Everyone who knows me knows how much I love to shop locally and support local businesses. We grow a lot of our food on our farm, we buy from other farmers, and when it comes to gifting, I love hitting up the Christmas Bazaars and Craft Sales for some local Manitoulin gifts.
I find special, one of a kind items for loved ones when I buy from local mom and pop shops and artists/artisans. I don’t shop exclusively on the Island, but as much as I can, I buy from local businesses.
Our Holiday Guide would not be complete without sharing great gift ideas right from Manitoulin Island!
Local Manitoulin Gifts for the Holidays
Ultimately Chocolate TOFFLEs – For those who love toffee and for those who love chocolate, how about toffee and chocolate TOGETHER? If you’ve ever tried Ultimately Chocolate’s TOFFLE, you’ll want to go back for more (again and again, and again…)! Perfect gift for those with a sweet tooth and who love rich, decadent treats made from quality ingredients.
Pebblewood Farm Handcrafted Soaps – Looking for great locally made gifts or stocking stuffers? Say I love you with SOAP! Some of you may already by rolling your eyes at me because my Twitter and FB feed are filled with my love for Pebblewood Farm’s Handcrafted Soap! They’re made with ingredients you will feel happy about too!
Manitoulin Chocolate Works – By far one of the most popular spots on Manitoulin Island. Everyone loves Manitoulin Chocolate Works. My six year old is quite partial to the Dark Chocolate Macaroons! I’ve got a weakness for the Mint Meltaway bars! Hubby is a big fan of the Mudge Bay Blend coffee and since he doesn’t read my blog often, it’s safe to say that he will be getting a bag of his favourite ground coffee.
Loco Beanz – There’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a hot mug of hot chocolate or coffee (or a cup of tea!) on a cold Winter day! Well, it’s definitely starting to get a bit cooler on the Island! While you’re enjoying a cup of your favourite coffee, why not have a bite to eat?
Auberge Inn – Looking for a great vacation or staycation? Auberge Inn offers eco-friendly accommodations as well as bicycle and kayak rentals. They’re steps from the beach in beautiful Providence Bay. Why not get a loved one a gift certificate for a stay at the Auberge Inn? Dads, how about getting your children’s Mom a weekend away with her friends? Okay, a weekend at the Auberge Inn WITH the family works well too!
McQuay Click ‘n Clay – Scenic Manitoulin 2015 Calendar and Scenic Manitoulin Through the Seasons is the perfect gift for Islanders, Haweaters, and those who love the Island. Enjoy gorgeous Manitoulin scenes for every month in the calendar! You may also want to consider some of Jan’s pottery! I have a few of her bowls (I have a slight obsession with pottery)! Even better…how about getting your loved ones some pottery lessons with Jan?!
Grandma’s Kitchen Cookie Trays – T’is the season to be jolly…and eat lots of cookies and baked goods! Everyone loves holiday baking. Whether you are the one doing the baking or the one receiving the baking, Christmas cookies are the best. Right? For those who are short on time (or just prefer the luxury of someone else doing the baking…and having to clean the kitchen up after baking), Grandma’s Kitchen has a wife array of cookies all wrapped up and ready to go! Great addition to any holiday dessert table or as a hostess gift! Whatever you do, don’t lie and say you baked them! Everyone on the Island can recognize a Grandma’s Kitchen Cookie Tray!
Art of Chainmail – Dylon Whyte is known for his artwork, including chainmail jewelry and beadwork, as well as his book, The Art of Chainmail. Dylon’s craftsmanship is quite impressive and his pieces have been given by us to our nieces and Hubby’s sister for the past few years. The bracelets, necklaces and earrings make unique gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
Gordon’s Park – Hiking, cycling, astronomy and more! If you have some adventurers on your list, how about sending them to Gordon’s Park for a few days? Summer days spent checking out fossils or flora and fauna and then having a campfire in the evening sure makes for great family memories. Surprise the family by giving them a trip to Gordon’s Park. They also have a pool and mini golf that we’re pretty sure your kids will love!
Artwork by Jenna Carter – Scenes of Manitoulin Island captured by the artist, Jenna Carter are bound to evoke memories for those who have visited the Island. Jenna Carter’s beautiful pen and watercolour work = timeless. Cards are also available and make great presents and stocking stuffers for art lovers and anyone who loves Manitoulin Island.
Manitoulin Botanicals – Looking for skin care products that are locally-made, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, cruelty-free and with no synthetics or heavy metals? Manitoulin Botanicals offers face and skin creams, healing salves, lip balm, and more. Great as stocking stuffers or put together as part of a gift basket!
Also make sure to check out Lake Huron Fish & Chips! They’re having their Christmas Sale every Saturday until Christmas! Lots of great items in stock! They have everything from artwork by Carl and Ann Beam, pottery, jewelry, and lots of unique gift items!
There you have it! Just some of the many great local Manitoulin gifts you can give loved ones this Christmas!
I’d love to gift the coconut oil soap! It sounds so good for your skin!
I love the fact that you shop locally. You showed how it is possible to get many gifts from local trades people. The chocolate goodies available sounded delicious, but I think I would want to buy the soap from Pebblewood Farms. I love homemade soap and buy it whenever I have a chance. Thanks for telling us about the products available on your Island.
Espresso chocolate would be AWESOME to recieve. Or give… hoping they share
Espresso chocolate would be AWESOME to recieve. Or give… hoping they share
I’d love to try the Coconut Oil Soap! I love coconut oil so this must be heavenly!
Those truffles look amazing! We have always wanted to come to Manitoulin Island for a visit so hopefully one day we will be able to check these places out! Do you know of any nice motels that are pet friendly on the island?
Judy, I certainly do! I’ll send you an email with a list of places!
Thanks that would be great – we have two little poodles that like to travel with us!
Luckily, there are many pet-friendly places here 🙂
I love shopping locally especially at christmas! There are so many talented people living all around us, it’s a great opportunity to not just support them and your community, but you get a chance to get something unique & usually handmade.
Agreed 100%, Darlene!!