Sneak Peek: A Dozen Gift Ideas From The 2023 Local Wishlist!

Hello again, friends! Here’s an early preview of the much-anticipated Local Wishlist, our 11th annual buy-local gift guide, filled with gift ideas that are made by and sold at independently owned businesses in Nova Scotia. The Local Wishlist is curated from hundreds of gift submissions from across the province. It’s free for local vendors to apply, thanks to the  amazing local businesses and organizations who help to sponsor the project. Now take a look!

Blossoms Soap

You thought it was cake, didn’t you? But these tasty morsels are from Graceful Soaps, and they promise “the invigorating scent of freshly cut blooms and dew-kissed green stems”. Sounds delightful, and still looks good enough to eat. But, you know, don’t.

Artifact Earrings

We do love a little sparkle, or in this case the sheen of polished copper. These handmade enameled earrings are show stoppers, from Aflame Creations Jewelry in Chester. And Aflame has never let us down.

Advent Calendar

This is a great year for advent calendars! We’ve got calendars filled with tea, coffee, cookies, and of course the delicious assortment of local goodies from Taste of Nova Scotia. This one is filled with chocolate, and we have Rousseau Chocolatier to thank. Or blame, depending on your will power.

Bucket Bags

Penelope at Yellow Petal Handmade has an eye for gorgeous fabrics, and creates equally lovely gift items with them. And in this case, practical as well. Because a project bag like this is bound to inspire every crafter to create their own best work.

Re-purposed Wood Table Lamps

If you haven’t heard of reFoundry, you’re going to get a good look at it in this year’s Wishlist. Local artists and woodworkers repurpose vintage hand-crafted wood patterns from the Lunenburg Foundry and transform them into works of art (and in this case, table lamps), each piece unique and extraordinary.

T-Rex Tee Shirt

This little guy sets the tone for our Kids’ Toys & Clothing category this year, because it’s bright and colourful and fun. And this rawr-some tee is from our pals at Nor°easter Apparel in Martins Point, who also make great clothes and accessories for grownups.

Spectacle Pocket Tab Glasses Case

A soft full-grain Italian leather case might help someone you know protect their glasses from scratches, or from losing them… that bright blue case should be easy to spot, right? These are mindfully made in Pictou by TABITHA + CO.

The Obladee Gift Box

Wine and everything you need to go with it, artfully chosen. You can gift someone with the full Obladee, A Wine Bar experience… well, except for the clever conversation, you’ll have to take care of that yourself.

Dog Leashes

We’ve got a very full Pets & Pet Lovers category this year, and for the first time the cat-themed gifts seem to dominate… But don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the good doggos. These locally-made leashes are from Get Dirty Pet Gear.

Vineyard Cheese Board

The holidays usually involve some entertaining, and a whole lot of cheese, so who couldn’t use a special charcuterie board like this grapevine-patterned beauty? It’s from Amos Pewter in Mahone Bay.

Handmade Backgammon Board

Speaking of beauties, this handcrafted board from Pebble Mountain Woodcrafts is just… wow. This one’s destined for family heirloom status.

Chef’s Tasting Experience For Two

Last but not least, a toast to gifts of shared experiences, like this 7-course tasting dinner at Lupin Dining & Pantry on the Eastern Shore. It’s just one of many memorable, giftable occasions you’ll find in our Travel & Experiences category this year.

Sorry, that’s all you get for now! That’s it for our 2023 sneak peek, but we can’t wait to show you the full list. And it’s worth waiting for, we promise. Watch for it on November 12th.

 

The Local Wishlist is made possible by our Category Sponsors:

Neptune TheatreArt Gallery of Nova ScotiaTaste of Nova Scotia
Evergreen FestivalWhite PointHalifax Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Halifax Business Commission

And by our Friends of the Local Wishlist:

Christmas Tree Council of Nova ScotiaThe Trainyard General Store
Crafty Owl Artisans MarketHook, Line & TinkerHalifax Partnership

About the author

Kate Kirkpatrick

A Nova Scotia native, Kate chased the bright lights of other cities for a while, but eventually found her way home. She's the minder of all things Halifax Bloggers. And has big love for local.