Christmas List (Dale Cook/The East)

East Coast Christmas Gifts 2015

Fils Du Roy (Alex)
It’s no secret that the way to a writer’s heart is through their liver. There’s a very simple conversion process where alcohol goes in, and words come out. Is it ritual, or from a sense of romance that we do this? Or maybe it’s the bit of Dutch courage it takes to inevitably kill our darlings. In any case, you don’t question Papa Hemingway about his process.

Fils Du Roy’s Paquetville distillery produces an abundantly flavourful gin; like mainlining a Christmas tree, but for gin lovers/writers this is perfect and can be consumed straight.

Available for $29.99

(Courtesy of Fils Du Roy)
(Courtesy of Fils Du Roy)

Lone Woods (Devon)
Lone Woods beard oil company have some really good products especially their beard boxes. Perfect gift for your guy at home. Their products are awesome and will make his beard look and smell awesome.

The Big Beard Box contains a bottle of Premium Beard Oil, a tin of Stache Wax, a tin of Lip Balm, a Boars Hair Beard Brush, and a Wood Bear Comb. It also comes in a fancy looking handcrafted box t’boot. You can order it from the etsy shop, or find it at 198 Princess Street at Elwood’s Wood Lab.

(Courtesy of Lone Woods)
(Courtesy of Lone Woods)
I Love Saint John Potter (Kâté)

If you like coffee and you like cats, then you will most definitely like these mugs from I Love Saint John Pottery.

Alison Gayton crafts these one-of-kind gems that are adorable, funny and practical.. (most hold 3 cups of coffee) Zombie cats, hipster cats, cats holding hands (paws)…you will surely find one that you love. And at around $30 or so a piece, it’s an easy choice and you will be making someone in your life extremely giddy.

(Courtesy of Alison Gayton)
(Courtesy of Alison Gayton)
Hand Drawn Halifax (Jeremy)
Emma Fitzgerald’s book is a collection of warm, vibrant illustrations of Halifax, whether its a well known place, or the lesser known corners of the city. There’s an interesting story behind it, with poetic write ups.

It can be ordered online for $25, either from her Etsy shop (which then comes signed by the author), or through Amazon.

(Courtesy of Emma Fitzgerald)
(Courtesy of Emma Fitzgerald)

The Feel Good Store (Hilary)
Anne makes everyone feel at home the moment they walk into Saint John’s Feel Good Store. Whether you know what you’re looking for or are happy to hunt for new treasures, it’s impossible to leave disappointed. You’ll be sure to find something to pamper both the hippies and hard-asses alike on your Christmas list.

(Heaps Handworks organic/recycled cotton tea towels and napkins! Locally made with eco-friendly water based inks. Courtesy of The Feel Good Store)
(Heaps Handworks organic/recycled cotton tea towels and napkins! Locally made with eco-friendly water based inks. Courtesy of The Feel Good Store)

Theatre New Brunswick (Kelsey)
TNB has an absolutely fantastic line-up this season and so my item for our local Christmas wish list is a subscription to TNB’s masterpieces. Wondering what they have in store for you this year? Check out their website, here: http://www.tnb.nb.ca/subscriptions.  Depending on the package, a subscription will cost you from $79-$200.

(Theatre New Brunswick)
(Theatre New Brunswick)
Breakout Saint John (Jeff)
Looking for the perfect gift to show your co-workers how valued they are? Something that the whole family can enjoy? Maybe a gift that covers your entire friend group? Here’s what you do: gather everyone on your shopping list together, lock them in a room, and hide the key.
Saint John’s real life room escape game, Breakout Saint John, is a fun and clever way to knock two to eight people off of your shopping list with a single gift. The premise is simple: visit their website, book your room, and they’ll lock you in there for 60 minutes. The group of you will be solving puzzles, riddles, and discovering clues in order to beat the clock and exit the room.

Alternatively, you could send all of your friends into the room while you gift yourself an hour of peace, rest, and quiet.

Book at www.breakoutsaintjohn.ca. $20/person.

(Breakout Saint John)
(Breakout Saint John)

North End Candle Company (Sacha)
In need of a small gift with a big impact? North End Candle Company, based out of Halifax, creates handmade natural soy candles using scents inspired by Nova Scotia. Whether craving the smell of Pictou County Lavender, feeling nostalgic for a Cape Breton Sunrise or looking to indulge in Acadian Maple Sugar, North End has a scent that will bring a smile to the face of any Bluenoser this Christmas. Gotta have it? You can order their candles online from Made In the Maritimes’ Artisan Boutique (http://www.madeinthemaritimes.com/) or by visiting Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique in Bedford, Kept Shop in Dartmouth or Duly Noted in Halifax.

(North End Candle Co)
(North End Candle Co)

Have  more suggestions? Leave them in the comments below.

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