Your guide to shopping local for Christmas
Finding the perfect Christmas gift can sometimes be tricky—but this year, you’ll have plenty of inspiration! To help you with your holiday shopping, here are some Outaouais gift ideas that are sure to please.
Local flavours: Make a foodie happy!
Instead of the traditional holiday chocolate assortment, consider sweet treats proudly made right here! Opt for truffles from Rochef Chocolatier, organic cocoa from ChocoMotive, decadent fudge from La Confiserie Wakefield, hot chocolate bombes from La Belle Pâtissière, and maple marshmallows from Boutique François Lambert. They fit nicely in a Christmas stocking!
Looking for a gift-wrapped holiday basket filled with local products? The 100% Local Box – Holiday Edition, in partnership with Croquez l’Outaouais, is back this year. Maple caramel, red wine, marmalade and more … a mouth-watering selection of products showcasing the gourmet side of the Outaouais.
The Outaouais stands out nationally and internationally for the quality of its alcoholic products. Put together a gift basket of beers from the region’s microbreweries, including the Brasserie du Bas-Canada, Les Brasseurs de Montebello, the Brasserie artisanale Gallicus, the 5e Baron microbrewery, Chelsea & Co and À la dérive. Follow the L’Outaouais brassicole tour route and sample distinctive flavours at seven local microbreweries!
For distilled products, a little something from Artist in Residence or the Distillerie du Square would be ideal for someone who enjoys cocktails or drinks on the rocks. If the person you want to spoil is more of a wine lover, think of the many vineyards in the Outaouais, or Verger Merleau for its alcoholic ciders!
Local products make original gifts
Win the prize for the best gift! For trendy clothes made right here, head to Habitude Design for a sweatshirt from the #OutaouaisFun collection. We all know someone who loves alpacas! For alpaca wool mittens, socks and soft toys, Chelsea Alpacas and Willow Lane Alpacas each have an online boutique to make your holiday shopping easier. You’re also welcome to visit the farm if you need some up-close time with these gentle animals!
La Petite Grocerie in Chelsea stocks local, environmentally responsible and ethical products, including bath products, jewellery and more. In Montebello, stop by Lavandine et Cie for natural body care products with irresistible scents. In the same neighbourhood, Flâneuse sells donkey milk soaps and other gentle personal care products. For more great finds, check out the herbal products at La Fée des Bois, where the medicinal plant ingredients come straight from the farm! For your gift exchange, opt for useful, eco-friendly household items. You’ll find everything you need at Bulles et chiffons.
Does the person you want to pamper love the gentle glow of candlelight? Visit the Doozy Candle shop, where you’ll find colourful handmade candles that burn for hours!
Activities: Give an experience
Who says a gift has to be material? Why not treat someone to a relaxing experience at an Outaouais spa? The Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa offers gift packages that are sure to please! Whether you’re looking for a gourmet getaway, a romantic getaway or relaxation at the spa, this is the ideal place to recharge your batteries before the New Year.
With so many entertainment venues in the area, you’re sure to find tickets to a show your recipient will love! From comedy and live music to theatre and children’s shows, the variety is impressive. Give the gift of culture: check out the programming at Salle Odyssée at the Maison de la culture de Gatineau, the Carrefour culturelESTacade, Théâtre du Casino, Cabaret La Basoche, and the Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau. A great evening awaits!
During and after the magic of the holidays, make the most of the joys of winter. Give the gift of an overnight stay in an unusual Outaouais accommodation, a dogsledding excursion, an Experience Outaouais winter package, or a visit to Parc Omega to see the Arctic wolves. Treat your significant other to a day of fatbiking at Domaine Kanawe, or skate along a 3-km ice trail among the trees at Patinage en forêt in Lac-des-Loups!
Plan a fun family outing! Play your favourite board games at Bistro Pärlé or try a virtual immersion experience at VR82 Modern Arcade. Little ones will love spending a day on the slides and in the mobile arcade zone at Le Rond-point milieu de jeux.
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Find more great gift ideas at the many Outaouais Christmas markets.
