I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Kingston is filled with talented artists and makers. And there is no better time of year to celebrate them then right now. It can be really easy to just hit up Amazon Prime and have the gifts delivered to our doorstep but there is also an opportunity to engage with our local entrepreneurs. As you finish up shopping for your loved ones, consider supporting someone from our community. You can find some of the vendors I mention at the Kingston Holiday Market on weekends and many of them sell online as well! 

Dress Them

For the person in your life who appreciates a good outfit. There is something on this list for them.

Sherry Jeffery: Sherry makes the most beautiful earrings – by hand! Whoever receives her accessories is bound to get compliments every time they wear them.

Amelia Rose Label: Plenty of trendy prints and accessories can be found on her site!

Pure Balanxed: Very soft and comfy sweaters and track pants subtly donned with encouraging wording like “I am Worthy.”

Fancy That: Head to this locally-owned shop downtown to pick out something unique! They carry some of the suppliers I mentioned above  like Pure Balanxed and Amelia Rose.

Closett Candyy: If you know someone who could use a closet overhaul or a bit of style inspiration, Jesse of Closett Candyy is a style consultant. Get a gift card for her services!

Pure Colour Baby: This spot is for the pint size fashionista in your life! The grow-with-me clothes are locally made with the softest fabrics. If you’re buying for Mom, too, they have some matching crew shirts.

Pamper Them

If you want to give the gift of pampering, try a gift card to one of these spas! I love all of them for different reasons, but they all have amazing products and awesome services: Cher Mere and Cher Mere West, Refinery, Annex and Annex East (brand new location!). If you’re going for more of an at-home spa experience, treat them to products by Shiva’s Delight or Farmacy  and top off the experience with sustainably-made candles by Rhicreations.

Feed Them

So many awesome restaurants to choose from. Grab a gift card for your foodie from one of the many locally owned restaurants: Olivea, Casa Domenico, Tango Nuevo, Woodenheads, Chez Piggy, Pan Chancho, Chien Noir, NORTHSIDE and more. In the west end, Bella Bistro and Bella Market are also great options! Or, if they are vegan, treat them to a pre-made meal by the amazing team at Knifey Spooney so that they can eat well this holiday season. Kingston is also home to the amazing cheesecakes and cheesecake jars by Cheesecakery Bakery — perfect holiday gift for the host.

Wow Them

I think the best gifts are experiences! And there are tons of them around town.

Tett Centre classes: the Tett has so many incredible classes run by local artists. Check them out. I’ve loved the opportunity to make charcuterie boards with local artisan, Nick Allison.

Grand Theatre Tickets: Tickets to one of the many awesome shows in the 2020 program! A concert, a comedian or a dance performance, there is something for everyone and potential for a very thoughtful gift.

Kingston Food Tour: Combine a love of food with a sense of curiosity and adventure, gift them one of these food tours to get a taste of all of the delicious food Kingston has to offer while admiring the downtown architecture.

Cocoa Bistro: Book a chocolate-making class with the very talented chocolatier, Audrey Brown!

A Family Photo Session: There are so many amazing photographers in town. These are my favourites to capture beautiful family moments: Niche Photography, With Love and Wild, Taylor Clark Photography, Jillian Lorraine Photography.

Workshop at Open Studios Kingston: Gift a workshop to learn how to sew, paint and everything in between at Open Studios. This gift does double duty of an experience and the take home from whatever as created in class!

Surprise Them

For your Office Secret Santa or the person you want to get a little something special for, one of these locally-owned shops has something for you to impress.

Happy Thoughts: This sweet little shop has such a diverse selection of items for just about anyone. Pretty scarves, quirky socks, stunning stock and planners, the list goes on and on.

The Jungle: This plant shops is more than plants! Beautiful pieces that will warm any house.

Beer Them (forgive me, sticking with the title theme here lol)

The local beer scene is thriving! Connect with the beer drinker in your life and either grab them a case of their favourite IPA or introduce them to something new from one of our local breweries: Riverhead, Skeleton Park, Spearhead,  Mackinnon Brothers, Stone City Ale.