Let Your Love For Local Shine This Holiday Season!
- Kimberly Dempsey
- Nov 26, 2021
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 26, 2022
It's no secret that I LOVE to support & shop small businesses in Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada! I am so grateful for the friendships developed over the last couple of years with local businesses owners & incredible artisans and am so inspired by their creativity & hustle!
Last year (2020), I set a goal for the holiday season to support local shops/ businesses with my holiday gift list as much as possible and I have to say, I did really well! Of course, there are some things that financially make sense to grab from Walmart or Amazon but when it came to the gifts themselves, I felt that I was more thoughtful with what I purchased for others (less is more was the attitude!) and I was filled with a feeling that hards to explain knowing that my support made a difference in my communities and in the lives of the small business owners! Everyday in November 2020 I shared a different local business in my Instagram stories and did a round-up in my highlights. This year, I am going to do the same thing but have rounded them all up here as well for you to easily reference!
I am only sharing 30 different makers/shops/ small businesses but please know that Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada have SO MANY incredibly talented individuals and I encourage you to search for a local option for whatever it is on your list that you're looking for! Holiday Markets, Etsy & Instagram are great places to start your search!
Let's jump right in with a list of 30 local businesses that will hopefully inspire you to shop local this holiday season!
Image Source: Instagram @swgracedesigns
Jenna is the artist & owner behind Saltwater Grace Designs. She is a beachcomber turned polymer clay artist who creates some of the most gorgeous earrings I have ever seen which are handmade in Cape Breton, NS! Her collection "drops" sell out within minutes so my advice would be to make sure you are following her on Instagram to stay up-to-date on when new stock is coming to the website! Her earrings are impeccable quality and feather light! There is a style for everyone on your list!
Image Source: website https://selby.store
Shop online or in person and enjoy the treats and coffee in their delicious cafe!
Located in Cole Harbour, Dartmouth, the shop features plants & pots, accessories, skin care, packaged snacks, handbags & so much more! They have a great selection of "made in the maritimes" products as well!
Image Source : Instagram @katiebette
This crafter first caught my attention on Etsy and I was installing swooning over her adorable ornaments and charms! For me, they bring me a sense of nostalgia and I adore how simple yet intricate the designs are. I think they would make the perfect little item to send to a loved one via snail mail over the holidays or a gorgeous addition to your gift wrapping (how cute would one of these be tied to a bow or gift bag?!). Look for Katiebette at the Dartmouth Makers Market on Nov. 26th to 27th or shop the collection on Etsy!
Image Source: Instagram @desbraybathproducts
Jade, the women behind Desbray Bath Products, is incredibly talented and creative when it comes to her line of products! After 12 years in the beauty industry, she developed a line of products that uses raw, natural ingredients, high quality oils and no artificial fragrances. Her facial products changed my skin care game and have drastically improved my skins appearance and texture! But, those aren't the only products I can't get enough of from her line! Her Butta, bath soaks and bath bombs are shining stars in my personal care routine! So, whether you are looking for a custom gift basket, stocking stuffers or something to help you relax and unwind with a personal care moment during the holiday season - be sure to check out her website for curb side pickup or delivery!
Image Source: Instagram @NoellesCookies
These beautifully designed, meticulously crafted cookies would make the perfect party favour, gift tag, hostess gift or cookie swap addition! Freshly baked in Waverley, Nova Scotia. They sell out fast so make sure you are following their Facebook page to grab them before they are gone!
Image Source: website https://mycentrepeace.ca
I recently found this business on Instagram and thought their handmade candles were so beautiful! You can customize the candles with crystals, inspirational stones, herbs, sea shells & more or choose from their remade candles like their motivation candle or intention candle, shown above! Their website also features natural soap bars, bath salts, raw shea butter and yoni steam herbs.
Image Source: Instagram @claytondicksonco
Every single time I visit Made in the Maritimes, I look to see what beautiful handmade ceramics they have from Clayton Dickson! The Humpback Whale collection is my absolute favourite (as shown above) but the Waterfront Mugs and Mini Gnomes are a close second!
If you have someone on your list who loves to entertain or adores folk art (like I do!) then consider adding a unique and handmade Clayton Dickson piece to their collection! You can also find Clayton Dickson ceramics at the Halifax Seaport Market.
Image Source: Instagram @boathouse.shop
This adorable shop carries unique goods and gifts that celebrate the Maritimes! The shop carries cookie cutters in the shape of lobsters, sale boats, iconic local landmarks & Canadian Provinces. They also carry east coast inspired glassware, ornaments, home decor, crib boards and more! This would be the perfect shop to find a gift for someone who is home sick for the East Coast this holiday season!
Image Source: Etsy LoveStruckLettering
Love Struck Lettering offers up beautiful hand-lettered art, paper goods and ornaments. Created in Nova Scotia and all of their products are printed in Canada! Whether you are looking for a custom ornament, unique & luxurious wrapping paper and gift tags or stunning greeting cards - you will find what you are looking for on their Etsy shop!
Image Source: Instagram @luminate_co
Luminate Co. Wellness Market is a one stop shop for your holiday needs! The market offers Nova Scotia's largest collection of curated natural health and wellness products & environmentally friendly products! Grab everything you need for your holiday dinner party and some stocking stuffers while you're there!
Image Source: Instagram @lahaut.studio
The La Haut Studio shop offers up clay & beaded earrings, 100% soy wax candles, cutters as well as stickers & keychains! I was blown away when I first laid eyes on their polymer clay earrings - the attention to detail is phenomenal , the designs are unique and there is certainly a style that would suit anyone on your list whether they like bold statement pieces or simple & chic!
Image Source: website https://www.lilylakeknits.com
Lily Lake Knits has had my attention for a long time! Their products are handmade in beautiful Cape Breton and make me extremely nostalgic for the "fisherman style" sweaters my nanny used to make for my Dad every Christmas! Their shop offers knitting patterns and bespoke heirloom knitwear - everything from headbands, hats, scarves, mittens and stunning sweaters and cardigans!
Image Source: Website https://seaglassdesigns.com
I am lucky to own a beautiful blue seaglass ring from Sea Glass Designs (Santa brought it for my last Christmas!). The quality is incredible and I am always receiveing compliments on how unique the piece is. Have a beach comber on your list? Or someone who loves the ocean?! Check out the selection of rings, bracelets, earrings and more on their website!
Image Source: Instagram @teazermahonebay
Every time I am visiting Mahone Bay, NS., I make it a point to stop in at The Teazer! They carry my favourite tableware brand - Sophie Conran (which makes a gorgeous gift for anyone who loves to entertain! They have Oak Island novelties, a great selection of children's items, ornaments, jewelry and much more! I would highly recommend making a day out of visiting this picturesque seaside town, grabbing some lunch at Rebeccas & enjoying everything Mahone Bay has to offer!
Image Source: Etsy ExileJewelryShop
Exile Jewelry makes stunning & unique pieces from recycled silver, stones and repurposing metals! You absolutely should check out her earrings, rings & necklaces! But, my favourite item in her shop are the plant stakes shown in the photo! You can customize them or pick from pre-designed statements like "You Grow Girl", "Pot Head" & "Aloe You So Much"!
Amaeva Co
Image Source: Instagram @Emflynn
This sweet maker caught my eye last year with her perfectly aesthetic social media platforms and I was instantly blown away by the business she has created! The owner, Emma Flynn, offers unique, handmade embroidery with quirky sayings or magical imagery! The craftsmanship is incredible and being the savvy business owner that she is, she also carries patterns & DIY kits perfect for the crafter or DIY'er on your list!
Image Source: Instagram @hen_and_goose
Sierra (my sweet little pup) LOVES her Hen & Goose collar and so do I! We get lots of compliments on the cute fabric design and the collar itself is durable & well made! If you have a four-legged friend on your holiday shopping list why not treat them to a new accessory?! They have seasonal prints, nautical, and everything in between as well as bandanas and leashes!
Image Source: @Wild_Lily_Wolfville
Wild Lily in Wolfville is a must stop location for me everytime i'm in the Gaspereau Valley! They have the sweetest home decor section, bath & body products and a beautiful collection of jewellery, clothing, footwear, bags & more! Be sure to check them out online or pop in next time you're in Wolfville! If you've got someone on your list who is a fashion lover or home decor crazed, you will definitely find the perfect gift here!
Image Source: Facebook @ Landing Crafts
I have been adding to my collection from the talented duo at Landing Crafts for a few years now (so has my mom!) and I love to give their pieces as closing gifts! These pieces are so unique, can be customized and are extremely well made! Their buoy house numbers would make great gift for a new homeowner, they have beautiful seasonal decor pieces, hockey & sports themes and lots more!
Image Source: Facebook Kismet Design
Kismet Design is a sweet little shop located in Fisherman's Cove, Eastern Passage. They carry a wide range of locally made products & gifts like handmade chocolates, ornaments, prints, & spices. They also carry seasonal novelties perfect for a Secret Santa gift exchange or hostess gift, along with handmade jewelry, gifts for babies & children and much more!
Alben Lane Candle Co.
Image Source: Instagram @albenlanecandleco
The first time I stumbled upon this local business was a few weeks ago at an outdoor market in Waverley, I picked up one of their candles and was instantly in love! Their 100% natural soy way candles pack so much incredible scent and not just in the jar .. they make your whole space smell incredible while they're burning too! I loved their product so much that I just ordered seven more candles for myself and gifting. They offer free shipping in Atlantic Canada on orders over $100. I believe their winter collection might already be sold out but don't let that stop you from grabbing their scents like "The Cottage", "The Palm" or "Secret Beach" because they are going to make your space smell incredible year round!
Image Source: Instagram @BlackMarketHalifax
The Black Market, located in Downtown Halifax, has always been & will always be one of my favourite places to shop for myself or for a gift! Their products are so unique and beautifully made it would be hard not to find the perfect gift! They offer stunning textiles, rugs & home decor products, unique clothing items, jewelry for any type of style, notebooks, lanterns .. the list goes on and on! If you've never been, do yourself a favour and go check it out, you will be glad you did!
Image Source: Instagram @forest.home.decor
These beautiful crafted rope designs are handmade in Chester, NS and available in boutique shops across the province (see their instagram for a list of stockists). On their own they would make a stunning gift for the home decor lovers on your list or if you love to put together a gift basket like I do .. how cute would these be as the basket that holds it all together?!
Image Source: Instagram @shopsockittoya
This local, independently owned boutique has been in business since 1987! Located in Downtown Halifax, they carry a wide variety of socks, hosiery, accessories, clothing & much more! If you're looking for the perfect Santa gift, stocking stuffers or one-stop-shop for everyone on your list - this is the spot!
Image Source: Instagram @scotiaglass
I was first introduced to this local small business when I was gifted two beautiful pieces of their art! One completely custom piece featuring me & my dog Sierra and the other was two whales made completely out of sea glass and pebbles. Incase you didn't know, I LOVE sea glass haha one of my favourite past times is beach combing for glass, shells and rocks and so my girlfriend knew that these custom art pieces would make the perfect gift for me! Recently I've fallen completely in love with their stained glass pieces as shown above & I think you might too! Click the photo above to check out everything they have to offer on their Etsy page.
Image Source: Instagram @made_in_the_martimes
This shop carries many of the local products mentioned above, and many more local makers & artists. From ornaments to books, pottery, jewelry and bath & body products! This is one of my favourite shops to pop in to when I'm putting together my closing baskets or clients or a birthday gift for someone special! They offer free shipping in Canada on orders over $100 and free local delivery over $80 plus two locations - The Hydrostone in Halifax's North End and in Bayers Lake.
Image Source: Instagram @jillandjackpaper
I was shopping at Luminate Co. back in May of this year when I first found Jill's beautiful seed cards. I loved the idea of them so much that I bought a handful and sent them via snail mail to everyone I knew would love the idea of them too! The cards are made in Canada using Jill's hand drawn illustrations and printed on biodegradable wildflower seed paper. You can plant the cards and wildflowers will grow!! I'm so obsessed with these cards that I teamed up with Jill to create my custom Holiday cards for my business this year - she was so professional & kind! If you're in the market for custom cards, looking for a great selection of Holiday cards check out her website! She also does custom family portraits, wedding and corporate visuals!
Image Source: Instagram @greeneyedmonsterashop
Located in my hometown of Herring Cove, NS., this adorable shop is a plant mom or dads dream! If you've got a plant lover on your holiday list, chances are this shop has something for them! Aside from an array of plants, they also sell locally made products, crystals, puzzles, bags, candles and much more!
Image Source: Instagram @timber.and.knot
What home decor lover wouldn't want to see one of these custom, locally handmade macrame wall hangings under their tree?! I know I would! Amanda is the talented artist behind these boho inspired home decor pieces which are eco-friendly and use up-cycled materials! Check out her instagram page for available pieces & custom ordering!
Image Source: Instagram @expressshineauto
If you ask me, there is NO better feeling than having a clean car ... especially when you spend as many hours in it as I do! If you aren't sure what to get for that "hard to buy for" person on your list (for me, that's my Dad!) why not consider a gift card to have their car detailed?! Express Shine Auto is located in Burnside, Dartmouth, locally owned and operated and has over 28 reviews on Google with an average of 4.8 stars!
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