It’s easy to be a nature lover in Nova Scotia, where all it takes is a short trip (or a short walk, if you’re really lucky) to stroll in the woods or sit by the ocean. If you have someone on your list who’s inspired by nature, especially a bird watcher or a big fan of the humble honeybee, we’ve pulled a few gift ideas from the Local Wishlist just for them.
Port Hawkesbury’s Tasha Grace makes some of the most delicate and charming jewelry pieces we’ve seen, and this sweet little bird’s nest is filled with sky blue or mint green speckled eggs. It’s even got a little mother bird keeping watch.
Unpasteurized Honey and Wild Flower Creamed Honey
They’re going to want to eat this straight from the jar with a spoon. Small batch Nova Scotia honey from Anther & Apiary in Truro and Van Dyk’s in Caledonia.
We’ve always admired Sarah Jane Conklin’s beautiful bird paintings, and now she’s published a twenty-page book filled with ten of those birds, with poems describing each of their nests.
Anneke van Bommel of Touch The Dutch might be better known for her jewelry, some of which you’ve seen on the Wishlist. But she’s also contributed this elegant honey dipper, perfect for pairing with a jar of Nova Scotia honey.
Atlantic Puffin Needle Felting Kit
Remember those adorable felting kits from Lunenburg Makery last year? This year they’ve outdone themselves with a polar bear and this very charming puffin, perfect for an experienced felter.
We’re all learning just what a critical role bees play in our eco-system. Amos Pewter pays tribute to the absolutely vital bee with the detailed design of this 18″ pendant.
We have a real soft spot for Basil Doucette, Argyle Fine Art’s senior artist. Each of his hand-carved and brightly painted birds is unique, and you can’t stop at just one. Start a collection for someone this season.
Halifax illustrator/painter/crafter Cute Cavu paints hexagonal wooden plaques with cheerful bees in acrylics, and we all want one. You should find them this weekend at the Have Yourself A Gothic Little Christmas craft market.
Blue jays, cardinals, chickadees and nuthatches to send to all the bird lovers on your holiday card list, illustrated by two very talented artists, Kat Frick Miller and Angela Doak.
In addition to their jars of honey (above), Anther & Apiary also offer skin care products made with essential oils and their own honey. This handcrafted soap is available in two sizes and ten different scents.
Artist Lynn Johnson specializes in small, original paintings, and this new series features birds that stay in Nova Scotia all winter, like this sweet little chickadee.
Debra Kuzyk of Lucky Rabbit Tile Shop has a whole woodland full of animals adorning her coasters, tiles, ornaments and magnets, including plenty of birds. But it’s this bright little bee (to the right) that really caught our eye.
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!