If you want to give something with meaning this year, the Highlands offers gifts that do more than fill a stocking. You can help someone heal, protect a forest, or support wildlife, all while surprising the people you love with something thoughtful and local. 

From symbolic gifts that fund whole person cancer support to acre adoptions and turtle encounters, these ideas reach far beyond the moment they are unwrapped.

Symbolic Gifts with Heart: Brooksong Retreat & Cancer Support Centre

For the friend or family member who insists they already have everything, Brooksong’s symbolic gift catalogue is a perfect fit. These gifts range from 25 dollars to 500 dollars and directly support the whole person cancer care offered at the retreat.

Their most popular symbolic gifts include:

  • Journal and art making supplies to help guests express, reflect, and create
  • Meals and recipes that bring nourishment and comfort
  • A campfire for 12 that sparks moments of connection and community

Every symbolic gift represents a real experience that helps someone feel supported through a cancer diagnosis. You can browse and purchase all options online here. 

A Gift for the Nature Lover: Adopt an Acre

If your gift list includes a hiker, birder, or anyone who feels restored in the trees, the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust’s Adopt an Acre program is a great option. For $50, you can adopt an acre in their honour at Dahl Forest or Barnum Creek Nature Reserve.

Each adoption comes with:

  • A personalized gift certificate
  • A charitable tax receipt
  • The chance to pick the exact acre you want to protect on the large wall map at the Land Trust office

All funds support long term stewardship and maintenance of these cherished natural spaces. To adopt an acre or learn more, visit the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust or contact the Land Trust at admin@haliburtonlandtrust.ca or 705 457 3700.

A Fun and Meaningful Gift: Turtle Guardians

For kids, animal lovers, or anyone who smiles at the sight of a turtle, Turtle Guardians offers gifts that mix education, fun, and conservation.

Guided Turtle Tours
From October to February, Turtle Guardians hosts interactive tours at 235 Highland Street in Haliburton. Visitors can meet the resident teaching turtles and learn about their lives and habitats. Tours run Fridays from 2 to 5 pm and Saturdays from 11 to 5 pm. Book online at turtleguardians.com.

Christmas Open House
From December 1 to 5 (11 to 4 pm) and December 6 (11 to 6 pm), the Turtle House welcomes visitors for photos with the Turtle Elves and a chance to browse unique gifts. Full tours should be booked ahead.

Turtle House Gift Shop
Gift certificates are available in any amount and can be used toward turtle themed and nature themed items like jewelry, shirts, hats, books, plush turtles, magnets, and more. Shop in person or online at turtleguardians.com.

Great options include:

  • 2026 Turtle Guardians Calendar, featuring resident turtle friends
  • Symbolic Adoption Kit, which includes an adoption certificate, plush turtle, sticker, key chain, and support for hatchling incubation programs

Every purchase fuels turtle recovery efforts and care for their resident turtles.

Food Gifts that Do Good: Bancroft Community Transit Social Enterprises

Bancroft Community Transit runs two social enterprises that turn great food into real community impact. Every purchase directly supports local transit in North Hastings, making these gifts thoughtful, delicious, and deeply meaningful.

Charcuterie Studio

Charcuterie Studio creates stunning grazing platters filled with high quality meats, cheeses, nuts, fruit, pickles, crackers, dips, and more. Platters average $12 per person and can be customized with brie, gourmet chocolates, or anything else you have in mind. Bring your own board, borrow one, or purchase a new board if you want to give it as a gift. These platters are beautiful, generous, and perfect for holiday gatherings. 

Wattle & Daub Café

Right in Riverside Park on Station Street, Wattle & Daub Café offers festive holiday cookie boxes, baked fresh and packaged with ribbons and bows. Options include cookie boxes and mini bites boxes. Each box is filled with treats like lemon bars, shortbread, cheesecake brownies, mini tarts, and more. 

Orders run from November 12 to December 15, with pickup from December 1 to 24 at noon. Visit their Facebook page or call 613 318 5455 to place an order.

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