From stocking stuffers to unforgettable nights out, Kingston is full of local gifts and experiences this holiday season. Whether the people on your list love music, film, food, art or sports, you’ll find something great for them right here in the city.
We’ve organized this guide by interest, plus a bonus list of unique local gems where you’re sure to find a little something extra for everyone.
Check out each gift guide by category:
For the Music Lover
Tickets to a Show
Give the gift of an experience they’ll never forget. Kingston has shows of all kinds, from rock tributes to ballet, orchestral concerts and musicals, and these upcoming performances in the new year make perfect gifts:
- Kingston Grand Theatre: Cinderella (United European Ballet Company), Comfortably Numb – Canada’s Pink Floyd Show, Toronto Jazz Orchestra Salutes the Big Bands, Hamlet and Rock of Ages
- Slush Puppie Place: Simple Plan: Bigger Than You Think! Canada Tour
- Isabel Bader Centre: Mendelssohn & Mozart, Gryphon Trio and Rob Kapilow, and Keith Whiteduck
Looking for an early gift for the music lover in your life? Catch It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, the brand new show with songs by The Tragically Hip, playing at the Grand Theatre until November 8! It’s the perfect gift for any Hip fan, so don’t wait. Get your tickets today.
We’ve also partnered with local hotels and inns to help upgrade your stay! At select places, you can get free merch and other incentives when you book tickets and a night’s stay with them. Check out our packages!
Record Store Gift Cards
Kingston has plenty of spots for the vinyl lovers on your list. Whether you want to find the perfect record yourself or let them choose with a gift card, these shops have you covered:
Brian’s Record Option also carries a huge selection of posters, from music to film. Perfect for decking out a room.
Whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or sharpening their skills, lessons at Long & McQuade are a gift they’ll enjoy all year long.
Is there a Hip fan on your list? Stop in-person (209 Ontario Street) or online at the Kingston Visitor Information Centre, where you’ll find a selection of The Tragically Hip Inspired merchandise!
For the Film Lover
It can be tricky to find the perfect gift for the film buff in your life, but luckily, Kingston is a city full of film and art. Here are a few ideas they’re sure to love.
Give the gift of a festival experience. Running February 24–28, 2027, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival showcases the best in Canadian film. Enjoy new features, shorts and more. Keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale!
What do film buffs love more than sitting down to watch a great film, especially on the big screen? The Screening Room is a locally-owned cinema that shows all kinds of movies, specializing in art-house, indie, foreign and classic cinema. A gift pass is the perfect excuse for a cozy night at the movies.
Did you know that dozens of films have been shot right here in Kingston? Give the gift of your time and a plan: map out a day exploring the city’s famous filming locations with our free self-guided film tour, stop for lunch along the way and make a magical day of it.
For the Food Lover
Kingston takes pride in its food scene. Between our local restaurants and shops, there are flavours from every corner of the world to explore. Whether it’s a great meal out, locally sourced ingredients to cook with at home or a delicious locally brewed drink, there’s no shortage of gifts for the foodie in your life.
Treat them to a delicious tour of Kingston’s hip and historic downtown. Each tour blends tastings at some of the city’s best local restaurants with an insider’s look at Kingston’s history and culture, spotlighting the unique shops, restaurants, artisans and farmers behind our thriving local food movement. One tour is equivalent to a full lunch, so we recommend coming on an empty stomach!
Gifts from Local Shops
Kingston isn’t just home to great restaurants. Our local specialty shops are the perfect place to find gourmet ingredients to elevate a favourite recipe or a sweet treat for dessert. These shops offer charming ready-made gifts as well as gift cards:
Local Restaurant Experience
Give the gift of a night out at one of Kingston’s many local restaurants. Treat them to dinner yourself, or pick up a gift card so they can enjoy it on their own schedule. There are plenty of spots to explore, but here are a few of our favourites:
Local Drinks
Foodies love a great drink to go with their meal. Pick up something from one of our local breweries, or better yet, grab a gift card so they can visit and try a few for themselves:
For the Art Lover
Art is all around Kingston during the holiday season. From hands-on experiences to one-of-a-kind pieces, there’s something for every art lover on your list.
Holiday Markets
Kingston’s holiday markets are filled with handmade gifts from local makers, with events popping up around town throughout November and December. Here are some of the upcoming Holiday Craft Markets:
From watercolour, acrylic and charcoal to printmaking and sculpture, the Kingston School of Art offers classes for every medium and skill level. Browse their upcoming classes and you may just find the perfect one for the creative in your life.
Pottery
Whether you’re gifting a beautiful handmade piece or the chance to make their own, Kingston has plenty of options this holiday season. Keep an eye out for new pottery classes in the new year!
Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? A Union Gallery membership offers year-round perks for art lovers, including studio visits with gallery staff, portfolio reviews, invitations to special events and exhibitions, and more.
Gift Cards
Not sure what to pick? Let them choose for themselves with a gift card to one of these local creative spaces, perfect for stocking up on supplies or finding a new piece for their walls:
- Artnoise: A Kingston-based art supply and hardware store that also doubles as a classroom and creative events space.
- Martello Alley: A gallery filled with original and printed artwork, where you can meet the artists and see their work in progress.
For the Sports Lover
Kingston is a great city for sports fans. Here are a few ways to give the athlete or super fan in your life something they’ll love.
Give the gift of a night full of fun and excitement. Catch the Kingston Frontenacs in action and cheer on Kingston’s OHL hockey team.
Looking for an early gift? From December 15 to 20, Kingston hosts the Grand Slam of Curling Players’ Cup at Slush Puppie Place, the final and most prestigious stop of the season. Twelve of the world’s top men’s teams and twelve of the world’s top women’s teams will compete for one of the sport’s most coveted titles, right in the heart of downtown.
Cheer on the Gaels! Whether it’s hockey, basketball, volleyball or another varsity sport, a Queen’s Gaels game is full of school spirit and high-energy action, and makes for a fun outing for students, alumni and sports fans alike.
Gift Cards
Help them gear up for their next adventure. Whether they’re hitting the trails, logging kilometres or just love a comfy pair of joggers, a gift card from one of these shops is always a great option:
Bonus: Little Gems Around Town
Looking for a unique add-on or a stocking stuffer with a story? These local shops are full of one-of-a-kind finds.
Every Monday from November 16th until December 14th, a Pewter Ornament inspired by iconic Kingston architecture and landmarks will be released for purchase. That's 5 iconic ornaments to deck the halls with!
You can shop these orndnemst at Visitor Information Centre, Grand Theatre Box Office and Slush Puppie Place.
A stylish downtown boutique with a curated mix of clothing and accessories. Whether you’re gifting a statement piece, a fun shirt or a finishing touch, it’s a great place to find something they won’t see everywhere else.
Hunt for treasures from decades past. From vintage décor to collectibles and keepsakes, it’s the perfect spot to find a gift with history.
A go-to for games, puzzles and playful gifts, perfect for anyone who loves a cozy game night over the holidays. You’ll also find plenty of mini gifts and fun trinkets to explore.
For the eco-conscious on your list, Refillery offers refillable household and personal care products, plus sustainable gifts that are as kind to the planet as they are thoughtful.
A curated vintage shop offering a mix of secondhand treasures and new finds. It’s the perfect spot for a one-of-a-kind gift with a little character.
A gift shop packed with fun trinkets, unique finds and boutique gifts. It’s the perfect place to pick up something special for anyone on your list.
