Simcoe County Holiday Gift Guide: Unique Local Finds for Everyone on Your List

When you shop local, you’re not just buying a gift — you’re supporting families, artisans, small businesses, and the heartbeat of our community. This year, Simcoe County is bursting with incredible local shops, thoughtful handmade goods, and unforgettable experiences that make gift-giving meaningful and easy.

Whether you’re shopping for the foodie, the book lover, the adventure-seeker, or the person who “has everything,” this curated guide highlights the best holiday gifts across Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Collingwood, Creemore, Angus, and beyond.

Let’s dive into the best local treasures of 2025.

🎄 Gifts for the Book Lover

Foxtales — Angus, ON (local favourite)

A beautifully curated indie bookstore run by a local couple, Foxtales offers unique finds, Canadian authors, beautifully bound classics, puzzles, journals, stationery, and cozy accessories.
Perfect for: Readers, teens, teachers, grandparents, stocking stuffers.
Local tip: Ask for their special “blind date with a book” holiday bundle.

🕯️ Gifts for the Homebody (Decor, Candles, Cozy Items)

Barrie, Collingwood & Orillia Boutique Picks:

• Everleigh Garden (Barrie): handcrafted candles, home decor

• Simply Country (Orillia): farmhouse décor, handmade ornaments

• The Maker’s Market (Collingwood): rotating artisan-made goods

• Creemore 100 Mile Store (Creemore): sustainable home items, gourmet treats

Great for: Hosts, newlyweds, parents, home-loving friends.

🍁 Foodie Gifts & Gourmet Treats

Local favourites include:

• Creemore Springs Brewery (Creemore) — craft beer gift packs

• FARMHOUSE Artisan Cheese (Barrie/Orillia markets) — curated cheese boxes

• Pie Wood Fired Pizza (Barrie/Wasaga) — gift cards

• Mariposa Market (Orillia) — holiday gift baskets & sweets

• Hewitts Farm Market (Warminster) — local preserves

Perfect for: Teachers, coworkers, neighbour gifts, host gifts.

🔨 Gifts for Makers, Creators & Kids

• MacLaren Art Centre Gift Shop (Barrie): local art, prints, kids’ kits

• Blueberry Moon (Orillia): handcrafted, holistic, natural goods

• Creemore Street Pop-Ups: rotating artisans, small batch goods

• Barrie Farmers Market Holiday Edition: toys, ornaments, handcrafted gifts

Ideal for: Kids, crafters, creative adults.

💆‍♀️ Experience Gifts (Always a Hit!)

Simcoe County offers incredible experience-based gifts:

• Vettä Nordic Spa (Oro-Medonte): gift cards for relaxation packages

• Horseshoe Resort: skiing, tubing, adventure gift passes

• Friday Harbour: dining, skating passes, experience vouchers

• Local breweries: tasting flights & private tours

• Cooking classes through local chefs (Barrie, Collingwood)

Why experiences rock: No clutter, deeply memorable, perfect for “hard-to-buy-for” people.

🧣 Stocking Stuffers (Under $25)

• Local honey & maple syrup

• Handmade soaps

• Artisanal chocolates

• Locally roasted coffee (Barrie/Orillia roasters)

• Bath bombs from small makers

• Candles from local artisans

• Handmade ornaments

• Foxtales bookmark bundles

🎁 Holiday Charity Gifting

For the person who says “I don’t need anything”:

• Adopt-a-Family through Simcoe families agencies

• Barrie Food Bank donation in their name

• Gift cards purchased from local businesses

• Pet food donations for local shelters

🙌 Why Shopping Local Matters

When you buy local, your dollars:

• Support families in our neighbourhoods

• Strengthen independent shops

• Help artisans continue their craft

• Build local jobs

• Keep Simcoe County vibrant and unique

FAQ: Shopping Local in Simcoe County

Q: What are the best areas for holiday shopping near Barrie?

A: Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Midland, Creemore, and Angus offer excellent local options.

Q: Are local shops more expensive?

A: Not always — many offer affordable handmade gifts, stocking stuffers, and unique items you won’t find in big-box stores.

Q: Where can I find handmade gifts?

A: Local markets, artisan shops, maker studios, and holiday pop-ups across the region.

P.S.

If you discover an amazing local gift spot we should highlight, reply to this email — we love featuring local businesses and supporting our community.