Shop Local: 6 PEC Gifts Under $25

Prince Edward County is full of small makers creating thoughtful, high-quality gifts that fit perfectly into the under-$25 budget.

Whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, teacher thank-yous, or something small-but-special for friends and family, the County has no shortage of locally made treasures.

Here’s a curated list of reliable, real PEC businesses offering meaningful, handmade items this season.

1. Beeswax Candles - Honey Pie Hives & Herbals (Athol)

Honey Pie Hives & Herbals is a working farm and shop (Athol, PEC) that still operates year-round and makes 100% pure beeswax candles on-site. Their candles are hand-poured with cotton wicks and no added fragrances, so they burn cleanly and longer than paraffin.

Candles are listed at about $7-$24 (e.g. pillar or basket candles ~$20-$21), well under $25. Packaging is minimal (natural brown boxes) emphasizing the farm’s “clean beeswax” branding.

2. Enamel Mug – Prince Edward County T-Shirt Company (Picton)

The Prince Edward County T-Shirt Company (Picton) sells county-themed gifts. One example is its colourful enamel camp mug (designs: bees, fish, mushrooms, wildflowers, etc.) priced at $21.00. The shop remains open year-round on Picton’s Main Street (also online), so the mug is available now - perfect this holiday season!

The sturdy metal mug (with hot/tea motif) makes a fun local souvenir and comes packaged in a gift box. At $21, it’s under $25, and often marketed for holiday gift sets.

3. Maple Syrup & Maple Butter – Vader’s Maple Syrup (Waupoos)

Vader’s Maple Syrup (on East Lake Rd.) remains open year-round for retail.

Flavoured specialty syrups (e.g. whisky-barrel aged) are $20.00. This farm’s “sugarbush” operation makes traditional Grade A syrup; bottles come in decorated glass or reusable plastic jugs.

The site lists hours (open daily 10–4 in season) and notes you can tour the sugarhouse. Packaging is crisp & rustic (branded labels). All these maple treats (syrup, sugar, maple-creamed butter) are classic PEC gifts and under $25!

4. Fudge & Chocolates – Cup O’ Fudge / County Chocolatier (Wellington)

Many PEC visitors gift locally made fudge. Cup O’ Fudge (Hillier) still sells hand-made fudge in flavours like chocolate, peanut butter, etc.

Similarly, The County Chocolatier & Gifts (Wellington) offers handmade fudge and chocolates (open seasonally Thu–Sun, ~10–4). So if you are in game for a delicious dessert and maybe have one at home too as a present, visit Cup O’ Fudge / County Chocolatier!

5. Artisan Jams & Condiments – The Local Store (Bloomfield)

Jams and condiments are common too! The Local Store in Bloomfield curates all-County gourmet food gifts. Its “Pantry & Silo Room” carries jams, jellies, mustards, hot sauces, preserves, coffees, spices, etc. from PEC producers.

Most items are single-serving jars or tubes priced $5–$20, so these make easy gift-stockers! The store is open seasonally but many products can also be found at PEC markets or via online local food boutiques. This category covers any small-batch food items, all from PEC makers and under $25.

12. Local Art Prints & Greeting Cards – County Artists (PEC)

PEC has many artists whose prints, calendars and cards are sold locally. For example, the Local Store’s Loft Gallery sells original art, prints and “art cards” by County artists.

An amazing County gift shops stock boxed cards, note sets and small prints featuring local scenes/animals is something you need for as a present.

These paper gifts are under $25, beautifully packaged, and available year-round.

Finding great gifts in Prince Edward County doesn’t require big spending, just a little local exploring.

These makers and shops offer items that feel personal, practical, and rooted in the County’s creative spirit - each purchase helps keep PEC’s artisan community thriving. And the best part? You’ll be giving gifts with a story, a sense of place, and a whole lot of County heart.