Wellington West is home to some of Ottawa’s best local shops and restaurants. I love exploring the area and all there is to offer. This is one of Ottawa’s coolest districts and it has plenty of unique shops to match. It’s a great destination to get in the holiday spirit and tackle your gift list at the same time. With over 200+ shops, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. Use the guide below to guide your shopping by category.
For The One That Loves Christmas
These Wellington West businesses are great for creating Christmas vibes at your home or gifting to the Christmas lover on your list:
- Did you know Ottawa has a year-round Christmas store? Head to Tinseltown on Wellington West where you’ll find so many wonderful Christmas items like decorations, lighting, gifts, and more. Step inside to Marie Antionette next door and it feels like you’ve transported to Paris. Find a wonderful mix of home goods and unique pieces inside.
- Explore the Parkdale Market for a wonderful mix of local vendors. You can even pick up your Christmas Tree or wreath here. Catch the market 7 days a week from 9-5 pm. Grab a coffee beforehand and then browse through the vendors.
For The One That Wants Something Unique
These shops are for the person that you want to find something extra special that is sure to impress them:
- Maker House celebrates Canadian Makers with a unique mix of over items from over makers. I had the pleasure of pairing up with Maker House for last year’s Christmas Market and they have so many wonderful items from their Kinsip Whiskey Maple Syrup, holiday ornaments, unique cards, and more.
- Kindred Shop and Studio is the creation of jewellery designer, Tamara Steinborn, and offers a carefully chosen selection of jewellery, clothing, gift, apothecary, and greeting cards. This shop showcases Tamara’s work as well as emerging and established local, national, and international designers.
- Flamingo Boutique is a fabulously fun gift shop in Wellington West. Inside you’ll find clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more. They also have themed gift packages available full of a mix of items like their Espresso Yourself Coffee themed box. You’ll love browsing all the fun items inside.
- JV Studios offers a curated selection of handmade jewelry and goods from emerging brands and indie artists. It’s woman-owned and operated by jewelry designer, Jasmine Virani. JV studios also sell a wonderful collection of home goods, games, body care, and more.
For The One That Loves To Cook
Known by many as a foodie destination, Wellington West is a great spot to visit for the foodie in your life. Here are some shops to have on your radar:
- Every foodie can appreciate good oil. Inside Aurelius Food Co you’ll find fine oils and balsamic vinegar that are sure to impress. Aurelius Food Co also has gift packs to make finding the perfect gift easy.
- Il Negozio Nicastro has a wonderful selection of cheese and deli to make an epic charcuterie board. Pick up an espresso for some extra fuel while you’re there.
- Have a bagel lover on your list? Get them a gift card to Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli. Make sure to treat yourself to one of their Montreal-style bagels while you’re there. I recommend sesame with their dill pickle cream cheese. They also have a great mix of pantry items available.
- If you have a pasta lover on your list you need to visit Parma Ravioli and Home of Fresh Pasta. I recommend getting a gift card so they can visit at a later date and choose the exact items they want.
- Keep Marche Hintonburg Market and Herb & Spice on your radar for making Christmas dinner come to life. Both have everything from fresh veggies to seasoning and more to make all your Christmas favourites.
For The One That Loves Flowers
Flowers are such a great way to brighten up your home for the holidays and also for gifting. Wellington West is home to a few local florists: Blumen Studio, Wild Willy’s Florist, Ottawa Blooms, and Bloomfield Flowers West. Whether you’re looking for stunning bouquets, a wreath, or poinsettia, these local florists have you covered.
For The Traveler
It’s been a weird year for travel but these two shops on Wellington West will come in handy for the traveler on your list:
- World of Maps sells everything from travel books, accessories, flags, and of course…maps! Gift a travel guide for future inspiration or a map of the world or the gift receiver’s favourite country. They also have scratch maps where you can scratch off the countries you’ve been to on the poser.
- International travel may be temporarily on hold but it’s a great time to think about the luggage you’re missing before your next trip. Capital City Luggage also carries everyday bags like backpacks, business cases, duffel bags, and more. They offer safe backpacks that are perfect for added security when you’re carrying around your valuables. Shop all their gear here.
For The Home Lover
Make your space cozy and feel like home with these furniture shops in Wellington West. Get your home ready for the holidays or buy a gift card for the home lover on your list:
- Blueprint Home has been offering fresh, elegant, modern, and affordable style for your home for over 20 years. Blueprint Home offers eye-catching pieces for everything from sofas to lighting to add to your home.
- Christopher Solar Design will make your dream piece come to life with custom-designed furniture from Christopher Solar Design. Christopher offers a select line of limited-production designs, all of which are hand-made to order in his studio, so you’ll be bringing a unique piece into your home.
- Malenka Originals transforms unwanted, outdated furniture into contemporary, beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Malenka Originals offers an eco-friendly option to add more pieces to your home.
- Lot7 features hand-selected pieces for originality and quality from diverse communities along North America’s east coast. Browse through their vintage and modern collections to find unique pieces to add to your home.
- Flaunt Furniture offers everything from furniture to accent pillows, rugs, and more. Get your home ready for the holidays with their dining collection or gift something to the home lover like a gift card or cozy throw blanket.
Getting hungry between all the gift-shopping? Stop for a bite at one of Wellington West’s wonderful local restaurants.
For The One Shopping For Kids
Shopping for kids on your list? Make sure to visit Hintonburg Kids, Fab Baby Gear, and Boomerang Kids. Inside you’ll find a mix of gifts, toys, games, clothing, and practical items that every parent will be thankful for.
For The One That Loves The Outdoors
If you’re shopping for someone that loves sports and getting outside, check out these shops on Wellington West:
- Fresh Air Experience’s owner, Duncan, is passionate about cycling and skiing and the shop features items to help the Ottawa community have adventures of their own. This shop is a great spot for hobbyists and experienced athletes.
- Full Cycle is the perfect spot for the bike lover on your list. They’ve even put together their own holiday guide full of recommendations for the cyclist.
- Euro-Sports sells every type of bike you could need from triathlon to mountain biking and skates, skis, and more.
- McCrank’s Cycle and Skis get the bike and ski lover on your list ready for the season. They offer bike turnips and ski waves to make sure you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors.
For The Art Lover
- Gift the art lover on your list some beautiful pottery pieces from Hintonburg Pottery. You’ll find a great selection of mugs, plates, vases, planters, and more. They also offer classes, which could be a fun option to gift as well.
- A Curated Nest is home decor and lifestyle boutique that is infused with local art and repurposed vintage items. The owners are artists themselves and they want art to be seen as integral to everyday home decor. Inside their shop you’ll find apparel and accessories, art and mixed media supply, home and lifestyle items and vintage and upcycle items.
- Gift original art pieces for NAK Gallery on Wellington West. This gallery showcases and promotes contemporary visual artists from Canada and around the world.
- Possible Worlds is a community-driven, artist-run, independent art platform specializing in graphic art, print, and electronic music. You can shop their curated selection of prints, new vinyl records, and more. Many items can only be found at their shop in Ottawa.
For The Fashionista
There are plenty of shops to visit for the Fashionista on your list. Find the perfect items for their unique style at these shops:
- Wellington Vision Care has one of the nicest teams and will help you find a pair of glasses you’re sure to love. Enjoy their great selection of brands at a range of prices. They helped me choose new glasses this year that I absolutely love. Check out their fun gift guides right now that are celebrating local.
- Victoire is a boutique that celebrates Canadian design. They have a wonderful range of styles and items like clothing, jewellery, gifts, masks, and more. They offer lots of unique pieces and I love that all their pieces are Canadian.
- Trove Fashion is a consignment boutique that offers the latest trends at affordable prices. I recommend purchasing a gift card so the fashionista on your list can visit themselves and enjoy finding a new item to add to their closet.
- Flock Boutique owners have curated a wonderful collection of items they love from holiday outfits, bold skirts, adorable housewares, flattering tops & all manner of unique & fun jewellery. They believe in ethical and sustainable products and feature Canadian-made items in their shop.
- Le Style Tailor Shop is the perfect spot for any alterations needed to get your outfits ready before the holiday.
- Allegro Clothing offers affordable clothing, footwear, and accessories. They feature brands from Canada, USA and Europe. Whether you’re looking for a vest for outdoor adventures or a cozy and cute teddy coat, check out their shop for a range of items.
- Muriel Dombret Clothes features timeless minimalistic designs for the modern woman from designer, Muriel Dombret. Her shop in Wellington West also features the work of Canadian designers.
For The One With A Sweet Tooth
There are plenty of options for sweet treats in Wellington West. Treat yourself or gift it to someone on your list:
- Stubbe Chocolates offers contemporary European chocolate. Inside you’ll find a great selection of chocolates and cakes that are perfect for gifting or a treat for your own holiday dinner.
- Bread By Us is an artisan bakery and espresso bar on Wellington West. They offer fresh sourdough, rye, croissants, and more. Visit here to pick up some fresh items for your holiday meals.
- Les Moulins La Fayette is a perfect spot to fuel up for your holiday shopping. They have a beautiful space perfect for enjoying a warm drink and treat. You can also pick up some fresh pastries and bread.
- Little Jo Berry’s is a vegan bakery and coffee shop. Everything they create is delicious. Stop by for a gift or treat for yourself. They even have their own homemade vegan pop-tarts!
- The Cake Shop will make your dream cake come to life. Surprise someone on your list with a personalized cake or enjoy one over the holidays.
- Thyme & Again is known for their delicious catering and they also offer some wonderful items at their shop on Wellington West. Pick up some of their decadent treats. Their take-home meals will also come in handy during the busy holiday season.
- Suzy Q Doughnuts is an Ottawa staple. If you have a donut lover on your list this is a gift they will love. Suzy Q Doughnuts has some creative flavours that you can choose in a box to go.
- Lusa Bakery offers delicious Portuguese pastries and bread. This is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth but especially someone missing travel. This family-owned business offers authentic Portuguese pastries like pasteis de nata and more.
For The One Looking To Relax
Have someone on your list that’s looking to relax more? Gift them a spa experience at Uppliva Sauna & Steam. It’s a Scandinavian spa right in the heart of Wellington West. They have multiple packages available including a sauna and steam circuit or wildcrafted spa treatments and more.
For The Music Lover
Here are some Wellington West shops you need to visit for the music lover on your list:
- Lauzon Music is your go-to for instruments and lessons. They offer guitars, pianos and amps, and more. Keep them in mind if someone on your list wants to learn a new instrument or upgrade their current equipment.
- The Record Centre is a great spot to head to find some records or a vintage record player.
This post was sponsored by Wellington West. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I hope you have as much fun exploring Wellington West as I did.
Looking for more Christmas ideas? Check out this Christmas bucketlist.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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