422-3464 for details.
Safety and preparedness training … at Complete Defense
For the adult on your list who has talked about learning firearms safety or home defense, a gift certificate to Complete Defense — Patrick and Lori Smith’s training academy in the Lincoln/Milford area — is a practical, skills-based option. Courses focus on safe handling, Delaware-specific laws, emergency preparedness, situational awareness and first aid. Rather than another gadget, this gift invests in knowledge, confidence, and community-minded safety. Complete Defense is based in the Lincoln/Milford area of Delaware; contact the academy directly to learn about upcoming classes and gift certificate options.
Milford Holiday Gift Finds: Week Three of Experiences, Eats and Local PrideRides, rallies and camaraderie … with the Delmarva Retreads Motorcycle Club
For riders 40 and older, the Delmarva Retreads Motorcycle Club offers something different under the tree: community. Based in Felton, the chapter organizes group rides, rallies and social events across Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic. A membership, rally registration or club merchandise can give the motorcyclist in your life new adventures and friendships long after the holidays end.
The Delmarva Retreads Motorcycle Club is based in Felton, DE, and serves riders across Delaware and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.
From speakeasy passwords and Tuscan dinners to bourbon tastings, gymnastics classes, floral centerpieces and craft beer, Week Three of Milford Holiday Gift Finds shows that some of the most memorable presents are made — and experienced — close to home.
Watch for the next installment in this Milford LIVE series as we continue to spotlight local options that help you finish your list while keeping your dollars and your holiday cheer in the community.
Milford LIVE has a team of contributing journalists who cover specific areas of the community. Our Journalist are professional and are paid for their contributions. If you have any questions, corrections, or issues, please reach out to our Publisher and Editor, George Rotsch, at George@DelawareLIVE.com. He can also be reached by phone at 302-354-5730.