The 7 Best Gift Shops in Ottawa
Ottawa is a great place for buying gifts. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the gift shops in Ottawa offer a lot of interesting things you can give as presents.
In this article, we will talk about the best gift shops you can visit in Ottawa.
How much do products in gift shops cost in Ottawa?
Gift shop products in Ottawa have different prices but we’ve compiled the best items of each gift shop in our list and their prices so you can peruse more easily.
The Best Gift Shops in Ottawa
If you’re visiting Ottawa from a different city or country and you’re looking for a souvenir, gift shops are the best place to get a piece of Ottawa to bring with you.
We’ve listed down the best gift shops in Ottawa and used the following criteria to decide.*
1. Maker House Co.
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Selection | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Maker House Co. is a shop that provides clients with an exemplary range of gifting solutions that is ideal for any location or any individual. From solid wood furniture to local Canadian goodies, clients can access a variety of options in their 2500 sq.ft. retail store or conveniently through their website
We like that their delivery platforms are secure and ensure less turnaround time which clients can expect their gifts of choice to be delivered quicky, even on the same day locally.
Furthermore, clients can be sure of the quality of their items since these are all carefully crafted by local artists and also offer carbon-neutral delivery options as well.
They offer price points from less than a dollar up to over a thousand for some furniture. Some of their products may be slightly pricey since their selection of products is procured from local artists and makers instead of imported from factories.
Nonetheless, with their creative workshops, over 200 makers that supply their collection, assistive customer service, and customized gifts, we recommend interested clients to check them out.
Pros
- Quality selections available
- Carbon-neutral deliveries
- Customizable packages offered
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Our whole family just had an incredible experience at Makerhouse! We all easily found unique gifts for all the special people on our Christmas list 🎁 Customer service was top-notch, 2 different people gave our oldest input on a plant. Such a variety of beautiful items, we could have spent so much more there, time and money. We will definitely be going back! Go check them out now!!”
“Maker House is not an ordinary store. It is one of a kind. What you will find at the store is amazing staff and things you would never thought they exist. Gareth Davies is the owner. He has a beautiful wife and beautiful children. His dream of owning a store like Maker House came through because he worked hard.”
2. The Gifted Type
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The Gifted Type sells the usual items you see at gift shops. These include greeting cards, accessories, puzzles, and stationeries.
Their shop is located at Elgin St. in Ottawa which is a very accessible area in the city. One may think that the products they offer are too generic but that’s not the case at all.
The Gifted Type’s products are the most basic gift and souvenir options for any tourist or anyone who wants to buy a gift that screams “Ottawa.”
They have puzzles of the city’s most popular sights, artworks that depict Ottawa life, and gift cards that show Ottawa’s beauty. This is a good option for anyone who wants to show off their love of the city.
You don’t have to be a tourist or a newcomer in Ottawa to appreciate the products they offer. Even as a local, you may find products here that may interest you because of their huge selection of souvenirs and gifts.
What we especially liked about The Gifted Type is their online options. If you don’t want to go to their store physically, you can have them deliver the items you want to buy.
This convenience, plus the fact that they also specialize in gift ideas for specific people in your life, makes the shopping experience in the Gifted Type very easy.
The Gifted Type is perfect not just for tourists but for anyone who wants to appreciate Ottawa more.
Pros
- Organized selection
- Online store
Cons
- Some stocks run out
- Not too many large gift options
Customer Reviews
Well curated
“The cutest store ever!! You are definitely bound to find the gift you need for someone else, and also yourself lol. Stock is ever changing and always so well curated, and staff are super sweet and helpful. Definitely stop in if you get the chance.” – Kam
Lovely
“Lovely store with lovely people! I’m so happy that this store found a home again on Elgin. I love stopping by here to pick up cards and small gifts for friends. When I don’t know what to get someone, I stop by here and I always manage to find something unique. – Anna K.
3. Flamingo Boutique
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The Flamingo Boutique is a gift shop in Ottawa that specializes in more feminine designs. They offer tie-dye shirts, accessories, kimonos, and of course, the usual greeting cards.
Located in Wellington, The Flamingo Boutique can sometimes be an easy-to-miss store because of its size. However, their selection is quite large.
The clothing they offer are unique designs that can even rival more popular clothing stores. The quality is decent and the prints are good as well.
Other than clothing, they offer jewelry which is a good option if you’re buying a souvenir for a special someone. If you’re a tourist who has a significant other in your own country or city, these jewelry are perfect gifts.
Mugs are also available in Flamingo Boutique. Usually mugs are treated as boring and generic gifts but Flamingo manages to make them interesting with their unique designs.
Their mug designs are usually based on animals like cats, frogs, and of course, flamingoes. The color and the cute wide-eyed creatures on their mugs make them interesting to look at and different from the usual mugs in ordinary stores.
The greeting cards they offer are also unique, featuring funny anecdotes and phrases. Their designs are different from each other but the ones that mostly caught our eyes were the ones with minimalist designs.
Their clothing options for men may be limited but they have a good selection of other items like the ones we mentioned above that can be a good gift for all genders.
Overall, The Flamingo Boutique is definitely a good choice for a gift shop. They don’t just act like an Ottawa souvenir store but also an actual store with products you’d want for yourself.
Pros
- Good selection for women
- Online store
Cons
- Not too many options for men’s clothing
- Pricey clothing
Customer Reviews
Favorite place!
“My favorite boutique! Love everything about this shop. Great gifts, amazing staff, and lovely atmosphere.” – Kelly Harris
So unique
“Love Flamingo Boutique and not just because I love flamingos! I discovered this cute shop a couple years ago and fell in love with it. So many nice items and the staff has always been so friendly. I have purchased many gifts not just for myself but for others here and have brought friends and family with me in the past so that they are able to see how great a place it is. I have some beautiful necklaces from here and every time I wear them people comment on how nice they are. If you are looking for a gift for someone and want something different or special I highly recommend checking them out.” – Kristina D.
4. Canada in a Basket
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Canada in a Basket specializes in, you guessed it, gift baskets. Most of what they offer are edible items and have a Canadian theme to them
Their best sellers usually consist of jams and maple syrups that can be bought together and prepared in a themed basket. They also offer pre-decorated gift baskets that can be more convenient for customers who want to buy in bulk.
Their slogan is “we make gift-giving easy” and that certainly is true with the variety of gift baskets they offer. Of course, you can also buy specific products and create your own custom arrangement but they have such good options you may opt to actually choose from their pre-made presents.
Canada in a Basket also serves corporate customers. This is a good option for anyone who wants to buy a huge amount of gift baskets for their company meeting or team building.
Overall, Canada in a Basket is another good choice for your gift-giving needs. They give a taste of Canada to anyone who receives their gifts and they packaged them very well.
The baskets that their products come with are also sturdy and can be recycled for other uses which is a positive for anyone who cares about the environment.
Pros
- Pre-arranged options
- Custom options
Cons
- More expensive
- Mostly edible products
Customer Reviews
Great delivery options
“Excellent service during a VERY DIFFICULT time in Ottawa. Due to the besieging of downtown Ottawa, I had to change the delivery address twice, and the basket came exactly on time for the birthday. Thanks, Canada in a basket!” – Janice Shea
Pure Canadian
“I like the fact that all the products sold in this store are made in Canada. My girlfriend purchased some tea that she absolutely loves and I purchased some nice cider. The lady that runs this store is very nice as well. We probably spent as much time just chatting with her as we did looking around. A refreshing change compared to most businesses these days.” – Kevin Voyde
5. 3 Trees
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
3 Trees is one of the most unique gift shops on this list. Owned by tourists who visited Asia, 3 Trees became one of Ottawa’s favorite spots when it comes to foreign and exotic products.
They sell jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, but their specialty is zen and relaxation items. Their Halfmoon and Fullmoon yoga products are gaining traction especially from yogis.
They sell meditation mats, scented candles, and other related products that help with relaxation. Their store has a specific feel to it that gives it an exotic yet relaxing vibe.
3 Trees is a great option for anyone looking for exotic products. These products are authentic and are perfect for anyone interested in other country’s cultures.
3 Trees have lots of trinkets from countries like Nepal and India and they also offer a small selection from other Asian nations. Their unique items are definitely worth a look at least.
Other than their interesting collection of items, what impressed us about 3 Trees is their customer management. They have curb-side pick-ups for their products so it’s easier to buy products even online.
Overall, 3 Trees is another good option for your gifting needs. Even if they don’t have many Ottawa-themed products, they have options for exotic products that can be used everyday.
Pros
- Exotic collectibles
- Relaxing items
- Online store
Cons
- Small store
- Not many Ottawa-based gift options
Customer Reviews
Love the zen feel
“Bought myself the most beautiful Goddess of Compassion statue. I got lost in the store! I could have spent hours there! Love the zen feel of the store and ALL their merchandise. Just beautiful. Amazing staff! Excellent prices! Very helpful staff! And knowledgeable with all things and their product! Highly recommend it.” – Noelle C.
So cultured
“I go to 3 Trees. They have wonderful selections of items including different types of incense from India etc. They just got their heat turned on so hopefully all the Staff will be warm soon. May God Bless all the Staff and their Families. Cheers. ” – Gregory Saygon
6. Fruit Couture
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Selection | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Our experience with Fruit Couture as our go-to gift shop was delightful. Their services offered a diverse range of unique and beautifully arranged fruit baskets, making it easy to find the perfect gift for any occasion. We appreciated the thoughtfulness and creativity evident in their selection.
The efficiency displayed by Fruit Couture was impressive. Ordering online was straightforward, and our fruit basket was promptly delivered to the specified address. The streamlined process, from selection to delivery, showcased their commitment to providing a hassle-free and convenient experience for their customers.
The quality of Fruit Couture’s fruit baskets exceeded our expectations. Each piece of fruit was fresh, and the presentation was elegant. The attention to detail in arranging the fruits made the gift visually appealing, creating a positive impression on both the sender and recipient. We were pleased with the overall quality of the product.
In terms of cost, Fruit Couture offered transparent pricing with no surprises. The value for money was evident in the premium quality of the fruits and the artistic presentation. We found their prices to be reasonable, considering the freshness, variety, and overall aesthetic appeal of the fruit baskets.
Fruit Couture’s commitment to customer satisfaction was evident in their attentive customer service. They were responsive to our inquiries and accommodated special requests with a friendly and helpful attitude. This personalized touch added to the overall positive experience of choosing Fruit Couture for our gift-giving needs.
The variety of fruit combinations and themes offered by Fruit Couture allowed us to tailor our gift to the preferences of the recipient. Whether it was a celebration, sympathy gesture, or a simple thank-you gift, Fruit Couture provided options that suit a wide range of occasions.
Pros
- Exotic collectibles
- Relaxing items
- Online store
Cons
- No promos at the present
7. St. Patrick’s Gift Shop & Bookstore
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Selection | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
St. Patrick’s Gift Shop & Bookstore is another unique gift shop option that caught our attention. It’s mainly Christian-themed so if you know someone who’s very faithful to Christianity, this gift shop is a perfect place to peruse.
St. Patrick’s options for items aren’t that many but they certainly are unique. They offer books, greeting cards with Bible verses, CDs and DVDs of Christian songs and movies, and even children’s puzzles with Biblical stories.
What interested us the most, however, was their incense box. Unfortunately, they only sell one type of fragrance but it smells pretty interesting, similar to the scent of churches during special blessings.
The unique smell will give your home a blessed feeling and that can be a perfect gift for anyone, not just someone religious. They also offer books about Life’s trials that can be inspiring to anyone who’s in a bad place right now.
Their selection is very unique and specific. Buying a gift from their store shows you think of that person you’re buying for in a special way because of how particular their products are.
Anyone who receives a gift from this store will feel loved and appreciated. The options they give are far from generic and it’s one of the reasons why they’re on our list.
If you yourself need inspiration, you can also look at the verses in the products they sell. Despite being a Christian-based gift shop, they are open to all kinds of people and the verses in their cards are applicable to anyone in need.
Pros
- Inspiring greeting cards
- Online store
Cons
- Mostly Christianity-themed
- Small selection
Customer Reviews
Awesome
“Awesome place and the staff are not only very friendly but very knowledgeable as well!!” – Spencer Ekman
Hidden gem
“A hidden gem that we were very happy to find. This is one of the largest church book and gift shops I’ve ever seen. They have a huge selection of Catholic and Christian books, bibles, children’s books etc. and a lot of posters, cards, rosaries, statues, videos, CDs, nativity sets, mugs and more.” – S.G.
FAQs about Gift Shops
Whenever we go somewhere, we want to bring a piece of that place with us. Souvenirs and gifts are the best way to do this and we can find all of this in gift shops all over Ottawa.
Another good option for gifts are flowers! If you’re thinking of getting flowers instead, check out the best flower delivery shops in Ottawa!