Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Let’s face it – men can be tough to buy for at Christmas, so why make it any harder on yourself? If your guy is someone whose answer to “What do you want for Christmas?” is “Nothing.” Or “I don’t know, whatever.” we’ve got you.

Browse our curated list of gift ideas that men will love and you’ll love to give. All made or sold in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Many of these items are available for online sales as well as in store.

Cool Stuff

There are some cool finds in Ontario’s Highlands, many of which are made by local artisans and can’t be found anywhere else. The Buff Stuff Store sells some pretty cool things for men made with buffalo hide or horns, and you can't go wrong with some buffalo meat or cheese either! Another local leathermaker is Enright Cattle Co., who produce beautiful bags, purses, and wallets made of leather from their cattle. 

Mariclaro Designs are fun repurposed bags and accessories made from vintage cars (and now aircraft!). If you can’t gift him a Mercedes, give him a little piece of it made into a billfold with a story to tell.  These products are available on-line or in select locations in Ontario’s Highlands.

Brews for Bros

There are no lack of breweries in Ontario’s Highlands, 7/62 Brewery in Madoc has the perfect gift for bros who love beer. Sign someone up for the Growler Club and they’ll receive a 64 oz. growler fill (or two 32 oz. ‘squealers’) monthly all year long, along with a free beer flight and glass of beer on their birthday!

In Carleton Place, Stalwart Brewing Co. makes strong beers with fun names like Dr. Feelgood or Big Papa for the guy who loves beer but hasn’t tried it all yet. Bancroft Brewing Company's Iron Man beer will make any man feel like a winner this holiday season. You can also combine beer with a shave and haircut at The Valley Gentleman in Pembroke. 

Just a Guy and a Fish

For the man whose best day ever is one spent out on the water with fishing rod in hand, Fish & Co. in Madoc has the rods, reels, bait and tackle to outfit any fishing outing (they also have home decor, clothes, and tons of other fun stuff). If your guy has always dreamed of trying ice fishing, they sell ice fishing gear, too! You can also gift your guy with an all-inclusive ice fishing getaway from Ogopogo Resort, The Pines on Boshkung or Buttermilk Falls Resort. 

Rhythm Section

What guy wouldn’t love a few vintage records to rock the holidays with? Pick up some of the latest vintage vinyl from Russell Red Records in Haliburton or Backbeat Books and Music in Perth. Inspire the musician with a Canadian made ukulele from Haliukes in Haliburton.

Rugged Clothes

Clothes for men often need to withstand the strain of hard wear and tear, but still look good at the end of the day. Vamos Outdoors in Almonte has some sturdy and warm hats that guys will love. Look for their Patagonia Brodeo Beanie for a hat that will be a sure winner this Christmas. Madoc’s general store, Mackenzie Mills Emporium, has Ontario-made moccasins and boots that are soft, pliable, and handsome too.

And remember when men carried handkerchiefs? Order a handkerchief that’s beautiful, too, from Jenna Rose in North Frontenac, to give to that old fashioned guy on your list.

For Foodie Fiends

If he's a fan of locally-roasted coffee, get him strong single-origin beans from Fluid Solar Roasted Coffee in Clayton or a dark, robust roast from Mighty Valley Coffee in Smiths Falls or Madawaska Coffee Co. in Barry's Bay. Rebel Elixir Coffee in Haliburton is a brand new roastery with unique beans worth a try.

Does your guy like meat? A gift certificate to Ontario Water Buffalo Co. in Marmora will be the perfect chance to try buffalo meat (or cheese) or some cured meats from Seed to Sausage in Sharbot Lake. Ullrich’s Deli in Pembroke sells gift cards that can be used for a hearty, man-sized sandwich, or a slab of meat from the butcher shop to cook at home.

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