The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 12

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Twelfth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Sprout Studios :: Dave Spolnik :: Nick Snyder :: Brooke Atkins :: Hailey

If you thought the most expensive gift idea on the list of The Twelve Days of Muskoka was going to be a canoe, you were mistaken. We just happened to have saved the best (and most luxurious gift idea) for last with the thought being the ultimate Yuletide gift is a custom environmentally responsible home built for you and your family by Sprout Studios - right here in Muskoka!

Screen shot of the start of the Sprout Studios Gallery page.
Seriously..... How beautiful is that!?!

Sprout Studios, a team of four talented and eco-conscious individuals (especially Hailey!), does not follow a corporate business model but instead deliver a more personal approach with their clients. They are passionate about what they do as well as where they live. The harmony their designs bring to the area are inspirational. Their dedication to environmentally sound archetechture and alternative construction includes knowledge on strawbale construction, rammed earth, and/or green or living roof systems. As well, they offer knowledge on solar, geothermal, wind, micro hydro generation and the classic wood burning systems. And no, this is not a big hint from Fiona to Mike but a Sprout Studios designed home is definitely on her dare-to-dream-wish-list!

Badger Summary:

Thanks for following The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Badger's Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide 2012. We have definitely highlighted some truly amazing individuals, families, and businesses. Each an artisan in their own right, whether it be for the photographs they take, the leather they engrave, the words they write, the maps they make, the food they make, or the wonderful service they provide. Please be sure to take the time to visit or explore each featured artisan or business if you visit Muskoka. We truly recommend each one personally. And to think... Muskoka is full of even more inspirational artisans, crafters, and wonderful family businesses, then mentioned in this 12 day guide. Truly, is it any wonder why we dig living here so much?!

Happy Holidays to everyone in Muskoka and beyond!!!

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 11

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Eleventh Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide
The Nutty Chocolatier :: Huntsville

Most of us have come to expect chocolate at Christmas. Such treats have become a tradition for many. Stockings filled with milk chocolate, hard candy, and nuts are a delicious treat that most take delight in. A trip to the old fashioned chocolate, candy, and ice-cream store however is the stuff Yuletide dreams are made of! The Nutty Chocolatier in downtown Huntsville is one of the magical places we like to take visiting friends to during the summer... but at Christmas... it just becomes that much more special. Like stepping back in time, this shop of tasty treats has many hard-to-find childhood favourites and all the old classics. (Makobe really digs on the "chocolate frogs" whereas Fiona tends to favour the truffles and the "pecan puddles".)

The Nutty Chocolatier on Main St. in Huntsville

Their hot chocolate, on a cold wintery day is truly the perfect treat while you sit window-side in some old fashioned ice cream parlour chairs. Unique and imported items (like real English toffee) line the shelves. And specialty shaped chocolates in the form of tools, animals, shoes, and all sorts of other unique designs are a great edible gift and conversation starter - for any chocolate lover. You will be able to fill everyone's stockings while fulfilling their unique tastes too. There is even a selection of no sugar added products. Regardless of the time of year, this is definitely one of our family's favourite shops to frequent in Muskoka. We really dig it there!

Find out more about The Nutty Chocolatier franchise on their website: www.thenuttychocolatier.com - there are a few locations to choose from dotted on the map of Ontario.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 10

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Tenth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Shop Down Town Muskoka

Huntsville: Applause Toy Store

Bracebridge: Tabitha's

Gravenhurst: Oliver's Coffee

Sometimes you don't know what to get as a gift for someone until you see it. So for the 10th day of Muskoka, we are giving the advice to shop around the downtowns of Muskoka!

If in Huntsville (just one of their three Muskoka locations!), drop by Applause Toy Store for some fun and educational gifts for the kids and cubs in your life. When in Bracebridge, be sure to dance your way into Tabitha's Performance Wear. (Another hint to Mike: Fiona wants some Yoga wear from there!)

And finally, when you are all worn out from all that downtown Muskoka holiday shopping, stop by Oliver's for a cup of coffee goodness and for a few gift ideas too (they do catering and everything!).

It has been said that when you shop at a local small family business, your gift dollars are helping to put a local kid through summer camp or pay for their child's dance lessons. These family owned Muskoka businesses would definitely live up to that expectation. Now that is knowledge that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and in your heart - as well as the recipient's too!

Applause Toy Store:

Shop in store or online: www.applausetoystore.com

Tabitha's Performance Wear:

Shop in store: www.tabithas.ca or online: Tabitha's Online Store

Oliver's Coffee House

Visit them online: www.oliverscoffee.ca or visit one of their many locations in person and relax in a comfy leather chair and enjoy some true Muskoka flavour.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 9

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Ninth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide
Hap Wilson - Adventure, Art & Books

Hap Wilson stands with a painted
Digger honouring Kirk Wipper.

Another great example of the truly extraordinary people who make Muskoka their home is Hap and Andrea. Hap Wilson is a renowned Canadian naturalist, canoe tripper, author, illustrator and photographer. He has published numerous Canadian canoe route guides and books about wilderness life and just recently, along with his amazing wife, took on participating in the exciting project to link to The TransCanada Trail by way of canoe routes. A friend to Badger Paddles, Hap and his most beautiful wife Andrea Turner-Wilson, live in the Muskoka area (when they are not too busy with their many passions and projects that is!).

So basically, if you have traveled the Temagami area (or the Missinaibi, Coulonge or Dumoine rivers) there's a very good chance that you used one of his guide books. Beautifully illustrated, Hap's books became a wilderness route bible to many. While he has travelled far too many miles to count, Hap has always shared his experiences with us along the way through his writings, teachings, sketches, paintings, and photographs.

Thankfully, Hap's iconic artwork is available for purchase at select galleries or by contacting him directly. Visit his current website: www.eskakwa.ca/ or see a selection of his books available for purchase via Amazon here: Hap Wilson Books. Any one of his beautifully illustrated guide books would make for great winter reading as you plan and dream for next season's adventure - as a gift for a friend or well.... even yourself. For the record: We have several books of his in our own personal collection but are truly hoping to get our paws on an original Hap Wilson someday ourselves. And... Hap Wilson's artwork has always been an inspiration to Fiona.

One of the many guide books available,
authored, illustrated, and compiled by Hap.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 8

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Eighth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

The Swift Family - Algonquin Outfitters & Swift Canoe too!

Anyone who as spent anytime around Muskoka knows or knows of the Swift family and their outfitting and canoeing business. And if you don't know of them, chances are that if you have visited the region in the last 50 or so years, you probably visited or passed by one of their many locations. The Swift family, passionate about the outdoors, have been offering outdoor adventures and equipment to the public for decades. From camps to outfitting, from guiding to renting, and then later as a leading canoe manufacturer, the name Swift has come to stand for quality gear and service. Even into the next generation.

So... If you are feeling really generous, a Swift canoe would make for a wonderful family gift or surprise for your paddling spouse. (You had to have known we couldn't compile a gift giving list without including a canoe, right?!) They also sell kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and all the accessories you need for your paddling adventures. So does Algonquin Outfitters. But AO also carries gear and equipment for the other sports and seasons too; like bikes, skis, snowboards, skateboards, coats, jackets, foot ware, plus camping equipment, maps, and more. As a bonus, AO has gift certificates available for those who are too picky to purchase for.

Badger Tip: For the record, Algonquin Outfitters is a great company to keep in contact with via their social media channels. Not only do they keep you frequently updated, but they have so many great contests and giveaways too. You will totally dig them, after all their near 7000 Facebook fans can't be wrong!!!

P.S. You might dig Swift on Facebook too!.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 7

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Seventh Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Screen shot of the Fern Glen Inn home page/website.

Fern Glen Inn Bed & Breakfast

Jim & Jackie Leung

This is one of the perfect examples of the amazing people who make up the wonderful personality and character of Muskoka. There are many reasons that guests of the Fern Glen Inn become repeat visitors. Some say it is the atmosphere, some say it is the location - central to many great spots but also beautiful all on it's own too - others say it is obviously the hosts, Jim and Jackie,  themselves that make the stay so enjoyable.

Another screenshot. Our mouths are watering!!!

But, if we were to add our 2¢, we would have to say it is Jim and Jackle's food!  Because, although we live just down the road from the Fern Glen Inn, Fiona sometimes finds herself wishing that she was a visitor there - tasting all the delicious and perfect looking treats that they make for the guests (examples of which are forever visually haunting our taste buds via their Facebook page!). Book early to make sure they have availability - because really - we are not kidding when we say they have lots of visitors who love to stay there!

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 6

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Sixth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Screen shot of The Wolf Den website.

Wolf Den Bunkhouse 'n Cabins

Day 5 we mentioned Algonquin. And what goes paw in paw with Algonquin Park? Answer: The Wolf Den. If you make a gift out of a trip to Algonquin Park, the Wolf Den is one of the places we would recommend you stay. Built on the spirit of community and the love of nature, The Wolf Den is one of the most friendly of places you will come to know. Known as Muskoka's hostel, the property also has private cabins available too. They also have an Education Centre that offers half-day workshops and guided hikes on topics such as plants, survival skills, wildlife tracking and connecting with nature. Just situated outside of the park's West Gate, The Wolf Den is also the perfect spot to stop for a night before and/after a canoe trip into the park's interior.

A tale of overcoming the emotional
and physical obstacles Sean faced,
this inspirational story is a great gift for
paddlers and non-paddlers alike!

We have friends who dig the Wolf Den (and the people there, like Ben) so much that they have made it a tradition to stay there whenever they are on a multi-day canoe trip into the Park. We have even stayed there ourselves with Sean Smith, author of The Fat Paddler (which by the way, is a book that should make your gift list as well this year! Check it out here: The Fat Paddler Book) and we were really diggin' it too. Seeing that we all have too much stuff and most of us need to reconnect with our natural world and each other, giving the gift of a stay at the Wolf Den will prove to be an experience that will bring treasured moments and memories to any person's life. 

The Beaver Cabin were we stayed with Sean (The Fat Paddler)

Because you can't wrap up life experience in a box and put a bow on it, we would definitely put the gift of a stay at the Wolf Den under the heading of non-traditional gifts - with a tag marking it as "priceless".

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 5

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Fifth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Friends of Algonquin Park
People Who Are Passionate About The Park

You can't really talk about Muskoka without mentioning the world famous Algonquin Provincial Park. And if you dig the park as much as we do, you may want to think about doing some holiday gift shopping that also helps support The Friends of Algonquin Park (FOAP). The FOAP is a non-profit Canadian registered charity that dedicates their resources to the educational and interpretive programs of Algonquin Provincial Park by way of research, the development and delivery of programs, workshops and events, plus they help in the production of educational materials. You can shop online for Algonquin related books, clothes, DVD's and more - or visit one of their book store locations (depending on time of year). Making a donation or purchasing a FOAP membership are also possible present ideas.Visit their website for more information and give a gift or two this year that helps Algonquin Park.

Did you know that Badger Paddles donates to
the annual FOAP Fundraising Raffle along with our
friends Swift Canoe and Algonquin Outfitters too?!

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 4

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Fourth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Screen shot of the Shutterbug homepage.

Shutterbug Gallery

Kelly Holinshead

Kelly Holinshead is a professional photographer and the owner of The Shutterbug Gallery.  Her gallery showcases brilliant examples of her truly exceptional photography. She is one of Muskoka’s leading photographers with a strong reputation for excellence in fine art, wedding, portraiture, and commercial photography.

As described on the Shutterbug Gallery website: "Kelly’s signature fine art images incorporate a technique where she overlays various photographs of similar or varying subject matters, creating interesting and unusual textures and colors.   By implementing various photographic techniques, and shooting from unusual perspectives and angles, Kelly continually offers her viewers fresh views of iconic images."

Kelly photographs Mike in one of the Badger Shops

In all honesty, her artwork is enough to take anyone's breath away and make for excellent gifts for those on your list who are appreciative of fine art or photography.  Her line of "Shutterduds" clothing would fit the bill for many too. And her photography services would make for an excellent gift idea as well. We can personally vouch for her amazing abilities. Kelly was the photographer for the Muskoka Magazine feature done on our family business this past summer.

For those of you who do not know, our son Makobe has severe autism and it is hard to get a nice photo of his handsome face as he has a hard time posing naturally for the camera. He is also usually quite uncomfortable around strangers. But Kelly immediately put us all at ease with her lovely nature and personable manner. She took such wonderful photos of Makobe and our family, that we were quite (pleasantly) surprised. {See thumbnails of the pages of the magazine feature about Badger Paddles above} Kelly also made the experience so fun and positive that we will be sure to cherish the memories forever. Truly, when you thing about it, what better gift can you give than cherished memories?

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 3

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Third Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Johnny's Boat Shop

Maintenance, Repair & Storage

John Gall

John is an example of a modern day artisan of services. For almost 2 decades, John has been working intimately with fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, Royalex and aluminum, even specializing in thin laminate construction and repair. Located in part of Ontario's cottage country, Johnny's Canoe & Kayak Repair Centre is the one stop boat repair place for when you are at the lake, the cottage or touring beautiful Muskoka. He also offers maintenance packages and storage.

What better gift to give then to have someone take care of your canoe for you!

Seriously, that would be a really great and unique gift idea. Have Johnny's Boat Shop sand and oil those gunnels, adjust the screws, or clean and store your boat so your friend has a worry free winter and  great start in the Spring.

And after knowing John for many years now, we can vouch for his quality of work and experience.  His friendly personal service and special expertise always includes helpful advice as can be seen on the Algonquin Outfitters' blog where John guest bloggs about putting your canoe away for the season. Read John's advice here: Putting Your Canoe Away For The Winter contact him today: Contact John @ Johnny's Boat Shop.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 2

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus the Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Second Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Yummies In A Jar

Producers of Gourmet Fine Food

Lynn and John Murden

Lynn produces a product line that consists of homemade Jams, Dessert Toppings, Pepper and Herb Jellies, Fat Free Vinaigrette Dressings and Marinades, and even pure maple syrups infused with fresh fruit or liqueurs. And we can tell you from experience that her goodies are indeed yummy! Their "Yummies" are sold either individually or in Gift Boxes. All their products are handmade and are hand packaged in the Yummies kitchen located in Baysville, Muskoka. Every recipe has been created in their own kitchen ensuring flavours unique to Yummies. As well, each product is prepared in small, individual batches using only the finest ingredients, of course. They also offer custom labelling for weddings and parties. 

Last year we had Lynn make up a batch of strawberry rhubarb jam for a playful Badger project that became Badger Bow Jam (the name "bow jam" was inspired by a canoeing maneuver also known as the "running pry"). It was truly delicious fun! This year we hope to get Lynn to do up something for another Badger project we are working on. Nope, not just Bow Jam....  but... well... you will have to just wait and see. But in the meantime, be sure to put Yummies In A Jar on your list of gifts to give. Or shop in John Murden's gallery of fine art and photography.  Either way, a visit to Yummies In A Jar will ensure that your visual, olfactory, and gustatory senses are delighted!

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 1

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features of Muskoka that we dig the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the various businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The First Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Tundra Runners

Chasing Leaves

John & Tracy Ross

This place is one of those little hidden gems in the woods of Muskoka. True artisans in every sense, Tracy (and John) are the creators of beautiful works of art using leather as a medium.

Recently Mike was impressed by some custom formed knife sheaths that they created for him. The sheaths fit the knives perfectly and are gorgeous too. Tracy's paintings and etchings are truly beautiful and her leatherwork is masterful. You have to put Tundra Runners on your gift giving list, if not for this season then for future reference. When not being a leather artists, Tracy and John also own and operate Chasing Leaves and are the local canine massage experts! 

You can visit their websites Tundra Runners and Chasing Leaves or like them on Facebook here: Tundra Runners on Facebook

Not so subtle hint to Mike: Fiona would look great in a pair of handcrafted Muks!