By now, if you haven’t completed your Holiday shopping list, you might just be spiralling into a never-ending pit of despair. Just the thought of having to enter another mall sends shivers down your spine. Despair not! Here are some local gems that will not only manage to tick the last few boxes on your list, but will give you the satisfaction of supporting a local business. Oh, and no malls required.

4 Local Shops to Discover

Boutique Le Local – 144 rue Eddy, Gatineau

Gatineau residents have long kept this Vieux-Hull secret to themselves, but we’re breaking the pact and letting all of you in on it. Le Local is hands down one of the best gift-buying locations in the region. Clothing, jewelry, shoes, grooming products, homewares, you name it, you’ll find it. Oh, and they tailor to both men and women, so a true one-stop-shop.

Pro tip: They’re one of the few outposts that stock Glerups, the most comfortable slippers handcrafted from 100% pure, natural wool. Your feet will thank you.

• Friday December 22nd: 10am – 8pm
• Saturday December 22rd: 10am – 5pm
• Sunday December 24th: 10am – 3pm

Victoire Boutique – 1282 B Wellington St W, Ottawa

For the more discerning women on your list, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Victoire. They have such an eye for all things pretty, you might end up leaving with a few gifts for yourself. We’re in love with these Fuck the Patriarchy Hoops.

• Friday December 22nd: 10am – 8pm
• Saturday December 22rd: 10am – 6pm
• Sunday December 24th: 11am – 5pm

Habitude Design – 22 rue Eddy, Gatineau

Starting off as a one-day pop-up up shop (here at Zibi actually!) in 2015, Habitude Design has recently opened their brand new brick and mortar shop in Hull. The emphasis here is on local and luxe. Find everything from toys for children, stunning leather goods, tasteful homewares, and gorgeous jewelry by Estrela.

Pro tip: Stop by the Glamm counter for a quick manicure while your gifts are getting wrapped.

• Friday December 22nd: 9:30am – 6pm
• Saturday December 22rd: 11am – 5pm
• Sunday December 24th: 11am – 5pm

Maker House Co. – 987 Wellington Street W, Ottawa

It doesn’t get much more local than this. The team at Maker House cull all the best of local artisans to offer fantastic handcrafted wood furniture, homewares, cards, decorations, and much more.

Pro tip: Think about commissioning a personalized piece for the new year. Our Zibi Presentation Centre boasts a Maker House original, and we constantly get compliments!

• Friday December 22nd: 10:30am – 7:30pm
• Saturday December 22rd: 9:30am – 6:30pm
• Sunday December 24th: 9am – 3pm

Alternative Gift Ideas

• Spa package at the Nordik Spa-Nature
• Workshop from Freewheeling Craft
• Cooking or wine class at La Bottega Nicastro
• Gift membership at the National Gallery of Canada
• MEGA Pass to the Megaphono Music Showcase Festival
• Tickets to the Ottawa Magazine’s Restaurant Event

As you can see, you may only have a few days left to finalize your Holiday shopping, but there’s no need to despair. Ottawa-Gatineau is chock-full with local gems filled to the brim with fantastic gift ideas. Shop safe!