The holiday season is upon us and that usually means a little bit of scrambling to make sure you get that perfect someone a perfect something. We know it’s not easy, especially if you’re someone who prefers to shop local, rather than hop online. Here at Georgian Bay Bride, we are strong believers in supporting local. It’s one of the things we hold very dear to our hearts. We know you don’t have tons of time, so we thought we’d do some legwork for you. To give you a helping hand this holiday, Frances & Ashley have gathered 13 of their very favourite items from local shops and artisans in the Georgian Bay area. From gifts for beauty and body to gifts for pets and the home there is an idea here for everyone. Happy shopping!

For the Luxurious Lounger

Magnolia Cotton Classic PJ Set

Where to find it: Cherchez La Femme
Price: $195

Is there anyone out there that doesn’t love brand new PJs? It’s a classic gift that just about everyone can appreciate. This gorgeous set is made from 100% cotton sateen fabric that feels so good you’ll want to stay in them all day. (Psst! You can! It’s the holidays!) Visit Cherchez La Femme in Thornbury for more styles as well as a wide range of high quality lingerie and swimwear.

Hot tip: Help your favourite gift giver out by visiting the shop to create a wish list.

For the Die Hard Coffee Lovers

Good Grief Coffee Collection

Where to find it: Good Grief Coffee Roasters
Price: From $14 - $27

Hands up if you are a coffee drinker! Chances are high that you know someone who would appreciate a coffee related gift and we’ve got just the thing. Start with a bag of beans from Good Grief Coffee, roasted expertly in house, and add in one of the reusable cups they sell in store, like this one from Huskee. Add a little extra to this gift with one of their toques (it is winter after all) and share the local love while drinking some truly great coffee.

Hot tip: Bring your empty coffee bags back to Good Grief in Thornbury for recycling and get a free small coffee!

For the Host(ess) with the Most(est)

Georgian Bay-inspired Serving Board

Where to find it: Backwood Design Co
Price: $195

If you know someone who loves to entertain, then a beautiful serving board from Backwood Design Co is a must. You just can’t craft the perfect charcuterie board without one! Handcrafted in Stayner, ON using salvaged or sustainably harvested local wood they come in all shapes and sizes and are food safe for serving your favourite snacks to guests. We especially love the Georgian Bay inspired series with their unique epoxy art detail making them a beautiful display piece in any home.

Hot tip: Include a jar of Backwood Butter to keep your board looking it’s best.

For the one who Deserves a Little Pampering

Joyful rejuvenation Peel & Living Libations Skincare Products

Where to find it: Seed Holistic Spa & Boutique
Price: $25 - $100

Give the gift of glowing skin! Winter is here and we all know it’s tough on our bodies, especially our skin. Lucky for us, Seed, in Collingwood, offers a range of deeply relaxing holistic treatments including the ever popular Joyful Rejuvenation facial to keep us feeling our best. They also carry a collection of high quality serums, essential oils and elixirs from Living Libations including Ashley’s favourite, Rose Best Skin Ever.

Hot tip: Check out their LED Light Therapy & Sound Meditation service for when you need recharging this winter.

For the one who Loves a Personalized Accessory

Initial Jewellery Collection

Where to find it: White Feather Designs
Price: $35

Part of White Feather Design’s FW19 collection, the initial studs, bracelets and necklaces are a super fun gift for any age. They are available in 14k yellow gold plate over brass, rhodium plate or rose gold. Extra letters can be purchased to add to the same chain. Initial studs are available in matte gold plate or matte rhodium plate and are nickel free. Designed and hand crafted in Meaford, ON, you can buy these beauties online or at various stockists, including The Georgian Artisan Shop in Thornbury.

Hot tip: Mix & match the initial studs for a unique and more personalized look!

For the admirer of the arts

Paintings by Heather Cook & Alex Ruston

Where to find it: Art Crush Studio
Price: $150 - $175

Art Crush is a gallery and studio home to two incredibly talented local artists, Alex Ruston and Heather Cook. Alex’s current work is inspired by vintage photographs of local landmarks, historical scenes and old family photos while Heather captures the spirit of animals through her stunning and whimsical wildlife and pet portraits.

Hot tip: Looking for something specific? Both Alex & Heather take commission requests!

For the Proud Georgian Bay Resident

Hand Sewn Felt Pennants

Where to find it: The Georgian Artisan Shop
Price: From $66 - $78

Here’s an idea for the person on your list who enjoys handmade gifts AND likes to show their love for Georgian Bay. These felt pennants by Yoho & Co are 100% designed and sewn in Canada and are stocked by one of our favourite places to shop. The Georgian Artisan Shop is full of beautiful and unique goods from a wide variety of hard-working, talented Canadian artisans and makers. If you aren’t sure where to start with your holiday shopping, give them a visit and you’ll likely be able to cross a few people off your list with one stop.

Hot tip: They also have an impressive collection of vintage estate jewellery in store if you are looking for something a little extra special for a loved one.

For the Natural Beauty

All Natural Lipstick

Where to find it: Amama Skincare
Price: $20

The perfect little stocking stuffer for your lipstick wearing friend. Available in 9 different shades (cherry blossom pictured) this all natural lipstick, made by hand with Amama’s own beeswax, is non-toxic, cruelty-free and gluten-free. Amama is a line of small batch 100% natural plant-based skincare products located in the beautiful Blue Mountains region. Shop online or see a list of local stockists on their website.

Hot tip: They don’t just have lipstick, add one or two of their other skincare products for a truly nourishing gift!

For the Environmentally Conscious

Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes and Bamboo Cutlery Set

Where to find it: The Daisy Market + Refillery
Price: From $30

Many of us are thinking more about how we can go plastic free these days especially when it comes to bringing your lunch to work or anywhere. Put together a little reusable lunch kit with the help of The Daisy Market in Thornbury. These food grade, stainless steel containers are perfect for storing food in an environmentally friendly way! Add a set of bamboo cutlery and you are ready to lunch on the go. More sizes available in store or you can also shop online!

Hot tip: Avoid buying new bottles by bringing your empty jars in to stock up on household essentials such as dish soap, laundry detergent and shampoo & conditioner at the Refillery!

For the Flower Loving Locals

Monthly Flower Subscription

Where to find it: Ashley Elaine Florals
Price: From $150

If you’re looking for a unique gift for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature why not give them the gift of flowers? This is a new subscription service from Ashley Elaine Florals that brings you fresh flowers once a month for 3, 6 or 12 months. Choose from three different arrangement styles and get a new, fresh design for each month of your subscription.

Hot tip: Order a flower subscription before December 22, 2019 and get an extra mini arrangement included with the first month.

For the Manicure Obsessed

Shellac Manicure Gift Certificate

Where to find it: Beauty Spot
Price: $40

If you know someone who loves getting their nails done, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate for a shellac manicure from Beauty Spot. A women-owned small business based in Owen Sound, they have created a beautiful, relaxing space and the service is top notch. They have quite the collection of colours, including this classic red that would be perfect for the holidays (pictured here).

Hot tip: They also offer lash lifts and extensions!

For the one who wants to capture it all

Photography Gift Certificate

Where to find it: Frances Beatty Photography
Price: From $25

Gone are the days of the annual Sears family portrait sessions, (and good riddance, tbh), but that doesn’t mean you should leave all the picture taking and memory collecting to your smart phone. While they do a great job day to day, it’s still important to capture your loved ones with you and both your arms in the photo. Frances is a professional portrait photographer based in Kimberley, ON who has a documentary style approach, she can capture you (and both your arms) in a beautiful and natural way. Visit Frances Beatty Photography to see if she’s a good fit for how you want to remember your special moments.

Hot tip: The gift certificate can be used towards a portrait session OR products, so even if you have a friend or family member who has already had a session with Frances, you can still gift them some beautiful prints. Just let Frances know when you purchase the card which you prefer.

For the Dapper Dogs

Leather Collar, Bandana and Treats

Where to find it: Hound & Huron
Price: From $12.99 - $60

We just couldn’t forget the puppies, they like gifts too! There is no better place to find quality goods and provisions for hounds & their humans than Hound & Huron in Clarksburg. They aim to support local, Canadian made goods as much as possible, including these leather collars and dog bandanas, handcrafted in Toronto by Apogee. Throw in a bag of Chew Chew Treats Maple Salmon Bites, organic, gluten-free, single ingredient goodies, and your pup will love you.

Hot tip: 15% of all dog collar and leash sales is donated to Lions Foundation of Canada, a nonprofit organization that assists people with a medical or physical disability by providing them a Dog Guide at no cost.

Don’t forget the card.

Holiday Greeting Cards

Where to find it: Honour Bright
Price: $5

Last but not least, you can’t give a gift without a card. Well, you can but it’s just so much nicer with a card, especially one from Honour Bright. See the full collection of her beautiful cards over at Art Crush Studio in Collingwood!