SUBMITTED BY CANDY VENNING
From Cannon to the lake – a gift giving guide for every budget and person on your list
Tired of getting ties, socks or slippers for your dad or brother? Try The Architect Hair Design – Gift certificates are available for Men’s haircuts, Beard trimming and a proper shave. Feel free to have a pint while you wait, possibly the only licensed hair salon in Hamilton.
A 50 year old James st. N. fixture; Morgenstern’s has quality leather hats, fedoras, wool flat caps, gloves and winter scarves for men as well as women.
Pet lovers can find adorable kitty ‘tacos’ filled with catnip or bow ties for fido at The Hamilton Store
‘Foodies’ – for those who like to cook, Chris’s restaurant supply is open to the public and has a collection of beautiful kitchen knives as well as every conceivable gadget or necessity for the kitchen.
Mesa, The Harbour Diner and other restaurants have gift certificates so you can treat someone to a special dinner or brunch.
Faema has Italian coffee makers from the simplest French Press to the most elaborate espresso machines
The Hamilton Store for sauces, fine teas, mustards all with a local connection
Coffeecology has an online subscription for locally roasted beans delivered by bicycle, right to your door – a gift that keeps on giving!
Lea Wood Co has handcrafted charcuterie/chopping boards as well as custom furniture pieces & countertops
Artists and Makers –
Mixed Media for their beautiful pens, watercolours, books on Art, papers & activities for every age group
Centre 3 has the ‘Small is good’ holiday show running from Dec 5th-31st. A selection of prints, photographs sculpture from local artists as well as unique, printed T-shirts – New classes start in January and would make a engaging gift & may help someone get started who has been hesitant to work on their own.
Needlework has a lovely collection of fabrics, patterns, notions and sewing classes as does Handknit Yarn studio with every kind of beautiful yarn to treat the knitter in your family.
Makers Market is coming into its 12th year at Christ’s Church Cathedral – an incredible collection of beautiful, handmade items for everyone. Friday Dec. 7th from 5pm & Sat. the 8th from 10am @ 252 James st. N.
Book lovers –
Wolsak and Wynne is a local publisher ‘dedicated to publishing clear, passionate Canadian voices since 1983’ A selection of unusual and beautiful books is available for purchase during office hours. I can highly recommend ‘Daylighting Chedoke’ for anyone into local Hamilton lore, The Hamilton store also carries a great collection of Hamilton oriented literature as well as guide books. New Horizons has lots of used books for just $0.50 each – some classics, hardcover as well as childrens books.
Eco minded and Nature lovers – The Pale Blue Dot specializes in ecologically responsible, reusable, recycled products from bamboo toothbrushes, baby items, shampoo bars to clothing and furniture.
Nature guides for walks around the Hamilton area as well as maps available at The Hamilton Store – ask about their ‘campfire candle’ as it’s a favourite gift item.
Memberships (available online) for The Hamilton Naturalists Club & The Royal Botanical Gardens
Last Minute, host, or co worker gifts – the ‘A’ list
A hand tied bouquet of flowers from I Fiori, a wreath, Amaryllis or house plant.
A ‘growler’ or mixed pack of locally brewed beer from Collective arts
A beautiful journal, calendar or notebook from Len democratic or Mixed Media or The Hamilton Store
A custom gift crate from The Hamilton Store with linen spray, moisture lotion, soap, tea or mustards & sauces
A box of fresh Natas (custard tarts) from Ola Bakery or a box of treats from locally famous Grandad’s Donuts
Soap, beard balm, lotions or bath bombs from Burlap & Twine, pure castile soap from The Pale Blue Dot
An unusual pillow or outrageous pair of socks from Len Democratic
You can do all my shopping for friends and family easily at independent stores in the downtown core!
