Unique Gifts from The Ride Cafe – Your Local Bike and Family Travel Shop
This holiday season, there’s no better way to find unique, meaningful gifts than by supporting your local small businesses. Here at The Ride Cafe, a woman-owned, community-focused bike shop in the heart of Melrose, we’ve curated a holiday gift guide perfect for Boston families, bike and train enthusiasts, and anyone who values the charm of shopping local. Let’s celebrate the season by keeping our dollars in the community and gifting items that reflect the Boston spirit and love for family biking!
1. Bike Beam – Joyful Visibility
Give the gift of joyful visibility with the Bike Beam! This bright, vertical light isn’t just about safety; it’s about spreading smiles. With colorful, vibrant lighting, it enhances visibility for evening rides around Boston’s streets. Perfect for Boston kids on their own bike or their family bike, this gift keeps riders safe while adding a splash of color to any bike.
2. MBTA “T” Branded Socks
For the Boston commuter or MBTA lover, these “T” branded socks make the perfect stocking stuffer. A nod to Boston’s iconic public transportation, these socks are ideal for anyone who loves multimodal transportation and staying cozy in style. These unique socks are a fun and practical way to represent our local lifestyle!

3. 3D Wooden Puzzle: Bicycle
For a hands-on gift that’s engaging and creative, consider our 3D Wooden Puzzle: Bicycle. This puzzle is a delightful choice for kids 7+ and is small enough to slip into a stocking. It’s a thoughtful, hands-on, wooden gift that will delight both kids and adults alike.
4. Boston MBTA Red Line Applique Sweatshirt
For the Boston train lover in your lift, the MBTA Red Line Applique Sweatshirt is a cozy, iconic choice. Representing one of Boston’s most beloved lines, this sweatshirt is perfect for winter, offering warmth with a touch of city pride. It’s a great way to support a small business (designed by a Waltham dad) and keep Boston’s iconic “T” culture close to heart.
5. Bern Helmets for the Whole Family
Give the gift of safety and style with Bern helmets! Known for their comfort, durability, and modern designs, these helmets come in various sizes, making them perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re a family that bikes to the park, rides along the Charles, or commutes around town, Bern helmets are a must-have for any Boston family. Add a winter insert and back helmet light for safe and cozy winter riding, skiing, snowboarding and/or sledding. Support this Duxbury, MA based company keeping you safe throughout the year.
6. Aventon Level.2 Step-Through Commuter Ebike
Named Best Commuter Ebike of 2024 by Bicycling Magazine, the Aventon Level.2 Step-Through Ebike is perfect for the Boston commuter and those looking to cruise around town. Aventon’s latest commuter e-bike adds practicality and a smoother ride. It’s designed for reliability and comfort, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to combine biking with other multimodal options.
Currently $300 off! through Small Business Saturday, November 30th.
Bicycling Magazine’s Takeaway: “Aventon updated its outstanding Level e-bike to have a smoother ride and added visibility. A new torque sensor delivers power to the rear hub motor more evenly than the previous generation bike. The Level.2 has a more natural and intuitive feel when riding. The addition of integrated lights and a smaller, easier-to-use display help make one of our favorite commuter e-bikes even better.”
- Zippy rear hub motor with updated torque sensor.
- Throttle assist up to 20 mph.
- Integrated front and rear lights, metal fenders, and a rear rack.
- 8-speed Shimano Acera derailleur & Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
- Zoom Aria suspension fork with lockout.
Give the gift of ultimate convenience for urban commuting this season!
Join us for a 2nd Anniversary and Small Business Saturday event and enjoy 15% off storewide, minus ebikes. Enjoy free hot coffee and stroopwafels from Fabian’s European Pastries.
Support Local, Shop Small, and Make the Holidays Special
At The Ride Cafe, we believe in supporting our local Boston and MA community. We curate our practical, fun, and local merchandise to make it easy for you to shop local and U.S made. When you buy form our Main St. brick and mortar store, you’re also supporting Bern, based in Duxbury, MA, Sidetrack Products, based in Waltham, MA and Ascentale bike beams made in Oakland, CA. When you shop with us, you’re not just buying a gift; you’re supporting a small, woman-owned business that cares deeply about Metro Boston families and helping to bring joy and convenience to your local journeys. This season, let’s celebrate the joy of local shopping, active transportation and supporting local communities.
Happy Holidays from all of us at The Ride Cafe! 🎄
