Have you been visiting the many Christmas craft markets in the Annapolis Valley this year? (If not, here’s a comprehensive list of the 2023 Annapolis Valley Holiday Markets). Even if you can’t get to a market, you can still find some incredible handmade gifts that I think of as “Very Valley” gifts. Here are some of my favourites:
- Give the gift of peaceful serenity with the gift of a New Scotland Candle Co candle, made in Kentville.
- A custom illustration from Little Bluenose Illustrations would make a very personal gift, but artist Alice Lefebvre also offers whimsical prints of various Annapolis Valley scenes.
- Take a drive to Hall’s Harbour to visit Spiral Studio and select from beautiful pottery in earthy tones.
- As a woodworker myself, I appreciate the care and attention that goes into the cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other wood crafts from Annapolis Valley Woodworks.
- Annapolis Valley Luffa uses luffa, a naturally formed fibre, to make sustainable body sponges, dish scrubbers, and more.
Consumables make really excellent gifts! Here are my favourite food and drink products from the Valley.
- Visit Sable Shortbread in Kentville for the most incredible melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
- Sissibo Coffee in Bear River offers ethically sourced beans and roast them with precision and care. North Mountain Coffee in Berwick offers high-quality coffee in small batches on restored antique roasters that are between 80 and 100 years old. All coffees are expertly developed with traditional European roasting techniques, and both are small, family-owned and run businesses beloved by locals.
- The hot dilly cuke jelly is my favourite from Tangled Garden outside Wolfville, but they have plenty of other jams and jellies to choose from.
- I’m partial to the Apple Pie Moonshine produced by Still Fired Distillery outside Annapolis Royal. Have you tried their moonshine, vodkas or gins yet?
- If you’re near Lequille picking up moonshine, hit up the nearby Lequille Country Store for the best beef jerky in the province. (For real. People drive from Halifax just to get their jerky fix.)
- The Annapolis Valley has a dozen wineries, and nearly as many craft breweries. Pick up something delicious to drink, or a cool t-shirt or ball cap for a cool brewery makes a great gift.
