While many people do their holiday shopping far in advance, many of us wait until crunch time to get those perfect gifts. The holidays are not about gift giving after all but there is some effort in showing your appreciation to your loved ones and that will often take place in the form of a thoughtful gift. Here at the Inlet we are encouraging you to spend your money locally this season. Our team has compiled a list of gifts that are Hamilton based: made in Hamilton or sold in Hamilton. We are also putting am emphasis on giving this holiday season through a few worthy causes.
Twin Within Vinyl:
Live Off The Floor at Hamilton Place with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
Give the gift of beautiful music with Hamilton’s Twin Within and The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO). This album was recorded live off the floor at Hamilton Place and features the beautiful harmonies of Twin Within with the incredible backing music of the HPO. It is truly a masterful piece of music that is appropriate for all ages and musical tastes. This album is perfect during the holidays or any time you want something truly beautiful to listen to. Hamilton is lucky to have both Twin Within and the HPO in our fair city. Get the vinyl or digital download here. (Biljana)
Teenage Engineering – Pocket Operator PO-28 Robot
Making music is fun – it’s that simple. Whether the people on your list are musicians, wannabe musicians, or just people who like to tinker with fun gadgets – the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator is a gift that will be appreciated. This is a live synthesizer and sequencer, with parameter locks, glide control and punch-in effects. Watch this video to see it in action. Get it at O’s Clothes in Hamilton. (Biljana)
Monetary Donation to Good Shepherd Centres Women’s Services
The issue of a lack of spaces for homeless women and women escaping domestic abuse is a huge one in Hamilton. If you are unaware of this situation in our community, this Hamilton Spectator article is a good place to start. Consider a donation to the Good Shepherd Centre this holiday season. Donate here. (Biljana)
Quills Invitations Paper Ink & Gift
Quills is the perfect spot to grab gifts for any pen and paper fanatic. This shop has an excellent assortment of stationary, pens, pencils, notebooks, cards, calligraphy supplies, and so much more. They even offer a variety of workshops, including calligraphy classes, and letter writing nights with vintage typewriters if you feel like typing up some holiday letters to your loved ones. (Tom)
Into The Abyss
This record shop has it all: a great selection in music (anything from jazz, hip-hop, to new music), vintage clothing, notebooks, pins, you name it. They’re also extremely helpful and will always have at least one record you’re looking for. Good luck trying to only purchase just one gift at Into The Abyss, though. You’ll be leaving with more than you came for. (Tom)
Monetary Donation to St. Matthew’s House Christmas Adopt A Family Program
It’s never too late to adopt a family for Christmas. For past 30 years, St. Matthew’s House has been providing Christmas Hampers to thousands within our communities. Adopting a family or senior is a the perfect way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Their programs match low income families or seniors in the Hamilton area with individuals, families or groups. For sponsorship it could just be you, your family, team, small business, or corporation. (Tom)
Sharp Knife Shop
Whether you have a chef or a home cook on your shopping list, Sharp Knife Shop, which opened a year ago on James Street South, will have the knife or knife accessory you need. Specializing in Japanese kitchen knives, the shop also hosts in-store lessons and workshops, including the three-hour pig butchery class and a two-hour knife skills class. Sharp’s knowledgeable and passionate staff will help you pick the perfect gift. (Jessica)
Fairweather Brewing
Since it opened in May 2017, Fairweather Brewing has been releasing innovative brews for any beer lover. Their most recent release, Wishing Well, is an imperial porter, aged on Ecuadorian cacao, Montmorency cherries, toasted coconut, and Brazilian Cachoeira da Grama espresso. Offered in specialty packaging, it’s a memorable gift for anyone who is hosting a holiday gathering. (Jessica)
Monetary Donation to Immigrants Working Centre
Offering settlement support, English language training, and employment-related services, the Immigrant Working Centre supports new Canadians and their full social, civic, and economic participation in Hamilton. For more than 30 years, across multiple locations, the Immigrant Working Centre is Hamilton’s only dedicated settlement service organization. (Jessica)
Steel Town Garage
Hamilton-themed apparel is all the rage, but the gear by motorcycle-themed coffee shop Steel Town Garage takes a unique, edgy, and stylish approach with their local tees, sweaters, and hats, with designs such as “STL⚡TWN” and “Free Spirits Never Die.” For the badass on your list!(Kristin)
Chocolat on James
Taking a more minimalist approach to life and trying to be less materialistic, why not give an edible gift! There are numerous locally-made delights for the foodies on your list, but one of my favourite places to pick up treats is Chocolat on James. You may choose from truffles galore, chocolate-covered snacks like pretzels, Oreos, nuts, candies, or pick up a pre-packaged box of delicacies. Get a little something for yourself, too! (Kristin)
Monetary Donation to Hamilton Music Collective
I get to work with an awesome non-profit organization, Hamilton Music Collective, which is dedicated to bringing the gift of music to young people. Delivering local programs such as An Instrument For Every Child to schools lacking music education and the Boys and Girls’ Clubs, it’s a chance for kids to learn music who may not otherwise be able to afford lessons. Nurture the future of our local music scene! (Kristin)
Caranina Jewellery
Owner Caranina Bertone creates some beautiful Hamilton-made minimalistic jewelry out of her studio in Studio 205 shop. Purchase her geometric earrings, necklaces, bangles, rings and more from the Studio 205 shop or off of her website shopcaranina.com. If you’re looking for more of an experience gift, Caranina also offers workshops. Or create a custom item with Caranina herself to create a personalized gift for that special someone. (Heather)
Taj Mahal Spices & Cheese
For the hard-to-buy-for foodie on your list, Taj Mahal Spices & Cheese in Ancaster can help cross them off your Christmas list. This little off the beaten track shop is full of locally-made food items from preserves and crackers to butter tarts and sweets. (Heather)
Donate to the Hamilton Food Share
Hamilton Food Share provides 2.85 million pounds of food a year to those who need it in the Hamilton area. Every dollar that you donate to Hamilton Food Share raises $5 worth of food. If monetary donations aren’t your thing, find out more about How You Can Help (food drives, volunteering and community events) on their website. (Heather)
Happy Holidays from the Inlet team!
