Treat family and friends to something extra thoughtful this year, picked out just for them and sourced right here in Hamilton.
From vintage records to tickets to a show, you can check everyone off your list and support local businesses this holiday season with our made-in-Hamilton holiday gift guide.
For the Lover of Unique Items on Your List
- Studio 205, Pretty Grit, The Local Life, James North General Store, and Oliver & Co. Home have you covered when it comes to unique items from home decor jewelry.
- Reloved, Vintage Soul Geek, and Out of the Past Clothing are must-stops when looking for that one-of-a-kind clothing piece.
- The Pale Blue Dot is the best place to shop for all natural and earth-friendly product lovers on your list.
- Give the gift of Indigenous wellness with LODGE holistic soy candles created by local artist Angela DeMontigny, found online and in the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre.
- Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is packed with one of a kind gifts for the aviation buff on your list.
- Some of our favourite holiday markets are back this year including Stuffed!, Craftadian, Handmade Hamilton, Hess Village Winter Market, and more.
For the Foodie on your list
- A gift card to one of the many local restaurants is the perfect way for the foodie on your list to discover Hamilton’s food scene. Check-out Hometown Hub and search restaurants across the city.
- Barton Salumeria, Ancaster Cheese and Fine Foods have you covered when it comes to gifts for the holiday party hosts.
- Madam Bonbon, Dundas Chocolate Shop, and The DSRT Company will be sure to satisfy any chocoholic on your list.
- Browse our dessert guide for some of Hamilton’s sweetest spots to pick treats for the holiday season.
- Grab a jar of some sweet, organic Humble Bee Honey made from 20 hives across the city,
For the Brew, Wine, and Spirit lover on your list
- Say cheers to the season with a bottle or three from one of Hamilton’s many craft breweries, cideries, or wineries.
- Bottle shops can be found all over the city, including Red Church, Durand Bar & Bottle Shop, and Mrktbox
.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast on your list
- A Royal Botanical Gardens Pass will give your outdoor lover year-round access to Canada’s largest botanical gardens.
- Hamilton Conservation Area Memberships gives access to 10 conservation areas and experiences while supporting local conservation efforts.
- Adventure Attic makes giving the gift of the great outdoors easy with a wide selection of hiking, camping and travel gear.
- Get closer to the wild and explore African Lion Safari with day or season passes for the whole family.
For the kiddo on your list
- Parkette is filled with fun and colourful toys, books, clothes, and art perfect for any kiddo.
- Piper’s Closet on James Street North has all of the coolest kid gear from clothing to accessories as well as a little something for the mamas on your list.
- Citizen Kid is a neighbourhood toy store on Locke Street that offers a unique shopping alternative to big box stores with its quality and sustainable toy selection.
- Ainara’s Bookshelf is an Instagram account created by a teenage book lover from Stoney Creek that features books whose main characters are Black and people of colour. Follow for some great gift-giving picks.
- Curated Cradle is the place to shop if you’re looking to check-off the new babies and mamas on your list, with everything from books and toys, to clothing and self-care items.
For the arts lover on your list
- Hamilton’s many galleries like Crown & Press, Earl’s Court, and Carnegie Gallery, are packed with beautiful art to put a bow on.
- Give the gift of year-round gallery experiences with a membership at Art Gallery of Hamilton.
- Tickets to a show at Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Aquarius or Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre are perfect for the performance lover on your list.
For the reader on your list
- King West Books & Mixed Media in Westdale carry a great selection of bestselling books, “Hamiltonia”, creative gifts, and art supplies.
- James Street Bookseller & Gallery specializes in rare and unique books, local artwork, and an impressive selection of fountain pens.
- J.H. Gordon Bookstore carries a wide selection of everything from historical fiction to fantasy to classic children’s books.
- Leon Robinson's Concrete Canvas book houses 168 colourful pages of graffiti and street art images from the Concrete Canvas Festival over the years. Pick up a copy at the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre or the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
- (Home)Made Hamilton by photographer Ian Pettigrew celebrates the local movers and shakes that make Hamilton what it is.
For the Hamilton-lover on your list
- Jelly Bros Neighbourhood Maps are a gift-giving staple, with neighbourhood maps, prints of Hamilton landmarks, schools, and even a colouring book.
- Hamont Doodles are vibrant doodles that capture the many iconic and special corners of the city from the Gage Park bandshell to Capri Pizza.
- Tourism Hamilton Visitor Centre is filled with unique Hamilton items from prints to tote bags.
For the sports fan on your list
- Help the sports fan on your list cheer on their favourite Hamilton team with single game and season tickets to the Tiger-Cats or Forge FC.
- You can find some team swag from Tiger-Cats & Forge FC Shop.
For the chef on your list
- The Casual Gourmet is a lovely shop in the heart of Westdale Village where you can find everything from culinary tools to tableware.
- SHARP Knife Shop on James Street South is the place to wow your home chef with handmade Japanese knives and sharpening accessories.
- Dawson’s Hot Sauce has knocked-out mega stars Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey on the show Hot Ones, and is also a knock-out stocking stuffer.
For the music lover on your list
- Cruise through local record shops to pick up some vintage vinyl at spots like Dr. Disc, Into the Abyss or Stardust Records.
- Splurge on an instrument at one of the city’s independent music shops like Picks and Sticks or The Acoustic Room.
- Get them the gift of live music with tickets to a show at FirstOntario Concert Hall, Bridgeworks, Mills Hardware, The Westdale, Music Hall, and Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre.
Shop Hamilton’s Many Unique Neighbourhoods
The holiday season is perfect for exploring Hamilton’s many unique “hoods” for some only-in-Hamilton finds.
- Visit our neighbourhood guides.
- Explore Hamilton’s 13 Business Improvement Areas for more information and free holiday parking details.