I can't believe I've never been here before because this is everything I want in an arts and crafts…read morestore. Not only does it carry gorgeous local art from some of my favourite artists, but they also do workshops and classes. I believe the post them on their website, but I heard there's a book binding one coming up that I would love to go to. When I went last weekend it was because I wanted to meet Amy of Friday55 (one of my favourite local artists) and I ended up learning how to do some embroidery while there. It was really lovely! The Lunenberg Makery was also there showing how to do felting, but I ran out of time to learn that one because I was loving embroidery so much. I think I've found a new favourite hobby. The Trainyard General Store is one of those stores that is completely community-oriented, and I adore it. It's a bit hidden on Portland Street, so a keep an eye out for the sandwich board pointing you in the right direction.

From the owner: Unique and practical handmade goods…read more Workshops led by the Makers whose goods are in store are offered weekly.

These candles are hands-down the best you will smell. They are the only candles that I buy now, and…read moreI currently have seven lined up along my shelf. It's hard to limit myself as the scents are amazing! It's hard to pick a favorite, and as soon as I think I've narrowed it down to two or three, Bobbi-Jo comes out with new, fantastic scents! It's not just about the candles, though. The sugar scrubs are to die for. I'm one of those people who stock piles different shower scrubs/gels/washes to try but I have to say that hands down these scrubs are the best I've ever tried! It's the perfect amount of exfoliate, smells amazing, and made my skin feel amazing. I've also tried and enjoyed the Roll-on Perfume and the Body & Linen Spray. The scents aren't overpowering and are perfect for an alternative for room spray. The scent clings to the fabric for a smell that lasts for days! And to boot Bobbi-Jo is super nice and sweet!

Located at the Seaport Farmers Market in Halifax, this booth is laden with Soy Candles and lotions…read more I was looking for something specific though and when we started chatting the owner said she could customize anything. She handed me her card and away I went. The only way I know of to contact her is via email at: nytewicks@gmail.com Back to my story. I emailed her on Monday with my request and on Sunday I picked up my custom scented body lotion. And it is awesome!!! And I thought that 14.95 for an 8oz bottle was very reasonable. If you have a penchant for candles (I smelled them all and they are lovely) or a body lotion, you should check her out!

During our first visit to Halifax, we passed by this shop while exploring and decided to have a…read morelook inside. It's a charming little shop with hints of Japanese culture out for display. Perfect place for gifts ranging from plushies, figures, notebooks, calligraphy sets, and a number of accessories and clothes. Very polite staff who are from Japan I believe. Will definitely come back on our next trip and bring a bigger luggage!

This is a great edition to Quinpool Rd. It seems Quinpool Rd, is becoming the food mecca of…read moreHalifax. Ikebana is full of wonderful gifts that will be a great surprise for anyone. If you are a tea drinker you will find some fantastic Green Tea here. The owner is a wonderful man who takes the time to talk with you and give a little education on the unique gifts here. The arrangements might be a little high for the budget with some people. Stop by and have a look.

Great selection and very friendly staff. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Or if you're not,…read moreit's worth the drive.

I spotted this store by accident and immediately knew I had to go in…read more The outside is adorable with the sign having a witches had a witch decoration by the door. When you go in there's just so many adorable and unique witchy items to look at. Everything from jewelry, crystals, herbs, ornaments, bath bombs, tarot cards and much more. The store is also a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. It was a surprise to walk around the corner to more rooms full of treasure. Probably one of my new favourite stores in the HRM.

I stopped in after calling this location as I was desperately seeking some help with gift wrapping…read morefor my wife's birthday. I arrived at the store and was greeted by a gentleman who probably provided me with a number of options for gift wrap service. We quickly make some excellent choices for gift wrap and ribbon, and he properly suggested that I have a cup of coffee across the street while they took care of the four packages I brought in. They were friendly, courteous, and easy-going and they are also efficient in the Gift wrapping. When I came back from my coffee, they rang my order up, and I was surprised that the cost of the wrapping and the paper was minimal. I would recommend this shop to anyone looking for a gift wrapping or stationary or candles or writing instruments. It's a very nice neat, cozy and friendly place to shop. Kudos to duly noted stationary. You have a customer for life in me.

When I was looking for a card for the upcoming first anniversary of my marriage, I popped over to…read moreDuly Noted after work one day. Normally I get cards at Sweet Jane's, but I wanted a non-joke one, and one that was hopefully locally made. It's a small shop with a a few racks of cards, and an impressive amount of stationery fit into the space. There also seemed to be a wedding invitation consult going on at the time. The selection of cards spanned lots of events, although I just ended up going with a cute one with a blank interior. Most, if not all, of the cards seem to locally made, so if you'd rather your $4-5 for a card go to a local shop and artists instead of Hallmark (and you should), hit up Duly Noted! PS. Bonus points for that awesome donair-themed birthday card.

I had my first Bath and Body Works experiences when I lived in Ottawa, and having liked it so much…read moreI was relieved to find that there was a B&BW store at Mic Mac Mall. This store is great for all things scented- with fragrant blends for each individual taste. Those who like fresh scents will love the citrus-y notes of the lemon fragrances. Playful personas with love the sweet pea products. And those into the classics with like the warm vanilla goodies. Those are just a few of the varieties you'll find in this store- and with the changing seasons, the store tends to add new flavor sensations. There are lots of products to choose from, ranging from rich lotions and body sprays, to a handful of hair products. For me I like the antibacterial soaps and sanitizers; where I work, I need all I can get. I like Bath and Body Works' sanitizers because they feature nice, fresh scents (not like the classic alcohol stench that comes from standard, pharmacy-brand sanitizers). Also, Bath and Body works has great secented products for the home- very, very useful if you own a dog, trust me. I sampled one of their aroma diffusers for my apartment back in Ottawa- it's kind of like a Glade plug-in, but they come in the classic Bath and Body Works stores. I'll admit that my Glade plug-ins certainly suffice, but once in a while, if I feel like switching things up, I'll use these diffusers for fresh scents. There aren't really cosmetics at this store, per se. But, there are a selection of bins with ssmall items like lip glosses (I bought a tasty, red-tinted gloss that was cranberry scented for the holidays, and in the past I've had one that smelled like a vanilla cupcake- yum!). Gift-giving is easy at this store. Home scents and body products are packaged in attractive gift sets and baskets. They're available year round, but during the holiday season, there are tons to choose from- and they're all reasonably priced sets. Next time you're at Mic Mac, check out this store- you'll like it!

I am always drawn to the Mic Mac Mall, I'm not sure why but I enjoy it much more than our other…read morelocal mall. But it could be because of this particular shop. I am absolutely in love with BBW! The amazing scents that enter my nostrils before I even enter the store make me weak in the knees. Not only the smell draws me in, but also the prices. There is always some kind of deal, and as I have said before I am sucker for them. That being said I spent nearly $30 on my last trip in, and came out with at least 10 different items. From hand sanitizers to lotions to candles to air fresheners, BBW has them all. From vanilla to citrus to jasmine to pomegranate, there is a fragrance for everyone. The only negative thing I have to say is; the bf hates it. Why? Scents sometimes bother him. SO for those of you out there who have these sensitivities, do not enter So I'll leave you with this: Oatmeal Caramel Cookie Candle.

Inkwell is carved out of my artsy print and font-filled dreams. Or maybe letter-pressed out of my…read moredreams would be more accurate since the place is filled with insanely gorgeous prints, stationery, gift cards, calendars, notebooks, tote bags, and so much more. This is one of those boutiques that is just going to make me poor. Why? Because after my first visit this morning, all I can think about is who I can send gift cards to...which is soon to be just about everyone. Maybe I'll just slowly work through my entire Yelp friends list? The interior is a heavenly white with gorgeous painted brick walls, an open feel, round showcase tables, and a clean storage system that manages to keep a shop of small products looking both tidy and whimsical at the same time. I'm not sure if it's all the cute animals, trees, and nature prints, but it kind of feels like stepping into the world of the Fantastic Mr. Fox in all the right ways. I managed to keep myself on strategy today, buying only the four thank-you cards that I immediately needed. But I'll be back...I just pray for the strength to refrain from a purchase of nursery room prints that I'm in love with. You know...'cause I might accidentally give birth over the next few days. But guys, it was a family of elephants holding tails in a row! ELEPHANTS! HOLDING TAILS! WITH A BABY ELEPHANT! I've heard of worse reasons to have a kid than that...

I LOVE the new space! I think it's smaller than their old location, but it feels bigger - and…read moredefinitely brighter. There is so much natural light, which makes the whole browsing the beautiful art even more lovely. I want to buy everything in the store. They have gorgeous prints, cards, scarfs, key chains, tea towels, cat toys...yeah, just about everything. A huge amount of their stuff is locally made (anything with a little blue dot on it) which I really appreciate. I love supporting local businesses that support other local businesses. Inkwell is the reason I started buying cards again. I would much rather spend $5 on a locally made card than on something mass produced. And it's always a little piece of art too, so it's a two-in-one gift!

This decorative little shop has some neat ideas, i'll give them that…read more Interesting items to be found: *'We're at the lake' wooden garden signs *Repurposed old door knobs turned into towel holders *Wooden garden signs in general with sage, tulips, etc written on them. Generally a wide range of gift ideas. Most products in the shop have been created by the owners themselves so that's pretty neat. I would have preferred to browse on my own however, as opposed to being given the run down of each item I picked up. Eager sales people, that's for sure!

Rusty Hinges is my kind of store. Like others have said walking in here is like walking into a…read morechild hood memory of a weekend at the cottage. The smell of the soaps and candles places you in a relaxed mood to browse the shabby sheik store. I love this style of furniture old style with a modern twist to it. Bird houses seem to be a big thing in this store but these bird house are more of a decor thing. Various colours that you would use and an accent piece apposed to hanging in a tree. Bath salts and lotions fill the shelves with straw baskets in a way that you need to touch. I would love to design my house with everything in this place. Now prices are a bit higher then an average wear house stocked with but the character of each piece is filled with conversation and years of falling in love with your piece over and over. Beautiful hardwood floors with great wear can tell you that this store has had many visitors walking through and this is a place that I will visit again.