Every dollar spent inside an independent New Bern storefront stays right here in Craven County—supporting the neighbors who sponsor youth sports, light up Bear Plaza, and give our town its character.
With Small Business Saturday on November 28, 2026 (paired with Santa’s Grand Arrival Downtown at 11:00 AM) kicking off the Beary Merry shopping season, we rounded up 25+ real, locally owned New Bern shops and makers organized by everyone on your list—no delayed shipping boxes required.
1. Bear Town Keepsakes, Coastal Boutiques & Menswear
Strolling Middle and Craven Streets—or hopping along Trent Road and McCarthy Boulevard—you can check off stylish apparel, coastal gifts, and hometown New Bern keepsakes in a single afternoon:
Anchored in New Bern
Downtown go-to for New Bern ornaments, nautical home decor, Bear Town gifts, and coastal stocking stuffers.
Peacock’s Plume
Beloved Historic Downtown women’s boutique featuring colorful resort wear, accessories, and thoughtful hostess gifts.
Surf Wind and Fire
Outdoor lifestyle apparel, flannels, footwear, and adventure-ready gear right on Middle Street.
Small Batch Specialty Gifts
Curated artisan gift boxes, gourmet treats, and North Carolina-made goods perfect for clients, teachers, and hosts.
Grant’s Menswear
Sharp sweaters, sport coats, ties, and classic menswear with attentive personal sizing help.
Madilyn Paige Boutique
Trendy holiday outfits, cozy knits, jewelry, and giftable accessories on South Glenburnie Road.
The Sassy Boutique
Festive women’s fashion, handbags, and stocking stuffers with easy Trent Road parking.
Thrive Christmas Pop-Up Market
Seasonal holiday pop-up market showcasing local vendors, festive decor, and handmade gifts.
2. Fine Jewelry & Custom Heirloom Keepsakes
Planning a Christmas engagement under the Union Point lights or gifting a timeless piece?
- Hearne’s Fine Jewelry (1331 McCarthy Blvd. · 252-637-2784) — Longtime local jeweler known for fine diamonds, estate pieces, watches, and expert in-house care.
- Mike’s Fine Jewelry (1801 S. Glenburnie Rd. · 252-637-9775) — Gold, gemstones, holiday earrings, and custom sizing right on Glenburnie Road.
- Creative Jewelry Designs (New Bern · 252-229-0639) — One-of-a-kind handcrafted and custom-designed jewelry pieces.
3. Vinyl Records, Books, Comics, Board Games & Local Art
Skip generic gift cards and wrap up something genuinely personal for music lovers, readers, gamers, and kids:
Neuse Records & Audio
New and vintage vinyl LPs, turntables, and classic audio gear for the music obsessive on your list.
Street Sounds
Mobile audio, remote starters, marine sound upgrades, and electronics gifts installed locally.
Peddling Prose Bookshop
Charming local indie bookshop popping up at New Bern markets with hand-picked reads for all ages.
The Comic Shop In New Bern
Graphic novels, back-issue comics, collectibles, and stocking stuffers for Marvel, DC, and anime fans.
The Casual Nerd
Family board games, trading card games, RPG dice sets, and tabletop hobbies great for Christmas afternoon.
Bear Hands Art Factory
Paint-your-own pottery ornaments, creative studio sessions, and experience gift certificates for kids and grandparents.
Looking for coastal fine art? Visit Richard Schulman Fine Art & Photography (504 Front St. · 631-375-1459) or explore all galleries in our Downtown Boutiques, Antiques & Art Guide.
4. Local Makers: Candles, Tallow Skincare, Honey, Sweets & Holiday Greenery
Need teacher gifts, office Secret Santa picks under $30, or fresh floral centerpieces?
- Again Aflame Candle Company (New Bern, NC) — Hand-poured local candles that make effortless, warm holiday gifts.
- Coastal Tallow Co. (2607 Trent Rd.) — Nourishing small-batch tallow balms and winter skincare crafted right here in New Bern.
- The Honey Bar (New Bern & Eastern NC · 252-702-1634) — Local raw honey jars and sweet culinary gifts.
- Mollie’s Lollies (New Bern · 252-229-4688) — Handcrafted gourmet lollipops and colorful stocking stuffers kids love.
- Odham’s Flower Shop (1207 Simmons St. · 252-638-1374) — Holiday floral arrangements, poinsettias, and table centerpieces delivered locally.
- Pinecone Home & Garden Center (4136 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. · 252-631-5075) — Wreaths, winter planters, garden decor, and gifts for green thumbs.
5. Spoil the Dog, Gear Up for the River, or Gift a Spa Day
- For Pets: Nauti Paws Pet Boutique & Bakery (2113 S. Glenburnie Rd. · 252-637-0247) bakes fresh dog treats alongside festive collars, plush toys, and pet stockings.
- For Cyclists & Kids’ First Bikes: Flythe’s Bike Shop (2411 Trent Rd. · 252-638-1544) — Cruisers, kids’ bikes under the tree, helmets, and tune-up gift cards.
- For Boaters & Paddlers: Banx Watersports (1305 Country Club Rd. · 252-638-3000) — Kayaks, paddleboards, and Neuse/Trent River gear.
- For Pure Relaxation: Pick up massage and wellness gift certificates at Rinnova Spa & Wellness Center (2098 Mayhew Dr. · 252-649-1617) or Stillpoint Bodywork & Massage (1329 S. Glenburnie Rd., Ste D · 518-354-1009).
6. Active Craven County Deals & Local Merchant Offers
Check out current verified discounts and specials posted by Craven County businesses right now:
4SELF Fitness — First Month Free with Any 6-Month Gym Membership
Downtown New Bern Gifts — 15% Off Handcrafted Local Gifts Over $40
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping Local in New Bern
When is Small Business Saturday in Downtown New Bern?
Small Business Saturday falls on Saturday, November 28, 2026, kicking off alongside Santa’s Grand Arrival at 11:00 AM on Middle and Pollock Streets.
Where can I browse even more New Bern shops and service providers?
Explore all 540+ local profiles in our New Bern Shopping Directory and Full A–Z Business Directory.
How do I get my New Bern store added or updated in this guide?
Use Claim Your Listing or Add Your Business Free—updates go straight to our local editorial team.
Plan the Rest of Your 2026 Bear Town Holiday Season
Pair local gift shopping with waterfront holiday events and hometown dining:
🌲 Featured Local Craven County Businesses
Support our homegrown New Bern economy by shopping and hiring verified local merchants:
