What should you gift to the beautiful people in your life? We reached out to some fabulous local women for their suggestions.
Samantha Fraser, Simply Rooted Homestead & Wellness, Alexandria.
“One of my favourite local products to gift is tea from Hyssop and Sage. Jaime and her crew at Cornerstone Organics (Long Sault) grow and harvest herbs on their farm and curate some amazing tea blends. These teas are the first thing I grab to cozy up by an evening fire in the cold of winter.
“The Glengarry Market (Alexandria) is such a great hub for local products! I can always find something to suit my stocking-stuffer needs: Cozy socks for the long winter months from Split Rock Farms Alpacas (Apple Hill), or bath bombs and lip chap from Garden Path Homemade Soap (Vankleek Hill).”
“A CSA subscription to local growers helps keep bellies full of fresh produce. Check out offerings from Dream Small Farm (Alexandria) and Ferme Butte et Bine Farm (Williamstown).”
Doreen Ashton Wagner, Business Sisters-Consoeurs en affaires, Alexandria
“I really like Lola Jewellery Design (Alexandria). Laura Eustace-Lorimer designs hand-crafted jewellery in a style that is distinctive and striking, using high-quality precious metals and natural gemstones.”
“An amazing and out-of-the-ordinary gift would be an incredible flower subscription for Spring/Summer 2023 from Ana Valena’s Sunwheel Farm (Alexandria).”
“The Glengarry Market, owned by Amanda Haley, has a wide selection of homemade items, from alpaca socks and soaps to candles and Christmas ornaments, all locally-made. It’s also a great place to pick up festive party goodies like eggnog, cookies, and pies!”
Penny Peters, Akwesasne Travel, Akwesasne
“Experiences always make great gifts and Akwesasne Travel offers four different Mohawk Cultural Tours including basket weaving, traditional lacrosse stick-making, and behind-the-scenes museum tours, all guided by local indigenous experts and artisans. A great gift for out-of-town visitors. Gift certificates are available.”
“The Native North American Travelling College (Kawhenoke/Cornwall Island) operates Ista’s Giftshop which has Indigenous items by local artisans. My other favorite thing about the NNATC is that they produce and sell the most amazing books about Mohawk culture, including children’s books!”
“The Akwesasne Cultural Center Library and Museum (Akwesasne, NY) has small hidden gem of a gift shop. It has many items made by local artisans including beaded earrings, artwork, and prized sweetgrass baskets. The gift shop may be small but it carries an array of things for every member of your family.”
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Photo courtesy of Akwesasne Travel.
Debbie Burns, W3G & Co. and Once Upon a Coffee Shop, Cornwall
“Life’s Little Pleasures (Cornwall) is my favourite store of all. Chris Munro has curated the loveliest lines of clothing, jewelry, gifts, linen, etc… mostly all Canadian-made. My personal favourites are the Myka earrings.”
“I feel relaxed just thinking of Pure Organic Spa (Cornwall). For so many hard-to-buy people on your list, why not give them the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate to a facial or mani/pedi?”
“Essential Kitchen is a great new place where foodies can unite. Gift one of their cooking classes for the perfect evening out. They also sell some pretty amazing kitchen tools to help make cooking at home a great experience.”
Tracey Bray-Bercier, Braydale Lavender, Moose Creek
“It isn’t easy to have fresh goods available on the kitchen counter in the middle of a busy December. Swiss Farmer Bakery (Moose Creek) makes yummy treats and fresh bread that are perfect for hosting or gifting.”
“Searching for the perfect teacher’s gift? I didn’t want to send my young kids to school with anything too heavy or fragile. Peach Tree & Co (Finch) delivered sweet, customized bracelets within the week!”
Bryna Bedard, vintage curator at The Finders Keepers, Ingleside
“I love the collection of minimalist wooden toys by Sagely Made (Morrisburg). I’ve already purchased one of their RV sets for my nephew for Christmas.”
“Check out Amethyst Claire for beautiful crochet creations. Her handcrafted blankets or cardigans are definitely on my Christmas list this year!”
“EverGreen Designs (Akwesasne) showcases artist Waverli’s breathtaking beadwork pieces. Shop her necklaces, purses, medallions, key chains, clothing, and earrings on Instagram.”
Shelby Rigby, regenerative agriculture activist, Maxville
“The Paper Doll Sets from Paper Fox Oddities (Williamstown) are great gifts for animal-loving kids! These books feature beautifully designed characters for your child to cut out and clothe in a variety of creative outfits. Each one has been thoughtfully brought to life by artist Linda Norton.”
“Check out the Assorted Honey Flavours Sample Packs from the Glengarry Bee Farm (Maxville). These sets feature both savoury and sweet flavours to tempt coworkers, teachers, or almost anyone.”
“For the friend who loves to read, Red Cart Books (Cornwall) is the best place to find nearly every genre of book. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and willing to check their offsite warehouse for specific titles. They also have gift certificates for those hard-to-buy-for bookworms!”
Cataline Sadaba, The Halfway Homestead Farm, Lunenburg
“The Sourdough Loaf & More’s (Cornwall) seasoning oil is made from organic oils and beeswax to make cast iron cookware bulletproof! Bonus: It smells awesome and Humairah, the owner, is a local bread maker, mama, and all-around independent business woman.”
“Check out My Recycled Dreams (Cornwall) for truly original birdhouses and art made from recycled objects and materials. Each one is unique and so well made.”
“I love the garlic braids and dried flower and garlic wreaths from Paperboat Farms (Newington). They’re such a practical way to store garlic and make for a beautiful addition to any country kitchen—all while supporting local farmers.”
Lee Ann O’Brien, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Akwesasne
“When I’m not in uniform you’ll often see me wearing large, beaded earrings. I have so many favorites from talented Akwesasne artists. Two of my favorites: Niio Perkins Designs and Three Sisters Designs made by Karennontakies Barnes.
“Hummingbird Gift Shop (Kawhenoke/Cornwall Island) has so many beautiful things including moccasins, sweet grass baskets, jewellery, and cultural gift items.”
“I often stop in at 3TK Nutrition (Akwesasne, NY) for a quick meal replacement shake or healthy snacks. They have so many healthy options like protein balls, oatmeal, and fresh veggie packs. Grab a gift card for someone who likes to stay healthy!”
Shannon Bouchard, Christmas Decor Fanatic, Winchester
“When I need an amazing personalized novelty gift for a special occasion—serious, funny or naughty—, I always head to Samantha’s Emporium (Winchester) and I’m never disappointed.”
“I love supporting creative local makers and crafters. When I need a one-of-a-kind gift I head to The Makers Hub, a market-style shop where local makers can showcase their creations—they have everything under the sun.”
“Pharmasave Winchester (Winchester) has super seasonal decor and other gift items. Believe it or not, I can always find a beautiful purse here!
Cassandra Karlsen, Tender Moments Photography, Avonmore
“We purchased macrame ornaments from Maudern Abode (Cornwall) at a recent market that are adorable! Lydia has great taste, curating a variety of seasonal items and household decor with natural and light styling.”
“Little Dove Boutique (Cornwall) makes the most adorable scrunchies and earrings. Sara, the maker, even takes custom orders. She is the sweetest soul and a portion of her sales go to feeding and caring for stray cats.”
“Barnfull O’ Goodies (Morrisburg) is one of my favourite stores to find unique decor items. This antique shop has everything! I’ve purchased old suitcases, washtubs, and vintage items for photoshoots. Marguerite decorates for each season as well, and her Christmas sets are worth the trip in.”
Barbara Barkley, former owner of Cass Bridge Gift Shop, Winchester
“I love Main Street Clothing (Winchester) and shop there for myself and my daughters-in-law. Lisa carries so many beautiful clothes, but also has sleepwear and an accessory counter—perfect for gift-giving.”
“Heritage House Health Spa (Winchester) has an amazing staff and lovely “spoil me” treatment options for everyday gifting (and self-gifting). Who wouldn’t want a facial or massage?”
Laura Ewald, Fraser Creek Pizza Farm, Summerstown
“When we moved to the area eight years ago, Marlin Orchards & Garden Centre (Summerstown) was our introduction to the community and our go-to place for apples for holiday baking, pickles, and honey. You’re sure to find something to satisfy any foodie out there.”
“It was a pleasure working with local farms like Horizon Hog Farm to supply amazing ingredients to create our pizzas this past season. Find all kinds of pork products on their website to gift or cook up on Christmas morning!”
“We love the maple syrup, sweet maple treats, and delicious berries from Cabane à sucre St-Pierre et famille Maple Sugar Camp (Lancaster). Consider them when sweetening up your gift baskets. We are so fortunate to be in this community where we have a variety of producers and farmers.”
Julie DeBoer, I Shop North Dundas, Winchester
“Loughlin’s Country Store (Mountain) is known for its butter tarts, pies, and an assortment of other fresh baked goods. Gift these to your hostess or favourite sweet tooth!”
“I love EcoShire (Winchester) for picking up eco-friendly products, like bar shampoo, makeup, and beeswax wraps. They make for excellent Secret Santa gifts!”
“Diane Sullivan Arabesque Pottery (Williamsburg) has the best stocking stuffers for your favourite gardener: the cutest little garden markers. Find them at the retail store in Williamsburg or order online.”
Kerry Gibson, Writer, Maxville
“I snuck Reclaim Furniture (Cornwall) onto my wish list this year, in the hopes that my husband will put one of their furniture pieces under the tree. The upholstered accent chairs are gorgeous.”
“Our children have been gifted beautiful wooden instruments and French books from Kid’s Korner (Cornwall). The downtown shop is teeming with toys of Santa’s workshop quality!”
BIG thanks to Julie DeBoer and Kerry Gibson for being Perch’s little helpers!
