Love both locations of this store. I love supporting local businesses, and Made in the Maritimes…read moreallows you to support a local business ... by supporting local businesses. Yes, their wares can be pretty expensive, especially some of the beautiful wall art on display, but it reflects the effort, talent, time and money that goes in to producing handmade items on a small scale. And there are some lovely things here: jewellery, yarn, wood crafts, candles, treats, and of course the artwork. They have something for just about everyone on your gift list. Staff are friendly and helpful at both locations, and I don't think I've ever left empty-handed.

From the owner: At Made in the Maritimes, we support over 200 local makers. There has never been a better time to…read moresupport local business in the Maritimes and across Canada.

Kept is one of those places where as soon as you walk in, you know you could spend hours looking at…read moreall of the things they have for sale. Tea, chocolates, fancy paper, cards, hand bags, home wares this is a "get all of your gift shopping done in one place" kind of store. The store is nice and spacious with a good flow to it, and is packed with goods without being over packed. It's definitely full, but not so much so that you have to sort through piles of things to find what you're looking for. Whoever does the merchandising for Kept knows what they're doing, I'll say that for sure! If you're looking for local gifts, they've got some local products in here too. I noted some local card makers up on the second floor - if it can be counted as a second floor? - and Rousseau's has chocolates there, for instance. And in the not local category, they have Rifle Paper Co. here. I'm completely in love with the Rifle Paper Co. art style, so that made me incredibly happy!

This is such a cute little shop. I could definitely spend a fortune in here. Lots of cute…read moreknickknacks, kitchen gadgets, gift ideas and so much more. I was particularly fond of all the cat themed items, being a crazy cat lady, I approve. I forsee myself doing holiday shopping here. Plus there's a squirrel on the sign and I love squirrels. Nope doesn't take much to win me over. The new location is more spacious which is great!

Biggs & Little Gift Shop is located in the Gallery of the IWK Health Centre…read more This store is part of the Auxiliary of the IWK. They have raised over $1.6 Million for the IWK through shop proceeds. It is a wonderful store full of little things for that special one in the Hospital. If you are buying for the new parent or that special child. They have fresh flowers, stuffed toys, games, cards, snacks and some funky stuff. Things did not cost anymore here than in any other store and part of the proceeds go to the IWK to help the children.

I absolutely fell in love with this store! I am a sucker for hitting up the gift shops in…read morehospitals. I always find the cutest, unique gifts. I visited this shop one Friday afternoon while I was visiting a friend and her new baby in the IWK. This giftshop is located in the lobby area, next to the food court and where the underground parking garage is. They sell everything from food to pictures to books to umbrella's and much more. They are a little bit on the costly side, but it's great convenience when you need a gift for the new baby and mom.

Super cute just shop featuring lots of home/handmade items from local artist in and around Nova…read moreScotia. Some items are quite pricey due to the intricate nature of their craft. Gifts for a variety of ages and interests as well as your 4 legged friends.

In my home, we have two major consumer goals: to avoid buying products that come in plastic…read morepackaging, and to avoid to buying products that are manufactured in China. Even achieving one of these objectives is a challenge on most days. Not at Jennifer's. Every item in the store - everything - is from Atlantic Canada, and most of it is from Nova Scotia. I could have wept with joy. The risk with stocking exclusively local crafts is that it can easily veer into patchouli-scented, rayon-based, weekend music festival territory. Again, not at Jennifer's. Lovely, interesting, well-made products abound. They had a whole corner of ladybug-themed pottery that was reasonably priced and can be used in the dishwasher and the microwave. What else could I want? They had fused-glass kitchen items, Amos pewter pieces and greeting cards. Even the check-out experience was charming. They prop your purchase on an old, wooden counter and wrap it with paper and put it in a box (not plastic). They'll wrap your purchase in cardboard to protect it if you are travelling. I half-expected them to pull out brown paper packages and wrap them up with string... I really don't like shopping, but shopping here was a delightful experience. Pop around the corner to Pete's Frootique for a refreshing beverage after you're done.

TL;DR/The Short Version: Fun candy and gift store. They had few locally sourced gift items…read more The Slightly Longer Version: Sweet Jane's is a cute little store. I was admittedly drawn to it because of the giant lollipops on the walls outside and their bubble machine that blew bubbles into the street, lol. The store sells candies and gifts. They have cool greeting card and unique gifts like mugs with funny sayings on them. They also have locally sourced items like jams and pickles made in Nova Scotia. Fun store to poke around. Staff were pleasant and greeted us when we entered and said goodbye when we left. (191)

Sweet Jane's was wonderful, I'm in Ontario and them came through for me with a wonderful gift…read morebasket that was shipped to Alberta! They did a fabulous job and Highly recommend them. I'll be sure to recommend them to anyone and will definitely use them in future. Thanks Sweet Janes, Sophie and team, you are awesome Traci Kerfont

If you've ever been in a situation where you want to buy a personable gift, but haven't a clue what…read moreto buy....have a peek at Things Engraved. I find them really helpful and I always leave there pleased with my purchase. They also put a rush on my requests if I ask and I find them reasonably priced. I just bought a beautiful picture frame as a wedding gift and had it engraved. The engraving is the expensive part. It is $1.00 a letter so wrining a name is rather impacting!

I have bought quite a few gifts, for a number of different occasions and people, at this store in…read morethe past, and have always found their selection of items to be unique and varied. They have a great deal to offer, such as flasks and bar sets, necklaces, jewellry boxes, pocket watches, photo frames, new baby gifts, wedding-related items (cake serving sets, champagne glasses, etc.) and interesting toys and knick-knacks (e.g., globes, stainless steel yo-yos, tic tac toe games, etc.). I have always found the staff to be very cheerful and knowledgeable as well. Most recently I purchased a gift for each of the girls in my wedding here. After hemming and hawing over all of my options, and probably driving the salesperson crazy, I decided to buy them each a very pretty compact mirror. The staff person, no surprise, was very friendly and we ended up getting into a long conversation about each of our upcoming nuptials. You don't find that level of friendliness at every store you go to, and to find it so consistently among different staff members each time a I visit makes it even more remarkable.

Excellent prices, best value for souvenirs compared to other places…read more Conveniently located, good customer service. Bought two quality hats and two t-shirts

A nice place to buy…read more a crummy t-shirt Whenever I travel somewhere I'm obligated to bring back crummy t-shirts, refrigerator magnets and other useless trinkets. I'm not big on shopping so this task becomes tedious and onerous at best. To make matters worse, most souvenir shops are boring and tacky. Fortunately Maine Heritage is an exception. Sure it's filled with crummy t-shirts, refrigerator magnets, post cards and a plethora of stupid and tacky items. But it does have some interesting jewelry, books, and rather cool and useful clothing. The best part is that it is one large room which means you can move around without bumping into other people looking for crummy souvenirs. Plus it has some nice decorations and nautical things to look at . The store is located right on the boardwalk which makes it very convenient and has great views of the water, islands and ships. Just a short walk to get to the maritime museum or other cool things. Sure the Marine Heritage Store is a touristy place filled with touristy stuff. But if you need to get some crummy t-shirts or other touristy items it might as well be in a store with a cool water view. A nice place to buy a crummy t-shirt

I walk past this new store almost every day and finally had the time to stop in. What a wonderful…read moreeclectic shopping experience! There is gorgeous and very different jewellery at several different rpice levels, cards, art, beautiful scarves, and she does custom framing as well. The shop has a wonderful atmosphere and the owner is quite lovely to chat with. I am rather sorry I have already finished my Christmas shopping. Take a ew mintues to go in and browse!

From the owner: Studio 14 specialises in Custom Framing, as well as ready made frames in standard sizes…read more With over 25 years experience, you will have an opportunity to choose framing with an expert who will help you with great framing ideas to suit any budget. We carry reproduction from Alex Colville, Mary Pratt, David Blackwood, Maud Lewis, a wide variety of First Nations and Inuit and many other Atlantic Artist. We also have engravings by David Silverberg and original paintings done by the owner, Jennifer Jacobson. Exclusive dealer of Russian Nesting Dolls in the Halifax Area. Studio 14 has been in the same family since 1980.

I can't resist walking by stores like this…read more I admit, I'm a sucker for local made knick-knacks, smelling handmade soaps and admiring all the talented artists work. Made in the Maritimes has a lovely collection of local goods all in one adorable little shop. Today we were greeted by a sweet smiling young woman who chatted with us while we browsed. Even though I didn't have the money to buy anything I still enjoyed browsing all the wonders Maritimers have to offer. We need more stores like this.

From the owner: Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique brings the best of the Maritimes under one roof. Unique,…read morehigh-quality gifts and souvenirs made by local artisan producers. Our contemporary product range includes pottery, fine art, prints, textiles, post cards, woodwork, jewellery, photography, housewares, soft furnishings, glass art and gourmet edibles.

Purchased some fabric the other day and realized that it was not what was needed. I have purchased…read moretens of thousands of dollars from this store over the past number of years for a business. Many times, it is easier and more efficient to buy a bolt from the store rather than wait for the suppliers in Canada and the US. Went to Dartmouth to return the fabric today and was told to take it back to the Halifax location, Was told that there was no problem returning the fabric, since we are well known customers and usually buy large quantities of material. Was told that it had to be remeasured, which is understandable, since I may have taken an inch of two, which was not the case. Generally try to avoid the Halifax location, although it is located nearby our costuming business. I would rather spend money on tolls and gas to go to Dartmouth rather than deal with the Halifax location. The fabric was accepted, begrudgingly, although I felt that I was seen as something less than a valued customer. I was told that they do not accept returned fabric, since they have done so in the past and there have been bugs. What I am to infer from this comment? We have a large warehouse for the fabric that is clean, humidity controlled and certainly free of pests and bugs. Should I worry about bugs being in the fabric when I am buying from Fabricville? There is no information stating that there are no returns on fabric, aside from no returns on cut fabric. Please make this clear to your customers. In the future, I will shop elsewhere. I will make a point to avoid the Halifax store and can shop for sundries on line and fabric as well. I have never had a bad thing to say about the delivery drivers who come regularly to my door with packages. I learned growing up in a business family that when someone is happy, they may tell one person. If they are unhappy with the service they received they will tell ten people and so on, You have lost of customer, of which you seemingly don't care. This is unfortunate, since retail can hardly afford to disconnect with the paying public.

The only thing this store really has going for it is the staff, who are very helpful…read more Unfortunately, most the fabrics they are selling are overpriced. I saw one bolt of ordinary woven black 100% polyester fabric for a whopping $13 per metre - pass! There were a few amazing embroidered chiffons, although I don't think I'd pay upwards of $40 per metre even for that. There was a reasonably sized discount section, a huge quilting section full of 100% cotton prints, and a fairly large home decor section. The notions section is small, and so is the button selection. I left this store without buying anything. I don't thing I'd go back there unless I was desperate and had a lot of spare cash lying around.