Lokal Holiday Gift Guide: 2016
Hi friends! For those of you who don't know me personally, I absolutely looooooove Christmas. Everything about it makes me glisten with cheer from the festive themed parties, the impeccable cheese boards, the copious amounts of bubbly and straight up decorating the tree. Combined, these four things are what keep me tickin' away through the holiday season.
Something else that I enjoy is gift giving. It's not the act of throwing away all my money... it's the look, feeling and cheer you see after you've given a thoughtful, creative or personal gift. This year, I've tried to keep it local with my gifts - as a tribute to my blog, but so I can feel that 'good stuff' feeling, too.
With Christmas morning coming faster than Santa and his reindeers, I'm telling you it's not too late to keep it in the area code we call home. Check out this locally sourced holiday gift guide that I've curated for this Christmas season. Everything made or purchased with 100% love.
1. Instance Women's Zodiac Collection - Evolution Him + Her in Thornbury
These socks are too great, and super trendy right now! I will admit, I'm a bit of an ankle sock snob - but these socks are "Leo" themed (my zodiac sign and spirit animal) and are all things bomb. This line of women's socks are a fun stocking stuffer and are only $22.50 at Evolution in Thornbury! Get em' and give your lady the feeling of fierce this Christmas. A sock for every sign.
2. Thornbury Bakery Gift Card
Have you had a cinnamon bun from the Thornbury Bakery? Oh man, they are a treat and a half. This spot has been a hoppin' little joint for a long-time and it just so happens to be owned by a family that I love. There is real passion and love kneaded into these cinnamon buns and my oh my, they are never a disappointment. They've got all the goodies for a holiday brunch, delicious squares for a potluck contribution and if you can't choose, load up a gift card and let them decide! My personal faves: The Smithwich & the classic cinnamon buns...but you really can't go wrong.
3. Roy'l Acres Farm Maple Syrup
Such a great hostess gift! I really can't get enough of this stuff. It's soooo good - so fresh, local and I swear its like drinking right from the tree. This dark coloured syrup is freshly tapped from the Roy'l Acres Farm in Grey Highlands. I wish that every time you purchased a bottle you could meet Roy - he's such a gem. But how about you trust me and know that you're supporting a vibrant local farmer and doing your morning pancakes such a duty by drenching your stack with the good stuff. You can pick up a bottle at the Collingwood Bread Co. + Press Juice Co. in Collingwood or Blank Angus Fine Meats & Game in Thornbury, Ontario.
4. Merideth's Ginger Syrup
Made locally in Meaford, Ontario + a serious game changer. Ginger and lemon are now widely known as immune fighting ingredients. This little jar is more powerful than it looks and comes compact full of all natural flavours (free from chemicals, preservatives and refined sugars, too!) We all get that dreadful winter cold at least once or twice a season, right? Plop a bit of this stuff right into your hot tea, juice or a cocktail (if you're feeling that somethin' somethin') and help boost your immune system But hey, its an all day every day type of treat too! Merideth's Ginger Syrup along with some of her other products can be found at The Kitchen, and Grandma Lambes in Meaford as well as The Cheese Gallery in Thornbury.
5. H E O D E S I G N - Jewellery
This is my first shout out on the blog to Ellen, and her jewellery business called Heodesign. Ellen is such a kind woman and really has a knack for making these chunky wrap bracelets - they are beautiful. These bracelets are such statement pieces, and will look good on anyone! She's got alllllll the goods to customize your order and make your vision pop. Currently you can browse a selection of her jewellery at Kettlewells in Nottawa and Butter Art + Gift in Collingwood. Give her a shout if you have something specific in mind because she has a lot of different styles of stones, wires and wrap materials to choose from. You should know that these are made local, and with so much love from Ellen. Treat someone special to one of these beauts.
Facebook; H E O D E S I G N Phone: 705-446-6022 Email: ellenoelbaum@gmail.com
6. Come To Our Table - South Georgian Bay Community Cookbook
This is a MUST BUY for all your foodie friends/family in your life. This hard cover cookbook is gold. From front to back you'll find a collection and collaboration of local farmers, growers, chefs and restaurants sharing their love for food with our community through recipes, photos and stories. Can it get any better than that? It's exciting to peek into the lives of some of the restaurants we love going to, or the farms we get our summer produce from. These are candid moments and delicious recipes come straight from the kitchen. How cool!? I believe that everyone should have a copy of this phenomenal community project. Visit the website to find out where you can pick up your copy here: https://sgb.communitycookbook.ca/
7. Wilderness Soap Co. Skincare + Soap Products
Anything and everything from Wilderness Soap Co. is a great addition to your gift and NEWS FLASH, we ladies really have a soft spot for pretty smelling things. I can't stop raving about these products - they're made with natural + vegan ingredients and are handmade in the confines of Laura's small home workshop (which is my favourite part). A few of my all-time faves are the activated charcoal cleansing grains and the patchouli orange bar of soap. Check out the selection at Painteree de March + Press Market in Collingwood and Shan Home & Gift in Craigleith.
8. Hand Painted "Edible Ontario" Themed Calendar - @tinchimney
Photo taken from Etsy shop.
I stumbled across this freekin' amazing little calendar from an account I follow, Sideroad Farm which is a small organic farm growing tasty wonders in the Thornbury/Collingwood area. This calendar is super cute and very very 'Ontario'. Every month has beautiful water coloured paintings and recipes focused around what's in season throughout the year. If you live and eat in Ontario, you know how crisp, juicy and delicious the produce is that our local farmers grow all year long. It's a really cute idea! She's got a little Etsy shop with her greeting cards + calendars for sale, so I suggest you check it out here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/tinchimney?ref=search_shop_redirect
The owner Kayla is a sweetheart and will do everything in her power to make it arrive by Christmas Eve. If you drop the ball before 2017 hits, don't fret because they'll be available all year round!
Happy shopping!