Treat your 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.
Unique Gifts in Hamilton
- Studio 205, Pretty Grit, The Local Life, James North General Store, Lulu & Lavigne, STOREonjames, The Kitchen Witch, TAOTAT’s Mystic Tea and Brooms, Green Ash Decor, The Flower Market, and Oliver & Co. Home have you covered when it comes to unique items, from home decor to jewelry.
- Reloved, Vintage Soul Geek, and Out of the Past Clothing are must-stops when looking for that one-of-a-kind clothing piece.
- Locke & King designs and crafts unique, eye-catching timepieces and handcrafted accessories that blend artistry with functionality.
- Hammerstitch Bags specializes in handcrafted bags and accessories, offering thoughtfully made pieces that are as stylish as they are practical.
- The Pale Blue Dot, Apotheka, and Mind Your Bees Wraps are the best places to shop for the all-natural and earth-friendly product lovers on your list.
- Give the gift of Indigenous beauty and 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.
- Baskets ‘n’ Bundles specializes in thoughtful, unique gift baskets filled with local products, making them the perfect, personalized gift.
- Some of our favourite holiday markets are back this year, including Stuffed!, Craftadian, Handmade Hamilton, Hess Village Winter Market, and more.
Foodie Gifts
- 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, and Mickey McGuire’s Cheese 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. Or check out Dutchman’s Gold for local honey, pollen, maple syrup, royal jelly, candles, skincare, wellness products, and more.
Gifts for Beer, Wine & Spirit Lovers
- 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.
Gifts for Music Lovers
- 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 Picks and Sticks.
- Get them the gift of live music with tickets to a show at TD Coliseum, FirstOntario Concert Hall, Bridgeworks, Mills Hardware, The Westdale, Music Hall, or Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre.
Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- A Royal Botanical Gardens Pass will give your outdoor lover year-round access to Canada’s largest botanical gardens.
- Hamilton Conservation Area Memberships give access to more than 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.
Gifts for Art Lovers
- 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.
Gifts for Book Lovers
- King West Books and 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.
- Pickwick Books is known for its extensive collection of new, used, and collectible books, a perfect place to find a gift for the bookworm in your life.
- Wolsak & Wynn is a local literary press with many Hamilton titles on its list, including Jason Allen’s 52 Things to Do in Hamilton, and Hamilton author Chris Pannell’s award-winning poetry and novels. All their books are available at local bookstores like Epic Books, The City & The City Books, and King West Books.
- J.H. Gordon Bookstore carries a wide selection of everything from historical fiction to fantasy to classic children’s books.
- (Home)Made Hamilton, by photographer Ian Pettigrew, celebrates the local movers and shakers who make Hamilton what it is.
- 52 Things to Do in Hamilton bills itself as the “ultimate insider’s guide to fun in the Hammer”, highlighting something to do in the city every week of the year.
Hamilton-Themed Gifts
- True Hamiltonian has the perfect Hamilton-themed merch, perfect for anyone who loves calling Hamilton home.
- 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 city’s many iconic and special corners, from the Gage Park bandshell to Capri Pizza.
- Head to the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre for unique Hamilton items, including postcards, jewelry, and City of Music swag.
Gifts for Sports Fans
- Help the sports fans on your list cheer on their favourite Hamilton team with single-game or season tickets for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Forge FC, Hamilton Cardinals, Hamilton Hammers, Toronto Rock, or PWHL Hamilton.
- You can find some team swag at the Toronto Rock Shop, Hamilton Cardinals Shop, PWHL Hamilton Shop, Hamilton Hammers Shop, or Tiger-Cats & Forge FC Shop.
Gifts for Home Chefs
- 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.
Gifts for Kids
- Parkette is filled with fun, colourful toys, books, clothes, and art perfect for any kiddo.
- Piper’s Closet on James Street North has all the coolest kids’ 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 them 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.
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 12 Business Improvement Areas for more information.