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 Christmas gift, check out one of these local retailers to purchase your locally-crafted gifts.
1 – Kept
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 browser’ 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:
North End: 5527 Young Street
Bedford: 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
2011 Brunswick Street – 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 – NovaScotian Crystal
5080 George Street – Downtown Halifax
Nova Scotian Crystal is Canada’s only maker of mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal!
The open studio on the Halifax Waterfront allows passersby to watch master craftsmen turn molten crystal into wine glasses, bowls, vases and other works of art. In the showroom next door, browse beautiful finished pieces and find a one-of-a-kind gift for the person on your list who appreciates the finer things in life!
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 – Amos Pewter
3 locations in Halifax – see more:
Downtown Halifax: 1521 Lower Water Street
Peggy’s Cove: 162 Peggy’s Point Road
Halifax Airport: 1 Bell Boulevard – 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!
9 – Sparkles n’ Sawdust
1574 Argyle Street, Unit 4 – Downtown Halifax
Sparkles n’ Sawdust is an independent, locally owned and operated boutique in the heart of Downtown Halifax.
This warm, welcoming boutique offers a beautiful selection of carefully curated local handmade products.
10 – Local Farmers’ Markets
Don’t forget to check out the local markets like the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market and the Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market for other great gifts and local treasures.
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