Ultimate Charlottetown Gift Guide

The countdown is on! Christmas is just a couple of weeks away, so we’re making our list and checking it twice. With walkable streets, unique experiences, and adorable shops & markets, Charlottetown makes last-minute shopping a breeze. Here’s our round-up of gift ideas to suit everyone on your list.

1) Entertainment to Warm Your Heart

Treat your loved one to a night of entertainment at one of our fine theatres.

Confederation Centre of the Arts is one happening spot no matter the time of year. With Live @ the Centre! shows like Steven Page on January 18th, Ben Caplin on February 20th, and Basia Bulat on April 17th there’s no shortage of entertainment this winter.

Looking ahead to summer, Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ or The Drowsy Chaperone will be sure to knock your socks off. Take advantage of the Centre’s Christmas promotion where you get $10 Centre Dollars for every $50 you spend on gift cards.

The Guild is also your go-to spot for live entertainment, with the ever-popular love story of Anne & Gilbert, the Musical starting back up on April 28th and running all summer long.

2) Winter Fun For All Ages

Get the family fired up for the coolest event of the year!

JACK FROST WINTERFEST is back and is slated to take place all throughout downtown Charlottetown, creating an incredible clustering of walkable winter programming. From February 14 – 17, 2020, Maritimers of all ages are invited to enjoy the refreshed version of this popular winter festival. Tickets on sale now at www.jackfrostfestival.com – take advantage of their Early Bird prices while you can!!

3) Unique Experiences

Because experiences are the gifts that keep on giving, aren’t they?

For those that love to try new things, Experience PEI has three unique Charlottetown tours like Taste the Town Food, Shellfish Lovers Roving Lunch, and Shots + Pints Drink Tour that showcases the places and flavours of PEI like no other.

For the cooking enthusiasts, the Culinary Institute of Canada offers Culinary Bootcamps for foodies of all ages. Even the kiddies can get involved (because it’s never too early to start, right?) with the Kids’ Bootcamps that are a huge hit!

For the art lovers in your life, try a gift card to the East Coast Art Party. It’s a social painting experience held at local hot spots across the east coast. They have a wide range of affordable private and public paint and sip parties for all ages and groups (and talents). From now until Dec. 31st, you can receive a 10% discount using the promo code “lovechtown” when booking on their website www.eastcoastartparty.com.

4) A Night (or two) Out

Get out of your comfort zone and savour the finest food, drink and comfy beds Charlottetown has to offer.

PEI Festival of Wines is THE event to get out and mix and mingle. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the world of wine or have previous wine tasting experience, the weekend of May 21-23, 2020 is the best way to explore 300+ wines from the world’s most reputed wine regions.

Why not get away with your boo for a night or two? We suggest booking in at any one of our great hotels in downtown Charlottetown, then consider setting your phones to airplane mode, popping some bubbly, and see where the night takes you.

Give the gift that fits (and tastes) just right. The Murphy Hospitality Group gift card increases your chance of satisfying even your pickiest uncle. With 14 restaurants (and a huge brewery!) to choose from, the choice is all theirs to find one that suits their “particular” taste.

5) Locally-Made (or Curated) with Love

Because shopping locals matters AND makes you feel good.

Stroll down Water Street where you’ll find Garnish Jewellery & Boutique home to gorgeous handmade jewellery or Moonsnail Soapworks for amazing home and beauty products, local pottery, and more. Then head to Victoria Row (Richmond Street) to check out Details Fine Art Gallery, Bayberry Lane, Green Eye Designs, Northern Watters Knitwear, Kuriosities: Whimsical Trinkets & Oddities, and Happy Glass.

For something fun and fabulous, look no further than Queen Street where you’ll find JEMS Boutique which offers their own custom line of clothing or Luxury Market & Consignment Boutique which carries unique pieces from top brands. For an assortment of funky and comfortable styles, head to Luna Eclectic Emporium located in the Confederation Court Mall or The Showcase inside the Confederation Centre. And for all your vintage needs, check out Tuck N Roll Vintage Clothing on the corner of Water and Prince Street.

6) One-Stopping Shopping (and eating)

There’s just something special about hearing the story behind your gift.

Between the Founders’ Hall Food & Market and the Charlottetown Farmers Market, Charlottetown has your Christmas shopping (and holiday eating) covered. Founders’ has a smattering of amazing local shops that have everything from swoon-worthy photos and bright and cheery pottery to gourmet donuts and yummy dog treats. Meanwhile, the Charlottetown Farmers Market, open every Saturday (and on Sunday leading up until Christmas), features vendors carrying leather products, knitwear, all-natural beauty products, pottery, flowers, raw chocolate, and so much more!

7) Count the Ways to Unwind

From spa treatments to vinyl records, we’ve got what you need to chill.

They say health is wealth, but all too often we fail to take the time to truly relax and unwind. Treat your loved one with a gift card to one of our amazing spas. Why not try a therapeutic massage at Grand Senses Spa on Grafton Street or a hot yoga class followed by a manicure from Pure Spa & Modo Yoga? The treatment options are endless and so is the calm they’ll feel for days to come.

For a gift for the music buff in your life that lasts long after the tree comes down, head to Back Alley Music on Queen Street, Charlottetown’s vinyl record shop and a hub of everything the music community. Your family and friends will be able to spin these tunes and make new memories along the way.

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a snowy day, is there? The Bookmark is Charlottetown’s independent bookseller that sells a variety of books across all genres and interests. Their passion for books is contagious and you can be sure they’ll help you find just the right books for everyone on your list.