It’s time for The East’s annual Guide to East Coast Christmas Gift Giving – here to bring you those warm fuzzy feelings in those final desperate moments of your Christmas shopping. That special brand of magic is brought to you, not just the perfect assortment of gifts for the people in your life, but from the knowledge that you’ve done something to support a local artist, crafter, author, musician, artisanal cheese maker, or business. Buying local is the gift that gives twice.
We’ve compiled a few special items that have come our way from across Atlantic Canada. Hopefully this Gift Guide makes your last minute shopping a little less frazzled.
For The Palate
Fromagerie au fond des bois
Located in Richibucto, New Brunswick, this goat farm has a number of fine cheeses and yogurt to offer. Though perhaps it should stay in your fridge instead of under the tree, goat cheese from Fromagerie au fond des bois is sure to excite any cheese lover in your life.
Cost: $Priceless
Where to buy: Saturday markets in Dieppe and Fredericton.
Rousseau Chocolatier
Have someone in your life with a sweet tooth? (Who are we kidding; of course you do.) Treat that someone to a gourmet gift box from Halifax’s Rousseau Chocolatier. There really isn’t any way to go wrong with gifting a box of handcrafted, high-quality chocolate — especially when it’s purchased from a local business!
Cost: $10 – $40
Where to buy: HERE or their boutique at 5151 South Street in Halifax
Moonshine Creek Chicken Bones Moonshine
What defines the holidays in the Maritimes more than the cinnamon and chocolate flavour of Ganong’s Chicken Bones and having drinks with family and friends? Perhaps nothing. So why not combine them both? Pull on your giftee’s east coast heartstrings by giving them a bottle of Moonshine Creek’s Chicken Bone Moonshine and help them celebrate Christmas in a true Maritime fashion.
Cost: $40
Where to buy: ANBL locations and at the distillery gift shop in Waterville, New Brunswick
Wabanaki Maple Syrup
As Canadians, maple syrup is something of a staple in all of our homes. But why not take this staple to another level? Wolastoq Maple Products Inc. is producing and selling Barrel Aged Bourbon, Barrel Aged Whisky, Barrel Aged Toasted Oak and Tradition maple syrups using traditional techniques that have been passed on through generations. High-quality maple syrup is a gift that you just cannot go wrong with giving.
Cost: $20 – $30
Where to buy: Online HERE