The Ultimate Gift Guide To Shopping Small And Local This Holiday Season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This year has been difficult for everyone, especially small businesses. Now more than ever is the time to support local businesses that uplift your community and invigorate the local economy.
Winter 2020 is looking like it’ll be a holiday staycation and whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday, there are a lot of supplies and gifts to purchase. The holiday season is a crucial sale time for small business owners and with many municipalities such as Toronto and the Peel Region going into lockdown, many businesses are utilizing online sales and delivery.
I encourage you to shop small and locally-owned this year. Your purchase goes a long way for these small businesses, and your support helps an individual reach their dream! When you buy from an independent business, a real person gets all giddy while packing your orders — I know I do!
And even if you aren’t able to financially support your favourite local businesses, you can show your support by interacting with them on social media pages by liking, following, commenting, and sharing.
Now let’s dive into this comprehensive ultimate gift guide featuring local small businesses from all across Ontario!
Whether you’re looking for unique gift ideas,
indulgent treats or high-quality cooking supplies,
beauty & self-care products,
decor to brighten up the home,
handmade jewelry,
fitness goods & wellness services,
unique & handmade clothing,
art & stationery,
curated gift boxes,
gifts for children,
or trying something new & just treating yourself
(Ps. Interested in just one category? You can click one of the categories above and you will be scrolled right to it!)
Here are some great options:
For the foodies
Baker and Chef (Online Bakery) - Etobicoke
An online bakery service created by a chef and baker hubby and wife team. Offering authentic Italian baked goods, donuts, frozen meals, bread, gift baskets and more.
Dolce Dime Desserts (Online Bakery) - Markham
A delivery service bakery offering custom cake pop, cookie, and cake creations for your special occasions, including their signature “boucakes.”
Sip Well Do Good (Local Wines) - Toronto
A wine box set delivery service created to raise funds in response to the rise in domestic violence during COVID-19. Currently partnered with Fielding Estate Wines and the non-profit organization Safe Transitions to help women in the GTA transition from homelessness to more permanent housing.
Just Braise (Sandwich Shop) - Oakville
Specializing in braised meat sandwiches and quality, unique flavours including a Pho Beef Banh Mi sandwich, this sandwich shop also has vegetarian and halal options.
The Baker’s Bar (Craft Beer Cupcakes) - Toronto
Handcrafted specialty cupcakes incorporating the flavours of Canadian craft beers, wine, and spirits.
Turmeric Teas ( Turmeric Teas) - Toronto
Organic turmeric tea available in loose leaf or latte blends with therapeutic benefits. A certified B-Corp with a Buy One, Feed One program that supports Food Banks Canada and The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India.
Dough Bakeshop (Family Owned Bakery) - Toronto
Proudly made from scratch everyday with local and organic ingredients, this bakery is renowned for their variety of baked goods including butter tarts, custom buttercream cakes, gluten-free treats and more.
Aromi Organic Bazaar (Organic Cooking Products) - Woodbridge
A boutique with a focus on organic olive oil products with gluten-free, non-GMO, vegetarian and vegan options.
Maravilha Dolce (Online Bakery) - North York
A made-to-order specialty bakery serving up custom-made verrines, cakes, savoury treats, and more using French traditional baking techniques.
The Good Goods (Mochi Muffins) - Markham
You’ve heard of the cronut, now get ready for the “Mochin.” Unique baked goods infused with Asian flavours, as well as curated box sets featuring all types of goods from other local small businesses.
Chachalate (Premium Chocolate) - Toronto
Ethically produced and sustainably sourced vegan chocolate bars with fruity flavours including red miso and roasted green tea.
The Social Blend (Coffee & Macarons) - Toronto
A Midtown Toronto cafe specializing in ethical coffee and Korean-style macarons. Offering box sets and subscription boxes so you can enjoy tea time at home.
Courage Cookies (Cookies for Charity) - Toronto
A pop-up cookie bakery located in Stackt Market that was created with a goal to raise $10,000 for COVID-19 relief. Having surpassed that goal, Courage Cookies donates every $1,000 milestone to a different local charity including the Black Legal Action Centre and Baitulmaal.
Giganti Events (Chef-prepared Meal Delivery) - Niagara Region
Authentic Italian meals delivered right to your doorstep with single servings, a date night menu, or catering for your whole family.
Hot Shot Chocolate (Premium Chocolate) - Toronto
A personal chocolatier service creating chocolates for your palate, including an online chocolate tasting event or workshops for you and your loved ones. Luxurious bonbons and novelty chocolates for yourself or someone special you’d like to spoil.
Holy Cannoli (Cannolis) - Toronto
Cannoli creations including tiramisu, cream pies, chip-and-dip platters, and fill-your-own cannoli sets for at-home fun.
Zerocery (Zero-Waste Grocery Delivery) - Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton
A grocery delivery service with a focus on sourcing zero-waste groceries including local produce, bulk dry goods, as well as home and body supplies, all minimally packaged and offering returnable glass jars.
Heartwood Farm (Craft Ciders) - Erin
Small-batch craft ciders, maple syrup, and grass-fed meat all sustainably harvested, produced, and raised at Heartwood Farm, while supporting other local farmers.
Grosche (Sustainable Tea & Coffee) - Guelph
A certified B-Corp boutique offering quality loose leaf teas, coffee beans, and drink accessories that funds their Safe Water Project, providing clean water to communities in need in Malawi, India, Philippines, South Sudan, Pakistan, and Uganda with every purchase.
For the ones who have self care nights, every night
Diphy Wellness (Handmade Soaps)
A personal care brand of beautiful handmade soaps created with cruelty-free, natural, and safe sustainable ingredients.
Seabae Beauty (Makeup Wipes)
Not only are these shell-shaped makeup wipes super cute, the hemp cotton fabric makes them reusable and biodegradable as well! Erase even the most stubborn eyeliner while supporting ocean conservation — SeaBae donates part of its proceeds to SEE Turtles to save endangered turtle hatchlings.
Heart’s Desire Beauty (Nail Products) - Stouffville
Small batch-made non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan nail polishes and cuticle oil pens that will pamper your hands!
Roxi Rouge (Natural Skincare)
Cruelty-free, non-toxic, vegan skincare made simple. All-natural, and only the ingredients good for your skin without artificial fillers.
Ayurveda Rituals (Ayurvedic Skincare) - Toronto
Organic skincare products and natural perfumes by one of Toronto’s premier Ayurvedic spas.
Amalusta (Skincare) - Toronto
Clean beauty products created with high-quality plant-based ingredients that helps deliver an indulgent skincare experience that works.
Cheekbone Beauty (Makeup) - St. Catharines
An Indigenous-owned beauty brand known for their cruelty-free lipsticks and complexion productions with minimal packaging waste with initiatives to support Indigenous youth and donating to non-profit organizations such as the Navajo Water Project and One Tree Planted.
Curl Shoppe (Hair care) - Toronto
a women-owned small business focusing on quality hair care products for people with all types of curls and textured hair.
THIC (Hair care)
A Canadian-made daily hair perfecting oil created with a custom blend of hemp, argan, and grapeseed oil, created by a professional salon stylist.
Make The Universe (DIY Craft Kits) - Toronto
Learn how to sustainably make your own candles, deodorants, or custom facial oils with Make The Universe’s DIY kits and virtual workshops.
Emme Cosmetics (Makeup) - Kitchener
An independently-owned, handmade and cruelty-free makeup brand with customizable magnetic palettes so you can ensure you like every single eyeshadow pigment you get, and refill empty pans easily.
Bia (Self-care products)
Founder Bianca Carreiro created Bia to share her personal hair care secret to promoting hair growth as well as her other self-care essentials such as a moisturizing whipped shea butter and a revitalizing essential oil roll-on.
Coral Lashes (False lashes)
Cruelty-free magnetic and strip lashes that donate to the International Union for Conservation of Nature with every purchase to support the conservation of coral reefs.
For those in love with their homes
Pitsicato (Polymer Clay Home Decor) - Toronto
Polymer clay home decor inspired by naïve art and cubist paintings.
Happy Home Vintage (Thrifted & Vintage Home Decor) - Stratford & London
This local small biz is your woman-owned one-stop shop for vintage and thrifted goods that make you smile. Owned and operated by Bri who has lived for the thrill of thrifting for her whole life, and aims to share that joy with others through Happy Home Vintage.
Woven Handmade (Woven Baskets) - Collingwood
Handmade baskets made from cotton rope for all your storage needs.
Backyard Co. (Wood Crafted Home Essentials + More) - Toronto
Handmade candles, bath & body products, and artisan wood crafts including charcuterie and serving boards.
The Scented Market (Candles & Melts) - Guelph
Canadian-made scented candles, bath melts, and other scented home goods.
The Envision Floral & Design Studio (Flower Wreaths) - Toronto
A boutique floral studio creating dreamy floral arrangements and now offering minimalistic and stylish holiday wreaths.
The As Always Shop (Resin Art)
Resin coasters, bookmarks, and ornaments incorporating natural items such as pressed leaves and acorns.
6ixWicks (Candles) - Toronto
The perfect vegan candles to gift to your favourite Toronto Mandem that celebrates Toronto culture.
Lizzy’s Style Cushions (Couch Cushions) - Toronto
Inspired by her Cuban heritage, Lizette Perez creates one-of-a-kind handmade cushions using recycled fabrics.
Grainwork Design (Custom Millwork & Wooden Decor) - Toronto
Custom-made high-end woodwork including charcuterie boards, salt & pepper mills, tables, pens, and coasters.
Terra Terra (House Plants) - North York
Chic house plants and plant accessories, delivered to your doorstep.
Common Goods (Handmade Ceramics + Vegan Leather Goods) - Markham
Timeless small batch ceramic goods and vegan leather goods, made to last, and made to make simple things like your morning cup of coffee feel special.
Pah Pah Pah Shop (Linen Goods)
Ethically-sourced and eco-friendly everyday linens including napkins, dish towels, and aprons.
Al Moultaka (Middle Eastern Home Decor) - Brampton
One-of-a-kind handmade items such as tea and coffee sets, lamps, sculptures, and other decorative pieces of craftsmanship quality.
Pine Flora (Unique Crystal Planters)
Maximize your positive energy with air-purifying plants and made-to-order healing crystal planters that will become the centrepiece in your indoor jungle.
Knotty Northern Knits (Knitted Accessories and Beeswax Food Wraps) - Toronto
Handknit scarves and hats, as well as handmade reusable beeswax wraps. Locally made with a focus on reducing environmental impact, using conscious shipping practices.
Pink Lemon Decor (Wall Decor) - Bowmanville
Wood signs, prints, decals, and other curated goods. Digital downloads also available for some art.
For the ones who love accessorizing
Birds Beads Designs (Handmade Gemstone Jewellery) - Paris
Gemstone earrings and bracelets created with a variety of colourful, natural gemstones.
IndigoMuse (Fine Jewellery)
Handmade gold- and rhodium-plated recycled brass jewellery with a focus on transparency and encouraging self-confidence in women.
Handmade Jungle (Polymer Clay Earrings) - Toronto
Handmade earrings that make a statement with fun shapes and abstract colour combinations.
SunRae Studio (Resin Jewelry and Hair Accessories) - Toronto
Made with handpicked, pressed seasonal and native wildflowers. 5% of your order gets donated to Water First.
Jewelust (Handcrafted Fine Jewellery) - Toronto
Environmentally- and socially- responsible fine jeweller Amanda Henderson creates earrings inspired by nature using recycled metals.
Monster Cliche (Accessories) - Toronto
Spooky and cute earrings, enamel pins, buttons, prints, stickers, and more!
La Osa Jewelry & Vintage (Jewellery & Vintage Goods) - Stratford
Designed by Pamela Coneybeare, La Osa creates seasonal jewellery collections including a ceramic jewellery collaboration with Freighthouse Pottery.
Signatures By Africa (Tanzanite Jewellery)
Owner Sakina Adnan’s aim to celebrate the beauty of Africa manifests in her stunning tanzanite jewellery creations.
Sarah Khan (Resin Accessories) - Toronto
Whimsical resin jewellery and trinkets made with pressed flowers and found antique objects with 50% of proceeds being donated to Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto.
Nic Nac (Earrings) - Toronto
Acrylic earrings produced in an independent, Toronto-based studio that embraces asymmetry and imperfection.
Maze Handmade (Handmade Dainty Jewellery)
Minimalist and one-of-a-kind wire work jewellery that is made to inspire self-love and celebrate individuality.
Harmony by Earthwinds (Jewellery & Printed Apparel) - Guelph
Fair-trade engravable sterling silver and gold vermeil jewellery including ear cuffs and nose jewellery. Graphic tees and sweaters designed and printed at their in-house studio.
For those who are on a fitness journey or all about wellness
The Intuitive Nutritionist (Intuitive Affirmation Cards)
Affirmation cards focused on healthy eating and body acceptance.
Barbell Behaviour (Body Positive Activewear) - Toronto
Founded by Olympic weightlifter, Lianne Ireland, Barbell Behaviour produces stylish yet functional activewear for all bodies.
Please Notes Goods (Guided Journals) - Toronto
Prompted journals for you to help reach a variety of topics such as gratitude, clarity, glory, and more
Divine Remedy Healing (Virtual Healing Center) - Toronto
Master energy healer, reiki master and registered aromatherapist, Bojana, provides energy healing and readings, reiki sessions, virtual workshops, and ethical aromatherapy products.
Run Little Monkey (Bamboo-Blend Activewear)
An LGBTQ- and woman-owned activewear company with a focus on size inclusivity. Made with sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp, Run Little Monkey encourages people from all walks of life to be comfortable while exercising.
Shop Little Yogis (Apparel & Accessories)
Apparel for women, men, and children created with positivity in mind. Every purchase supports children’s mental health initiatives through CMHO (Children’s Mental Health Ontario).
POUF (Cannabis Accessories)
A female-run cannabis accessory brand with sleek designs working to change the narrative of smoking cannabis and making it more female friendly!
Sound Response Wellness (Sound-Based Stress Reduction)
The team at Sound Response Wellness uses sound therapy to help you feel like your best, less-stressed self! They currently offer virtual workshops and sound baths.
Zumba by Gralice Mak - Stouffville
Zumba instructor Garlice Mak brings the party to you, virtually! Garlice brings her positive energy and joy to her lessons which have a variety of fitness levels designed for your age group.
NB Life (Yoga) - Toronto
Virtual yoga therapy sessions, ideal for anyone looking for pain relief and improved health through movement. These personalized sessions are appropriate for all ages and experience levels. 100% of proceeds are donated directly to the Black Creek Community Farm Emergency Food Box program.
Zed Holistic Touch (Wellness Centre) - Oakville
Massage therapy services and workshops, as well as handmade and local holistic products such as a reiki healing grid with crystals.
For those who have a passion for fashion
Grandma’s Basement (Thrifted & Vintage Clothes) - St. Catharines
A black- and woman-owned thrift shop. Since their inception in 2018, they have donated to local, social causes such as the Niagara Sexual Assault Centre, Centre for Young Black Professionals, and more.
Outpost Vintage (Thrifted & Vintage Clothes) - Guelph
Hand-picked vintage clothing of all styles as well as locally-made accessories and zines.
Daddy’s Plastic (Thrifted & Vintage Clothes) - Hamilton
Affordable vintage clothing, with seasonal offerings.
Caitlin Power (Sustainable Fashion) - Toronto
A Canadian- and ethically-made, sustainable, slow fashion brand. Each high-quality product is made-to-order to reduce waste.
Taj Charles (Women’s Loungewear) - Toronto
Luxury, made-to-order satin robes in customizable lengths. Made in Canada using sustainably and locally sourced fabric.
KD Vintage Goods (Thrifted & Vintage Clothes) - Ottawa
A black- and woman-owned thrift and consignment shop.
Brave Betty (Travel Bras)
Travel with confidence with Brave Betty’s sports bra and money bag in one! Keep your passport and wallet safe in a discreet way with this Canadian-made bra.
Keisha Lynnai (Custom Garments & Accessories for Women) - Toronto
Dresses, kimonos, and scrunchies made by designer Keisha Lynnai.
Pippa and Peach (Loungewear) - Niagara Region
Comfy rompers for women and children in fun colours and tie dye fabrics.
Just Smitten (Upcycled Mittens)
Hand-sewn mitten made from upcycled wool sweaters.
Original Genes (Painted Denim Clothing) - Toronto
Hand painted jackets, shorts, and shoes, custom-made with the design of your choice.
Ali + Liv (Swimwear)
A bikini swimwear brand that gives back by donating to initiatives that clean the oceans.
Kotn (Ethical Clothing) - Toronto
Practical clothing for men and women made with the finest Egyptian cotton. A certified B-Corp, Kotn believes in fair pay for their employees at all levels including farmers and factory employees. Since 2015, they have funded building and operating new schools in areas without access to education.
For those who love art and stationery goods
Caricature Dani (Caricatures)
Caricature commissions available as a fun gift for yourself or your loved ones.
ECMazur (Art & Prints)
Dreamy original artwork, prints, and greeting cards available in ink and digital mediums. Toronto.
MadeByWndy (Greeting Cards) - Toronto
Foil greeting cards for all occasions. 30% of the proceeds made from the Holiday collection will go towards SickKids’ “Get Better Gifts” foundation.
Hannah Kaplan (Prints & Commissions) - Toronto
Cute prints and digital art commissions with 10% of proceeds donated to Black Legal Action Centre.
Colourama (Crochet Hats, Art Prints & More) - Toronto
Crochet goods including hats, bandanas, and blankets as well as art prints, tote bags, and other accessories.
Partial Gallery (Original Canadian Fine Art) - Toronto
Invest in unique artwork by Canadian artists with a “try-before-you-buy” art rental or a payment plan to purchase your one-of-a-kind piece of art that pays artists fairly.
Melodic Misa (Enamel Pins & Stickers)
Adorable pins, stickers, and keychains in a Japanese-inspired style.
Little Bear Makes Art (Original Alcohol Ink & Watercolour Art) - London
Abstract alcohol ink paintings, stickers, and coasters in stunning colour palettes.
Meloncholy Mandi (Greeting Cards & Stickers) - St. Catharines
Hand-drawn seasonal greeting cards, prints, and stickers.
Geeky Pet (Pop Culture Pet Portraits) - Toronto
Portraits of your favourite cat memes combined with your favourite pop culture icons including Catwoman Cat, Freddy Krueger Cat, Princess Leia Cat, and more.
Moon Sign Supplies (Astrology Inspired Products) - Toronto
Tote bags, journals, and more featuring horoscope art. 10% of sales are donated to Family Service Toronto’s counseling program.
Michelle Chiu (Toronto Photo Prints) - Toronto
Affordable art prints of iconic Toronto locations as well as other various subjects.
Rachel Chow (Postcards & Totes) - Toronto
Cute postcards and tote bags featuring original art of classic Hong Kong dim sum menu items.
Stephanie Cheng (Screen Printed Prints, Cards & More) - Toronto
Art prints and greeting cards featuring popular vacation destinations, inspiring athletes, musicians.
Sugar Bones (Cute Pins, Patches, Bags & More) - Hamilton
Enamel pins and accessories featuring artwork of your favourite fandoms such as Animal Crossing, Studio Ghibli, and more.
Lambshead Studio (Leather Goods) - Toronto
Genuine leather accessories including camera straps, wallets, and key rings.
Alana McCarthy (Art Prints) - Toronto
Prints of iconic Toronto locations such as Trinity Bellwoods, Kensington Market, and Allan Gardens.
For kids or parents on your list
Goodums (Healthy Bake Mixes) - Toronto
Owned and operated by dietician and mom, Lisa Mina, Goodums™ award-winning bake mixes using organic and artificial preservative-free ingredients are perfect for busy families who love home baked goodness without the fuss.
The Doodle Roll (Large Scale Doodle Sheets)
Founded in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to keep children busy and occupied for more than 5 minutes. Designed by a mom and made for parents and kids of all ages, the Doodle Roll is reusable when coloured with washable markers and is a great activity to work on solo or as a group.
Baby Bunny (Handmade Baby Clothes)
Here to help new parents get ready for their newborn babies. The majority of their products are delicately handmade including knitted hats, headbands to their signature bunny-eared onesies.
Apricotton (Tween Bra Brand)
An online tween bra brand, starting a movement to guide girls and improve their confidence during puberty. The bras' hidden straps, removable padding, multi-layered fabric, and stretchy waistband make them the best starter bras for your daughter that will last through multiple stages of puberty. Gift your daughter comfort and support this holiday season.
Kindful Living (Kindfulness Activities for Kids) - Markham
Child & Family Therapist and Kindful Living owner, Zahra, helps busy families find peace and joy and raise the most kind and mindful kids they know. Offering themed step-by-step kid-approved kindfulness activity cards.
Patisseh (Cookie Decoration Kits) - Patisseh’s paint your own cookie kits are super popular for stocking stuffers or an edible and fun activity! Can be customized to a preferred theme and flavour and each kit comes with a colour palette and paintbrush. Toronto.
Beeja May (Preloved Kids Clothes) - Toronto
Beeja May comes from a meaningful place. Beeja (bee-ja) is Hindi for "the beginning" and May is the birth month of their baby girl. Together the words represent both a second life for used clothing, and a new chapter for the mom and dad business duo. Beeja May provides a better way for parents to purchase pre-loved children’s clothing for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Tiny Trends By MA (Children’s Clothing)
Handmade trendy kids clothing including rompers and hair accessories. Owner, Melany, searches endlessly for unique fabric designs and patterns and gains inspiration from her own kids.
Swallowtail Creative (Playbook)
Give the gift of mindful activities to kids aged 7-12. Written and illustrated by Katherine Earl, the My Life Playbook is filled with drawing and writing prompts that encourage kids to explore their personal experiences and emotions. Buy a book for the children in your life, or donate one to a kid in need.
The Star (Book) - Toronto
A whimsical children's book of a star who is left to feel insignificant to other elements in the universe. Written, illustrated, and published independently by Shweta Sanzgiri.
Services and Other
Classic Affairs By Jenna (Floral Designer) - Toronto
Custom arrangements and holiday florals to spice up your holiday dining experience! Also selling DIY greenery bundles make for a great gift for friends and family. Use it to create wreaths, garland, or simply add to a vase for an effortless look.
Shop Luxemedia (Beard Kit & Apparel) - Stouffville
In collaboration with Fear The Beard, The Movember Beard Kit is the perfect gift for that man in your life that combines the best and most effective methods for growing and taming a beard in one single kit. Also selling apparel, focusing on Tamil culture and more.
Karen K Tran (Portrait Sessions) - Guelph
Cherish your memories with your loved ones by gifting a professional portrait session! Whether you’re looking for an individual, couple’s, pet, or family portrait, feel confident and comfortable having your portrait taken with Karen.
Foster Insures (Independent Life Insurance Advisor) - Hamilton
Take a sigh of relief with the professional knowledge of all things surrounding money in your life. Jayevan Foster is a Licensed Life Insurance Advisor, committed to providing you with the best coverage from their trusted partners so that you can trust that your family will be cared for. Virtually servicing all across Ontario.
The Sassy Investor (Financial Learning) - Richmond Hill
Give the gift of the knowledge of wealth! Owner, Michelle Hung, empowers women to take control of their finances by teaching them how to build a lifetime of wealth and financial security. Courses include beginner’s guide to investing to more advanced levels.
Sweet Designs Studio (Custom Rustic Signage)
Specializing in modern decor and custom wood signs with a touch of rustic charm and flare. Each piece is hand-crafted and made-to-order to suit your preferences.
Font of You Calligraphy (Custom Calligraphy Designs & Gift Boxes) - Mississauga
Beautiful custom calligraphy designs drawn on cups, ornaments, gift boxes, and so much more! Perfect for wedding favours or matching decor for your friends and family.
Sadie & June (Embroidered Maps) - Ottawa
Hand-embroidered memories. Every vintage map print has been hand embroidered by a wife and husband team, Kendall and Steve. Just like the red heart, your story gets stitched into your special piece - made to be a reminder of the places, people, and adventures you hold dear.
CL Designs (Branding Service) - Toronto
Designer, Christine Lieu of CL Designs, created the Visionary Accelerator, so that creative business owners can fast-track their business by realizing their brand vision and guiding it with clarity. CL Designs will set up workflow systems to help business owners grow their business and start making bank in as little as 5 days.
Fresh Baked (Cooking Classes) - Georgian Bay
Virtual cooking classes for the aspiring chefs in your life! Enjoy a beautiful dinner prepared by you and your family right in your own kitchen. The cooking class includes a custom designed 3 course menu, interactive online instruction via Zoom, and all ingredients.
Parla Hair (Independent Hairstylist) - Ottawa
Trying to up your hairstyling game? Kira of Parla Hair, offers 1-on-1 hairstyling classes in the Ottawa area. Training provided for techniques like a classic blow dry, beachy waves, braiding, high pony, topknot, volume, and more, for the aspirational aesthetician in your life or to learn how to change up your own hair looks!
Concept Pet (Pet Toys & Furniture) - Toronto
Concept-pet is a store that is focused on aesthetic lifestyle and individuality. Your pet’s furniture should match your own stylish lifestyle without compromising between comfort, quality, or functionality for your beloved pet.
Rosie and Her Mama (Matching Masks & Bandana)
Match with your furry friend with reusable fabric masks and pet bandanas (and other small accessories) to make a fashion statement! Currently donating 25% of profits to Black Lives Matter Canada.
The Rover Boutique (Pet Accessories)
What started off as making handmade sewn items for five month old pug, Ella, turned into Rover Boutique. A boutique that offers a full range of stylish sewn-in-studio pet apparel such as collars, leashes, and bandanas.
All these opinions and still don't know? Check out these curated boxes
French Lunch (Gourmet Gift Baskets) - If you can’t travel to France, at least your belly can! Experience the flavours of a Provencal French breakfast, cheese platters, or foie gras with French Lunch’s gift baskets. Oakville.
Knock Knock Love (Gift Boxes) - Send or buy yourself a thoughtfully curated care package, for whatever the occasion.
Sam & Lance (Sustainable Gift Boxes) - Owned and operated by Canadian Sisters with the aim to help you take the guesswork out of ethical shipping while also empowering women businesses and artisans around the world. With every gift box sold, they donate a meal to the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto’s Food Bank. You can also use code: abireg at checkout for $5 off.
The Happy Box (Surprise Gift Boxes) - Support local businesses when you buy a Happy Box, available in different themes. Each Happy Box is full of small-batch artisan goods that support small businesses.
Don’t forget to buy a greeting card to accompany your gifts! Individual or card sets just released in my very own shop, available here.
This list was helped curated thanks to the Women Who Freelance Community.
Thank you so much for considering shopping from small businesses and thank you for all your support. Let’s continue to uplift each other in this community!
