12 gifts of Kingston

By Andrea Gunn

Kingston makers and merchants have some truly wonderful gift ideas this year. Give a unique #ygk gift to someone special (or treat yourself). Here are twelve of our favourites:

1. A Grinch tree from Chartreuse Flower Works

Every holiday needs a little Grinchyness to remind us to spread holiday cheer. These fresh Grinch trees from Chartreuse Flower Works are the perfect mix of fresh botanicals and the very best of holiday kitsch.

2. Cocoa Bistro chocolate candy canes

Dazzling chocolate candy canes from CocoaBistro make the perfect edible tree ornament or gift topper. Choose from solid milk, dark, or white Belgian chocolate sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy canes. 

3. The Tragically Hip tree ornament

What sums up “Christmas in Kingston” like a Tragically Hip tree ornament? Find it at Whit Kingston, which carries a number of other Kingston-centric winter gift ideas, including mugs, pillows, and clothing.

4. Cooke’s Fine Foods gift basket

With an All-Canadian gift basket from Cooke’s Fine Foods, you can give the gift of an abundance of tastes from across the country, including a pound of Cooke’s own coffee.

5. The Bath Lover’s Gift Set from Shiva’s Delight

The Bath Lover’s Gift Set from Shiva’s Delight holiday collection contains an assortment of four bars of soap and four bath bombs. Shiva’s Delight offers handcrafted, vegan skincare products, all made in Kingston.

6. Military Communications and Electronics Museum

Mercury Shop
95 Craftsman Blvd.

The Mercury Shop offers a wide selection of jewelry, household items, flags, prints, and toys. Among its unique items is this customizable Christmas tree ornament. Submit your own high-resolution image or choose one from the shop’s military crests and other designs.

7. The PumpHouse

Craft holiday magic with your family with your very own All Aboard for the Holidays Carry Home Craft Kit from The PumpHouse. Each kit includes instructions and craft materials for making 12 of your own winter, nature, and train-themed crafts. Recommended age is 6+. Kits are $20 plus HST.

8. Greeting cards from Found and Lost Art

Put a smile on someone’s face with one of these adorable greeting cards from Found and Lost Art, based on original watercolour and ink illustrations.

9. Seasonal tea from Cha Cha Tea

Warm up with a seasonal tea from Cha Cha Tea. Favourites include Nutcracker Rooibos (with hints of marzipan and papaya); German gingerbread (black tea with ginger, cinnamon, star anise); and wintery walnut (black tea with walnut pieces, hazelnut brittle, and orange peels). Pair your choice(s) with a beautiful Yuzen Washi-decorated tea canister.

 

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10. Treats from General Brock’s Commissary

General Brock’s Commissary offers a number of unique treats from Kingston and Ontario makers. Pick up a box of caramel-filled chocolate mice from Mrs. B’s Country Candy (from Brighton) or build a custom “carnivore box” with items like Wagener’s salami (Toronto); MissFortunes hot sauce (Sydenham); Harvest Brinery pickles (Napanee); Cressy mustard (Waupoos); and General Brock’s own Upper Canada Epicure line of sweet and hot jellies.

Cataraqui Conservation Area Purple Finch toque
Cataraqui Conservation Area Purple Finch Toque

11.Toques and mittens from Cataraqui Region Conservation Area

Warm up someone’s winter with a bright woolen toque and mittens available from Cataraqui Region Conservation Area. Choose from a variety of colour palettes reminiscent of bird plumage: options include scarlet tanager, blue jay, hummingbird, and painted bunting.

12. Aquaterra’s “Chef’s Favourites” holiday gift box

AquaTerra’s “Chefs’ Favourites” holiday gift box features a specially curated assortment of the restaurant’s favourite recipes, ingredients, and local goodies. This year’s gift box includes all the makings for both a decadent charcuterie board (including AquaTerra’s own apple cranberry chutney) and a delicious mulled wine.

Bonus: Winter merch from the Visitor Information Centre

From winter wear to hockey pucks and ornaments, show off your love for Kingston with one-of-a-kind merchandise. Check out our online store.

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