PEI Local Holiday Gift Guide
It's finally the Holiday Season after the weirdest, longest year of all time. I know it’s been a challenging year for business owners so I want to celebrate all the amazing local vendors and businesses we have here in PEI. So I’ve put together a little list of some of my favourite local gift ideas for 2020. There are obviously way more local goodies to choose from than what’s on this list. This is just a bunch of my favourites! Check out some of my favourite locally owned shops are Bookmark, Luna, Moonsnail, Crow’s Nest, Green Eye Designs, Home by Caley Joy and the Fox Den. Many of these shops are stocked with local artisans products. Now get out there and support local businesses!
Happy holidays and happy shopping! Stay safe everyone.
Art
I am the biggest sucker for art. I can just never have enough of it. I am so excited to be moving into my own house next year so I can hang it all up. It just helps to brighten up a room and provide visual interest. PEI is bursting with talented artists! Here is a taste of just some of my favourite local artists whose work I’ve been collecting.
Niyi Adeogun
I’m so glad the magic of Instagram introduced me to this insanely talented local artist. I’ve got two of his pieces but I already need more! Niyi’s art is mostly conceptual and surreal. He creates using existing portrait images mixed with natural elements and shapes. Niyi’s work was recently featured at an exhibit at the Guild. Also keep an eye on his Instagram for Pop Up Shops in Charlottetown. Click here to shop Niyi's art!
The Art of Taking Care
I just love the vibes of Ali’s work. I love the tones and the simplistic lines. As soon as I saw her Wildflowers of PEI piece I knew I just had to have it. She describes her work as her heart on paper. Ali is an illustrator of all things self-love, home and nature. She also just launched a beautiful 2020 calendar featuring her work. Shop Ali's Etsy store here!
Tall Pines and John Frederick Cox
Tall Pines is made up of partners John Frederick Cox and Dani White. The talent in this couple is astounding and almost unfair. Dani began Tall Pines after working in architecture for about 15 years as a project manager. It began as an outlet for her painting, but has evolved to include other 3D art forms, such as weaving/textiles, the creation of rope baskets and the designing/making of tools and objects on her new laser cutter.
John's work consists primarily of painting with hand-ground oil paints. His love of painting began when he was very young and his daily painting practice is something he cherishes. John’s fan base is international and his paintings hang in corporate headquarters, institutions and homes all over the world. Check out all their amazing work here!
Emily Howard
Emily’s art will take you away to the most magical PEI beach day. She even incorporates PEI sand or soil into her paint to add texture. Currently, Emily is working on a collection of paintings that have pieces of salt water dipped canvas added. Her work is just the perfect calming addition to any space. If you want one you better be on the ball because they sell out fast! Shop Emily's art here!
Experiences
Personally, my favourite type of gift is the gift of an experience. When gifting an experience you are giving the gift of memories! A fun night out or in to remember will be an awesome gift for anyone on your list. Here are a few of my favourite!
Experience PEI food box
The folks at Experience PEI have come up with the absolute best gift idea! ‘PEI in Box’ is a carefully curated box filled with local PEI favourites, even lobster! They have a few boxes to pick from including frozen lobster, canned lobster or clam chowder. This is the perfect gift to get those friends and family members who live off island and have not been able to get home due to Covid-19. It gives them that taste of the maritimes wherever they are.They also make for an awesome night in or date night. It even includes an online component with videos on how to make the best PEI fries, and songs sung by Irish Mythen. They have a Black Friday Special on until December 15. Purchase any box and use promo code SPICEMEUP to get a free Forty-Six North spice added to your order! Order your box now!
Hive and Hollow
This is one of my favourite spots in Charlottetown. Hive and Hollow is a licensed games lounge located downtown. They’ve got more than 300 games in their library. On top of their impressive games selection they also offer paint-your-own-pottery and themed trivia nights. They host many “funducational” workshops and events led by local makers and creatives. A gift card for Hive and Hollow would ensure a fun night for anyone on your list. Head to their webpage for more info!
Trailside Music Hall
PEI is so lucky to be blessed with the amazing Trailside Music Hall. Music lovers will know it from its long running Trailside Cafe. This year Trailside closed up its Mount Stewart doors and moved to the city. Trailside Music Hall is now located in the bottom floor of the new Arts Hotel located at 155 Kent Street. Spoil your special someone with tickets to a live show. Covid procedures are in place to keep you safe while enjoying the show. I was able to catch a few of their show this year including Matt Andersen, Villages, and Adam Baldwin and it was a great time! Get your tickets now!
Jewelry
PEI is bumping with amazing local jewelry makers. I can’t get over the creativity and uniqueness of their work. I think these girls’ work would make the best gift for any gal in your life because who doesn’t love a little sparkle?
Turquoise Trixie
I love seeing what this girl is going to come up with next! Stephanie uses recycled metals and ethically sourced organic material to create her pieces. This could be literally anything. I’ve seen her use honeycomb, lace, coffee beans, leaves, and even shark teeth! I’m a big sucker for her studs where she uses a wide range of stones. Stephanie creates her jewelry from what feels like love and magic. But really it’s a very scientific electroform process that I do not get but I’m sure glad she does! On top of being super talented Stephanie is also just the nicest and kindest human being on the planet. Check out her Etsy Shop!
Radiate Happiness Designs
So glad that this talented lady is back on the Jewelry scene. I’ve been a big fan of her pieces since 2013. Kristy uses a combination of clay and metals to make her stunning pieces. I can’t get enough of the ones she makes using brushed brass. Full disclosure Kristy is also my longtime bestie and I’m so happy to see her creating again! In her new line there is even a ‘Stephanie’ earring named after yours truly! When this amazing Mom of two isn’t creating she’s working at the cancer treatment centre as a Radiation therapist. Hence the name Radiate Happiness! She’s dropping her latest collection this Saturday November 28th at 10am on Etsy. Until then sneak a glimpse at her work on her Instagram Page!
Garnish Jewelry
Metalsmith Stacey Leunes creates beautiful timeless pieces with precious metals and gemstones. I just love her interesting textures and non-traditional finishes. I have several of her rings and they are staples in my everyday accessories. She even makes custom pieces and can turn cherished jewelry into new pieces to love. Shop her Etsy page or check out her shop located at 89 Water Street, Charlottetown Wednesday- Saturday 11-5.
Giftcards
When you’re not exactly sure what to get for that person on your list you can never go wrong with a gift card. Gift cards allow them to get what they want. Here’s a few ideas of my favourite gift cards.
Morning Dew Gardens
Morning Dew Gardens is the sweetest little farm located in Cornwall. They sell both naturally grown salad greens and fresh veggies. I was a member of their CSA boxes this past year and can attest to the freshness and quality of their veggies. After having their greens you will never be able to eat grocery store greens again! On top of their tasty veggies in the Summer they have a beautiful U-pick flower garden. Their U-pick is one of my favourite Summer activities. I love creating a different bouquet every time I go. This Holiday season they are selling gift cards that are good for both their produce and U-pick flowers. Head to their Instagram to learn more !
Canada’s Food Island Gift Cards
I’m a big fan of Canada's Food Island gift cards. They can be used at many Island restaurants, hotels, shops and even golf courses! I love the versatility of them. They really make a great gift idea for anyone on your list as they can use them at multiple places. They can be purchased across the Island at Mel’s Convenience, Murphy’s Pharmacy and the CO-OP in Tignish, O’Leary and Souris. Head to their website to see the full list of merchants that accept Canada's Food Island gift cards.
Candles
This time of year there can never be enough candles around the house. They just set the coziest of moods. Check out these fun candles companies that are both locally made in Summerside!
Kit Oak
Kit + Oak was established in 2019 in Summerside and was created in the quest for the perfect scented candle. Jenn really has a knack for fragrance blending her combos are so fun! My favourite scents are the Citrus and Stone fruit and the Tobacco and Peppercorn. Kit + Oak candles contain soy wax, high-quality fragrance oils and cotton-core wicks to ensure a clean burn and a quality candle. Style your home this season with scent using Kit + Oak candles. Head to their website for more Kit + Oak!
Ellie and Arthur Candles
Vintage glassware is not just for Grandma’s china cabinet anymore! Ellie and Arthur makes one of a kind hand poured candles in gorgeous vintage glassware. There are so many vivid colours and intricate designs of glassware to pick from. The candles are made with high quality fragrance oils and a coconut wax. Tracey is always on the hunt for new incredible pieces that she can turn into candles. The best part of the candle is that after you’ve finished your candle you have a beautiful piece of antique glass to enjoy. Learn more on their website!
The Redhead Roamer Prints
I obviously had to plug my own stuff in this blog too haha! I sell prints ranging in sizes from 8x10 to 24x36. They are mostly landscape shots of Prince Edward Island. I capture them when I’m out exploring using a mix of my SLR camera and drone. I’ve done my best to capture as much of the Island as possible! They make great gifts allowing people to decorate their home with their favourite spot on PEI. Would be a perfect reminder of home for those stuck away because of Covid. Head to my Etsy page to start shopping. If you’re located on PEI use the code LOCALLOVE at checkout to remove shipping!
Drone Your Home - The Redhead Roamer
I also offer a custom drone service called Drone Your Home. It’s the perfect opportunity to get aerial drone photographs of your favourite property. They make for a unique gift and special memory of your favourite place. I’ve photographed homes, Summer cottages, Grandparent’s house or family farms. Take a peak of some of the shots I’ve taken around the Island! Click here for more info on Drone Your Home packages!
