Pretty much anything on the Local Wishlist would make a great gift for expats dreaming of being home for the holidays. But we’ve chosen a dozen gift ideas that will really make them wistful for Nova Scotia. And there’s still time for shipping!
Beach-combed aqua, white and teal sea glass, with gold-filled sand dollar and starfish charms. Another ocean-inspired artisan piece from Sea Glass Designs.
They can tote this pretty little notebook around on their travels, making notes on what they miss most about home, and what they want in their next care package. It’s another design from the talented Kat Frick Miller.
Artist Will Cooper creates his wooden paintings with a scroll saw and brush, cutting out individual pieces, painting them and gluing them back together. Any of his colourful prints would put a big smile on their face.
This is a must-have to decorate any expat’s kitchen, if only to remind them daily of the colourful expressions they’re missing out on while they’re living away. This is an original from the aptly-named Far Far Away Shop.
Wave Necklace and Surf Lesson Gift Set
Bridget Turner teamed up with Kannon Beach Surf Shop for a pretty original gift package: one of her classic sterling silver wave necklaces, with a gift certificate for a surfing lesson at Lawrencetown Beach tucked in the box, ready for the next visit they make back home to NS.
Lavender Vanilla Body + Foot Sea Salt Scrub
Any expat who loves being in the ocean, but doesn’t live anywhere near it these days, would love to feel the salt water on their skin again. One of Scrub Inspired’s sea salt scrubs should do it.
Giant Octopus Stuffed Animal or Sewing Patterns
A 4-foot, brightly coloured octopus is a very large and cheerful reminder of living near the sea, from Rita Van Tassel Studio. But if your gift recipient is crafty, there are also sewing patterns available, to make their own DIY marine life.
There’s delicious artisan chocolate being made in Nova Scotia, and you can never go wrong with sending some from home. Even better if they’re shaped like shells and fish and delicate seahorses. You’ll find these at Rousseau Chocolatier.
This is more of a DIY idea…buy two of these little cutters from East Coast Box, use one to make a big batch of your homemade shortbread, then box up the NS-shaped cookies and send them with the other cookie cutter and a copy of your recipe. You’re guaranteed a very teary thank you. (There are also gift boxes full of local treats available.)
Cape Breton Heritage Map Print
If their roots are in Cape Breton, those are very strong roots indeed, and they’ll get all misty-eyed over this heritage map print from Saltwreck. Guaranteed to take a place of honour on their wall.
Adopt an Acre of Nova Scotia Forest
How’s this for an actual piece of home? You can adopt an acre of old-growth forest in their name, supporting Nova Scotia Nature Trust’s valuable conservation work and protecting the habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals.
These are just a handful of the hundreds of local gift ideas available in this year’s Local Wishlist. Head to the full list and start browsing!
Take Me To The 2019 Local Wishlist
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