Christmas Shopping in St. John's
Find Special Holiday Gifts in Newfoundland's Capital City
St. John's, Newfoundland, has many stores where Christmas shoppers can find something special for this holiday season.
Here are some great bets for finding that perfect Christmas gift in St. John's, one of North America's oldest cities.
Children’s Books
Granny Bates Children’s Books is perched on one of St. John’s famous steep hills. The store is tall and thin, and looks like it belongs between the covers of a fairy tale. Here, shoppers can find great picture books for little ones and terrific novels for teenagers. There’s also a selection of Christmas books, including glossy editions of two Christmas classics: T’was The Night Before Christmas, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The staff is great, happy to make recommendations, and sends books by mail, too. 2 Bates Hill, 709-739-9233
Newfoundland Crafts
Devon House Gallery sells quality crafts by Newfoundland and Labrador artisans. Hooked rugs, in traditional or modern designs, hand-made books, pottery, and unique pieces of jewelry, are just some of the gift possibilities. The second floor exhibition space offers other items for consideration. 59 Duckworth Street, 709-753-2749
Travel Necessities
The Travel Bug carries a great selection of knapsacks, purses and luggage, as well as travel guides for near and far, maps and Swiss Army Knives with every conceivable attachment. Shoppers can also pick up Moleskine notebooks in which to record their travels. These strong, sturdy books were once the notebooks of choice for Ernest Hemingway, and the sketchbooks of choice for Vincent Van Gogh. 155 Water Street, 709-738-8284
Funky Clothing
Melon carries some of the funkiest clothing in St. John’s. The owner chooses the stock himself, from places as far away as California and Holland. The best bets here are the terrific t-shirts, and fun bags. 156 Water Street, 709-739-9223
Traditional Newfoundland Music
O’Brien’s Music Store, a narrow little space is all about music, much of it traditional Newfoundland music. Among the gift possibilities are tin whistles, harmonicas, and button accordions in many colourful finishes. 278 Water Street, 709-753-8135
Other Kinds of Music
Fred’s Records, Tapes, CDs is purple outside, so even on brightly-painted Duckworth Street, the store stands out. The staff knows music, and is happy to talk about the latest ‘find’ with you. This is the place to pick up CDs by Robert Plant or Steve Earle, or the new tribute to Ian Tyson (The Gift). Everything from rock to country, traditional Newfoundland music to classical is stocked. Fred’s is a fun place to hang out. And, oh, yes, they sell records (yes, those vinyl discs). 198 Duckworth Street, 709-753-9191
Watches and Clocks
Grand Time Inc., in the Murray Premises, carries the latest Swatch Watch designs, as well as other brands, including Rolex. The shop sells clocks, too, and is run by a husband and wife team who are friendly, and knowledgeable. The selection - particularly of the popular Swatches - is terrific. They do repairs, too. Murray Premises (off Water Street), 709-739-8444
Christmas Treats
Auntie Crae’s is the place for Christmas fruit cakes and other tasty treats. The store’s own brand of jams includes blueberry, and partridgeberry. There’s also chocolate (dark, milk, and with delectable fillings, like Turkish Delight), and lots of baked goods. Auntie Crae’s is a good place to take a break from Christmas shopping, too, with a cup of coffee and an apple flip, or maybe a two-handed date square. 272 Water Street, 709-754-0661
Happy Christmas shopping in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
