The Christmas Shopping Guide to #ShopLocalHamilton

Every year when it comes to buying gifts for Christmas, I always, always, think, “go to a small business” and try to support someone who is local, a maker, an entrepreneur etc. and find something unique for those on my list. And honestly, most years I have made  SOME  purchases  at boutiques and shops, but I eventually ended up doing most of my Christmas shopping at a big box store (mostly because of a lack of time). This year, I have connected with so many wonderful business people, that I know I can tackle many on my Christmas gift list by shopping with these local ladies…and I thought I’d share it with you!

In all truth, I have either been to these stores personally or know the owners and see all their hard work, wonderful offerings, creative ideas, and amazing services and didn't want to just keep it to myself! This Christmas Shopping post is one of those that you want to add to your bookmarks and shop over and over because what they have is not just great around the holidays, but all the year through! I encourage you to like their pages, follow them on Instagram, stop at their stores because they are JUST. THAT. GOOD! All the opinions I share are my own, and there are no affiliate links in this post. Just a fantastic list of amazing businesses that I highly recommend adding to your Christmas Shopping go-to list—especially for those of you where it is important to #shoplocalHamilton.

In this roundup, I have asked each business to give us an idea of who they are, and also give an overview of what they offer. Then I put together some images that I am hoping will tease and tempt…and inspire you to make some creative choices in your gift giving this year and support these local businesses by purchasing their products or services.

So, let’s dive in to the 2019 Hamilton Shop-Local Christmas Shopping Guide. To see the 2017 Guide, check out this post too!

Andybela Eatery

This Ancaster shop is not just a great place to stop and have a bite to eat, but Diana offers so many products and services that you can’t find just anywhere! If you have a loose-leaf tea lover on your list you HAVE to stop in as this is one of her specialties! They also cook delicious homemade style food…so why not consider giving someone the gift card of a prepared meal? Any busy family –including mine--would appreciate not having to cook and also not having to resort to a fast-food option. These are healthy, delicious, hot, comfort foods--just like Mom…Nonna…Gigi…Zia…Nana or “insert-wonderful-cook-here” makes! Gift baskets with her products can be made to order as well….AND she offers Keto friendly and Vegan products too!

Some Gift Ideas:

Gift Baskets starting at $25 (Teas and Jams) – they can also be customized with Greeting cards!
Stocking stuffers under $10 (teas, infusers, jams)
Gift Certificates for family dinners - cooked and delivered warm to anyone in Hamilton! Any customized amount, starting at $25

From Diana at Andybela:

Andybela eaTEAry is a space where people can learn about Romanian culture and food traditions! I import directly from small producers in Romania. I focus on gourmet food items, especially on products that have won numerous European awards! I also make my own line of tea blends as I have a biochemistry background and love playing with various plants and aromas! My mom cooks traditional Romanian foods, so people can order cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, shepherd pies, apple strudels, chocolate chip cookies, keto breads and more!

Contact: www.andybela.com

FB: Andybela Teas and Andybela eaTEAry

Instagram: Andybela eaTEAry and Andybela_gifts

Sidenote Ladies Boutique

If fashion is your passion, then you have to make Sidenote one of your go-to shops! Shannon offers a variety of fashion pieces in her shop and Services that can help those who feel challenged in this area. She sources gently used clothing, purses, shoes & accessories and offers them at affordable prices—many are designer-label pieces or brand new with tags. This isn’t a thrift store, it is boutique level stuff! She also offers items online that can be shipped right to you. Personal shopping, Branding styling, closet and outfit arranging, and even “Girl’s Nite In” are some fun and unique offerings you can give to your sister, best friend, or even yourself! She also has gift certificates for you to request from your significant other…so add Sidenote Ladies Boutique to your wish list...or I mush-check-this-out-now-list—you won’t be disappointed!

Gift Ideas:

Some great gift items and or options would be blanket scarves, pompom hats (brand new with tags), jewelry, purses and gift certificates which can be used for boutique items or fashion services!

From Shannon at Sidenote:

Our Boutique is not just an average boutique. It is a little hidden gem with all kinds of fabulous finds that won't break the bank. We also offer wardrobe consultations: where we come into your living space and remix and match what you currently own and create new outfits, reorganize your closet and leave tags on your hangers for reminders of what and how to pair your items.

Styling sessions: Have an event? Professional branding shoot? …and you are not sure what to wear? Let our stylist help you with that!

Personal Shopping: Are you that person that either dislikes shopping or finds it overwhelming? Or perhaps you are always buying items that are very similar-- let our stylist Shop with or for you!

And finally, our private shopping parties: Grab your ladies and come on down book out the space, sip on wine and try on all the clothes and shop to your hearts content!

Contact:

www.sidenote.ca and email is [email protected]; Also on Facebook and Instagram

Vintage Charm

I found out about this store on James St. N from a previous client…and I am so glad she told me about it! Offering vintage furniture, candles, many decorative items, wall signs that you can purchase in-store or have custom made, it is always a sweet treat whenever I stop in! They also carry jewelry made by local artisans, and many unique pieces. This retail store is one of my go-to’s for Christmas Shopping (and for gifts any time of year) --I have made purchases there every year at Holiday time!

AND (da, da, daaaaa) …this year, they have opened a pop-up shop at Limeridge mall!!! Located very close to H&M, tucked right beside Urban Behavior, you have to MAKE SURE when you are at the mall doing your Christmas shopping to stop by and visit!!! It truly is a beautiful store with beautiful items, and you will be sure to check some gifts off of your list!

Gift Ideas:

Holiday Ornaments starting at only $4, Wall Signs starting at $25;

Macrame Plant holders with a plant: $45, Necklaces start at $22, but there are also earrings, sunglasses, and keychains too!

From Amy at Vintage Charm:

Vintage Charm re-purposes old neglected pieces of furniture creating beautiful refreshed pieces for your home. We have a curated selection of vintage inspired home decor, jewelry, candles, hardware, gift items and wall art. Where possible we source locally made or fair-trade products. In addition to that we stock Revive Paint and a selection of paint accessories to help you with your own DIY refinishing projects.

We do offer online shopping at www.vintagecharmhome.com with the availability to pickup in store or we ship across the country. We currently are running a popup shop until the end of December at Limeridge. The James Street location is open 6 days a week now and closed on Mondays.

Contact:

FB: Vintage Charm Home

Insta: @vintagecharmhome