Get Local with Holiday Gift Giving!
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
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
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!
Back Street Records
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!
Botinicals Gift Shop
Walking into Botinicals is a feast for the eyes. All around you’ll find beautiful pottery, glassware, woodwork, jewellery, textiles and more! Everything in the store has been produced in Atlantic Canada.
Endeavours & Think Play
Do you have a budding artist in the family? 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 Queen Street. Endeavours, at the front of the store, is an artist’s dream, with all manner of art supplies for skills of all levels. Heading to the back of the store you’ll find ThinkPlay. Here you’ll find board games, toys, retro candy and so much more!
Room2Remember & Room2Remember Kidz
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.
Strange Adventures
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.
Urban Almanac
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
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.
Eloise
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.
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 the recently released Fredericton Taproom Trail Brew Bucks! They make a great stocking stuffer!
Whimsy
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!
Jewelz by Angie
Carefully curated selection of trendy necklaces, earrings, candles, mugs, keychains and so much more! Check out the great selection online.
Sacred Arts
Located inside 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.
U Beautiful Creature
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!
CrabApple Kids Boutique
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 at 269 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.
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 new online portal, the marketbasket.ca
