Here are some shop local ideas to help you finish crossing off that Christmas list

We’re quickly closing in on Christmas Day, which means there are plenty of people scrambling to get last minute gifts for family, friends and even co-workers.

Whether it’s a last second secret Santa exchange or an under-the-Christmas tree surprise, we like to encourage shopping local as much as possible to support our small businesses throughout our region.

While, we’ll be focusing on Muskoka, we strongly recommend people from all areas find a couple (or several) mom-and-pop shops in their community to patron.

Without further ado, let’s get into our last-minute Christmas gift ideas from local stores in Muskoka.

For that special someone . . . head in to see our friends at Muskoka Jewellery Design where you’ll find a variety of prices and options. Our favourite is their Muskoka Collection of handcrafted, original jewellery that is made on site at the shop. Full Disclosure: they are this blog’s December podcast sponsor, but we have shopped there for years!

For the art afcionado . . . There are so, so many fantastic local artists in Muskoka and each of them can easily be contacted this week for a very special gift of original art. Try one of the creators on my list of Great Hang Ups! – JF Kuehnen, Brent Statten, Natasha Banks, Naomi Banks-Powell, Wendie Donabie, Stacey Thornton, James Leonard, Janice Feist, Pam Carnochan– or perhaps try Helena Renwick or Swaggy Pots. In any case, these wonderful artists each have great potential gifts (or just treat yourself!).

For the foodie . . . Gift certificates to one of the many fantastic restaurants in Muskoka is always a great idea at Christmas. Here are just a few of our favourites (but we’re sure there are more, so pick a place you like and send some friends or family over!): That Little Place By the Lights, Gangnam Korea, El Pueblito, Relish, Three Guys & A Stove, Tall Trees, Basilico, On the Docks Pub, Mill On Main, and so, so many more! Just take your pick!

For the person who likes nice scents . . . Soapstones in Downtown Huntsville has what you need! And the best part is they like to give back, particularly with Enliven Cancer Care.

For the person who loves entertainment . . . Buy a ticket to a show at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville, Rene M. Caisse in Bracebridge, or Opera House in Gravenhurst – or at any theatre or concert venue in Muskoka. Or how about gifting a Huntsville Festival of the Arts membership where the person will know they are helping support local arts of all kinds for all ages.

For the person who has everything . . . Try stopping by a local everything shop like Unique Muskoka in Bracebridge or One Stop General Store in Huntsville.

Of course, there are plenty of fashion stores, confectionary locations, and other local shops to support with your patronage.

These are just a few quick ideas off the top of my head, and I know there are many more!