By Janhabi Nandy
I look forward to gifting over the holiday season. I love to find whatever I can without leaving Lowertown and my local gifts are the most appreciated. Wrap up baskets to suit the favorite people in your life and rekindle connections by spending time together.
• Kids Have Fun: Tiara and sword from Tickled Pink (Byward Market Square); Puzzle from Librarie du Soleil (George); S’mores donuts from Maverick’s (Byward Market Square)
• BFF: Leggings from Frou Frou (York); Ghanian glass beads bracelet from D’aku Designs (Byward Market Square); Skull candle from MILK (William); Mani pedi from Smudge Beauty Bar (Dalhousie)
• Fine (at home) Dining – Tuscan Harvest salad from Lollo (George); Marinated hanger steak from Saslove’s (Byward Market Square); Tiramisu from Nicastro (George)
• Lit Happens: Pre-loved books from All Books (Rideau); Bag of coffee from Opulence (Dalhousie); Literary, business, or hobby magazines from Globe Mags and Cigars (William)
• Date Night: Croffles from First Bite (Sussex); Tickets to Bytowne Cinema (Rideau); Drinks at Apothecary Lounge (William)
• A Guy Thing : Chewbacca Chia Pet from Irving Rivers (Byward Market Square); Cheese Advent Calendar from House of Cheese (Byward Market Square); Custom Cap or Hoodie from Carlos Graphics (George)
• Skate: Enjoy a Canadian classic community skating rink in Bingham Park; Warm up at nearby Ideal Coffee (Dalhousie)
• Art in the City: Discover new favorite murals, sculptures and installations all over Lowertown; Visit the many art galleries in the Byward Market; Gift something unique from the Ottawa School of Art (George)
• Show Business: La Nouvelle Scene (King Edward) stages Francophone theatre and dance for seats starting at $20
• Bon Appetit; C’est Bon Cooking (Dalhousie) offers virtual and live, group and self-guided options to explore cooking and food
• Row Your Boat: Sign up for adult learn to row classes together at the Ottawa Rowing Club (Lady Grey Drive)
• Escape; Jigsaw Escape Rooms (Byward Market Square) gift certificates start at $31 or A/Maze: Ottawa Outdoor Escape Game (Murray) gift certificates start at $23