So many gifts…so little time! Looking for something unique for the special people in your life? I always am on the lookout for something a little different and so I thought I’d share some local shops that are on my favorite’s list…just in case you’d like to stop by and take a look!
It is so easy to go to the mall or some large chain store and do the one-stop-shop…but this year I have decided to do what I can to support the small businesses in our city. We have some GREAT places that carry products that you won’t see everywhere…and these individuals often hand pick items in all different price points to give you lots of options to choose from! So, may I encourage you…take a little drive, put on the Christmas tunes, and don’t be hindered by finding a parking spot! Honestly, I am sure it will be easier to find something on a side street than to navigate the craziness that mall parking can be during this season! Some places even have free street parking so there really is no excuse…grab a treat and head out—you will be so glad you did!
The first place I’d like to mention is Vintage Charm on James Street North. Oh…I love this place! They have well priced, beautiful ornaments, plaques and signs that have the cutest sayings, handmade jewellery, upcycled furniture, mugs and other drinking vessels, Turkish towels, throw pillows, cards, candles…so much great stuff! This store is on my list of places to visit for a few gifts this year!
Also on James Street North is The Hamilton Store. OH. MY. GOODNESS. This isn’t a tacky souvenir type place…it has AMAZING art, photography, books, calendars, all kids of paper products, food items such as locally made honey and maple syrup and more—! It’s a tiny place packed with goodness…you gotta check it out!!
Photo by Corey Martin 2016
Ok…one more place on James North worth mentioning…well…there a few I could list as it IS one of my favorite districts in the city…but you can just come down and check them out yourself! The Pale Blue Dot just recently opened; in fact, they are having a Grand Opening celebration this Saturday the 9th and I am so excited to go! Not only do they have antique furniture (that is also available to purchase online) scattered throughout the shop and basement, but they also have just started carrying objects made of sustainable sources…baby items, kitchen items, bath items…I can’t wait to see it all!
The details of the Grand Opening Event are here on Facebook!
Moving on to places in my ‘hood…Ottawa Street has some amazing shops as well. The Painted Bench is a store that I have mentioned before as I used their products in my foyer makeover. But they also sell clocks, plaques, mugs, and so many unique items for the home that I can’t list them all! They are so much more than just a paint store! Stop in and take a browse…or sign up for a class in the new year…you will be so inspired!
Artiques is a head-turning store right in the center of Ottawa Street! What do I mean by that? As you drive by their large window displays, your eyes don’t want to stop looking! Rustique is FULL of unique items for your home, many with a global influence. There are some antiques and vintage dishes and such, but what I love are the cabinets, pieces of furniture large and small, carpets, poufs and ottomans, artwork, and more! Pieces with statement-making amazingness that you won’t find elsewhere! There are lots of things in many price ranges…honestly, my description is not doing the store justice! Just come on down and take look—and walk slowly…your head will be spinning trying to take it all in!
For those of you who have friends or family that are into vintage items or antiques, then you must stop at the new Hamilton Antique Mall on Ottawa Street! Three floors of booth after booth of everything you can think of! Vintage ornaments, artwork, lamps, clothing, children’s items, evening bags, jewellery…SO. MUCH. STUFF! It might not have the ideal return policy, but with these one-of-a-kind-items, I don’t think that will be a problem! Perfect for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list…or if you need a gift or two for yourself!
Studio 205 is located on King Street in the International district in the heart of our city. I noticed it at first just driving by and then I started following them on Facebook. Eventually I made it into the store and it is one unique place! Sweet children’s items, artwork made by local artists, handmade jewellery, things for your pets, for hostess gifts, for the man in your life…seriously…so much cool stuff! It has a little bit of everything, so it won’t be hard to check a few items off that shopping list!
The last place I am going to mention is Take Note Stationary Boutique in Westdale Village. I have been stopping in at this shop for years! I just love to walk slowly through the aisles and take it all in (with a coffee from Second Cup next door in my hand)! Journals, baby books, paper goods galore, pens, home décor items, cards, wrapping paper in sheets or by the roll…calendars, planners, all that sort of stuff! It takes me to my happy place…maybe it can do that for you as well! Stop in and take a look!
So that’s my current list of places that are a MUST VISIT this holiday season. Maybe grab a hot beverage of choice and go with your girlfriend, or significant other–or by yourself–and explore our city! I can say with certainty that you will leave a lot more peaceful and much less frenzied that you would from the “power centers” of the city. Support local businesses…it means the world to them!
For a list of more local shops visit here.
Notes:
All opinions are my own and the shops have not endorsed anything in any way…I’m just a Hamilton girl who loves to shop in her city!
All photos taken from Store Websites or Facebook Pages, unless other wise noted or taken by myself.
Opening Photo credit: http://hamilton.carpediem.cd/events/4841603-christmas-in-the-city-event-at-mcmaster-innovation-park/#m
