12 Gifts of Christmas
Can you feel it? The holiday season is coming, and with it comes the magic and joy of giving! Whether you're the type to start planning early or a last-minute-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants shopper, we’re here to help get the ideas flowing with a list of gifts that are sure to be a hit.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping inspiration with our guide to the 12 gifts of Christmas!
1. Apparel
Wrap your loved ones in a big comfy hug by gifting them stylish, warm apparel to get them through winter. Shop for outdoorsy sweaters from Ottawa Valley Apparel in-store at Pembroke’s Pick-It-Fence. Or help someone special achieve ultimate coziness levels with alpaca wool socks or a blanket from Serendipity Farm.
2. Handmade Gifts
Surprise that special someone with a unique gift that is sure to be a conversation starter, like a handcrafted candlestick, which you can find at Almonte’s General Fine Craft. Also in Almonte, Cheerfully Made is a hub for local makers that can also be referred to as the saviour of Christmas, selling handmade gifts you won’t find anywhere else, including clothing, prints, décor, and much more. for more treasures, check out one of Ontario's Highlands' craft maker markets taking place this holiday season.
3. Artwork
Artwork is a thoughtful gift, especially if you know the recipient’s taste well enough to identify a match with a local artist. Explore Lanark County's Art & Heritage Tour to browse art galleries to find just the right piece. Knock it out of the park with a natural landscape painting by Karen Phillips Curran, available at her Ottawa Valley studio or visit Rails End Gallery in Haliburton to purchase local art or a gift certificate to one of their artistic workshops.
4. Relaxing Getaway
Somewhere between tangible gifts and gifting an experience is surprising your loved one with an overnight getaway. They get to step away from their stresses, make lasting memories, and relax in a cozy hotel or cabin. Does that sound like something that might top the Christmas list of your beloved? Treat them (and yourself!) to a spa rejuvenation package at Ottawa Valley resort Sands on Golden Lake. For a true escape from the big city, we suggest an experience where you're the only guest at Black River Retreat, or the off-grid cabins at Deacon Escarpment!
5. Chocolate
We all have that person in our lives who loves nothing more than quality chocolate, especially during this ultra indulgent month. Chocolate makers and chocolatiers around Ontario’s Highlands pull out all the stops during the holidays, like Hummingbird’s chocolate collections, Perth Chocolate Works’ mouth-watering seasonal line-up, Ludwig's Fine Chocolate bars, or a rich milk chocolate treat from J.J.'s Chocolate Sensations. New on the chocolate scene is Clayton Creative Chocolates, whose beautifully decorated chocolates will be almost too good to eat.
6. Maple Everything
Receiving liquid gold – aka maple syrup – or maple-inspired treats is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. There is a whole whack of sugar shacks you can go to get the goods, including but not limited to: Conboy and Oso Sweet in Frontenac County, Esson Creek and Wintergreen in Haliburton County, or Fulton’s and Thompsontown in Lanark County.
7. Tasty Goodies
Not everyone has a sweet tooth, so consider branching out to include other delicious edibles from Ontario’s Highlands. On one road trip you can cover both Back Forty Artisan Cheese and Seed to Sausage, to help elevate the charcuterie game for those special someones on your list. If the recipient loves coffee, pick up some beans from Madawaska Coffee Co. in Barry’s Bay, or Equator Coffee Roasters in Almonte.
8. Craft Drinks
If you’re shopping for someone who loves discovering new drinks, extend your search beyond the LCBO. Craft spirits you can’t get in stores are found at Dairy Distillery, O'Kenny Craft Spirits and Top Shelf Distillers. Smaller or newer breweries like Crooked Mile, or Square Timber are bound to offer a new experience too.
9. Fun and Games
Gift someone with a challenge to solve with games and puzzles and other fun activities for every age. You never know what you'll find on the shelves at Explorer's Eco-Emporium 41 in Northbrook, including games, puzzles, and other fun stuff that will keep you busy for hours and hours. Art geeks and science nerds will adore one of The Occurrence's unique puzzles featuring their own fun designs, produced right in the heart of Haliburton.
10. Gift Certificates
Let’s get this straight and dispel some disinformation out there: gift certificates are not a bad gift. While another gift certificate to a chain restaurant or coffee shop might not be thrilling, don’t discount the pleasure you feel when giving or receiving a gift certificate to a world-class local business. There are fun and unique spots in the region that offer gift certificates, including Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort, Sir Sam's Ski/RIDE, OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River or Yours Outdoors. Let them choose their own adventure - you can just give them the key to the doorway.
11. A Spa Day
Is there someone in your life who is always on the go and could use some “me time” to unwind with a day at the spa? Gift them with a gift certificate for a true "spa day." In Carleton Place, Mahogany Spa has a gorgeous and well-equipped location that offers a wide range of luxurious treatments. In the Haliburton region, gift someone with a spa pampering from Wind in the Willows Spa then write up your own personal gift certificate for a future experience. Purchase a gift certificate to the brand new Nordik-spa-esque experience at Maple Stone Ranch & Retreat and they can be one of the first to soak, cold plunge, and sauna their troubles away in spring.
12. Pre-Christmas Outing
Let’s be honest, there’s a pretty good chance that the perfect gift for your special someone is YOU. Time spent with the ones they love is priceless. Why not spend quality time together this holiday season and take them out for a simple day trip? Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park and Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm are two great spots to enjoy seasonal activities, and of course, good company.
