Holiday Gifts

This year the holidays will be different, with fewer and smaller gatherings. But we can still make them merry and bright if we remember that the greatest gifts are those of kindness, family and friends. Send cards, call, e-mail, text or zoom with those you can’t see in-person. We might be physically distanced but let those special people know that they are near in your heart and thoughts.

Gifts Wrapped with a Bow

Wondering what to get for the people on your list? With items ranging from $10 to over $7500, and all merchants or manufacturers from Montreal and Quebec, here are some suggestions that should please…

The McCord Museum Online Boutique offers a great variety of unique items, often inspired by the museum exhibits.

(left) Dior Inspired McCord Chiffon Scarf in Black $39.00; (right) From Trudeau to Trudeau Aislin Fifty Years of Cartooning $29.95

(left) Poutine Mask, adjustable ear loops and nose wire, $10.00; (right) Construction Cone Socks, Giving a nod to this iconic Montreal symbol, $13.00

Tasty Treats and Beverages

Montrealer Joanna Notkin, the founder and chef at Zoe Ford Catering, offers a pantry of delicious treats and mixes ready for you to bake fresh at home.

Zoe Ford Jewelbox Brownies
Includes: Info card, 4 brownies, caramel and one bag of brownie “jewels”. Net weight: 497g
$24.95

McAuslan Brewing began operations in January of 1989. Located at 4850 St-Ambroise Street in Montreal’s St-Henri district, it has established itself as Quebec’s foremost micro-brewery. Their first beer, the St-Ambroise Pale Ale was an immediate success.

St-Ambroise Pale Ale, Apricot Wheat, India Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Grapefruit India Pale Ale, and their brand new 2020 St-Ambroise Imperial Stout Reserve (a Bourbon wood-aged Extra strong stout) are available in stores.

Montrealer Nicolas Duvernois created Pur Vodka. Pur is Canada’s most awarded vodka with 72 medals won at the world’s leading competitions: Global Vodka Masters, International Spirits Challenge, Beverage Testing Institute and many others, since its launch in 2009. It has been named the world’s best vodka five times.

Enjoy the original Pur Vodka or one of the flavoured Pur Vodka Série Autographe, $42.25-$50.25

Holiday Sparkle

Each Kaufmann de Suisse jewel is handmade using exclusive designs and expertise. With old world craftsmanship and care going into every bespoke piece, since 1954.

Elegant Pansy Drop Earrings, 18k yellow gold flowers sparkling with 75 brilliant cut diamonds, $6,300

For over forty years, Gloria Bass has channeled her passion for design, and her skills as a goldsmith, to steadily build the reputation of Gloria Bass Design. (Boutique visits are by appointment only during the current Covid-19 situation.)

Stunning Purple Tahitian Pearl X Ring, featuring 18k black rhodium white gold and treated pink diamonds, $7,700.00

Rejuvenate and Relax

Montreal entrepreneur Nannette de Gaspé Beaubien has developed a unique line of natural skin care products, two of which were selected by The Academy Awards to be included in the ‘swag bag’ given to all Oscar nominees.

Youth Revealed™ Face, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate, and brighten the skin, $125.00

Bleu Lavande delivers therapeutic benefits through a unique range of health, beauty and home products using lavender essential oil, grown in the Eastern Townships.

Relax as the Supernova Essential Oil Diffuser envelopes you with the natural scent of lavender. (Comes with a free 15ml bottle of true lavender essential oil.) $98.00

Giving Feels Good

While compiling your holiday list, please think about giving to local charities too. This year many charities had to cancel the fundraisers that they count on to continue the good work that they do.

Sun Youth helps thousands of people who have experienced employment instability, illness and even the loss of loved ones. Donations will give struggling Montreal families a rest from worrying about how they will put food on the table or gifts under the tree for their children. It will also help to keep our vulnerable senior community safe and healthy for the long winter months ahead.

Le Nichoir provides proper care and treatment for injured or orphaned wild birds and releases them back into their natural habitat. Celebrating more than 20 years of commitment to Canada’s wild birds, Le Nichoir saw more than 2,600 bird admissions in 2020. Birds are nature’s voice and they need a helping hand.