‘Tis the season for giving. That’s challenge enough. You’ve already got plenty of stuff to worry about, like getting winter tires on the car, stringing up the Christmas lights and deciding which Holiday tunes should be banned. You don’t have time to go looking for local, organic, ethically-sourced Christmas gifts for every last person in your life. So we’ve made it easier for you.
Here’s our list of gifts available from local creators. Remember, when you buy local it’s like you’re giving two gifts! Except one person actually worked really hard to create something special and totally deserves to be compensated for their time and effort. So, it’s not really a “gift” per se, you’re just paying them. But let’s not downplay this entirely. Good for you for shopping local! Gold star, you Super Santa!
For The Palate
Gagetown Distilling & Cidery
Made largely with produce they’ve grown in their own backyard and distilled in the quaint and adored village of Gagetown, New Brunswick, the ciders and spirits of Gagetown Distilling & Cidery make an easy go-to gift for your adult friends. You can choose from vodka, unfiltered gin, moonshine, pear eau-de-vie, strawberry or cherry liqueur and a variety of flavours of cider. In addition, the distillery’s other side, the Gagetown Fruit Farm, has lots of sweet treats available, including many flavours of both shortbread cookies and jellies.
Cost: $4 – $115
Where to buy: ANBL locations or at the distillery in the Village of Gagetown, New Brunswick (product availability may vary depending on location).
Cape Breton Oatcake Society
These vegan-friendly oatcakes out of Saint John, New Brunswick are made to traditional cape-breton standards and are come in 20 different flavours. They come pre-packaged and pair excellently with a hot cup of tea.
Cost: $15 per pack of 12
Where to buy: Aura Whole Foods in Fredericton or various Christmas markets around New Brunswick, including the Sunday Boyce Christmas Farmer’s Market and the Saint John City Market on Saturdays.
Still Fired Sampler
Still Fired’s variety of unique spirits in their limited-time holiday sampler pack is a great gift for the more adventurous liquor connoisseurs in your life. Filled with six varieties of moonshine and one gin, this sampler pack is truly the gift of experimentation and, well, a good time.
Cost: $35
Where to buy: the Still Fired Distillery in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia or online when you contact the distillery.
Handworks Gallery Gift Set
Hitting two (or even three) birds with one stone, the box sets offered this holiday season by Handworks Gallery uptown Saint john will give recipients specialty teas blended by the Feel Good Store and beautiful handmade ceramics to enjoy it in. And on top of that, some boxes even come with handmade ornaments in celebration of the season.
Cost: $30 – $100+
Where to buy: Handworks Gallery Uptown Saint John or online HERE