November 29, 2022

The Ferries 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Shop locally for everyone on your list this year! We’re making it easier than ever to discover makers & small businesses to support this holiday season.

‘Tis the season! It’s time to spend time with family and friends, eat delicious food, and get cozy. While the weather outside might be frightful, the shopping this holiday season can be delightful! Our gift guide will help you choose the perfect present for everyone on your list — all while supporting wonderful local businesses in the Maritimes!

For the Arts Lover

Saltwater Joys Studio creates beautiful works of art inspired by the sea, the creatures that live in it, and the beautiful coastline of New Brunswick. Surprise the art connoisseur in your life with a vibrant and Maritime-inspired 2023 calendar. Another artist inspired by the ocean is Brianna Corr Scott. She is an illustrator and author based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She draws inspiration for all of her art and stories from the overlooked details of the Atlantic coast. Little motifs such as moths, periwinkles, and even the fog are abundant in her work. For the little artist in your life, consider Brianna’s Paper Doll Kits as a fun present for the holiday. These paper doll kits are inspired by classic vintage cutouts — all you and your little one need is a pair of scissors and some imagination. The dolls are inspired by the flora and fauna of the Atlantic — and one even pays tribute to Peggy’s Cove!

For the artistically inclined but practical person in your life, consider some beautiful pottery from Jamilynn Wilson Ceramics in Prince Edward Island. Her wild clay creations are glazed with ash, which gives them a unique and distinctive look and feel. Jamilynn focuses on tableware, one-off decorative and sculptural vessels, as well as being open to commissions. Give the gift of one-of-a-kind ceramics created with clay extracted from the red sands of beautiful PEI.

For the Foodie

Obladee Wine bar is a staple of the downtown Halifax scene. That’s why their hand-selected Wine & Cheese Gift boxes are the perfect gift for the food lover in your life. Each box features a thoughtfully curated selection of Obladee’s favourite local cheeses, chocolates, house-made preserves, crisps, and a Sommelier-selected bottle of wine. Topping off this perfect gift is a locally designed holiday card, a beeswax candle made with local honey, detailed descriptions of the products, plus a fully personalized gift note. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can opt-in for premium wine pairing options for an added fee. Give the gift of a delicious and thoughtfully curated party box, delivery included!

Sweeten someone’s Holidays with a small batch of deliciously crafted bonbons from an artisanal chocolatier in Fredericton. Fancy Bites is the brainchild of Nancy Hoekman, who turned her hobby into a business. By crafting delicate chocolate treats, bars, macarons, and sweet delicacies from the finest ingredients, Fancy Bites blends Nancy’s passion for art and fine food with her eye for detail. A box of 12 bonbons is the perfect recipe for a memorable sweet gift!

For the foodie who has tried it all, go with some options with a kick from Atlantic Mustard Mill! This award-winning mustard, entirely manufactured on the beautiful island of PEI, is not like your regular Grey Poupon. The creators of Atlantic Mustard Mill have surpassed their mission to create over 50 flavours of mustard using the finest ingredient and 100% solar energy. They have over 58 variations of mustard available in their online store, ranging from PEI Wild Blueberry, The Cowboy Mustard with whisky, and even Banana Ginger Mustard. You’re bound to find many delicious combinations that will surely impress the most adventurous of palates.

For your Significant Other

This year, go for experiences over material gifts for significant others. Smyrna Mediterranean Restaurant has joined forces for a special collaboration dinner with Curated Food & Drink Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Eat (2022). The evening promises to be one for the books, hosted by Chief Curator Alexander Henden, who will share a tailored selection of his favourite dishes. Explore and share the art of Mediterranean cuisine with your loved one through a six-course tasting menu with available wine pairings.

Suppose you still want to give your significant other something special to open on Christmas morning. In that case, a nice piece of jewelry from a local vendor is always a thoughtful gift. Soul’s Journey Jewelry in New Brunswick or Garnish Jewellery in Prince Edward Island will make a unique gift and a beautiful forever keepsake. Soul’s Journey Jewelry

specializes in hand-stamped pendants, which can be personalized with your favourite person’s initials or birthstone. Garnish Jewellery uses organic textures embellished with raw gemstones to create pieces that will bring lightness and joy into your every day for years to come. Each company may spell jewelry differently, but they also have something in common — absolutely stunning pieces your special someone will want to wear forever.

For the Person Who Has Everything

Sometimes, the person who has everything also happens to be the person who needs a little bit of me-time and self-care. The Floatation Centre has a cozy, private and magical Infrared Sauna space that is perfect for the busy person in your life to unplug from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can also gift them a combo experience of a massage, float and 25-minute sauna. The perfect introduction to all of the services that The Floatation Centre offers.

Livcan Designs from New Brunswick specializes in small-batch manufacturing of thoughtfully designed homeware. Even the person who seems to have everything might need an expertly crafted Baking Tool Kit Gift Box made from ethically sourced wood from Fredericton. They also have mix-and-match charcuterie board gift sets, which are customizable, and even an inventive oyster shucker, so you never hurt yourself again! Speaking of oysters, Banjo Oyster Knives on Prince Edward Island has developed a uniquely designed tool that makes professional oyster shucking a breeze! This handy and eye-catching tool will make anyone feel like an expert oyster shucker. Plus, they make shucking oysters safer and easier for entry-level shuckers. A memorable and fun gift full of maritime flair!

Treat Yourself!

After everyone on your list has been covered, it’s time to treat yourself. Nobody deserves a nice and thoughtful gift these holidays as much as you do. Start planning an adventure for next year by gifting yourself — and your family or friends — the gift of travelling! Explore Maine, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia by ferry and see the Atlantic Coast from a totally different perspective.

Support Local Businesses

Looking for more ideas and gifts? Don’t forget to visit your local holiday craft market or fair. Then, check out the additional resources below to help you find local businesses you can shop with this holiday season:

Excellence New Brunswick 2022 Holiday Gift Guide 

Welcome Prince Edward Island’s PEI Christmas List 

Halifax Blogger’s Nova Scotia Holiday Vendor Directory 

From the entire Ferries team to all of you, have a safe and wonderful holiday season!