North End Gift Guide: Gift Ideas to Create The Ultimate Gift Basket

The season of giving is here, and the one, fool-proof present that anyone would be excited to receive is a gift basket!

We have compiled a list of goodies that can be found at local businesses in the North End of Halifax, that would be absolutely perfect to add to your gift basket.

Every Haligonian loves a cozy toque

It can get cold here in Halifax, so give the gift of warmth with a cozy toque! Check out these toques from Chain Yard Cider. They come in two trendy knit materials: tight-knit or casual-knit. Plus, they come in a variety of neutral colours to match any outfit.

These toques can be purchased for $25 each at the Chain Yard taproom at 2606 Agricola Street, or online here.

Anyone can use a good bar of locally-made soap

After the last couple of years, everyone has been washing their hands a lot! Help make washing a little more delightful with Lodestone Soap Co products! They offer a variety of rustic vegan soaps made in small batches.

Check out Jodi's Garden Soap: Perfect for cleaning grubby hands and feet. Scented with lavender with a wee tea tree oil to add antiseptic power, plus ground pumice and coffee to really scrub. Strung on a jute rope to hang on the mud room sink. This soap is available for purchase for $10 each here.

Show them you have great taste

Everyone loves to receive a gift card, but this gift card from Agricola Street Brasserie is extra special! This gift card can be used to grab a delicious meal from the Brasserie, or you can choose from seven other amazing Halifax Restaurants including Cut Steakhouse, East of Grafton, and more.

Gift cards can be purchased at Agricola Street Brasserie at 2540 Agricola Street, or online here.

Gift the tools to make cocktails at home

Here are a couple fun options to add to a gift basket for the aspiring mixologist!

Gift a local gin from award-winning Compass Distillers. Gin Wild is a classic gin with a Nova Scotian twist. They start with a base of 100% Nova Scotian wheat which is distilled with a blend of classic gin botanicals. The star of this gin is the wild Nova Scotian juniper which is handpicked from the rocky barrens of our coastline. It has a strong character, much like the shores it was grown on.

Gin Wild is $40 for a 750ml bottle, or $24 for a 375ml bottle. They are available for purchase at Compass Distillery at 2533 Agricola Street, or online here.

You have the gin, now you just need the tools! Take a look at this locally made Maple Wood Cocktail Muddler from The Independent Mercantile. This is a fundamental tool for any barware toolkit or bar cart; the cocktail muddler is used to mash fragrant ingredients in the bottom of the glass to open up their flavours. Plus, this one was made in New Brunswick using locally sourced wood! This tool is available for $19.99 each and can be purchased at The Independent Mercantile at 2091 Gottingen Street, or online here.

PS- The Independent Mercantile has a large selection of barware's if you are looking to add more cocktail tools to your gift basket!

Satisfy their sweet-tooth

Now that your gift basket is full of goodies, finish it off by tossing in some sweets! Take a look at these Just Us Chocolate Bars; they are local, organic, and fair-trade. Plus, they come in three flavours: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and mint chocolate (yum!)

These delicious chocolates are available for $4 each in-store at The Grainery Food Co-op at 2385 Agricola Street.

CONTEST: Make a purchase in-store at any participating North End shop and gain access to the Holiday Shopping contest and be entered to WIN a $100 gift certificate to the North End Businesses of your choice!