Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your List

There's nothing quite like coming Downtown over the holidays - the festive decor, sparkly lights, and decorated storefronts create a holiday ambiance that you can't get anywhere else. Below are gift ideas that you also can't get anywhere else but these local shops located only in Downtown Halifax. 

1. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
   1723 Hollis Street

• Check out their collection of Maud Lewis inspired products, plus items inspired by "Generations: The Sobey Family & Canadian Art" exhibit, on view until January 14, 2024.

2. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Gift Shop
   1055 Marginal Road

• Try the Sequoia soap line - proudly owned and operated by Indigenous women. 

3. House of Eights Dance Studio
   5562 Sackville Street

• A gift card to drop-in dance classes - the perfect gift for the dancer in your life

4. InesS Circus
   1535 Dresden Row

• Give the gift of circus and fun with inesS Circus.

5. Neptune Theatre
   1593 Argyle Street

• Theatre tickets for world-class live theatre in the region's best venue make a great gift for just about anyone on your list! 

6. Northern Watters Knitwear & Tartan Shop
   Historic Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street / Halifax Seaport, 1209 Marginal Road

• Wools sweaters, pottery, yard, preserves, Scottish & Irish products, and more!

7. Skin Decision Inc.
   Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street

• Solid gold and genuine gemstone body jewelry, plus they'll help you design a special ear curation.

8. The Carleton
   1685 Argyle Street 

• Gift Card for music and food at one of Downtown Halifax's premiere live music venues. 

9. The Loop Modern Fibre Craft
   1557 Barrington Street

• Gifts for crafters from yarn to embroidery kits.​​​​​​​

10. Venus Envy
   1727 Barrington Street

• Curated selection of great reads and quality toys in a friendly, welcoming environment. 

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Looking for something chic for the fashion lover on your list? Downtown Halifax and the Spring Garden area are filled with local shops that cater to those with discriminating tastes. From well-known names to hidden gems, you're sure to find the perfect gift that will leave them saying "ooh la la". 

1. AL-M by Mount Leather & Apparel Inc.
   Ferry Boat Lane Shops, 1781 Lower Water Street

• AL-M by Mount Leather & Apparel carries premium leather products including leather bags, wallets, belts and more. 

2. Duggers
   5409 Spring Garden Road

• Carrying the best of men's fashion, Duggers has been a staple in the Spring Garden area for years.

3. Halifax Bra Store
   Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street

• Find a great selection of bras, underwear, pyjamas, robes, menswear and more. Locally owned and operated. 

4. In A Box Gifts
   1468 Dresden Row

• This women-owned and operated boutique features one-of-a-kind, edgy women's clothing, modern accessories and outstanding gift ideas. Plus, they can help you find the perfect gifts to impress your loved ones.

5. KingsPIER Vintage
   Historic Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street

• Give a sustainable gift this holiday season with timeless vintage classics including shoes, boots, luxury apparel, and more. 

6. Lark & Finch Clothing Inc.
   1669 Barrington Street

• Find the perfect gift from stylish shirts for him (ranging from $69-139) to cozy sweaters for her (priced from $69-$179). 

7. Ocean Optometry
   5240 Blowers Street

• Ocean Optometry carries an array of sunglasses and eyeglasses that are carefully and individually crafted by independent designers from around the world that can't be found anywhere else in Atlantic Canada. 

8. The Vault
   Spring Garden Place, 5640 Spring Garden Road

• Locally owned fashion jeweller specializing in high quality, unique designer handcrafted jewelry from around the world. Check out their Dean Davidson Collection this Christmas.  

9. Touch of Gold
   Spring Garden Place, 5640 Spring Garden Road

• Halifax's Trusted Fine Jewellery Retailer offering custom jewellery design, appraisals, repairs, and more.

10. Urban Fusions
    Halifax Brewery Market, 1496 Lowe Water Street, Saturdays, 8 am - 1 pm

• Original, locally made kiln-formed glass jewelry for those who like to make a colourful statement. They are also available at Jennifer's of Nova Scotia at 5635 Spring Garden Road. 

Everyone has a person (or two) on their list that is hard-to-please. And while it can sometimes feel like an impossible task to find them the perfect gift, this list has some ideas that will impress even the most hard-to-shop-for people in your life.

1. Ambassatours Gray Line
1751 Lower Water Street

• Give them the gift of experience with a gift card from Ambassatours. Their gift cards can be used towards any tour including Harbour Hopper Tours, the Tall Ship Silva Cruise, and more. And best of all, you can purchase them online and email them to the recipient. 

2. Canadian Sea Turtle Network
Halifax Waterfront | (902) 423-6224

• Every purchase from the Sea Turtle Store directly supports the work to conserve endangered sea turtles - a gift that does than just make someone smile. 

3. East Coast Wellness Clinic
1451 Brenton Street

• Give the gift of health and wellness with a gift certificate to East Coast Wellness Clinic.  

4. Grafton Street Dinner Theatre
1741 Grafton Street

• Give a gift card to the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre, serving up family-friendly "eatertainment" since 1987. 

5. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
5425 Sackville Street

• Tickets for the "Raise Your Holiday Spirits" tour would be perfect for anyone who loves both history and unique food and drink experiences.
• Raise Your Holiday Spirits  

6. Insight Optometry
1575 Brunswick Street

• From gift cards for new sunglasses to cleaning cloths and contact lens kits, there's something for every one on your list - whether they wear glasses or not.  

7. QEII Foundation 
5657 Spring Garden Road

• Make a donation to the QEII Foundation, a gift that will make a real difference to QEII patients and their loved ones.  

8. Sin on Skin Decision Tattoo Studio
5239 Blowers Street

• Give a gift that will last forever with a gift card to Sin on Skin Tattoo Studio. 

9. The Halliburton Hotel
5184 Morris Street

• A gift voucher for The Halliburton Hotel would make a lovely gift for those who would enjoy an elegant staycation. 

10. The Prow Gallery 
185-1479 Lower Water Street

• Original art from a local artist would make a great, and unique, gift for that someone who has it all. 

Looking to give thoughtful gifts to your loved ones that won't break the bank? Here are a few gift ideas - all under $25 - for those on a budget this year. 

1. Amos Pewter 
Halifax Waterfront, 1535 Saltyard Way

• Amos Pewter's Annual Ornaments are a thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed year after year. Enjoy the 2023 ornament - The Fox. $24 

2. Annie's Place Cafe & Catering
1592 Queen Street

• Fill up the fridge or freezer of your loved ones with meals to go from Annie's - all homemade. $10 - $13

3. Argyle Fine Art
1559 Barrington Street

• From little folk art birds to Christmas ornaments, Argyle Fine Arts has economically priced local art that will make a unique gift for anyone on your list. Starting at $14.

4. Audrey Too
Bishop's Landing, 1475 Lower Water Street

• Give a "green" gift this year with a plant, new pots, or plant accessories from Audrey Too. Starting at $8. 

5. Bird's Nest Cafe
1547 Barrington Street

• Bird's Nest Cafe makes hand-crafted small-batch Fleur de Sel Caramels for the holidays that make the perfect stocking stuffer or visiting gift. 

6. Bliss Caffeine Bar
1451 South Park Street

• Give the gift of brunch with a $25 gift card to Bliss where they an enjoy a delicious breakfast on you. 

7. Bulwark Cider House 
1518 Dresden Row

• The Nor'easter Series 6-pack features some of Bulwark's yummiest holiday-flavoured ciders including Caramel Candy Apply and Winter Cider. Only $16.37

8. Latte-Da Coffee Tea Bistro Gifts 
1209 Marginal Road

• From tasty warm drinks to handmade ornaments, Latte-Da is definitely a must visit over the holidays. 

9. Pet Valu Spring Garden
5686 Spring Garden Road 

• Maybe that special someone on your list has four-legs and a tail. If that's the case, make sure you visit Pet Valu on Spring Garden for tasty treats and fun toys for the best girl or boy in your house. Starting from $2.99. 

10. Rousseau Chocolatier 
5151 South Street

• Rousseau's limited holiday edition artisan bars would be a welcome treat in anyone's stocking this Christmas. $8.75 each 

If you're looking for some gift ideas for the foodie in your life, look no further than the list below for some delicious inspiration. And the best part, all these culinary gift ideas are lovingly made by local businesses.

1. Brawta Jamaican Jerk Joint
1567 Grafton Street

• Brawta's Naomi Christmas Cake is not your typical fruit cake. This smooth dark fruit cake is made with rum soaked fruits and then soaked in Jamaican overproof white rum. It certainly adds the "spirits" to the holiday party. 

2. CUT Steakhouse
5120 Salter Street

• CUT Steakhouse offers Feast Boxes with a range or signature cuts from their menu along with cooking instructions. These tax-free boxes make the perfect gift for the meat-lover in your life. 
• Feast Boxes

3. From Mild to Wild Hot Sauce
Spring Garden Place, 404-Spring Garden Road

• This purveyor of spicy food products has small batch locally made hot sauces, jams, jellies, mustards and more - great for stocking stuffers!

4. Hélène Jaune Cookies
Halifax Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street

• This new bakery located in the Halifax Brewery Market, uses local butter to create unique cookies that come in beautiful tins, or grab some of their caramel nuts mix for your holiday party. 

5. LEONIDAS
1444 Brenton Street

• This Belgium chocolate brand has a locally owned shop just off Spring Garden Road that is filled with mouth-watering delights including over 80 different kinds of chocolate. 

6. Obladee, A Wine Bar
1600 Barrington Street

• Surprise a friend or a co-worker with one of Obladee's gorgeous gift boxes filled with local products. 

7. Rasa: Flavours of India 
1542 Birmingham Street

• A gift card to Rasa would be welcomed by any food lover on your list. Featuring delectable Indian dishes from tandoori specialties to exquisite curries, this cozy restaurant is located just off Spring Garden Road. 

8. Rum Runners Cake Factory
Bishop's Landing, 1479 Lower Water Street

• From their Glen Breton Whisky Cakes to their Chocolate Rum Cakes, all of Rum Rummers' products are made on site at their bakery in Bishop's Landing. They also have fun merchandise for the rum lovers in your life. 

9. The Prince George Hotel - GIO
1725 Lower Water Street

• Treat a loved one to a special holiday brunch buffet at The Prince George Hotel. From festive family-friendly pre-Christmas Sunday brunches to their New Year's Day brunch, it will be an experience they won't soon forget.

10. Trattoria Vesso
1299 Hollis Street

• This new restaurant located on the corner of Hollis and Morris Streets features Italian comfort food including Neapolitan pizzas, hearty lasagna, fresh pasta, and more. Grab a gift card for the Italian food lover on your list from The Trattoria!

The big day is almost here, and maybe you've realized that a few people have been left off your list or maybe you just like shopping under pressure - either way, these last minute gift ideas will help you check every last person off your list. 

1. Atlantic Lottery Corporation 
1680 Argyle Street

• ALC's Scratch'N Win Holiday Packs make the perfect stocking stuffer and also fit nicely into a holiday card. 

2. Atlantic News
5560 Morris Street

• Pop into Atlantic News and pick up a few magazines, books, or puzzles for anyone on your list. 

3. Bishop’s Cellar
Bishop's Landing, 1477 Lower Water Street

• Bishop's Cellar has a huge selection of local and imported wine, beer and spirits, and their knowledgeable staff can you help you pick out the perfect gift in no time at all. 

4. Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique
1453 South Park Street

• Inkwell has a variety of beautiful local and handmade gifts and cards that will impress anyone on your list. Shop online and choose the free pick-up service - it doesn't get easier than that. 

5. Gahan House Nova Centre
5239 Sackville Street

• Grab a Gahan Gift Box for that beer lover in your life. Comes with two cans of Gahan Beer and a Gahan Pottery Stein. 

7. Haliente Dance Studio
1678 Barrington Street

• Give the gift of dance with a gift card for Haliente Dance Studio. Purchase one online and email it to the recipient. 

8. Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
1515 South Park Street

• Indulge your loved ones in 'hipstoric' holiday magic with a gift card to the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, a landmark destination in the Downtown area.  

9. Legendary Hospitality

• A Legendary Hospitality gift card can be used (and purchased) at any of their locations:
• Antojo Tacos + Tequila
• Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
• Stubborn Goat Gastropub
• Sketti & Ball Co.
• The BG

9. Peace by Chocolate
Queen's Marque, 1741 Lower Water Street, Suite 166

• Peace by Chocolate's boxes of assorted holiday chocolates would make the perfect hostess or teacher gift. 

10. Twisted Willow 
Historic Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street

• Order a Twisted Willow holiday gift basket and pick it up at their location in Historic Properties - a nice gift for your boss or a co-worker.