It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year! Christmastime!
However you celebrate the next few weeks, it’s certainly the time of year for giving — no matter how big or small.
We can all agree that this year has been unlike any other, but especially-so for small businesses who may have been forced to shut their doors or limit their hours due to Government restrictions. Small businesses are important to the economic and social fabric of our society, and we all play a part in their survival.
Growing companies — some that started in garages or coffee shops — foster eco-systems that enable other small businesses to thrive in their wake. When you shop local, your dollars stay in the community and help local development. This is called the multiplier effect. For example, a restaurant buying ingredients from local producers uses a local insurance broker and hires a local design firm, building symbiotic relationships that help the whole business community prosper.
While the need to help the independent business community is most immediately obvious, the benefits of shopping small extend beyond times of crisis.
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Earlier this month we reached out to our online community to ask who YOUR favourite local and/or Canadian businesses are. We loved your suggestions and will continue to feature them throughout the holiday season! Check our Instagram stories under the #LocalLove highlight for more on this.
Below, we’ve selected some of our favourite artists, makers and entrepreneurs. Our Local Love Gift Guide is not only to help you (and others) celebrate the gift of giving, but also to celebrate everything these small Canadian businesses have to offer!
Local Love List:
Pure Home Couture – Hamilton, Ontario
Apothecary products for Bath and Home using natural and organic, plant-based, ethically sourced ingredients.
Featured Item: Prosecco No. 56 Roll-On Perfume
Brand & Iron – Vancouver, British Columbia
Candles and fragrances offering clean, minimalist design aesthetics with unconventional scent combinations.
Featured Item: Sweet Balsam (Goldie Collection) Candle
Victoria Monique Designs – Guelph, Ontario
Watercolour and Calligraphy for Your home.
Featured Item: Custom House Portrait (Frame not included)
Suetables – Toronto, Ontario
Meaningful high-quality jewelry.
Featured Items: Tessa Together Necklace, Jack 12mm Ring
Two Sisters Naturals – Midhurst, Ontario
Handcrafted skin, bath and home care products using plant based ingredients.
Featured Item: Baby Bum Cream, Bath Soak
Kinsip – Prince Edward County, Ontario
Farm distillery offering small batch handcrafted spirits.
Featured Items: Handcrafted Lavender Lemon Bitter, Cooper’s Revival Canadian Rye Whisky
Cloth & Main – Kelowna, British Columbia
Vintage pillows and decor for a conscious aesthetic.
Featured Item: Vintage Woven Pillow
Footprints – Kelowna, British Columbia
Eco-friendly, un-packaged, sustainable and zero waste products.
Featured Item: Unscented Co Hand Soap
Studio 50 – Paris, Ontario
Canadian-Nordic Furniture and Homewares.
Featured Item: Choose your own with a Gift Card
Lakeside Loops – Fredericton, New Brunswick
Modern Crochet Patterns
Featured Item: Hunter Heart Hat (Crochet Pattern)
Lily Kao Design – Scarborough, Ontario
Adorable illustration and paper goods.
Featured Item: Wooden Christmas Ornament, Holiday Greeting Card
Our communities need us. Please consider shopping local this holiday season. Your purchase may just be the support these businesses need to keep their doors open.
Happy shopping! Stay safe.
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