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 Palate
Chocolates by Peace by Chocolate
Founded by the Hadhad family after they lost their chocolate factory in Syria due to a bombing and fleeing the country, Peace by Chocolate offers artisan chocolates made locally in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Their selection ranges from small bars to assorted boxes and from white to dark with many flavours in between.
Cost: $3 – $50
Where to buy: the Peace by Chocolate online shop HERE.
Maple Syrup and Syrup Cones by Érablière La Kabane Inc
Based in Arthurette, New Brunswick, Érablière La Kabane Inc. is producing and selling a variety of high-quality maple products, including the obligatory maple syrup and delectable maple cones. Nothing says locally made Canadian like a good quality maple syrup, and these folks have exactly that.
Cost: $10 – $30
Where to buy: the Érablière La Kabane Inc. online shop HERE.
Maple Candies by Pollipop
Taking maple to a new level, Pollipop in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is offering a variety of flavoured maple candies, including blueberry-maple, cranberry-maple, haskap-maple and standard maple. Their candies are available in lollipop form and in regular hard-candy form, and they come in a variety of combinations and quantities.
Cost: $2 – $50
Where to buy: the Pollipop online shop HERE.
Coffee by Rescue Coffee
Roasted at Nova Coffee in Kentville, Nova Scotia and sold in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Rescue Coffee is combining a love for morning brew with a desire to help animals in need. They offer premium, fair trade, organic coffee in roasts from light to dark, and they donate 10% of all proceeds to their partnering animal rescue organizations.
Cost: $20
Where to buy: the Rescue Coffee online shop HERE.
Gift Boxes by Taste of Nova Scotia
Offering a variety of foodie gift boxes filled with locally made and curated goods, Taste of Nova Scotia has something for just about everyone. Their gift boxes contain preserves, treats, sweets, beverages and more and come in many sizes.
Cost: $20 – $250
Where to buy: the Taste of Nova Scotia online shop HERE.
Chocolates by Dark Tickle
Dark Tickle of St. Lunaire-Griquet in Newfoundland and Labrador has just the specialty chocolates for the Newfoundlander or honorary Newfoundlander on your list. If you’re not daring enough to spring for the Screech-filled chocolates, you could opt for one of their milder options, like Iceberg Chocolates or a Mummer Bar.
Cost: $4 – $20
Where to buy: the Dark Tickle online shop HERE.
Honey by Halcomb Honey & Hives
Honey is best when sourced locally. Halcomb Honey & Hives, located in Miramichi, New Brunswick, is offering beautiful and simple liquid and creamed honey, sourced directly from their apiary, and it would make a fantastic add-on item to almost any gift.
Cost: $11
Where to buy: the Halcomb Honey & Hives online shop HERE.