I’m a big fan of random occasions as opposed to “official” holidays that tend to be steeped in all kinds of expectations.
If I surprise you with a gift, it’s likely going to be to mark one of these non-occasions: and it’s probably going to be something creative or quirky as opposed to something practical or anything even remotely resembling one-size-fits-all.
One of my favourite spots for scooping up these kinds of treasures is Watson & Lou: an indie arts store in downtown Peterborough that also happens to be a passionate champion for local artists. Here are just a few of the treasures I spotted the last time I visited their store, along with a few notes about who in your life might like to be on the receiving end of just such a gift….
Note: This is not a sponsored blog post. It’s a from-the-heart fan girl tribute for an indie retailer I just happen to adore. I initially drafted the post a few weeks back, right before the world turned upside down. I thought about holding off on publishing it until things go back to normal (whatever that means), but I decided to go ahead and publish it now. Watson & Lou announced today that it will continue to offer online shopping during the weeks ahead and that it’s also adding local delivery (with a cool fundraising element) as an option. So while you can’t visit the store right now, you can still bring a little Watson & Lou magic into your life — magic that’s needed more than ever.
For your friend who appreciates whimsical, homemade gifts: a gift tag* to dress up that delicious batch of tea biscuits you just whipped up. (Yum!)
Watson and Lou: Beth Callon of Flowers to the People (Peterborough) and Rachel Dyck of The Critter Co. (Peterborough), $3-12.
* Technically, it’s a vinyl sticker, but I think it would make an awesome reusable gift tag.
For your friend the artist — who often isn’t paid even a fraction of what she is worth, but who contributes so much to the world.
Watson and Lou: Jackie Lee Art (Toronto), $12.
For your friend the journalist, who performs heroic acts of public service by upholding the facts in a time of fake news.
Watson and Lou: H. Elizabeth Laneville of Pastel Polly (Peterborough), $15.
For your BFF — or your BFF’s child — or some other random little person in your life: a stuffed mini-goddess.
Watson & Lou: Mini Goddesses by Sierra Carreau (Peterborough), $35-53.
For your friend the activist, who would love to have some help washing all those revolutionary dishes.
Watson & Lou: Anna Eidt of Lou Brown Vintage (Peterborough), $32.
For that friend who would benefit from a visual reminder of the pep talk you give her each time the two of you get together.
Watson & Lou: Jeffrey Macklin of Jackson Creek Press (Peterborough), $60.
For that friend who is going places — and who needs a cool bag to carry with her.
Watson and Lou: Emerance Baker of Stoney Lake Textiles (Duoro-Dummer), $85.
So there you have it: just a few of the one-of-a-kind gift ideas that caught my eye while I was hanging out at Watson & Lou on a blustery February day. Their stock is constantly changing, so the item I fell in love with may have disappeared by the time you browse the website. But don’t despair! It will no doubt have been replaced by something just as fabulous.