In the chaos of the busy holiday season, it’s easy to lose track of time, and shop at the main online and big-box retailers when we have so many options for convenience. However, there is something truly special about choosing to support local businesses during this festive time.
Opting for local shops not only adds a unique touch to your gifts but also hosts a sense of community and supports small businesses that make our neighbourhoods thrive.
Here is our guide on 15 local businesses from around Atlantic Canada to shop this holiday season!
Haven Candle Co.
Haven Candle Co. is founded and operated by a mother-daughter duo, creating hand poured soy wax candles made in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. They offer delicious seasonal scents as well as some classic offerings including “Home”, a candle created to represent the scents of Nova Scotia’s salty ocean air.
Alben Lane Candle Co.
Alben Lane Candle Co. offers award-winning, sustainable scents inspired by the east coast. Their materials are sourced from only Canadian companies, and always vegan and cruelty free. Carefully crafted in Halifax, Nova Scotia, they offer hand-poured soy wax candles as well as matching perfumes and room sprays.
The 7 Virtues
Founded by author and activist Barb Stegmann in 2010 in Atlantic Canada, The 7 Virtues is a clean, aromatherapy perfume brand that sources sustainable oils with a focus on ending war by empowering girls and women.
Bloom & Wander Boutique
Bloom & Wander Boutique offers everyday and special occasion fashion pieces by women, for women. They have sizes ranging from xxs-xxl in many items including blouses, denim, dresses, jewelry, accessories and more. The perfect gift for any fashion-loving person on your list!
Nova Blush Creations
Nova Blush Creations offers custom apparel, accessories, tumblers and more. Their new seasonal collection features fun pieces with classic Christmas references anyone would enjoy!
Shop Splurge Boutique
This store is a sister owned boutique located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This colourful shop has everything from fun fashion and jewelry pieces to funky ashtrays and room decor. You can also shop their collection of iconic pop culture items including stickers, candles and cards. Perfectly curated for the Gen-Zs in your life!
Forty Luxe The Label
Forty Luxe offers elevated athleisure, loungewear and swim wear founded in Saint John, New Brunswick. They create the perfect items to achieve an effortless, cozy look in and outside of your workout.
Katiebette Embroidery
Kaatiebette creates hand embroidered ornaments and charms with creative designs, crafted in Prince Edward Islands. The perfect gift to give someone who misses the East Coast!
Hart & Meadow
Hart & Meadow is full of hand made bookmarks and jewelry for lovers of fantasy made in Nova Scotia. Bookmarks are crafted using real dried flowers and can be customized to your liking as well as a small collection of whimsical necklaces and earrings.
Anasa Jewelry
Anasa is a women owned and operated business based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They offer repurposed, sustainable, luxury jewelry that is unique to what you can find in typical jewelry stores. Anasa upcycles preloved designer pieces to give them a new life, making each collection rare and exclusive.
Love & Locket Jewelry
Love & Locket is a fun and trendy jewelry and accessories brand based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. They have a wide collection of jewelry items including simple designs, dangly pattern earrings, necklaces, hair clips and more, making their pieces a perfect gift.
Upfront Cosmetics
Upfront Cosmetics thrives on creating sustainable self care products. This LGBTQ owned small business offers sulfate-free, leaping bunny certified shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and lotion bars that use plant-based emollients and natural essential oils, with no bulky plastic packaging. Based in New Brunswick, Canada.
Wabanaki Maple
Wabanaki Maple is a 100% Indigenous female-owned business located on Neqotkuk. The Indigenous Peoples of the First Nations harvested the savoury sap from the maple trees of Canada and has been cherished by First Nations Peoples for centuries. Wabanaki Maple creates a twist on a traditional culture with barrel aged and infused, quality maple syrups. Their bestsellers include Barrel Aged Bourbon Maple and Barrel Aged Toasted Oak Maple!
Maritime Madness Hot Sauce
Who doesn’t love a little spice?! Made in Prince Edward Island, from mild to wild, Maritime Madness has been offering amazing sauce and spice options since 2002. No need to worry about any dietary restrictions as they offer options including gluten free, sugar free & dairy free in a variety of delicious flavours!
Newfoundland Chocolate Co.
Nestled in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Newfoundland Chocolate Co. is a family-owned company crafting artisan chocolate the old fashioned way. They offer some amazing chocolate products including classic Newfoundland sayings bars, specialty “Taste of Home” gift boxes and unique chocolate bar flavours.
Check out last year’s ultimate Halifax gift guide for even more local gift shopping!
