By supporting local businesses, makers, and entrepreneurs during this season of giving, you're not only buying gifts for those on your list, you're also making a meaningful contribution to our local economy. Below are just a few ideas to get you started. Purchasing a gift card from your favourite small business, local restaurant or artisan can go a long way, too. Happy shopping!
Who doesn't love the sweet taste of local maple syrup all year long? Meaford Maples has a handy list of where you can buy their products this holiday season, including a few local Christmas markets. Their road side stand is also open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are many other maple producers in Grey County you can purchase from this holiday season:
Beaver Valley Maple, Beaver Valley
Dejong Acres, Wiarton
Kemble Mountain Maple Products, Kemble
Love's Sweetness, Holstein
Miners' Maple Products, Kemble
Regal Point Maple Syrup, Oxenden
Uncle Richard's Maple Syrup, Priceville
Giving art classes as a gift is a thoughtful and creative way to encourage someone's passion for artistic expression. Whether your gift recipient is a seasoned artist looking to refine their skills or a beginner eager to explore their creative side, art classes at The Georgian Bay School of the Arts (GB Arts) provide a unique and enriching experience. You can choose from pottery, wood working, stained glass, painting, crocheting and more.
Right next door to GB Arts is the Owen Sound Artists' Co-op, which carries handcrafted items from over 45 local artists. From stunning paintings, pottery, wood working, jewelry and clothing, you will surely find something for everyone on your list.
Coffin Ridge has just introduced their Christmas Baskets, curated with love and filled with a delightful assortment of treats. Picture this: a bottle of exquisite wine, the perfect pairing for cozy evenings by the fireplace. Add to that the irresistible crunch of gourmet popcorn, bursting with festive flavors. And let's not forget the melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies, baked to perfection with a touch of holiday magic. These Christmas Baskets are the ultimate gift to delight friends, family, or colleagues. Email michelle@coffinridge.ca to have your custom basket created.
There are several other local beer, wine and cider producers in Grey that have great gift ideas and products for you to purchase. Check out our full list of producers here.
Give the gift of local history! A membership to Grey Roots provides unlimited access to the Museum & Archives all year long, as well as invitations to special members-only events and exhibit openings. In addition, with a Grey Roots Individual, Senior, or Family Membership, you receive discounts on purchases from the museum store, programs (including KidsCamp!), free regular admission to partner museums: the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre; Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol; Simcoe County Museum; and the Region of Waterloo Museums: Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Schneider Haus National Historic Site, and McDougall Cottage Historic Site, and more.
Purchase a membership online: Membership | Grey Roots
You're sure to find a gift for everyone on your list at Garage 13 in Eugenia. This interesting shop has great quality items that are a little bit different. You can find handmade paddles, one of a kind pottery, tapestry and rugs made from local wool, wood creations from bowls to soap decks, blanket ladders and custom frames, gelato and local honey, jewelry made just around the corner, locally sourced candles, Canadian made leather goods, local art and more!
Browse their list of products and read about the local makers on their website.
Delight the taste buds of those on your list with Sweet Things from DeJong Acres. Don't be fooled by their name though, it's not just sweets! They produce and sell lamb, poultry, ducks, pork, eggs, maple syrup and more! From their renowned meat pies to decadent pastries and a variety of sweets, there's an array of choices to suit every palate.
You can find them at the Owen Sound Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings, or visit their Farm Store in Wiarton.
If you're looking for more local food products, you can visit the Farm Store at Sideroad Farms near Walter's Falls. They sell a variety of locally grown and raised products including pasture-raised organic fed chicken, pork and eggs, certified organic veggies and various products from other local producers.
Giving the gift of local experiences in Grey County means immersing someone in the warmth of our local culture, whether it's a guided forest bath or being pampered at the spa, an alpaca farm tour or wine tasting session, learning to bake sour dough or taking ski lessons. It's more than a present; it's an invitation to explore and appreciate much of what Grey County has to offer. Here are just a few of our experiences offering gift cards this holiday season:
Why shop local for the holidays?
Support your local economy
When you shop local, your money stays in your community and helps build a stronger local economy. Shopping close to where you live creates jobs for people in your local area, and makes our businesses stronger so they can give back to our communities.
Good for the environment
Shopping locally reduces carbon emissions by limiting the amount of transportation needed to deliver goods and services - especially when you're buying locally made products or food! Plus you get the satisfaction of knowing where your products and food are coming from. There are supply chain issues this year worldwide, so you can take away the worry and wait by shopping close to home.
One-of-a-kind products
Grey County is full of gift giving ideas that you simply cannot find anywhere else. You can find unique gifts from local artists and makers, delicious local food and beverage options, and one-of-a-kind items created right here in Grey, that are sure to please.
