Exploits Region

Holiday Gift Guide

Introducing the Exploits Region Holiday Gift Guide… an online catalogue designed to help showcase the many fabulous gift ideas and seasonal products and services available from local merchants.

Why Join? How it Works Promotional Opportunity Tips Submit Now

Why Join Our Holiday Gift Guide?

  • Participation is free – there is no cost to you, the merchant!
  • Boosts your store visibility to local holiday shoppers.
  • Provides free exposure and drives traffic online and offline.
  • Allows you to highlight and promote specialty products or services.
  • Tap into seasonal marketing – we’ll do all the work!

The best way to encourage local shopping is to show local!

How it Works

Learn how you can participate in the gift guide, and how local shoppers will use it to discover products and services from you.

For Merchants:

  1. Visit our “Submission Tips” section and review the best-practices.
  2. Choose up 6 products/services to submit to the Gift Guide.
  3. Photograph your products/services (see photography tips).
  4. Visit our submission page.
  5. Fill out your business information (if you are not on our directory, please submit your free business listing)
  6. Fill out the information for each product/service you are submitting including the name, price, description, and image.
  7. Once you submit, your submission will be reviewed and approved – if we have any questions we will reach out.

For Shoppers:

  1. The gift guide will be widely promoted on our website, social media channels, print materials, and through word-of-mouth.
  2. A shopper will visit the gift guide via a website link or a QR code.
  3. Once on the Gift Guide, shoppers can browse everything or choose to narrow their selection via filters (for example, “Under $25”, or, “Handmade”).
  4. If a shopper sees something they like, they can click the image to learn more about the business and where to find the product/service.
  5. Wish List: Tis the season for making lists! To help shoppers keep track of products/services they are interested in, they can choose to “save” the product to their own personal “Wish List”. Shoppers can revisit their wish list or share the link with family and friends.

(Optional Opportunity)

Boost Your Business with Our Gift Card Giveaway Contest!

We’re inviting merchants in the Exploits Region to contribute to our Gift Card Giveaway by donating a gift card/certificate valued at a minimum of $100. Your contribution will help create exciting prizes for local shoppers while giving your business a boost in visibility and brand awareness!

Why Participate?

By contributing to our prize pool, your business will receive advertising benefits that far exceed the value of your donation! Full benefits of participation include:

  • Your business logo will be prominently displayed on the contest page of our website.
  • Your business name will be included in our Facebook Ads promotional rotations.
  • You will receive increased exposure to local customers who are excited about the contest and holiday shopping!

How it Works

  1. Donate a gift card/certificate valued at $100.00 or more.
  2. We’ll use your contribution as part of the prize pool for multiple winners.
  3. Your business gains valuable advertising while supporting a fun, community-focused initiative!

Ready to get involved or have questions?

Simply email contest@explorexploits.ca or call 709-489-7512!

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Practices for Merchants

The Holiday Gift Guide is your chance to showcase your products and services to a wide audience of eager holiday shoppers! To ensure your submissions shine, follow these best practices when preparing your entries.

Each merchant can submit up to 6 unique products or services, so choose carefully to make the best impression.

Photography Matters!

High-quality, clear photos are essential for standing out.

  • Use well-lit, focused images with clean or simple backgrounds.
  • Make sure your product is in focus and the center of attention in the photo.
  • Keep the frame uncluttered so your product stands out!

Titles & Descriptions

Catchy and concise titles with informative descriptions help your product/service shine.

  • Keep titles descriptive but short (e.g., “Hand-Knit Wool Scarf”)
  • Use clear, friendly language to describe your product or service. Highlight benefits, like “perfect for gifting” or “sustainably made.”
  • Be honest and accurate — set realistic expectations.

Focus & Selection

Carefully select your submissions to show off your very best!

  • Choose products/services that stand out and are unique to your brand.
  • Submit a mix of products or services (if applicable) to appeal to different audiences.

Ready to Submit?

Submission Form