Halifax is home to some amazing independent retailers that offer unique, locally-crafted, often handmade gifts. Next time you’re out shopping for a birthday, baby shower, wedding or holiday gift, check out one of these local retailers.
1. Kept Shop
75 King Street, Dartmouth
This is a local favourite and is one of the best places in the Halifax area to purchase gifts for loved ones (or for yourself!). The products available at Kept are sourced both locally and internationally and include everything from home decor, jewelry, paper goods, children’s clothing and toys, and much more.
A visit to Kept is not only great for gifts, it’s always a fantastic way to spend a day. Hop on the ferry, grab a coffee from Two If By Sea, discover Kept and spend the day exploring downtown Dartmouth.
2. Independent Mercantile Co.
2091 Gottingen Street, North End Halifax
The Indie Mercantile is a browsers’ paradise. Make sure you head in with plenty of time, as you’ll want to look at everything they offer, including home decor, books, barware, furniture and plenty more.
3. Compass Distillers
2533 Agricola Street, North End Halifax
Compass Distillers is a grain-to-glass distillery located on Agricola Street in Halifax’s trendy North End neighbourhood. They distill gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey onsite, creating award-winning products of the highest quality – perfect for any foodie on your list!
Compass isn’t just an urban distillery, they are also a bar, an Airbnb in The Tower above the tasting room, and they give tours of the distillery to show visitors the process from grain to glass. Learn more about Tours & Tasting at Compass Distillers.
On top of all this, Compass has a retail space filled with locally-produced spirits that make amazing, unique gifts. You can also shop online!
4. Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique
2 locations: 5527 Young Street & 1595 Bedford Hwy
Made in the Maritimes has two locations in Halifax filled with the highest quality artisan products, all of which are 100% handcrafted in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island.
You’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind items including pottery, cards, woodwork, housewares, art and much more.
5. Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique
1453 South Park St, Downtown Halifax
Inkwell is a boutique and letterpress studio in downtown Halifax that specializes in printed paper products by artists from “around the corner and across the world.” Inkwell’s bright, modern retail space is full of incredible handmade art and designs made by over 200 independent artisans.
Stop in at Inkwell for art prints, homewares, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, and other great gifts, no matter the occasion!
6. Thief & Bandit
1668 Barrington Street, Downtown Halifax
Located in downtown Halifax on bustling Barrington Street is Thief&Bandit, a local brand specializing in whimsical women’s and children’s handmade clothing, accessories, jewelry, and homewares.
All Thief&Bandit pieces are made from 100% organic and sustainable materials, completely unique from one another, for all sizes. If you’re into fashionable, one-of-a-kind pieces, put Thief&Bandit at the top of your must-visit list.
7. Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia
5635 Spring Garden Rd, Downtown Halifax
Located on one of Halifax’s most vibrant streets, Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia is a family-owned shop. They’ve been in business since 1978 and proudly sell products that are 100% handcrafted by local artisans from Atlantic Canada.
This is a store where you’ll have no problem finding the perfect gift for anyone on your list!
8. Biscuit General Store
2050 Gottingen St, North End Halifax
Biscuit General Store has been a local favourite in Halifax since they opened their doors in 1996 to provide an alternative to mall chain stores. Since then, Biscuit has grown from a fashion-centric mall alternative to include a range of inclusive styles, accessories & jewelry, and a selection of unique gifts.
9. Amos Pewter
3 locations in Halifax (see more): 1521 Lower Water St & 162 Peggy’s Point Rd & 1 Bell Bvd, Enfield
Based in their open studio in Mahone Bay on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Amos Pewter designs and handcrafts pewter jewelry, home decor, tableware and ornaments. There are 3 retail locations in the Halifax region, including a storefront on the Halifax Waterfront – perfect for browsing on your waterfront stroll!
10. The Trainyard
137 Portland St, Dartmouth
This warm, welcoming boutique offers a selection of carefully curated products. The Trainyard puts community at the centre of everything they do, working closely with makers and small businesses to offer a selection of handcrafted goods.
More great places to find gifts in Halifax
Duly Noted Stationary
Halifax Paper Hearts
Slowly Slowly
Local Farmers’ Markets
Originally published August 2019, updated November 2022.
