Canadian Small Shop Holiday Gift Guide

Yep, it’s that time of the year again — Halloween has come and gone, and it’s time to start talking about the holiday season! I’m sure we’re all well aware at this point, but there’s so many delays on items from pretty much every market, and facet of business, that it’s being highly recommended that everyone shops early this year. So hey, it’s November 3rd, this is your sign to start your shopping (unless you’re like me, and doing gift cards for virtually everyone this year, haha!).

This is my absolute favourite post to write each and every year, and with good reason. If you’re new to my blog; firstly, hi there! Nice to meet you — I hope that you love it here! Secondly, I’m a huge advocate for shopping from small businesses, both locally & throughout Canada, especially over the last couple of years, for obvious reasons. Let’s jump into this years Canadian Small Shop Holiday Gift Guide!

* I would like to respectfully acknowledge that all featured brands, including myself, live and work on traditional and unceded Indigenous lands across the country that is now known as Canada.

Collage of items from various Canadian small businesses.

Clothing

Whether you’re looking to gift something cozy, something dressy, or even just picking up a little something for yourself (my favourite kind of holiday shopping), there’s a small shop on this list for everyone.

* Note: Shops primarily offer women's clothing. Any that offer unisex items will be noted.

BBxCollection

UNISEX CLOTHING · WOMEN-OWNED | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
DISCOUNT CODE · EMILY15 FOR 15% OFF
📍 OTTAWA, ON

If you’re shopping for someone this holiday season who’s got a flare for the sarcastic, and loves a good graphic tee, check out BBxCollection for a wide assortment of cute and funny tees, crewnecks, hoodies and even more. The owner, Megan, has even started to bring in other small (and large) brands into her shop!

* This shop offers unisex, men & women’s clothing.

Pokoloko

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS · ETHICALLY MADE | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
DISCOUNT CODE · EMILY FOR 15% OFF
📍 OTTAWA, ON

If ethically sourced and made products are important to you and/or who you’re shopping for, Pokoloko has a ton of great options to get cozied up in including sweaters, scarves and even home good as well!

* Please note, much of the items can be unisex, but are mostly shown on female models.

The Nord

WOMEN-OWNED | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 MUSKOKA, ON

If you’re looking for quality items at a great price, look no further than The Nord. With items ranging from tops, to dresses, and even jewellery, there’s a little something for anyone at The Nord, and most items are under $100, making it a great !

* Please note, the online shop is currently closed for maintenance, and will reopen at the end of November 2021.

A redhead woman holding onto the toque on her head, looking down at the ground.

Accessories

From hair accessories, to your new go-to everyday handbag, check out these shops for some accessories to shop this holiday season.

Allette & Co.

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · ETSY
📍 SAINT JOHN, NB

If you’ve read my blog before, the name Allette & Co. probably isn’t new to you. I buy pretty much all of my scrunchies from here, and constantly rave about them both on my blog, and on Instagram. If you’re shopping for someone who loves scrunchies (or values their hair not being damaged), this is your place to go!

Tuula Collective

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 OTTAWA, ON

One of my absolute favourite bags in my collection is my Rowan Bucket Bag from Tuula Collective, and there are so many other great bags from this shop! But, it doesn’t stop there — Tuula Collective also offers hats, clothing, jewellery and even scarves! You have to act quick though, because these items don’t last long.

A redhead woman with her hair up in a scrunchies, covering her face with a duvet cover.

A flat lay of a beige gingham sundress, a sunhat, sunglasses, white scrunchies and a crocheted bucket bag.

Jewellery

Is there anything better than receiving a unique, handmade piece of jewellery during the holiday season? Especially if that piece is a ring...

BD Imaging

WOMEN-OWNED · LGBTQIA2S+ OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · ETSY
DISCOUNT CODE · EMILY10 FOR 10% OFF
📍 OTTAWA, ON

I have to say, this shop is owned by one of my best friends, but I promise I wouldn’t include it if I didn’t actually love the products! BD Imaging creates the most beautiful bracelets, and even uses stones that are in high demand including moldavite, and also offers evil eye bracelets as well!

Lofttan

INDIGENOUS-OWNED · WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 NIAGARA REGION, ON / TRADITIONAL LANDS OF THE HAUDENOSAUNEE & ANISHNAABE PEOPLE

If you’re looking to support a member of the Indigenous community this holiday season (as we all should be!), look no further than Lofttan. Specializing in convertible jewellery, there is something for everyone’s budget with prices ranging from $24 – $230. The heart of the Lofttan brand lies in the celebration of diversity, accessibility & the medicine of creativity!

* Gift cards are also available!

Flourish Stonewear

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 OTTAWA, ON

If you’re shopping for someone who loves unique, kiln-fired ceramic and porcelain jewellery, I highly recommend checking out Flourish Stonewear for all of your needs. They have everything from studs, to statement earrings and even rings and necklaces!

Zen Moissanite

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 OTTAWA AREA, ON

Though the time to order a ring for a holiday proposal has passed for this year, if it’s something you’re thinking about doing next holiday season, or just after the holidays, check out Zen Moissanite (this is where my engagement ring is from!). Moissanite is ethically sourced, making it better for the planet & for people!

Close up of a woman's arm wearing two beaded bracelets. One features a moldavite bead and one features an evil eye bead.

A redhead woman stretching out her arm to show her engagement ring on her finger. She's out of focus in the background.

Beauty & Self-Care

Though the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, they can also be one of the most stressful times of the year too. Take some time for yourself with these beauty & self-care shops.

Raw Nails

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN USA · CRUELTY-FREE · VEGAN | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 TORONTO, ON

If you’re like me, and on a mission to make sure everything in your makeup and beauty collection is vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic, well do I have something exciting to tell you — Raw Nails is all of these things! Nail polish has been one of the hardest things for me to find, but now that I’ve found it, I’m obsessed.

Freon Collective

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA · SUSTAINABLE · ECO-FRIENDLY | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 TORONTO, ON

Continuing on the beauty train, if you’re looking to take your makeup off at the end of the day with a more environmentally conscious option that throw away cotton rounds, Freon Collective has exactly what you need. And, there’s even reusable nail polish removal pads to go with your new non-toxic nail polish!

Woman sitting on a fuzzy white blanket, holding a bottle of white nail polish.

Home Decor

Whether you want to buy some cute home decor for someone you love this holiday season, or you're looking to spruce up your holiday decor yourself, check out these small shops for your home decor needs.

Clementine HFG

WOMEN-OWNED | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
DISCOUNT CODE · EMILY15 FOR 15% OFF
📍 KINDERSLEY, SK

Whether you’re looking to gift the most perfect vase, a new doormat, or even treat yourself to some new holiday decor, Clementine HFG has everything you could possibly need when it comes to trendy, but beautiful home decor and decorations. Plus, if you or someone on your list is a fan of upcycling, you can also find Fusion Mineral Paint in a wide variety of colours, as well as all of the accessories to get the job done.

* Clementine HFG also offers clothing & accessories.

Bode Goods

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
DISCOUNT CODE · EMILY10 FOR 10% OFF
📍 KELOWNA, BC

Is there a place that means the world to you and you’d love to have a piece of art to commemorate it on your walls? Look no further than Bode Goods for hand drawn maps! Though there is a large selection already, the highlight of this small business is the option for custom maps, making it a great gift for just about any holiday or occasion. I’m even looking into having a map done of the grounds where I’ll be getting married!

Hudson & Oak

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 VANCOUVER, BC

Buying for a plant lover this holiday season? I can almost promise that a beautiful planter from Hudson & Oak would make the ultimate gift that they’re sure to love! Plants not really their thing, but you still want to gift something lovely for the home? Well, don’t worry because Hudson & Oak also started offering modern and simple dinnerware!

Overhead view of a doormat that reads "we're like really into Christmas".

A picture frame shelf mounted on the wall. The shelf holds an old vintage camera, two framed images, a candle, a mirror and a Christmas House decoration.

Miscellaneous

For all of the things that didn't fit into the other categories, check out these shops for unique gifts for any time of the year!

Sam & Lance

WOMEN-OWNED · ETHICALLY-MADE · MADE IN NORTH AMERICA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
DISCOUNT CODE · LOVEEMILY10 FOR 10% OFF READY-TO-SHIP BOXES*
📍 TORONTO, ON

Know someone who could use a little bit of self-care this holiday season? Look no further than Sam & Lance’s gift set, Self Care & Growth! All of the products offered through Sam & Lance are packaged in either recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging, making these box sets not only a great gift, but also a gift that you can feel good about giving this holiday season.

* Applies to one-time purchases, one use per customer. Active from November 1, 2021 until December 31, 2021.

Blushnote Studios

WOMEN-OWNED | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 NIAGARA, ON

If you’re shopping for someone who loves stationary (I’m oddly obsessed with good quality paper products…), Blushnote Studios has everything that you could possibly need! From notebooks, sticky notes (that are an inch bigger than the standard sticky notes!) and even paper clips. It’s an organized person’s paradise, and they’re always introducing amazing new products for the stationary lover.

Livingston Co.

WOMEN-OWNED | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 KINGSTON, ON

Know someone who’s always dropping their phone, or just loves a stylish phone accessory? Livingston Co. has amazing geode phone grips that you can add to phone cases or even on the back of your tablet case to make it more comfortable to hold it. There are tons of colour options and even gold, silver and rose gold rimmed options!

Stacks of stationary including a notebook, long line notepad, sticky notes and a weekly planner sitting on a marble background.

Pets

We can't forget our furry friends during the holidays! Spoil your four-legged babies this season with help from these pet-loving shops.

Luna & Co.

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · ETSY
DISCOUNT CODE · FREDDIE10 FOR 10% OFF
📍 TORONTO, ON

I’m the first to admit, my pup Freddie probably doesn’t care for anything other than treats and toys, but if you’re looking to spoil your pup with a brand new modern, vegan, waterproof collar (and matching leash), I highly recommend checking out Luna & Co. for the most beautiful faux leather dog accessories.

Cocopups

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 WOODSTOCK, ON

If you’re looking for a new seasonally appropriate bandana for your dog (or cat!), I can’t recommend searching through the Cocopups website enough! With extremely cute options for both male and female pets, it’s inevitable that there’s something you’ll love! There is even an option to customize your bandana and add snaps.

Fluff Pet Care

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · WEBSITE
📍 WINDSOR, ON

Wanting to upgrade your dog’s ID tag to something a little more unique and special? Check out Fluff Pet Care for something that represents your dog’s personality! We have one for Freddie that has a forest-like design on it to represent how he’s a Bernese Mountain Dog and his breed originates from the Bern Mountains.

Pooch & Tabby

WOMEN-OWNED · MADE IN CANADA | INSTAGRAM · ETSY
📍 TORONTO, ON

Last, but certainly not least is Pooch & Tabby, which has the most beautiful fabric collars for dogs & cats. There are tons of fabric options, colours and patterns, and there’s even Rifle Paper Co. designs, and there’s even options between black, nickel and brass hardware, as well as the option to get a matching leash!

A redhead woman and her Bernese mountain dog standing together in front of a pile of orange pumpkins against a forested background.

Well there you have it, this years Canadian Small Shop Holiday Gift Guide! I have been impatiently counting down the days for this blog to launch, and I am so excited to finally share it with all of you! Up next — this years holiday gift guide for her! Keep your eyes peeled for that coming this Friday!

* Note: Paid promotion from Sam & Lance and Bode Goods. Gifted product from Clementine HFG. Professional photography featured in this blog by Brianna Derro of BD Imaging.