Ah yes, we know the feeling so well — that low-level anxiety when you don’t have everything checked off on your holiday shopping list, and it’s almost certainly getting too late to order. But don’t worry! There are so many local gifts that you can still get, especially from the Local Wishlist. We’ve put together a little guide to help you finish that list, and many of these local gifts are still available right up until December 24th. We’ll keep adding to this, so check back later for updates.

Sip n’ Shuck Festival, Vintage Vacations, Captured Escape Rooms

We say it every year (because it’s so true), but experiences make really great, memorable gifts. And even better: they’re often available as digital tickets or gift cards, that you can buy even at literally the very last minute. You should head straight to our Travel & Experiences category for a great selection of can’t-miss adventures and events.

There are some real stand-out experiences this year — like retro glamping in a vintage Airstream or a wine country getaway. A guided paddle tour or boat ride through the 100 Wild Islands. For foodies, we’ve got tickets to wine tours and sensory tastings, as well as upcoming festivals. Plus an exclusive cook-with-the-chef weekend. There are gifts of wellness, including a one-month pass to all the yoga and meditation they can fit into their life, as well as the dreamiest of spa packages. An art gallery membership, a family escape room adventure, or tickets to theatre shows. Maybe they’d like to try something new? How about glass fusing or aerial silks! For dog lovers, you can book a professional photography session with their pup. There are gifts that support favourite causes in their name, like symbolically adopting an acre of habitat or a threatened species, or sponsoring an animal in need. These are all special gifts, even if you wait until the very last day.

Neptune Theatre, Spirit Spa, Symphony Nova Scotia

Our Travel & Experiences category sponsor is Neptune Theatre, and they’ve got an exciting lineup ahead for 2026. You can buy either tickets or ticket packages for holiday giving. Their much-anticipated winter/spring shows include Come From Away, Mad Madge, and The Ghost of Violet Shaw. They also have packages to combine your night at the theatre with dinner or even an overnight hotel stay. Gift events to look forward to in the new year!

If you need a really special last minute gift, something a little indulgent for someone who really deserves a break, you can pick up a digital gift certificate from Spirit Spa starting from $25, or for many of their specific spa packages and services. If you have a little more time, you can even call or visit them in one of their two Halifax locations and they’ll prepare a beautiful gift card package. And if you want something more than a little indulgent? The Ultimate Spa Day.

The Symphonic Fusion Series is a great way to introduce someone to Symphony Nova Scotia, and coming up in the new year are four concerts with wide-spread appeal: tributes to the music of The Beatles and Journey; iconic music from Disney films, in collaboration with the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus; and a sci-fi face-off between Star Wars and Star Trek. You can book tickets for these online.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Taste of Nova Scotia, The Trainyard General Store

Consumables always make great last minute gifts, especially for the “they already have everything” people on your list. You should still be able to find most of the food or drink items in the Wishlist’s Food & Drink category until fairly close to the holidays. Farmers’ markets or specialty groceries are a good place to start, and most of the wine, beer and spirits can be found at NSLC or specialty shops, or direct from the vendors’ locations.

We’re sure you’ve noticed that Taste of Nova Scotia curates some really wonderful culinary gift boxes packed with all-local goodies. The last day to place an order for the holidays is coming up fast, but there’s an option for local pickup at their office on Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth, so if you contact them right now, you’ll definitely have it before the 25th.

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has a beautiful gallery shop at their Hollis Street location in Halifax, with an impressive selection of gift items, featuring merchandise from current exhibits as well as items by many local and Indigenous artists. Their stock of items from the Wishlist is still good, and some of our favourites include pottery mugs from Oakleaves Native Creations, silk scarves inspired by Maud Lewis, and 3D wooden puzzles.

The Trainyard’s cheerful shop on Portland Street in downtown Dartmouth is a go-to for well-curated local gift items, and they carry far more than we’ve featured on the Wishlist (among their bestsellers are quirky goose mittens and a great collection of local-themed jigsaw puzzles), so it’s the perfect destination for last-minute gift pickups if you’re in the city. They have a good selection right now, and they’ll be open  for shopping on the 24th from 10-1. Ask them about delivery and local pickup options. And pick up some delightful wooden goose ornaments for everyone!

hi, love. greetings; Beepart; Inkwell Originals

Here are more businesses that we know are well stocked and ready for last-minute shopping:

Amos Pewter: In addition to their iconic holiday ornaments, Amos Pewter has an extensive range of artisan-crafted home goods and jewelry, all very giftable. Their Mahone Bay and Halifax waterfront shops will be open on Christmas Eve from 10am-3pm.

Argyle Fine Art: There’s an incredible selection packed into this little gallery, from so many talented local artists. Of course they have gift certificates in any amount, and what an amazing gift that would be! You can order digital gift certificates online, or you can reach out to them in person or over the phone if you’d prefer a paper version. If you have your eye on something specific, they ship and can do local delivery within HRM. They’ll also be open on December 24th from 11am-2pm for last minute gifts.

Cheerfetti Gift Co: The elves at Cheerfetti are curation experts, and their gift boxes of local treats are available for local delivery in Halifax up until the 22nd.

hi, love. greetings: Their cheeky and cheerful greeting cards, stickers, and art prints are in good supply, and local pick-up is available every day up to and including December 24th until 3pm in Auburn. You can still find a selection of their products at Inkwell, The Trainyard, Wholsum Refillery in Kentville, Bee’s Knees in Lawrencetown, Market Between the Mountains in Berwick, and Carl’s Store in Wedgeport or Tusket. They also offer a digital gift card.

inesS Circus: Your kids can join the circus! Or at least, learn to dazzle everyone with their aerial skills. Not only are gift certificates available online, you can also sign up directly for specific classes and camps. And guess what? There are adult classes available too.

Inkwell Modern Handmade: Inkwell offers gift certificates in-store and online. They also offer local pickup from 10am-2pm on Christmas Eve, if you order by 9am on that day. Also, local delivery will be available on orders placed up until Dec 22nd. They’ll be open on Christmas Eve from 10-2.

Nova Scotia Nature Trust: Gifts of Nature are ordered online and have immediate electronic delivery — while still being personalized for the recipient. Plus the tax receipt for the gift-giver is also delivered electronically. You can buy them Christmas morning and still have them in time!

Rousseau Chocolatier: Rousseau has sold out of many of their seasonal items, but there’s still a whole store full of delicious chocolates, meringues, and even gift baskets. Their South Street location will be open through Christmas Eve.

Spill The Tea: This delightful shop in Mahone Bay, on Main Street at Edgewater, is full of wonderfully aromatic tea blends, as well as giftware and even some local chocolates. They’ll be open on Christmas Eve as well.

The Independent Mercantile: This lovely shop on Gottingen in Halifax has plenty of local gift options, like the candles  you’ve spotted on the Wishlist. They offer free local delivery on orders over $100, and free pickup always. They also have great customer service and a fun in-store vibe. Indie Mercantile will be open on Christmas Eve from 11-3.

THERApotions: They offer free local delivery in the Halifax area for their skincare, magnesium sprays and other products right up until the 23rd of December. And their stockists are all well-supplied!

These are just a handful of the hundreds of local gift ideas in this year’s Local Wishlist. And many of them are still available. Head to the full list and start browsing!

Take Me To The 2025 Local Wishlist