New England-Made Subscription Boxes

A new company in Dover is looking to support local businesses by delivering New England-made products to customers’ doorstep. Touch of New England is offering New England-made subscription boxes showcasing the craftsmanship found in many of the region’s products.

While the pandemic reduces direct traffic to small businesses in the northeast, customers can still receive handmade and unique goods through Touch of New England’s curated collections.

The owner, Angela Mills, says she wanted a way to highlight the dedicated businesses in her backyard that count on tourism but are suffering from reduced travel. “We want to help these local shops get their products into customers’ hands without requiring that foot traffic,” Mills says.

Using items produced in the northeast and assembling them into unique collections allows customers to choose various themed boxes, such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Lobstah Bake,” and “Magnificent Maple.” Other themes celebrate ideas that may not be specific to the region, but contain goods made in the region, such as “Pump Up the Jam” and “Bee My Honey.”

“We love the culture of New England,” says Mills, “and we believe in supporting local businesses.” Mills said these subscription boxes give them a fun way to spotlight the goods produced in the area they call home. Items available include products from staple brands like Stonewall Kitchen in Maine or Yankee Candle in Massachusetts but also from companies with a smaller reach.

Shipments have included a New Hampshire-made version of the now popular “Bernie mittens,” candles handmade in Connecticut, maple syrup made in Vermont, and ceramics made in Rhode Island. Boxes generally include handcrafted home goods, lifestyle items, and snacks, embracing the unique and unexpected.

Being environmentally aware is also an important factor to Mills. In addition to using shipping products made from recycled materials, they welcome producers who upcycle or focus on reducing waste and supporting the environment. “As much as possible, we seek locally produced goods from environmentally friendly companies,” Mills noted. They prefer producers who also shop locally and procure their materials from area businesses.

Touch of New England welcomes craftsmen from across the six states who are interested in participating with a collection. Businesses included in a subscription box may be featured in Touch of New England’s blog, in social media, and in printed inserts.