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 should still be time for shipping. But hurry!
Every piece crafted in Bridget Turner Jewellery’s seaside studio is inspired by the ocean. And these silver hoops showcase richly coloured sea glass, possibly even found on nearby Lawrencetown Beach. A thoughtful gift for beach lovers, or anyone who misses being so close to the Atlantic.
Blue lobsters are rare in real life (one in 2 million, apparently!), but plentiful in this collection from Truro’s muse by mej. This cheerful print is available in two sizes, as well as greeting cards, stickers, and postcards.
Nova Scotia Beach Resin Ornament
We’ve seen ornaments shaped like our beloved province before, but this one is likely to conjure up all sorts of warm and fuzzy Nova Scotia beach day memories. You can almost feel the sand between your toes, thanks to Salty Scotian, based in Cole Harbour.
Cozy East Coast Christmas Tea Towel
Slip one of The Far Far Away Shop’s cotton tea towels into every care package you send this holiday season, for instant missing-home feels. And don’t worry, they have much saucier versions as well.
A gift for young readers, written by Sal Sawler and illustrated by Emma Fitzgerald, with an inspiring message about community-building and climate activism. It’s a love letter to the ocean, as they say, and available from Nimbus Publishing.
Peppermint, sage and rosemary in combination apparently smell like Nova Scotia, and we could buy into that. This soap should smell amazing, for sure, and be a welcome addition to any gift box. From Nova Soapia in Portage.
East Coast Inspired Note Card Set
This set of notecards, like all of Seek & Bloom’s artwork, is created with pressed flowers grown locally. Made in the Annapolis Valley, and a great gift for anyone who’s weak for pretty stationery.
Will Cooper Art is well-known for colourfully painted wooden mosaics, a distinctive art style that’s quintessentially Maritime. And just so cheerful! Fortunately you can also buy prints of Will’s original work, suitable for mailing.
Someone in Nova Scotia Misses You Soy Candle
A little too on-the-nose for this theme? Maybe… but perfect if you want to make your message loud and clear. And if you prefer something a little less sentimental but still very Nova Scotian, there’s also a Moon Mist Lobster-scented candle. From Burning Flame Candle Company in Halifax.
The East Coast slang game is strong with Nor°easter Apparel. Ya, no, yah for sure, we love it. Tees, hoodies, hats, tote bags and other accessories are designed and printed in their Martins Point studio.
Another book for the wee ones, and this might become a Christmas classic. Judy O’Leary’s story of Twig the Elf, who was sent to Nova Scotia to look after the Balsam Fir Christmas Trees, was written and illustrated in New Ross.
Last but not least, you can’t go wrong with a goodie box filled with tasty treats made right here in Nova Scotia, and this one is curated by Cheerfetti Gift Co in Dartmouth. Check out our Food & Drink category for more gift box collections from Black Bow Gift Co, Nova Box, Love Organic Vital Energy, Obladee, Rousseau Chocolatier, Lupin Dining & Pantry, and our friends at Taste of Nova Scotia.
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 2023 Local Wishlist