Shop our favourites this season

If you’re like me, you felt a little chill of fear run through you when you heard about shortages caused by supply chain issues, just as the holiday season started coming in hot.

I don’t know about you, but I started my shopping earlier than usual.

I was plotting out the who and the what one afternoon in mid-November, when it struck me that there was no supply chain issue Uptown. Many of our local retailers stock high-quality products from a wide variety of NB producers.

 We would have a tremendously positive impact this holiday season by taking a Buy Local approach to Christmas shopping. Let’s commit to spending 25% of our gift-giving budget on local products, purchased at local businesses!

Here are our local favourites:

Katie:
🧶 Cricket Cove because of the gorgeous yarns and knowledgeable staff.
🌱 Juniper because it has beautiful and eco-friendly stuff at reasonable prices.
💎 Spicer Merrifield because of its one-of-a-kind jewelry made by local artisans.
🥘 India King for a warm belly full of wonderful food.

Christianne:
🐝 Feel Good Store: because wonderful, cruelty-free products you can’t find anywhere else and a chance to chat with Anne McShane.
🍎 Pete’s Frootique: because gorgeous, fresh produce and yummy UK treats. ALSO candied ginger and marzipan.
🧀 H&S Meats: because great meat, carefully butchered and it’s a Cheese Lover’s Paradise. ALSO, tons of local products.

Jill:
🧸 Paddington Station: they always have the best clothes, accessories, toys and books for the kiddos.
🎁 Tuck Studio: my favourite place to shop anything home decor and my go-to spot to get a little gift for someone else.
🍺 Five & Dime: best music, drinks and atmosphere.

Kâté:
😈 In Pursuit: My go-to when shopping for almost anyone. They have tons of adorable and unique products like hilarious pins and stickers, mugs and more, and you get all of these things with a swear word on them, which is totally my vibe.
👨🏼‍🎤 Backstreet Records has always been a favourite. I have a lot of music lovers in my circle. Buying a record by a local musician from the local record store is a really great feeling.

Taylor:
🚵🏻‍♂️ Tommy’s Superette: The most beautiful outdoorsy store for the camper/hiker/ biker in your life.
☕️ Catapult Coffee and Studio: Delicious coffee and lots of handmade gifts—perfect for stocking stuffers!
🧥 Visitors: A vintage lover’s dream stocked with hand-picked, pre-loved clothing and products from local makers and designers.
🥃 Hopscotch Whisky Bar: Cozy little bar with a great scotch selection and some of the best cocktails in the city.

Becky:
👡 Urban Shoe Myth
🖼 Cobalt Gallery
💗 Rogue Coffee Co.

Liz:
Heartbreak Boutique & Obscurity: Two of my favourite businesses in Saint John, run by two of the best people: Pam Wheaton and Mishelle Leigh (full disclosure -they're also dear friends). These sister shops are my go-to for jaw dropping, unique, and super personal gifts. They're also nestled in the heart of Germain Street in Uptown Saint John, amongst other amazing businesses run by powerhouse women (we see you The Feel Good Store, The Yoga Coop and Good Fibrations).
The Saint John City Market: H&S Meats is the best butcher in town, I'm addicted to Jeremiah’s Deli sandwiches, Pete's Frootique always has what I need, Uncorked's revolving tap list is my version of heaven, and if you haven't tried candied Salmon from North Market, your life is incomplete. All the places I love are under one roof and there's a romance of history all around you. And the twinkle lights in December really ratchet it up for me.
Tracey Brown (@traceyarted) & Marianne Beckwith (@workinpants): Both local artists that I gift more than any other (and let's be honest, I get myself some beautiful things too). These artists perfectly recreate the beauty and vibrancy of our city. Tracey has BEAUTIFUL art along with tree ornaments of Saint John and Marianne's annual calendar is the stocking stuffer I get everyone on my list. I'm eternally grateful to both of them for creating spectacular art that I can afford.

Wei:
Juniper: Their products are beautiful and practical, sourced ethically and sustainably produced. Their collections are both local and global, including many manufacturers and artisans from Atlantic Canada. They promote a sustainable and zero waste lifestyle, providing sustainable clothing, skincare products, gifts, and small household items, as well as zero/low waste alternatives, natural cleaning products and personal care products supplement stations. All items in the store are carefully selected, and manufacturers and artisans are chosen because of their commitment to sustainable business practices. I like their attitude. They align their lifestyles and values to create a happier and more meaningful life. They provide practical and luxurious products by improving quality rather than quantity; at the same time, by providing a transparent shopping experience, they tell the story behind each item in the store.
At Cricket Cove, shoppers will find the very best the knitting world has to offer! This fine collection of yarn comes from all parts of the world and features alpaca, llama, quiut, camel hair, buffalo, hemp, cashmere, and silk, as well as all of the popular commercial yarns. Cricket Cove also offers hand-knit sweaters and accessories made by local artisans. Knitting classes available. I love it, it is a place that makes people feel warm and beautiful. It reminds you of the scene where you sit in a rocking chair and weave for your lover by the fire in winter. It is very traditional and classic, it reminds me of the old times.
The New Brunswick Museum Shop is a toy store, a bookstore, a jewelry store, and a craft shop in one! Providing high-quality works by local artists, reflecting the rich local culture and history. There are also many books written or related to New Brunswick and museum collections. Unique gifts highlight the special exhibitions and attractions of the New Brunswick Museum. Purchases here will support the research and activities of the museum.

And for those in Fredericton, here are Holly’s picks:

Scott’s Nursery: My friends like plants, my mother likes plants, I like plants, and they have plants. So many plants. Flowery, spiky, vine-y, big, and small, they got it all, and anything you’d need to take care of them. It’s a one-stop shop for all your plant needs. I’d list a favourite from them but I can’t pit plants against each other, they’re all amazing!
Endeavours & ThinkPlay: Lots and lots of art and creative supplies for everyone regardless of skill level. Plus with the variety of items they have its easy to find something new to try out and stretch your brain for a bit. They’ve also got a lot of other fun items like games, puzzles, models, etc. Personally, I’m a fan of their paper selections, their linocut supplies, and their POSCA selection (also their socks, they’ve got a lot of cool patterns)!
Unplugged; A great place to go with a group of friends and, well, unplug. They have a massive selection of games to play and try out that’ll keep you occupied for hours plus a nice menu for all of your snacking needs. They also have a stock of games for purchase so you can keep the fun going at home (or so you can actually learn the game and not have your friends beat you immediately). This is my absolute favourite place to go with people just to have fun and relax!
Also shout out to the Muse, I’ve only ever picked up coffee as gifts BUT as an upstairs neighbour, I can confirm they have great live music pretty much every weekend if you’re looking for an outing!

That’s it! Have fun this holiday season and stay safe. 🤍