Usually, I try (and often fail) to keep my Christmas excitement to a minimum until December 1st. But we all know things are quite a bit different this year, so I’m getting excited anyway and sharing a gift guide earlier than I would otherwise. We could all use the extra joy, and small businesses could use the extra lead time, I’m sure. Win-win!
For this gift guide, I wanted to shine as much of a spotlight as I can on some really amazing small businesses. With the events of this year and the lockdown that started here in Toronto this week, I think we should be doing everything we can to support small, local businesses. Everything in this list is either from a small (or small-ish) brand or purchased at a local independent shop. While I wish I could include every single small shop and maker doing incredible and beautiful things, I wanted this list to be curated and full of brands and shops I love. Thankfully, everyone and their mother is doing a local gift guide right now, but nevertheless I hope this list serves up some good ideas for the festive season!
I wanted this guide to include a range of items for whomever you may be shopping for: a best friend, mom, your brother’s girlfriend, what have you. I also wanted there to be a range of price points, but also items that someone may not necessarily treat themselves to. So without further ado!
Yes, I know socks are probably the most cliché Christmas gift there is, but when I first came across the Le Bon Shoppe socks a few months ago, I was hooked (cue reference to adulthood). These are the trouser socks which are taller and made of a thinner material, and are great paired with sneakers and boots alike. The boyfriend socks are also a firm favourite for cozy days at home. I used to consider cards a necessary evil, until I discovered the good ones. These bad boys are from Buk & Nola, a Montreal boutique, and many of the local shops here in town carry beautiful ones as well. I think they’d also look so cute in a frame on the mantle, if I had one. Next up, Easy Tiger is a local Toronto gift shop which partnered with Gold Apothecary, another local maker, to create this dreamy bath soak, because find me someone who couldn’t use a self-care moment right now. In the same vein, these Well Kept rose bath salts are divine, made in Vancouver and sold locally at The Wanderly. With winter inching closer, our skin can use all the moisture it can get — I’ve written about this Liha shea butter before, but boy is it good, so it deserved another mention here. And last but certainly not least, for someone special on your list, Wolf Circus do some of the most gorgeous jewellery, made in Vancouver of recycled metals.
Other local (and Canada-wide) independent shops to peruse this season for your gifting needs:
Tusk: One of my favourite spots in the city for brands you can’t find in many other places around town (ahem, my most-worn knit from House of Sunny and their Boy Smells selection).
Souvenir Studios: An absolute treasure trove of the most beautiful home goods, made by local artists.
Ease: For well-crafted clothing and a solid apothecary section.
Type Books: An independent bookstore with a really beautiful selection, perfect for the heavy reader in your life.
Rose City Goods: For one of the best selections of home goods (read: ceramics and textiles) in the city, as far as I’m concerned.
Make Moves Vintage: One of my favourite vintage sellers in the city for her selection of vintage glassware, vases, and candleholders. Follow her Instagram for updates on drops!
Euclid Farms: Make someone’s day with a bouquet of locally grown stems, or one of their vases sourced from local makers.
Rug & Weave: For their incredible selection of made-in-store pillows, just an hour’s drive outside the city in Guelph.
June Home Supply: One of my favourite places to shop for beautiful and sustainablility-minded home goods, located in Winnipeg.
