This Christmas, Spread the LOVE and Shop Local!
As it turns out, not all holiday shoppers are cut from the same cloth! Some savour the bricks and mortar experience while others cringe at the thought of stepping foot into a shop. No matter what kind of shopper you are, one thing is certain: Fredericton has some pretty cool shops with unique items that in many cases, you can buy in-store or online; definitely a win-win. With Christmas right around the corner, let us help you in with your holiday “plan of action”. You get the gifts that make YOU feel good, and you get to #SupportFredLocal! This year, more than ever, we need to turn our attention to our local businesses in supporting them this holiday season!
Here’s a few local shops to get you on your way to checking things off your list!
Aitkens Pewter | 698 McLeod Ave
Are you on the hunt for a veritable “handcrafted in Fredericton” gift? Aitkens Pewter has been around for 48 years and have been crafting beautiful pieces such as jewellery, mugs, frames and more; look for the distinctive triple “A” in a circle’ this is the touchmark in the design and proves its authentic and enduring craftsmanship!
Artful Persuasion | 80 York Street
Situated downtown on York Street, Artful Persuasion is a local collective of 50+ crafters that both work in the shop and contribute to the product line! This is your “go-to” for anything that is handcrafted and quintessentially New Brunswick!
The Artisan District | 610 Queen Street
Fredericton’s newest fine craft store, is situated downtown on Queen Street. If you are seeking a uniquely Maritime craft, this is it! Inside you’ll find curated collections of pottery, blown glass, woodworking, fine art, jewellery and textiles, in other words, the perfect Christmas gift!
Back Street Records | 384 Queen Street
The place where you can buy, sell, or trade your vinyl, cd or dvd’s, perfect for anyone who has a passion for the retro! Tucked away in a little shop on Queen Street, this might be the place where you find that long sought-after album!
CrabApple Kids Boutique | 269 Main Street, # 2
Business owner Angela Orfei started Crabapple Kids Boutique from her home 6 years ago; shortly after that she expanded into a market setting to 7 booths. Fast forward to present day, where CrabApple Kids has a storefront location on the northside on Main Street. You can find a great variety of new items (babies to size 8) such as clothing, toys (Melissa & Doug Toys), accessories as well as a selection of gently used items.
Eloise | 69 York Street
So this may be the part where you eventually decide to treat yo’self! Eloise is a women’s clothing store, carrying a wide range of versatile and stylish items.
Endeavours & Think Play | 141 Brunswick Street
Is there a budding artist on your list? Or do you buy a new board game every year? If you’ve answered “yes” to either question, then you need to head to this cute little shop on Brunswick Street. Endeavours is an artist’s dream, with all manner of art supplies for skills of all levels. Hankering for a cool game or toy? ThinkPlay has board games, toys, retro candy and so much more!
Hanson Road Flower Co | 546 Brunswick Street
Hanson Road Flower Co is a floral design and plant studio in downtown Fredericton! Find designer's choice weekly bouquets arranged in their signature contemporary boho style, and curate lush houseplant and pot collections, and locally made products such as massage balls, greeting cards, hand-made baskets, bath & body products, and more!
House of Art | 334 York Street
Connie Wheaton is the proprietor of this little shop on York Street. When you enter, you will quickly learn that Connie has a passion for flowers! Specializing in aryclic abstract and floral design, you are sure to find something special for the art lover on your list! Many of Connie’s works are reminiscent of some local Fredericton landscapes; perfect for someone who wants to be nostalgic or misses home!
Jewelz by Angie | 403 Regent Street, Suite 106
Carefully curated selection of trendy necklaces, earrings, candles, mugs, keychains and so much more! Check out the great selection online.
Rocker Chic Boutique | 59 York Street
Do you have an AC/DC, Nirvana or Black Sabbath fan in your life? If so, this is your stop! This new boutique in downtown Fredericton carries all manner of ladies and men’s rock, western and goth apparel and accessories along with handbags, wallets, jewellery and giftware.
Room2Remember & Room2Remember Kidz | 100 York Street
Located on York Street, the store has a kid’s side with a huge selection of baby and kid’s items and on the other side of the store is a great selection of everything from home décor to clothing and coffee.
Sacred Arts | 680 Howe Street
Located beside the Two Nations One Stop, Sacred Arts showcases a variety of gift ideas, from Manitoba Mukluks to St. Mary’s artisan-made beadwork and jewellery and a line of natural self-care products.
Strange Adventures | 68 York Street
Do you have a comic book fan on your shopping list? If so, this is the place to check out. They have a wide variety of comics as well as pop culture games and toys.
U Beautiful Creature | 119 Main Street
Looking for regionally made gifts? Recently opened, U Beautiful Creature features products from Maritime Crafters and Artisans such as handmade jewellery, essential oils, bath products, beauty products, home décor and more!
Urban Almanac | 75 York Street
Chic and trendy, this store has a lot going on! In the main part you’ll find contemporary furniture but in the front you can find Good People Coffee Roasters where you can purchase small batch roasted coffee and Tasha Tea for the tea lovers in your circle.
Westminster Books | 88 York Street
If you are looking for a regional read with a favourite local author, this is the bookstore that you need to visit! Westminster has been a fixture in Fredericton for 40+ years, and as a small independent bookstore, there are lots of titles that you’ll find nowhere else.
Whimsy | 154 Main Street
This shop truly showcases the talent and artistry of Fredericton crafters! Their Facebook page describes their offerings as: jewellery, soap, bath products, makeup, paint, essential oils, decor, candles, coffee & loads more! So in other words, the perfect spot for ticking items off your list!
Get Crafty!
Not the glue and sparkles variety, mind you! Consider purchasing a gift card from any number of our #FredTapTrail partners; or maybe surprise that special someone with Fredericton Taproom Trail Brew Bucks! They make a great stocking stuffer!
This is by no means an exhaustive list, merely just a sampling of local businesses in Fredericton to get your shopping off on the right foot! For more ideas and inspiration, check out our website or our online portal, the marketbasket.ca
