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There is no question we found some gift guides ideas in downtown Paris, Ontario. Located about 60 minutes from Toronto or London, there was plenty to see and due for three women looking for some small town shopping ideas. I wanted to put together an ultimate gift guide for you should you want to make a quick trip to the ‘prettiest town in Canada’ (what Paris likes to call itself).
Whether you love food, clothes, knickknacks or upscale gifts, there was plenty to see here! If you want to get an idea what I found on our day trip to Paris we can check out my the highlights on my Instagram account – DownshiftingPRO.
Buying Local
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I cannot say enough how important it is to shop local this holiday season. The pandemic has hit so many small businesses hard and in a small town like Paris, Ontario tourism is so important but we must continue to be safe. If you don’t want to venture out, many of these business have on-line shopping options. In person, all the stores we entered had a hand sanitizing station as soon as you walked in, many had a limited amount of patrons allowed in the store as well as directional arrows in improve flow. We left our masks on at all times (in and out of stores) to avoid walking too closely to someone as the sidewalks are not very wide. Please be sure and travel with face masks and try to visit during non-peak time (weekend are very busy).
Grand River Street
The core downtown of Paris, Ontario is a few streets and easy to walk around in an afternoon. You have limited street parking but there is a public parking lot off of Broadway Street. You can park for free for three hours (it’s on the honour system, there is no meter).
On Grand River Street, you will find shops, restaurants and service providers (dentist, hair salons, chiropractor, banks). Some of the restaurants have patios facing the Grand River and on a hot summer or warm fall day it’s pleasant to sit outside and watch the river meander by. There were a few people kayaking and canoeing on both the Nith and Grand Rivers.
Paris Bakery
81 Grand River St. N Instagram: @ParisBakery1927
After my first visit, someone suggested that I visit the Paris Bakery. We had been intrigued but there was a line-up so we walked on. This time, we took the time to stand in line for their famous donuts. This bakery is tiny so you need to go early to score the donuts.
Must buy: Donuts – If you believe in perishable gifts, food is a great gift for the foodie on your list. Be sure and order in advance as these yummy donuts sell out most mornings. We came home with sticky buns and bagels and we were not disappointed.
Piper & Oak
Instagram: @PiperOak2016
This lovely store has plenty of space to walk around in so easy to social distance at this time. As soon as you walk in the scent is lovely, thanks to one of their most popular items. Known for it’s unique candles and home decor, you will love the contemporary pieces throughout the store. Piper & Oak has a trendy, understated vibe. Also don’t miss the baby wear in the corner. Oh, so very cute.
What to buy: We fell hard for the boiled wool (felted) mouse Christmas ornaments. There was a variety (painter, mermaid etc.). They were adorable and the perfect hostess gift.
Suzanne’s of Paris
80 Grand River Street
Facebook Page: Suzanne’s of Paris
A large upscale women’s wear store in downtown Paris, Ontario, this had a great selection of clothes for a variety of tastes. The window drew me in but it was the purse and accessories that held my attention.
What to buy: accessories – whether a purse, scarf or jewellery, there is much to see here.
Chocolate Sensations
Instagram: @ChocolateSensations
Be prepared to line up! This chocolate store is very popular and you can see why as soon as you walk in. The selection was amazing and the smell was divine. All chocolate is made in-house and packaged up nicely for the perfect hostess gift or for that hard-to-buy-for relative.
From individual chocolates to truffles to bark and marshmallow treats, you’ll have a tough time deciding what to get. In the image above you will see my Lita peaking into the store. As there was a strict limit of people at this time, she opted to stay outside. That’s #LifewithLita
What to buy: Their selection of truffles was exceptional and you can have them boxed up in a pretty package. Win-win!
The Gem Marketplace – multiple vendors
The Gem Marketplace is the “Lost Theatre” of Paris, ON. It vanished in 1917, becoming an A&P Grocery. It’s now become an artisan coop marketplace with a collective of a few vendors and is a great stop on Grand River St in downtown Paris. You will find home decor, paintings, geodes and organic/sustainable products. Many items are locally made or sourced and provide great gift-giving ideas.
Note: The Gem Marketplace is opened Tues – Sun 12-5pm.
KBC Custom Designs
GEM Marketplace – 51 Grand River Street North
Instagram: @KBCcustomdesigns
As soon as you walk-in you’ll fall in love with all of the handmade signs. Home decor is the focus at KBC Designs using a unique combination of vintage, antique and refurbished items. The owner let me know you can have signs made for your particular needs or family. I just love the idea of having a unique sign made just for us!
They also had a some unique items such as bath bombs and soaps from Buck Naked Soap Company. Located in Cambridge, Ontario, these are all natural, vegan, handcrafted products, including artisan soaps, lotions, bath bombs.
What to buy: I love these Cate + Levi puppets. They are made from recycled argyle wool sweaters. These upcycle products are unique and kid-favourites. They are made in Toronto and each one sold gives back to children’s charities.
Crystal Whisperer – Artisanne Jewlery
FB page: The Crystal Whisperer/Artisanne Jewlery
All things geodes and crystal, owner, Annie Wilson will certainly help with a unique gift for someone special especially crystal lovers! Fossils, crystals, specimens, and orbs are at home with unique jewellery handcrafted from natural materials like crystal, stone, silver, and copper. Gifts from the Earth!
What to buy: they have a lovely collection of gems on silver chains that drew my attention. I love long hanging pendants and having healing properties never hurts!
Living Eco Store
Instagram: @LivingEcoStore
Don’t miss this compact stall in the back for some great eco-friendly products. There was a selection of bulk refill products, makeup, serums, bamboo kitchen items and babywear.
What we loved the most is their bulk refillery. You bring in your own containers (for less packaging and waste) or you can also buy reusable mason jars. They are weighed. You then get to fill them up with your favourite soap, shower gel etc. The containers are re-weighed then you pay! Easy peasy!
What to Buy: Their most popular item are lids for your mason jars which can dispense your favourite products. My sister loved it so much she brought one home! “I’ve got plenty of Mason jars!” Take note: They have an great on-line store too!
Under the Oak Tree + Suad Yassin Photography
Instagram: @Under the Oak Tree Arts and @Suad Yassin Photography
Two brand new vendors, I briefly met the two women that will be displaying their beautiful photographs, paintings and handmade crafts. I was able to take a peak at what’s to come through their Instagram accounts and I know I’ll be back for one of these super cute animals.
Green Heron Books
FB Page: Green Heron Books
There is nothing like a good bookstore and one on ‘the river’ is even nicer. With a limit of 5 people in at a time and hand sanitizer by the door, we felt safe having a look around. With a selection of hand-picked titles. Opened in 2002 this book store has a unique selection of titles from the latest releases, award winners, signed editions to local authors. They also have the usual classics, art books, poetry, plays, cookbooks, gardening as well as children’s and young adult books.
What to buy: The newest Scotiabank Giller Prize winner “How to Pronounce Knife” by Souvankham Thammavongsa
The Paris Wincey Mills Co. Market
31 Mechanic Street Instagram: @WinceyMillsCo
Located in downtown Paris, Ontario, the Paris Wincey Mills Co. is a historic building that dates back to 1889. A collective of shops, food and grocery shopping, this is the perfect one-stop gift market. From gourmet grill cheese sandwiches and soups from The Grill Cheese Effect to fresh bread at The Good Bread Co. to tasty Original Gourmet Popcorn, you’ll find yummy treats here.
There are also specialty food vendors like Jiggs & Reels Seafood Market (pick up a cod cake or bacon-wrapped scallop), Udder Way Artisan Cheese (ask about the Wasabi Gouda) and the Silverstone Coffee Energy Bar (order the chicken mango goat cheese salad).
You will also find unique pop-ups from local artists and vendors. They change from week to week so be sure and drop by often. Check out Paris Wincey Mills Co. Instagram account for more updates!
Note: Currently, Paris Wincey Mills Co. Market is only opened Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12-5pm.
The Paris Apothecary
Instagram: @The.Paris.Apothecary
They provide handmade salve, oil, bath and beard products. With a selection of dried herbs and flowers, this is a must-stop on your buy local tour of Paris Wincey Mills Market. We were drawn to the Matcha tea face balm, food scrub and of course the protective properties of a goon lip balm. Don’t forget to have a smell of the scent diffusers – with a base of natural essential oils you will love them. They were heavenly!
What to buy: Caffeine in a face serum? Really? Yes, Morning Perk Serum is what you will seek when you visit The Paris Apothecary. A face serum with ingredients including caffeine, geranium, almond, avocado and primrose is a must have. Also ask about the Immunity Boost Synergy Blend. With the weather getting colder its a nice boost to your immune system!
Bird & Bee Vintage
Instagram: @BirdandBeeVintage
There is not enough time for us to see all the AMAZING things in this corner shop (check out my first image in the blog post to get a better idea of what Bird and Bee has to offer). By far the largest vendor in this space, it was chock full of novelty items, vintage clothes and very, very cute gift ideas.
If you are unable to come in you can certainly check out their online stores. At this time they also offer free local delivery to Paris and Brantford.
Jiggs & Reels Seafood Market
Facebook Page: Jiggs and Reels Seafood Market
If you are looking for seafood, this is your stop. They had a selection of fresh and high quality frozen seafood from the East Coast of Canada. There were large scallops, cod tongues, cod cheeks and and empty lobster tank (not sure it’s lobster season at the moment). The appeal is they also had a bunch of products from the East Coast and that is what caught our eye for the gift guide.
What to buy: or firmly in the ‘didn’t-know-you-needed’ category would be Beer Vinegar and Newfoundland Sea Salt. Without a doubt, a must try.
Cake & Crumb, Grilled Cheese Effect & Pierogi Me
Instagram: @Pierogi Me @GrilledCheeseEffect @CakeandCrumbParis
As much as I wanted to get up close and have a look at the cupcakes, Cake & Crumb was always busy. So here is my socially distance picture of their yummy display case. You’ll see them as soon as you walk into Paris Wincey Mills Co. Market. It is besides the Grilled Cheese Effect and Pierogi Me!
Grilled Cheese Effect has a variety of grilled sandwiches as well as soup. All are made fresh daily and smelled delicious! You can pre-order online and then pick up at the market. Check out the link on their insta- account for more details.
Living in Edmonton for six years, we became big fans of pierogis. It’s great to see them locally made. Pierogi Me! can be found is various locations in downtown Paris Ontario, Brandford, Hamilton, St. Catherine’s, Dundas and Waterloo. Their larger retail locations is in Ancaster. Here is a list of the places to find them.
Good Bread Company Canada
Instagram: @GoodBreadCompanyCanada
Make no mistake about it the bread is good. Really good. But by being so good, there were no loaves to take pictures of. We did buy a few baguettes that were quickly consumed before I could take a picture – darn children. This kiosk in the Paris Wincey Mills Co. Market is a satellite location of the famous Good Bread Company located at 15 Lamport St, Vittoria, ON.
What to buy: I did manage to get a picture of the assortment of locally made jams and jellies. Who doesn’t love a red pepper jelly?
Windflower
Instagram: @windflowerxbbf
We loved the fresh flower arrangements and the spectacular house plants. They were big and healthy and ready to make London their new home.
This is a small satellite location of Brantford Blooms (located in downtown Brantford). The owner has recently launched her on-line store but you can pick up bouquets, vase arrangement, and plants+planters at Paris Wincey Mill Market.
What to buy: Hands down, it would be a bouquet. Just look at that picture… Bonus: delivery is available in the Paris, Brantford and Brant County Area – contact them directly for more info.
Paris Beer Co.
Instagram: @ParisBeerCo
Opening up for reservations on November 14th, I had to take a picture of the beautiful cooper stills of this local brewery. Located in the back part of Paris Wincey Mills Co. Market, they will be offering a variety of beers and pizzas (made in a wood oven) on the patio.
I will return for pizza and beer on my next visit to downtown Paris Ontario!
We had a wonderful afternoon in Paris. I was happy to return after our first family visit in August. Downtown Paris Ontario is quaint and bustling on any weekend but try and drop by on Thursday or Friday for a more calm experience. The prettiest town in Canada is a great place for gifts in any season but with the Christmas holiday season quickly approaching, you may want to come by sometime soon.
Enjoy your trip to another wonderful town in Ontario’s Southwest region!
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🎒 Shop: Travel Essentials
Okay so Beer Vinegar sounds amazing. I need to try it. My kids would love the Eco store. Big time. So, true story my BIL and SIL and one nephew still live nearby in AYR. I know the area well but have never been shopping there. Must change that.
It’s a great easy trip from London (as you know) but we had never been until this summer *holdsheadinshame. I’m discovering new areas in Southwest Ontario. Love it.
Ok you convinced me. I’m going to Paris next week – and I want donoughts!
Do it! But be sure and pre-order so there will be some left. I updated the post with a link to the on-line store to make it easier for you. ENJOY!