Museum Gift Shops in Halifax to Support this Holiday Season

Every year, the same thing happens. No matter how much I try to prepare in advance or how far out I see it coming, suddenly the holiday season is just around the corner and my shopping list is yet to be completed.

However, your local historian is to the rescue! Have you ever thought of checking out your local museum gift shop to cross everyone off your list?

Museum gift shops are not just for the history nerd in your life. Many also supply locally made products from a variety of makers, are unique, or are made in house options that offer something extra special.

Check out the list below for 10 museums in Halifax County, Nova Scotia with great options to complete your holiday shopping!

1. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Location: 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Physical Shop: Yes, open year round
Online Shop: Yes

As Canada’s only federal museum in Atlantic Canada, Pier 21

Pier 21’s Boutique has a sizeable space with a stunning ocean view. There is a large variety, with everything from museum merch to maple syrup. It is a great place to buy gifts for the new Canadian or immigration history expert in your life with tons of books and branded buys all about immigration. There are loads of non-immigration specific items that are great stocking stuffers, such as stickers, magnets, patches, pins, and candies.

The online gift shop focuses on museum merch whereas the physical shop is large and has lots of explore.

Shop here

2. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

If you have an art fan on your list, you are in luck! The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has everything from stationary to jewelry. My personal favourites are the branded items from the Maud Lewis collection, a famous folk artist from Nova Scotia.

Shop here

3. The Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History gift shop is where I have found many of my museum treasures! Their stock changes depending on the season and exhibit on display, however usually includes a selection of plush, books, and sweet treats. Museum passes are also available.

One of my favourite finds is the The Brick Tortoise Gus building kit. It was designed locally and is based off the museum famous resident Gus the Gopher Tortoise.

While the museum does not offer online sales, visitors can call ahead with questions or explore in person.

Learn more here

4. Memory Lane Heritage Village

If you’re searching for a nostalgic gift, look no further! Travel back in time to the 1940s to find some truly clock turning treats.

During their regular summer season the shop if full of toys, candy, locally made pieces and merchandise. The off-season offers books, historic Second World War posters (my personal favourite), memberships, and of course experiences!

Shop here

5. Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre Gift Shop is a particularly great museum shop for science inclined kids and kids at heart. They have a wide selection of great gifts for kids like STEM kits and push to wacky grown up gifts like fun socks and lava lamps. Memberships and passes are also available.

Shop here

6. Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

Tis the season to support local authors! The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia has an extensive selection of historical books available at their shop as well as museum merch. It is an excellent option for all ages gifts and those who love to learn.

Shop here

7. Halifax Citadel

At the heart of the peninsula, inside the city’s fort you will find the Citadel Hill Gift Shop. A wide variety of on theme gifts, from canon shaped pencil sharpeners to Halifax Clock Tower brick sets, there is no shortage of options. If you visit during Victorian Christmas or a Candlelight Holiday Tour, you may even see Santa roaming the grounds!

As Citadel Hill is a Parks Canada site, Discovery Passes can be purchased and used for entry.

Shop here

8. The Dartmouth Heritage Museum

Who doesn’t love a cozy historic house over the holidays? The Dartmouth Heritage Museum is located in the former house of local legend Helen Creighton. She is well known for recording stories from communities across the province, some of which you can find in the museum’s gift shop. There are plenty of books, apparel, art, and even stationary to shop. If you’re looking for a gift to last the year, memberships are available.

Shop here

9. Africville Museum Gift Shop

If you’re like me, food is at the center of your holiday experience. The Africville gift shop has a cook book available with historic recipes along with museum merch, books, an activity set, and music. Enjoy the beautiful seaside view while shopping in person or visit their online shop.

Shop here

10. Nova Scotia Marine Heritage Store

The Nova Scotia Marine Heritage Store is located inside the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. With many special historic and Halifax themed gift, it’s the perfect spot to pick something up for the Maritimes fan in your life. Books, key chains, post cards, clothing, and so much more is available inside!

The gift shop is operated by Island Beach Company (not directly by museum staff). They also have an online store for those who cannot make it to the physical store before the holidays.

Any museum passes can be bought directly from the museum, not the gift shop. More information about admission and passes can be found here.

Shop here

Learn more here

Conclusion

Bring joy to your community this holiday season by shopping local! Museum shops are a hidden gem of holiday gift giving. They often offer a wide array of goodies from local artists and makers.

By shopping at museum shops, you support their continued operations and financial stability. You support the people that are employed at museums and the communities they foster.

I have found some of the most amazing, unique, and meaningful gifts at museums.

I hope you too will find gifts that show how much you care.

Sending warm and cozy holiday wishes your way!

Other posts you may enjoy:

York Redoubt National Historic Site: Halifax’s Hidden Historic Fort

The Mills Brothers Holiday Village at the Museum of Natural History

A Tour of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, NS