THE CHALK SHOPSTURGEON FALLS, ONTARIO
Guides · Christmas Gifts · Locally made

Personalized Cottage & Camp Gifts from Northern Ontario

Everybody has one on their list: the person who counts down to the long weekend in May, who knows every bay on the lake by name, and who would rather be at camp than anywhere else. Shopping for them is harder than it looks. They don't need another mug. What they'd really love is something that says this is our place.

That's what we make here in Sturgeon Falls. Our laser-cut black metal signs carry a camp name, a lake, a family name or the name of whoever runs the shop out back, so they make the kind of personal gift cottage lovers actually hang up. Here's how we'd match a sign to the people on your list, plus a few local stocking stuffers.

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1. For the Camp Owner

Pine Ridge Cabin Sign in black metal with mountains, pines, a small cabin and the names Pine Ridge and The Parkers
Pine Ridge Cabin Sign

If they've got a camp up a gravel road or a cottage tucked in the trees, start with a cabin sign. The Pine Ridge Cabin Sign has mountains, tall pines and a little cabin, with room for the camp name and the family name underneath. It's made for the cabin wall, the cottage porch or the gate down by the lake.

For something a little cozier, the Cabin and Pines Sign shows a cabin tucked into the pines, and it suits a camp, cottage or hunting cabin just as well. Both can hang inside or out. If you'd like more ideas for where a sign looks best at camp, our cottage decor guide goes through the driveway, the dock and the porch.

2. For the Lake Family

Loons Lake Sign with two loons, cattails and pines and the words Lake House, hanging on a lakeside cottage porch
Loons Lake Sign

Some families are defined by their lake. They swim off the same dock every summer and argue about whose turn it is to take the boat. For them, the Loons Lake Sign is hard to beat: a pair of loons on the water, with the lake name or family name added to make it theirs. It looks right at home at the cottage, by the dock or at camp.

Want to see the rest of our lake and camp designs? Browse the cottage & lake signs collection.

3. For the New Homeowners

Round black metal family name sign reading The Andersons Est. 2016, framed by oak leaves and acorns
The Andersons Family Sign

Just bought their first house, or finally made the camp a year-round home? A family name sign is a lovely way to mark it. The Andersons Family Sign is a round design with the surname and the year they settled in, framed by oak leaves and acorns. It's a warm welcome in the front hall, on a covered porch or over the mantel. If an address sign makes more sense for their place, have a look at our address signs and our address sign guide before you choose.

4. For the One Who Lives in the Garage

Shield-shaped black metal workshop sign with a crossed hammer and wrench and the words Jack’s Workshop
Jack’s Workshop Sign

You know the one: always fixing a snowblower or a boat motor, with the radio on. Jack's Workshop Sign is a shield-shaped shop sign with a crossed hammer and wrench and their name across the front. It's made for the garage, the barn or above the workbench.

Hockey fan in the family? Our sports signs include Hockey Lives Here (from $59) and Toronto Maple Leafs and Montréal Canadiens team signs at $79 / $99 / $169.

5. For the Gardener

Oval black metal garden sign with a floral wreath around the words Emma’s Garden
Emma’s Garden Sign

Our growing season is short, so gardeners up here make every week count. Emma's Garden Sign puts the gardener's name inside an oval wreath of flowers and leaves. It looks great on a garden fence or the potting shed, or tucked into a flower bed. It's also something nice to look at while they wait for spring.

6. Stocking Stuffers Under $50

Navy Dock Days hoodie with a cream sunset over lake ripples, laid on a cottage chair
Dock Days Hoodie

Not every gift has to hang on a wall. Our hoodies and tees are an easy pick for anyone who'd rather be at the lake:

Message us for sizes and colours.

How to Order a Personalized Sign as a Gift

It's easier than wrapping it. Here's how it works:

  1. Pick the design. Choose any of the signs above, or browse all of our metal signs.
  2. Pick a size. 16″ $59, 24″ $79 or 36″ $149. Personalizing it with a name, lake or custom text is +$20.
  3. Send us the wording. Message us on Messenger with the sign name, the size and exactly how the names should read. Double-check the spelling with someone in the family if you're keeping it a surprise.
  4. We confirm the details. We'll go over the design, price and timing with you before anything is made.

Christmas timing: order by December 15, 2026 for Christmas. We'll confirm timing with you when you order, and the earlier you message, the easier it is. Have something else in mind, like a different animal or layout? Start on our custom orders page.

A Gift They'll See Every Time They Pull In

A good cottage gift isn't about the price tag. It's the one they see every time they pull into the driveway, and it reminds them of the place they love most. If you're not sure which design suits the people on your list, send us a message and we'll help you choose.

Locally made · Meaningfully yours.

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Found the perfect gift?

Message us with the design, the size and the name you'd like on it.

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