The holidays are just around the corner and with that, the time of year where the world seems to be made up of two types of people: those who have bought perfect gifts by the end of November, and those who have no clue where to begin… everybody could use more socks, right?
Whether you’re celebrating a specific holiday or simply want to show appreciation for someone you love, we’ve compiled a list of shops, artisans and services in the Bay of Quinte that will help you check off every person on your list.
Photos sourced from business social media pages.
FOOD AND DRINK
Small Scale Bread, Belleville
For the one who loves baked goods, but doesn’t bake
Give the gift of freshly-baked bread and pastries with a gift card to Small Scale Bread. The bakery specializes in organic whole grain sourdough bread and also sells a variety of pastries, specialty coffee, natural wines, craft beer and other unique provisions.
Meyers Creek Brewing Company, Belleville
For the craft beer enthusiast
Visit Belleville’s newest brewery and make your own sampler pack from their wide selection of small-batch craft beers. Their beer lineup includes ales, lagers, pilsners and IPAs, making it the perfect one-stop-shop for the craft beer enthusiast in your life. Grab and go from their retail shop or stay a little while and enjoy a pint in their newly renovated taproom.
Trenton Deli, Quinte West
For the ultimate charcuterie board builder
Carrying imported goods from Europe—think 2-year-aged gouda from Holland, German salami and the best selection of Haribo candy—Trenton Deli has all you need to make snack dreams come true. We all know someone who creates grazing boards and charcuterie plates that are almost too beautiful to eat, so set them up for their next creation with a gift card or a basket full of their favourites.
Crunchy Canuck, Quinte West
For the one with the sweet tooth
Crunchy Canuck sells freeze-dried snacks including a variety of popular candies with a new twist. Freeze Drying is the process of bringing food products down to -80 degrees. While it slowly warms back up, it is put under a vacuum to remove the moisture. Taking from two to sixty hours, the result is a complete candy transformation. Previously chewy candies are now crunchy and packed with flavour!
Ellena’s Cafe & Pantry, Downtown Greater Napanee
For the one who loves their kitchen
If you’re visiting Downtown Greater Napanee, Ellena’s should definitely be on your list to grab a bite to eat and a hot beverage. Beyond their famous soups, sandwiches and pastries, their retail shop is full of unique kitchenwares that are perfect for gifting, including drinkware, fun dishes, tea towels and gourmet pantry items.
ARTISANS
Rebecca Maracle, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
For the person who’s connected to nature
Rebecca Maracle is a Mohawk Feathersmith, Traditional Medicine Healer and member of the Haudenosaunee. Her craft honours nature with the use of feathers, leather and other natural materials. Each piece carries its own energy, and if you visit her studio, you can meet Rebecca and discover her jewellery, leatherwork, dream catchers, medicine shields and art.
Mimico Candle Company, Belleville
For the one who always has a candle burning
A lot of us have that one person in our lives who literally always has a candle burning—it seems like they can never have enough! Belleville-based Mimico Candle Company makes hand-poured candles with natural soy wax and high-quality fragrance oils. Buy them directly from Laura’s website or from stockists like Gourmet Diem in Belleville and Vivacious Clothing and Day Spa in Quinte West.
Firing Time Pottery, Brighton
For the crafty creative
Firing Time Pottery offers the ultimate gift for the person in your life who isn’t afraid to try something new, get creative and get their hands a little dirty—a pottery workshop! Offering themed classes for the holidays, retreat weekends and even sessions for children, you’ll be giving an experience and hand-crafted artwork all in one.
Side Hustle Market Artisan Guide
For more local artisans to support
If you’ve ever thought, “I wonder if there’s someone around here who makes…” then there probably is, you just haven’t discovered them yet! Our friends at Side Hustle Market have created a guide of regional artisans to help you learn about and connect with them. It also includes a gift guide of specific products to give you more inspiration.
RETAIL
Lighthouse Books, Brighton
For the bookworm who’s read everything
For an avid reader, there’s no better gift than a new book. Lighthouse Books is an independent bookstore carrying 3000+ books across genres. Their website is full of reading suggestions, including new releases and must-reads, but we recommend visiting them in person to breathe in that new book smell and hold the physical copies in your hands.
Lafferty’s Crossings, Belleville Downtown District
For the sharp-dressed man
Lafferty’s Crossings specializes in menswear, carrying everything from tailored suits to classy casual wear. The knowledgeable staff will cater to all of your fashion needs, and the outdoor patio attached to the store is the best spot for a post-shopping spree drink in the warmer months. Finding the perfect fit is no easy feat, but Lafferty’s makes it feel as relaxing as possible.
MoCo General Boutique, Belleville Downtown District
For the tiny humans in your life
MoCo General Boutique features products for babies and kids including clothing, books, accessories and toys. They also have a selection of general gift items that are perfect for anyone to enjoy, especially the new parents in your life. The shop motto is “love you more,” used both as an affectionate reply and also a reminder to love yourself more.
XXL Scrunchie and Co., Belleville
For the one who loves their hair
This Belleville-based family business sells hand-cut and sewn hair scrunchies in just about every colour or pattern you could imagine, plus hair claws, clothing and accessories. Muralist Tina Nguyen started the business after making an oversized scrunchie for her cousin and has since scaled up to lead a team of 15 staff members in a 2,700-square-foot warehouse. Shop the full collection on their website or visit one of their local stockists: Salon You, Kita Beauty Lounge and The Hair Studio.
Starlet, Downtown Greater Napanee
For the fashionista
Starlet is a boutique that carries a gorgeous selection of clothing, shoes, jewellery and accessories from Canadian companies and designers. If the sparkly, pink store doesn’t draw you in, surely the prospect of finding that perfect gift will! Can’t decide which necklace is your favourite? Let them decide with a gift card.
SKINCARE & SPAS
The Spa at We Thrive Wellness Centre, Belleville
For the person who deserves to be pampered
We Thrive knows that to achieve holistic wellness, we need to nurture all the dimensions of our mental, physical and spiritual health. Every treatment at their spa takes place in a private room with clean, sustainable products being used. Spa owner and esthetician Mia’s treatments include nail care, relaxation massages and organic facials to leave your loved one feeling relaxed and rejuvenated amid the holiday hustle.
Afiya Beauty, Quinte West
For the person with the 10-step skincare routine
Afiya Beauty is known for natural, organic beauty rooted in wellness. Sisters Kaltum and Shamsa have created a line of products to heal, repair and nourish skin to achieve a healthy glow. Your giftee’s big-brand beauty products won’t be able to compare to these handmade, plant-powered serums, exfoliants and oils.
BoQ GIFT CARDS
Last but not least, make local gifting easy with a brand new option: the Bay of Quinte gift card program. Right now, we have e-gift cards available for Downtown Trenton (70+ locations) and the Belleville Downtown District (50+ locations). We’re even paying the 5% transaction fee on any gift card purchased at the links below until December 31 – it’s like free money back in your pocket!
Downtown Trenton Gift Card
Belleville Downtown District Gift Card
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