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 Musically-Inclined
Los Cabos Drumsticks
Got a drummer in the family or know someone that’s always slapping beats on their lap? Los Cabos Drumsticks craft world-famous drumsticks locally, being established in Fredericton, NB. Endorsed by professional drummers worldwide and here at home, Los Cabos Drumsticks have a wide selection of sticks and tools all made from FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified wood so you can have the peace of mind knowing it’s made from responsible sources.
Cost: $10 – 13$
Where to buy: Tony’s Music Box (Fredericton), Long & McQuade and online HERE
Grand Theft Bus – Are We Still Playing? (Live LP)
If you’re reading this, chances are you care about someone that went to Folly Fest last summer. So why let them relive two great nights with East coast favourites, Grand Theft Bus? Are We Still Playing is an LP that was recorded over two nights and two stages at Folly Fest in the Village of Gagetown. Watch out though, there is a very limited number of these and the only way to listen is by purchasing the vinyl LP!
Cost: $25
Where to buy: Online HERE
East Coast Music Awards Early Bird Passes
Still not getting enough music in your life? Try taking it everything the east coast has to offer all at once with the Early Bird prices on East Coast Music Award passes. This year they’re being held in St. John’s, NL from April 29 – May 3, 2020 so maybe think about buying 2 at a time and planning your vacation around it.
Cost: $75
Where to buy: Online HERE
Blacktop Ball Stocking Stuffer Passes
The Stanfields will be hosting their annual Blacktop Ball in Ponds, Nova Scotia – complete with their 6th annual Blacktop Ball, featuring a weekend full of curated music, camping and beach vibes. The music and camping festival will take place August 7th-8th 2020. Also comes with a puppy parade. Get your Christmas discount now.
Cost: $65 – $80
Where to buy: Online HERE
Venue Records Merch
Powerhouse producer and soul queen Erin Costelo has a 20% discount running on all merch from her label Venue Records. Now is the time to pick up any albums or merch from Costelo or Leanne Hoffman. Offer runs until January 1st at midnight. Use discount code: holiday2019
Cost: $15 – $25
Where to buy: Online HERE
Imperial Theatre Gift Card
Saint John’s Imperial Theatre has a great season coming up. Before we even get to Christmas there are performance by Tomato/Tomato, George Canyon, the Barra MacNeils, and the new year brings with it shows from Les Hôtesses d’Hilaire, Erin Costelo, The Dreamboats and Irish Mythen. There’s also Gravity & Other Myths: Backbone on February 12, full of awe-inspiring tricks and acrobatics from Australia, and Artistic Fraud: Between Breaths, a beautiful play about “The Whale Man” of Newfoundland, Prof. Jon Lien. A Maritime original play that must be seen!
Cost: Name your price!
Where to buy: Online HERE
Thrush Hermit – Clayton Park
Twenty years ago, Thrush Hermit released, Clayton Park, one of the greatest albums ever produced by an east coast band, and if you missed it… there was something of a wait in between. The band released a 20th anniversary edition this year, accompanied by a cross-country tour. If you didn’t have a copy already, it’s not too late.
Cost: $25
Where to buy: Online HERE