Wrapped baby shower gifts from Grace & Haven in Essex, CT, curated by a mom of 3 who gets it and refuses to carry anything but things that make life better - full stop.
10 min read
What to Gift a New Mom (From a Mom Who Knows What Actually Gets Used)

From a mom who built a boutique specifically so you'd never have to stare blankly at a registry again — here's the actual list. The Kendi swaddle that gets reached for every day. The RaZbuddy that becomes a best friend. The Boynton book you'll have memorized and still love. The Ember Mug that means her coffee is finally hot. All at Grace & Haven, online or in Essex, CT.

Toddler wearing Jamie Kay Sailing Day organic cotton woven bucket hat — nautical sailboat print, neutral background, available at Grace & Haven in Essex CT and online
10 min read
Cue the Music. The Yacht Rock Collection Has Arrived.

Cue the music. The Yacht Rock Collection for baby and kids is here at Grace & Haven — organic cotton rompers, Kendi swaddle blankets, blue seersucker separates, and nautical pieces from Colored Organics, Jamie Kay, and Saltwater Boys. Classic styles built for the shore, the lake, the boat, or the backyard. Ships anywhere. Perfect for gifting. In store at 23 Main Street, Essex, CT and online at graceandhaven.co.

View of Main Street, Essex, CT with daffodils in bloom and water in the distance during Daffodil Days running through April 2026.
11 min read
Daffodil Days in Essex, CT: Your Complete Guide to New England's Sweetest Spring Tradition

Every spring, Essex CT bursts into yellow — and with it comes one of the most genuinely joyful small-town traditions in New England. Daffodil Days is exactly what you need after a long winter.

What to wear in Essex CT this spring — coastal women's style from Grace and Haven boutique on Main Street
11 min read
What to Wear in Essex, CT This Spring: A Real-Woman's Guide to Dressing for the Shoreline

Spring dressing in Essex has its own rhythm — chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and evenings on the river that call for something with a little more intention. Here's what I'm reaching for this season, and where to wear it all.

Main Street Essex CT in spring — the best girls' weekend destination in Connecticut and New England's #1 small town - Photo credit: Yankee Magazine
12 min read
The Ultimate Mom's Weekend Guide to Essex, CT: Where to Eat, Shop & Unwind

Some weekends are made for stepping away — from the to-do list, the school run, the endless mental load. Essex, CT is where Connecticut moms go to eat well, shop slowly, and come back feeling like themselves again. This is the insider guide, from someone who grew up here.

Sail to Sable Ruffle Hem Shirt Dress in spring — Grace & Haven boutique Essex CT
12 min read
Why I Only Buy a Few Spring Pieces — And Exactly What I'm Buying This Year

Amy breaks down her philosophy for buying less and better this spring — and shares the specific women's and organic kids' pieces she chose for the floor at Grace & Haven, including a sold-out cardigan that came back by request, new arrivals from Sail to Sable, and organic baby and kids' clothing from Jamie Kay, Quincy Mae, and Henry Drew. These aren't mass-produced picks — they're chosen because Amy knows the people who made them.

Main Street Essex CT in spring with storefronts and daffodils — the #1 small town in New England
9 min read
Why Essex, CT Was Just Voted the #1 Small Town in New England (And Why Moms Are Obsessed)

Essex, CT just earned the #1 spot in Yankee Magazine's best small towns. Here's the insider guide from someone who lives and shops on Main Street every day.

Why and How We Choose What We Carry
2 min read
Why and How We Choose What We Carry

At Grace & Haven, every brand and product is thoughtfully chosen to bring quality, longevity, and purpose to your everyday life. From women-led and family-run makers to artisans who value craftsmanship and sustainability, our curated collections reflect care, connection, and intentional living. Discover how we select pieces that support real life, celebrate meaningful moments, and make every order feel special.