2 min read
3 Ways to Love Your Local This Valentine’s Day

3 Ways to Love Your Local This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, show some love where it matters most—right in your own community! Small businesses are the heart of Essex, CT, and this weekend, we’re celebrating with our Love Your Local event. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or simply spreading kindness, every action helps support the local businesses that make our town special.

Join us this Saturday in Essex, CT, for a day filled with shopping, giveaways, and community fun! Plus, enter for a chance to win a $100 Grace & Haven gift card by sharing what you love about your local businesses.

Read more about how you can Love Your Local this Valentine’s Day! 

5 min read
Building & Supporting Community: Empowering Women, Giving Back, and Creating Connections

At Grace & Haven, we’re deeply committed to building and supporting our local and extended communities. Through empowering women in business, hosting networking events for Momtrepreneurs and Women in Business, and supporting local charities with Shop for a Cause initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact. From collaborations that inspire to donations benefiting organizations like St. David's Center for Child & Family Development and the Community Music School, we’re proud to give back. In 2025, we’re excited to create even more opportunities to engage and connect. Learn how you can get involved today and help us build a network of women supporting each other and giving back to our communities!

Boy Enjoying His Heirloom Wooden Toolset – Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Toy for Imaginative Play
6 min read
Our Favorite Wooden Toys for Building Memories (And Why They Last Generations)

Discover Heirloom Wooden Toys for Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Play

Looking for toys that are as durable as they are delightful? Our heirloom wooden toys are the perfect solution. Crafted from sustainable materials, these eco-friendly toys are designed to inspire creativity, encourage imaginative play, and last for generations. From the charming wooden garden playset to our adorable sliceable fruit sets, each toy is built to withstand years of play while fostering learning and development. Whether you’re shopping for mindful moms or searching for wooden toys for kids in Essex, CT, our collection of sustainable toys will provide your child with endless opportunities for fun and growth. Read our latest blog to learn why these timeless toys make the perfect gift for any child.

Shop with Purpose: Gifts That Give Back – A Meaningful Way to Give This Year
5 min read
Shop with Purpose: Gifts That Give Back – A Meaningful Way to Give This Year

Shop with Purpose: Meaningful Gifts That Make a Difference

At Grace & Haven, we believe that shopping with purpose can change the world. When you choose from our gifts that give back collection, you’re not only giving a thoughtful present, but also supporting causes that matter. From artisan-made jewelry to sustainable fashion and education initiatives, every item you purchase helps empower communities, protect the planet, and provide vital resources to those in need. Discover how each purchase can make a real impact with our shop products with purpose collection—where every gift has a story of positive change behind it.

Essex Ed parades down Main Street in Essex, CT, led by joyful parade-goers with noisemakers, celebrating the annual Groundhog Day tradition.
3 min read
Your Guide to the Groundhog Day Parade: A Tradition We Love in Essex

Discover the Charm of Essex, CT’s Groundhog Day Parade

Looking for a fun, family-friendly event this winter? Join us in Essex, CT, for the beloved Groundhog Day Parade on February 2! Watch Essex Ed, the town’s 12-foot papier-mĂąchĂ© groundhog, make his grand procession up Main Street in a top-secret costume, delighting locals and visitors alike. This 46-year-old tradition is a celebration of community, complete with noisemakers, groundhog hats, and hot chocolate from The Griswold Inn.

Before or after the parade, stop by Grace & Haven for a FREE kids’ craft and explore our selection of locally made goods, heirloom-quality wooden toys, and cozy essentials. Will Essex Ed see his shadow this year? We’re crossing our fingers for an early Spring!

👉 Plan your visit now and experience the magic of Essex’s Groundhog Day Parade!

Celebrate Love & Thoughtful Gifting at Grace & Haven
3 min read
Celebrate Love & Thoughtful Gifting at Grace & Haven

Find meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts at Grace & Haven in Essex, CT! From Heart of Gold Earrings by Carson & Co. to embroidered heart baseball caps, king-size satin pillowcases, Cuddle+Kind stuffed animals, bamboo PJs for kids, and Burleigh Wagons, we have something for everyone. Join our Sweet & Savory Charcuterie Workshop for a fun and festive celebration. Shop now to spread the love with thoughtful treasures!

Grace & Haven Capsule Wardrobe featuring Laura Laval's perfect layering tanks in soft, breathable fabrics, styled with hand-distressed denim and cozy cardigans for a timeless, versatile look.
4 min read
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Simplify Life for Late Winter/Early Spring

Building a wardrobe that effortlessly transitions through seasons and occasions starts with the right essentials. In our Capsule Wardrobe Edit, discover timeless pieces like Laura Laval's versatile layering tanks, KMJ's vintage-inspired tops, and Marea's perfect black dress. These thoughtfully curated staples are designed to mix, match, and layer with ease, offering endless outfit possibilities. Whether you're dressing up for an event or keeping it casual, this collection simplifies style without sacrificing quality or sustainability. Explore the must-haves that will redefine your wardrobe—and your mornings.

Ripley Rader smiling brightly, embodying free spirit and joy for life, showcasing her passion for purpose-driven fashion and making a difference.
3 min read
Why We Love Ripley Rader: A Spotlight on Her Brand, Her Perfect Pants, and Her Generosity

At Grace & Haven, we are proud to carry Ripley Rader’s iconic pants, known for their flattering fit and timeless design. But it’s not just her fashion we admire—Ripley’s commitment to making a difference, like her recent efforts to support California wildfire victims, inspires us. Discover how Ripley’s journey from dreaming big to becoming a Forbes-featured designer aligns with our mission to curate meaningful collections. Shop the perfect pants and explore the story behind the brand that embodies purpose, empowerment, and style.