Shop Small This Christmas
Still searching for the perfect gift? Skip the big box stores and support local businesses across Halifax Regional Municipality. From handcrafted pewter to award-winning spirits, here are the best locally made gifts you can pick up before Christmas Eve.
DISCLAIMER: Be sure to contact each merchant as information below may have changed. Confirm holiday hours, especially for smaller shops. Many boutiques have modified schedules December 22–24!
Anything to add? Edits? Send along to news@haligonia.ca.
HANDMADE GOODS & ARTISAN GIFTS
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia The gold standard for Nova Scotian handmade goods since 1978. Everything here is crafted by Atlantic Canadian artisans—over 250 of them. Find pottery, pewter jewelry, hooked rugs, quilts, woodcrafts, tartan accessories, and locally made preserves. If you only have time for one stop, this is it.
jennifers.ns.ca 902-425-3119 5635 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique Over 200 local makers under one roof. Pottery, fine art, prints, textiles, woodwork, glass art, folk art, jewelry, gourmet edibles, and baby gifts. The Bayers Lake location has the fuller inventory; Hydrostone is smaller but perfectly curated.
Bayers Lake Location: madeinthemaritimes.com 902-406-2222 Bayers Lake Business Park (behind McDonald’s, next to Party City)
Hydrostone Location: madeinthemaritimes.com 902-406-3232 5527 Young Street, Halifax
Amos Pewter Watch artisans cast molten pewter into jewelry, ornaments, sculptures, and home décor right in the shop. Everything is handcrafted at their Mahone Bay workshop. Their annual Christmas ornaments make treasured keepsakes. You can even finish and personalize your own pewter piece as a hands-on experience.
amospewter.com 1-800-565-3369 1535 Saltyard Way, Halifax Waterfront
CARDS, STATIONERY & ART PRINTS
Inkwell Modern Handmade A letterpress studio and gift shop rolled into one. Gorgeous cards, art prints, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and bath products from over 200 independent makers. Their in-house “Inkwell Originals” line features hand-printed pieces made on vintage presses. Perfect for the friend who appreciates beautiful paper goods.
inkwellboutique.ca 902-405-8309 1453 South Park Street, Halifax
The Trainyard General Store Whimsical, locally made goods with a community-driven mission. Cards, stickers, mugs, tea towels, candles, and more—all sourced from over 100 Canadian makers. Five percent of profits go to local non-profits. The Dartmouth stickers and prints are especially popular for locals.
trainyardstore.com 902-407-5242 137 Portland Street, Dartmouth
Kept Gifts & Housewares A beautifully curated boutique in downtown Dartmouth. Paper goods, jewelry, home décor, children’s items, and locally made confections.
keptshop.ca 902-469-5378 75 King Street, Dartmouth
FASHION & ACCESSORIES
The Independent Mercantile Co. Sister shop to Biscuit, focused on home and hosting. Handcrafted rugs, bar tools, kitchen items, natural self-care products, plants, and beautiful items for gifting. Great for the person who loves a well-styled home. Also normally closed Mondays.
independentmercantile.com 902-425-8462 2091 Gottingen Street, Halifax
LOCAL SPIRITS & BEVERAGES
Compass Distillers Halifax’s only grain-to-glass distillery. They harvest local grain and wild botanicals to produce award-winning gin, vodka, rum, whisky, and aquavit. The Gin Royal (a stunning blue gin made with local honey) has won Best Contemporary Gin in Canada. Visit the tasting room, grab a cocktail, and bring home a bottle. Over 95 medals since 2017.
compassdistillers.ca 902-446-0467 2533 Agricola Street, Halifax
NSLC Local Spirits Section If you can’t make it to a distillery, most NSLC locations have a dedicated Nova Scotia craft spirits section. Look for Compass, Steinhart, Coldstream, and other local producers. Pairs well with a cocktail recipe card for an easy gift.
Local Craft Beer & Cider Grab gift packs or growler fills from these local favourites:
Good Robot Brewing Popular North End brewery with a fun, quirky vibe. Great gift packs and growler fills available.
goodrobotbrewing.ca 902-266-2739 2736 Robie Street, Halifax
2 Crows Brewing Award-winning craft brewery in the South End with a rotating selection of unique brews.
2crowsbrewing.com 902-407-6886 1932 Brunswick Street, Halifax
North Brewing Local favourite with locations in Halifax and Dartmouth. Known for their lagers and IPAs.
northbrewing.ca 902-904-8294 2900 Gottingen Street, Halifax
Lake City Cider Craft cider made with Nova Scotia apples. Perfect for the non-beer drinker on your list.
lakecitycider.ca 902-407-4299 1477 Lower Water Street, Halifax
HOME DÉCOR & KITCHEN
The Independent Mercantile Co. Bar tools, mixology ingredients, handcrafted rugs, kitchen items, candles, and natural self-care products. Everything you need for the host or homebody on your list.
independentmercantile.com 902-425-8462 2091 Gottingen Street, Halifax
Kept Gifts & Housewares Kitchen classics like aprons, measuring cups, and tea towels alongside home décor, jewelry, and locally made treats. Well-curated and giftable.
keptshop.ca 902-469-5378 75 King Street, Dartmouth
Made in the Maritimes Artisan furniture, housewares, pottery, and glass art. The Bayers Lake location has larger pieces; Hydrostone is great for smaller home accents.
Bayers Lake: madeinthemaritimes.com 902-406-2222 Bayers Lake Business Park
Hydrostone: madeinthemaritimes.com 902-406-3232 5527 Young Street, Halifax
CHILDREN & BABY GIFTS
Kept Gifts & Housewares Sweet selection of children’s clothing, toys, and baby items alongside their regular inventory. Locally sourced where possible.
keptshop.ca 902-469-5378 75 King Street, Dartmouth
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia Handmade wooden toys, children’s books by local authors, and baby items crafted by Atlantic Canadian makers.
jennifers.ns.ca 902-425-3119 5635 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
The Trainyard General Store Fun, whimsical items that kids love—locally designed stickers, puzzles, and playful gifts.
trainyardstore.com 902-407-5242 137 Portland Street, Dartmouth
GOURMET FOOD & EDIBLES
Pete’s Fine Foods A foodie paradise. Gourmet groceries, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, local wines, and specialty items. Build a custom gift basket or grab one pre-made.
petes.ca 902-835-7337 Sunnyside Mall, 1595 Bedford Highway, Bedford
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market North America’s oldest continuously running farmers market. Over 100 vendors selling local preserves, baked goods, chocolates, honey, coffee, and prepared foods. Perfect for stocking stuffers and hostess gifts.
halifaxfarmersmarket.com 902-492-4043 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia Local jams, preserves, maple syrup, and gourmet treats—all made in Atlantic Canada. Great add-ons to any gift.
jennifers.ns.ca 902-425-3119 5635 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
JEWELRY
Amos Pewter Handcrafted pewter earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches inspired by Nova Scotia’s natural beauty. Affordable yet meaningful.
amospewter.com 1-800-565-3369 1535 Saltyard Way, Halifax Waterfront
Inkwell Modern Handmade Curated selection of jewelry from independent makers—often with a whimsical or nature-inspired aesthetic.
inkwellboutique.ca 902-405-8309 1453 South Park Street, Halifax
Biscuit General Store Accessories and jewelry alongside their clothing selection. Unique pieces from emerging designers.
biscuitgeneralstore.com 902-425-5436 2050 Gottingen Street, Halifax
Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia Pewter and locally crafted jewelry from Atlantic Canadian artisans.
jennifers.ns.ca 902-425-3119 5635 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
EXPERIENCE GIFTS (No Wrapping Required!)
When you’re truly stuck, give the gift of doing something:
Neptune Theatre Gift certificates or tickets to upcoming shows. A night at the theatre is always a hit.
neptunetheatre.com 902-429-7070 1593 Argyle Street, Halifax
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Memberships and gift shop items. The gift shop features work from local and Indigenous artists.
artgalleryofnovascotia.ca 902-424-5280 1723 Hollis Street, Halifax
Compass Distillers Distillery tours and tastings. A unique experience for the cocktail enthusiast.
compassdistillers.ca 902-446-0467 2533 Agricola Street, Halifax
Remember: Call ahead to confirm holiday hours, especially for smaller shops. Many boutiques have modified schedules December 22–24!
