15 Local Christmas Gifts You Can Buy Online Today
This post originally appeared on CreatedHere, a website, directory and magazine that highlights the creative community in New Brunswick. CreatedHere will be launching the next issue of its magazine on Friday at the Buckland Merrifield Gallery in Saint John.
By Marie-Hélène Morell
I don’t know about you, but these days I am ultra conscious of where I shop and what/who I support with my money. Where did it come from? Who made it? Is it terrible for the environment,the economy, human rights? It’s exhausting really, and not realistic to be able to buy fair trade, ethical, organic, free-range, handmade everything all the time, but I feel like I have to try.
So! We have a rich mother lode of artists in our province and it’s never been easier to buy locally made gifts, since many of them sell online. Think about it. No travelling on winding roads in sketchy New Brunswick weather, no finding parking and walking in freezing wind, just sitting in your cushy house with a glass of whatever clicking “add to cart” and voila! Beautiful local gifts arrive at your door ready to be wrapped. We have an incredible number of artists in New Brunswick and I thought I’d make some of the searching a little easier by pulling out a few that you might like.
Here are my top picks for Christmas gifts this season!
(Note* Keep in mind that handmade goods are a bit higher in price because they are painstakingly made by hand in Canada, where the cost of living is, well you know. These gifts have a story.)
Click on the names to see their online shops.
1. CHEYENNE WILLIAMS
Beautifully crafted leather. I have one of her cuffs and wear it every chance I get. Top pick: This gorgeous green satchel with a labradorite stone.
2.FLORA AND FAUNA SKIN ELIXIR (YOLANDE CLARK)
Handmade, organic skin elixir. *Shameless endorsement* I do nothing when it comes to a “beauty regimen”, but I have been using Yolande’s oil blend for several months and no joke I frequently get comments about my skin. This stuff is uber natural, light and absorbs quickly. I’m secretly afraid that Yolande will stop making it so I’m stocking up…
3. BELLA MCBRIDE DESIGNS
Absolutely delightful and fantastical felted creatures. Each one a family heirloom! My top pick: these toads.
4. CELINE GORHAM
Adorable little art prints. Top pick: these little birbs! Turns out I love birbs.
5. HAMMERTHREADS
Beautiful one-of-a-kind leather work inspired by nature. Ashley also hand-drew a lunar calendar which will soon be available on her Etsy. Top pick: This peacock feather bracelet.