If there were ever a year for supporting local businesses this would be the one. The East’s annual Guide to East Coast Christmas Gift Giving is your chance to give a gift twice as we help you to find a locally-sourced treasure. Every one of these gifts means not only spreading a little holiday cheer with your loved ones but also supporting a small business.
Here’s the 2020 list of gift items we’ve put together from businesses around Atlantic Canada. Take your time perusing them. For every item listed, there’s a whole store load more that might tickle your fancy!
For the Body
Skincare Products by Lou La Belle
Located in Kinross, Prince Edward Island, Lou La Belle offers a variety of skincare and body products, including a facial serum, a clay face mask, sugar body scrub, facial cleansing oil and texturizing hairspray. Made of all-natural ingredients, Lou La Belle products were created by founder Alyssa Johnston with efficacy and celebrating natural beauty in mind.
Cost: $15 – $65
Where to buy: the Lou La Belle Etsy page HERE.
Jewellery by Forged Coast
Em, metal artist and owner and founder of Forged Coast, is creating unique, hand-forged jewellery in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Using copper, silver, and gold-finished metal in her creations, Em places a strong focus on zodiac, planetary and lunar motifs in her jewellery, and she is selling jewellery ranging from rings to bracelets to necklaces and even a moon phase wall hanging.
Cost: $35 – $110
Where to buy: the Forged Coast online shop HERE.
Jewellery by Pine + Navy
Designing and creating polymer clay jewellery in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is Michelle of Pine + Navy. Her shop boasts a wide selection of trendy and unique necklaces and earrings in a variety of colours and patterns. With pieces ranging from dainty to statement and colours from subdued to loud, Pine & Navy has jewellery suitable for any jewellery lover in your life.
Cost: $30 – $45
Where to buy: the Pine + Navy online shop HERE.
Clothing by Local Legends
For the islanders (or island lovers) on your list, Local Legends of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island is selling tanks, tees, sweatshirts and even baby onesies with slogans every islander will recognize. If they have mentioned being “PEI FAMOUS,” or if they have asked you to meet them “at the Spaceship,” or if they just have a deep love for the red sand and the Atlantic lifestyle, Local Legends clothing is without a doubt the perfect gift for them.
Cost: $25 – $50
Where to buy: the Local Legends online shop HERE.
Forbidden Snacks by Baby Seitan
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, polymer clay jewellery maker Jessica Lee is creating earrings shaped in a variety of tiny and adorable food items. Whether your gift recipient has a deep undying love for hamburgers, strawberry jam, avocado toast, donair, gummy worms or many other options, Baby Seitan jewellery will help them announce that love to the world.
Cost: $15 – $20
Where to buy: the Baby Seitan online shop HERE.