We are so fortunate to live here on the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia! Our beaches and trails, our friendly people and supportive communities and an abundance of talented artisans and committed entrepreneurs are just a few of the reasons this area is so unique. During the upcoming holiday season, we can do our part to support our local economy by spending our money right here in our communities and province. This is why we are so happy to present the Simple Local Life 2019 Holiday Gift Guide!
The goal of the Simple Local Life 2019 Holiday Gift Guide is to make it easy for you to locate unique local gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list. Some of this years Holiday Gift Guide is dedicated to makers, producers and creatives, and some of this years guide is dedicated to independent shop and business owners. Each wonderful in their own way and each providing beautiful good and services for us all to enjoy.
Simple Local Life 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
Have a Yarn
Have A Yarn is a well known yarn shop located in beautiful Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. With a wide array of wool products and accessories, you’re sure to find something just right for the maker on your list. Have A Yarn also carries a selection of beautiful mittens, gloves, hats and more.
One of this years most popular gift items are these luxurious gloves from New Zealand. These gloves are made with merino wool and New Zealand Possum fibre. Possum fibre is known for being extremely warm and light as a feather. They come in a variety of colours and sizes small, medium and large. Gloves: $32.00
Another popular gift idea is to put together a ‘Knit Kit” to create Bluenoser Mittens. The Bluenoser Mittens Kit by Fleece Artist contains enough regionally sourced wool, hand dyed in Halifax to make two pairs of mittens plus the pattern. Add a set of needles and they’ll have everything they need to make these warm mittens. (completed mittens sold separately). Bluenoser Mitten Kit: $40, Needles: $9.95
Stop in and chat with Heather or Angela, they are more than happy to help you find just the right thing.
Sherri’s Silhouettes
Sherri from Sherri’s Silhouette’s was looking to try something new to de-stress and fell in love with painting silhouettes on 1/8 inch canvas board. She meticulously hand paints each one, with each being original and unique. Animals, quotes, maps and characters are just some of the many things that Sherri hand paints in a silhouette. What a creative way to personalize a room or office!
“I started painting silhouettes in March 2016 as a way to help myself. I never dreamed that it would take me on this amazing journey. I’m one that would rather blend in not draw attention. Each hand painted picture is unique. I may do a similar picture in a different font, size, or colour, but no two will ever be the exact same. I absolutely love the simplicity of so few colours, maybe a few sparkles or a splash of colour here and there, but I keep it simple. I’ve also started doing custom pieces. Although they can be a bit more stressful, the smiles in the end are worth it.“
You can find Sherri’s Silhouette’s at various craft shows through the season or you can connect with Sherri on her Facebook page.
Cocoa Organic Spa & Boutique
Gifting an experience is something to consider over the holidays and a spa experience is a lovely gift to give anyone! Our lives can get so hectic and busy that it is nice to just slow down and take some time to yourself.
Cocoa Organic Spa & Boutique is a full service spa and beauty boutique located in beautiful Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. At Cocoa Organic Spa & Boutique they are committed to giving you the most relaxing and exceptional spa experience. Delight your senses with one of their soothing spa treatments or organic facials and experience the difference that using real active natural and organic ingredients can make.
Ashley joined us to talk about consumable gift ideas and experience gifts that everyone loves.
Amos Pewter
The artisans at Amos Pewter in Mahone Bay are proud to be keepers of time-honoured pewter practices and methods while at the same time offering innovative designs inspired by nature and our beautiful coastal surroundings.
Each piece of pewter is thoughtfully chosen by someone with a particular sentiment or memory in mind. From jewellery and ornaments to home decor you are sure to find a special gift for anyone on your list that will become a much-loved keepsake.
This 2019 Annual Collector Ornament is the Humpback Whale.
The Annual Ornament is $21.00. Purchase any 8 ornaments from the Amos Pewter collection and you will receive one free! Amos Pewter is located year round with an open studio in scenic Mahone Bay, a storefront on the vibrant Halifax Waterfront, as well as the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. You can also order online.
Chanelle Jefferson: Jefferson Artworks
Chanelle Jefferson is a born and bred Nova Scotian artist raised on fresh seafood, and leafy greens. She displayed an early passion for the arts that led her to study International Baccalaureate (IB) art classes in high school and pursue visual arts workshops in her free time. She currently works as an illustrator, painter and printmaker, while operating her business where she sells and distributes her works.
Christmas card variety pack contains four unique watercolours of holiday scenes throughout Nova Scotia. Envelopes included Christmas Variety Package – $16.00
My Nova Scotia Cookbook provides a delicious selection of Nova Scotia favourites for all cooks – beginner to experienced. This cookbook is a collection of recipes from Chanelle’s personal-favourite cook: Nana. Other recipes were provided by professional local chefs, family members, and other Nova Scotian’s who just, well… know how to cook. My Nova Scotia Cookbook– $19.99
You can order items from Jefferson Artworks at her Etsy Shop as well some items are available at various locations on the South Shore.
Main & Mersey Home Store and Coffee Bar
Main & Mersey Home Store and Coffee Bar in Liverpool, is the exclusive retailer for étoile home’s designer home fabrics, toiletry bags and decorative pillows. They also sell modern european style home decor accessories including ceramics, prints, dishes and christmas decorations. After a little retail therapy you can order a great cup of espresso and pastry in the adjoining coffee bar.
One of their most popular gift items are their Toiletry Bags. Made from their dyed and printed pattern, stain and water resistant canvas with waterproof lining and trimmed with leather and brass, you can select the perfect bag from a trio of sizes and numerous patterns for those on your list. Toiletry Bags range from $36.00 – $58.00
Visit Main & Mersey online or stop into the shop at 216 Main Street, Liverpool Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, and Sun 9am-4pm. To help get you in the holiday spirit they will be having live music every weekend until Christmas!
Canine Styles by Lisa
Looking to pamper your pooch this holiday season, a visit to Canine Styles by Lisa in Bridgewater may be just what you need. Not only are they a full service dog salon, they offer a number of items for your pup to enjoy, like these cozy crate mats or beds.
With a great selection of fun fabrics, and sizes ranging from 19×14 to 48×30, you are bound to find just the right size bed. Prices range from $10.00 – $60.00
Maybe you want to treat your grand-pup to a spa day in the New Year, Canine Styles by Lisa offers gift certificates for not only products, but also basic grooming services, sugar scrubs, dead sea mud masks, feather extensions, rhinestone clips and more.
Stop in at the salon at 724 King St. in Bridgewater or check out their Facebook page for a look at what they have to offer you and your pup.
Birdsall-Worthington Pottery Ltd.
The upcoming Father Christmas Festival in Mahone Bay is the perfect opportunity to visit Birdsall-Worthington Pottery Ltd. and see Pam and Tim in their new studio in the Mahone Bay Centre, at 45 School St.
What a wonderful gift for Nova Scotia lovers near and far. The Nova Scotia Christmas ornament is 1-5/8″ in diameter and made of white clay – $22.95
These beautiful Snowflake Drop Earrings are 5/8″ in diameter and or on stainless steel hook. $28.00
Everything they sell is made by them in their studio. Have a look at all of their work on their website, www.pottery.ns.ca or take a behind the scenes look on their Instagram page.
Petite Riviere Vineyards
Everyone loves the gift of wine – friends, family, neighbours, employees and clients. This year Petite Riviere Vineyards looks to save you time and money with one-stop, local shopping with The 2020 Holiday Wine Collection.
This case has everything you will need for your Christmas parties and gifts in one box. The collection includes 3 bottles each of Bon Bon Sparkling Wine, Three Churches White Wine, Italy Cross 2014 Red Wine and Blueberry Fortified Wine. and is currently On Sale for $225 (reg $275) a case.
Petite Riviere Vineyards grows elegant, complex wines in a sunny microclimate on the slopes of the drumlin hills of Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Visit the winery, enjoy the scenery and pick up your 2020 Holiday Wine Collection and finish your shopping in one place. They are Open Daily until Christmas from 12pm-4pm, at 1300 Italy Cross Road, Crousetown.
We hope you have enjoyed this years Simple Local Life 2019 Holiday Gift Guide and are now ready to shop and support local this holiday season! There are so many wonderful and unique shops and products, right here on the South Shore, that would make a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list.
If you know of someone who would appreciate seeing this local gift guide, please consider sharing. Happy Holidays!!!
