Every year, when the holiday season rolls around, I want to give something that truly makes a difference. Sometimes it’s an experience. Sometimes it’s a carefully chosen gift. In any case, it’s always a kind gesture, a thoughtful gift that says, “I’m thinking of you.”

In the whirlwind of December, these little moments matter more than we think. Slowing down, reconnecting, taking care of someone, or simply giving something that will accompany the person we love in their daily life.

Here are five local ideas for giving the gift of a precious moment, inspired by all that the Outaouais has to offer.

guest in a hot thermal bath

guest in a sauna looking out the window

guest doing the cold plunge

guest floating in the Kalla pool

guest spending an evening at the spa

Giving a Moment of Calm: The Epicure Package at Nordik Spa Village

Some gifts create a real before and after, and a getaway to Nordik Spa Village Chelsea is one of them. It’s a moment when everything slows down, when you feel welcomed by the calm, the warmth of the baths, and an atmosphere that invites you to breathe a little deeper. A moment suspended in time, far from the pace of everyday life.

The Epicure Package is one of those gifts that should be lived to the fullest. It includes full access to the Spa Village, the Kalla (a floating saltwater bath that soothes both body and mind), and a $55 credit to enjoy a comforting meal at one of the on-site restaurants. It’s the perfect gift for someone who needs to unwind or for a romantic getaway for two. During my visit, there was a moment when everything became quiet, a feeling that time was slowing down. It’s hard to explain, but easy to feel.

And that’s exactly what makes this gift so wonderful: giving someone a real moment to themselves.

GIVE THE EPICURE PACKAGE

@cafe.palmier

@beurresalecreperie

@biscottichelsea

Giving Time: A Simple and Precious Gift

Giving time is giving something simple, yet deeply precious. A moment dedicated to someone else, listening to their story, their rhythm, what they truly need.

It could be a leisurely brunch (Café Palmier, Beurre Salé, Bistro Coqlicorne), or a walk in nature (Gatineau Park, around a lake, or through the decorated streets of the neighbourhood). It could be a long coffee on a Sunday morning (Happy Goat Café, Biscotti & cie) to chat, listen to each other, and simply be inspired. A visit to a small Christmas market or even an afternoon spent leisurely shopping for something the person really wants, needs, or desires.

The important thing is not the activity, it’s the intention. This moment becomes a gift because it is created for her or him, because it says, “I see you, I know you, I listen to you.”

And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need most. A moment when we feel accepted for who we are.

@hom_mini_chalets

A Getaway Close to Home: HOM Mini Chalets

Sometimes, offering a moment of well-being doesn’t require going very far. The mini chalets HOM, in Val-des-Monts, offer exactly this kind of little getaway. A sweet interlude, not far from home, but so refreshingly different.

These mini chalets have a special charm, combining luxurious comfort with the soothing simplicity of nature. You arrive, drop off your bags, and suddenly everything becomes simpler. No rushing, no schedule, just a warm space where you can truly unwind.

It’s the perfect gift for:

a couple who needs to reconnect
a parent who needs a break from everyday life
friends who want a change of scenery
or even someone who dreams of a little solitude and calm

Once there, everything invites you to slow down: board games by the fire, a short walk by the lake, reading under a blanket, a hot cup of tea, a lie in… A night where time seems to stretch out, where you feel far away, even though you’re only a few minutes from home.

And that’s precisely what makes this gift so special: offering a little refuge. Just far enough away for a change of scenery, just close enough to make it easy.

@habitude.design

@ habitude.design

@lagrocerie_chelsea

A Sweet Treat to Place Under the Tree: Local Finds

Some people enjoy receiving a moment, while others prefer unwrapping something tangible, beautiful, and chosen with intention. We are fortunate to have local shops that offer carefully selected treasures and perfect ideas for the holiday season.

Habitude Design : this is the place where you can find everything, but above all a showcase for Quebec and Canadian designers. Jewelry, kitchenware, games, books, stationery, decor, skincare, accessories—a variety that allows you to offer a personalized gift. Perfect for creative types and lovers of simple everyday living. The perfect place to find a gift that will stand the test of time.

La Petite Grocerie : a beautiful selection of local products, from wellness to culinary arts, beauty accessories, and even some clothing. You can create a gourmet basket or find a beautiful gift for the home. It’s possible to choose an item that truly suits the person you want to spoil: a scented oil, natural soap, a small soft accessory, or an artisanal treat. A warm and welcoming boutique, ideal for putting together a thoughtful gift, right in our neighbourhood.

Le Marché de Noël du Vieux-Aylmer : a December classic. Here you’ll find a wide variety of local artisans offering decorations, gourmet products, accessories, and unique small creations. It’s the place to find the gift with a story or a little treat that will be appreciated all winter long.

Whether it’s a handmade mug, a dainty piece of jewelry, or a small work of art, these gifts all have one essential thing in common… They add a little bit of “I was thinking of you” to the life of the person who receives them.

@barminotaure

@salleodyssee

@barminotaure

A Memory to Share: Tickets to a Show

There are gifts that are unforgettable, evenings that stick in your memory long after the lights have gone out. Giving tickets to a show means giving an emotion, an enjoyable outing, a moment to share together.

There is no shortage of options in our region:

the Salle Odyssée for major shows, music, comedy, or theatre
the Minotaure for concert lovers, musical discoveries, and themed evenings
the Salle Jean-Despréz, perfect for a variety of shows, often local or emerging
the Théâtre de l’Île, a must for theatre lovers, all in a truly unique setting

It’s the kind of gift that creates a real break from the ordinary! You get dressed up a little, step out of your routine, laugh, get emotional, and share something different. A memory that will last long after the holidays are over.

Ultimately, giving a gift for the holidays is not so much about the object as it is about the intention; it’s about choosing something that makes people feel good. A moment to slow down, a thoughtful gesture that accompanies everyday life, an outing to share, or a little local treat that warms the heart.

Whether you give an experience, time, a nearby getaway, a physical gift, or a cultural evening, the essence remains the same. It’s about creating a moment that matters, a gesture that says, “I’m thinking of you.”

And sometimes, what we give also becomes a reminder for ourselves. A reminder to slow down, savour, and return to what truly makes us happy.

Sweet and joyful holidays to you!

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Written by Annie Daoust, @anniedaoust