Small Business Gift Guide – Holiday 2020

Posted on November 28, 2020November 28, 2020 by Melissa Harrison

It’s been a wild year for small businesses. We’ve had to deal with lock downs, cancellations, overhauls and so much uncertainty. Sometimes it feels like we are facing a new challenge every single day.

We’ve also received a huge amount of support from our networks and communities and found new ways of doing things that will have us ready to bounce back even better.

I want to say a personal THANK YOU to everyone who has helped out their local small business people this year – whether it be by making a purchase, recommending us, resharing us, sending us sweet thank you notes or just letting us vent – you kept us going through the most stressful year of our lives.

Please take a look at some of my favourite items from small businesses.

Bath & Body

Candles

Wild Serenity

Fresh Christmas Tree Scented Wood Wick Soy Candle

Sophster-Toaster

Homestead Scented Soy Candle

Accessories

Just a Little This That

Pretty in Pink Swarovski Crystal Stud Earrings Collection

Dawning Collective

Cozy Fox Necklace

Camp Collection

Ear Loops Mask 6 Pack in 90’s Colours

Escaping the Ordinary

Daisies Roller Skate Accessory

Clothing

Electric West

No Thanks Tee

Rosehound

Beer Flower Sweatshirt

Home

Garden City Essentials

Vintage Fruit Beeswax Wrap

Kuishi

Amber Glass Soap Dispenser

Miracle Eye

Marigold Woven Blanket

The Outcast Society

Cute Kitty Smash Fascism Pennant

DIY Kits

M by M Knitwear

True North Toque Knitting Pattern

Salt + Mustard

Mustard Making Kit

Christmas & Holiday Cards

Brittany Lane Art & Illustration

Together in Spirit

Ostockley

Snowy Pooch

Gift Cards

Don’t forget about your local record shops, book stores and take out places!

All photos courtesy of retailers.

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide: For the Host & Hostess

Posted on November 26, 2019February 7, 2020 by Melissa Harrison

1. A retro rainbow planter + air plant magnet for the host with that kitchen the guests always gravitate towards.

Goldsmith

2. An exfoliating hand soap for the host with the cute guest bathroom.

Nature’s Honey Craft Soaps

3. A tiny salt & pepper shaker set for the friend who loves to set the table.

For the Host

4. A Christmas tree scented candle with a crackling wood wick for that person who’s had the artificial tree up since November 1st.

Wild Serenity

5. A cotton canvas apron for the one whose desserts you never forget to save room for.

Xenotees

6. A linen cotton blend tea towel for the hero who always helps clean up.

Wicked Mint

7. A satin sleep mask for the hostess who always goes out of her way.

Julia Wine

8. A hand painted mug for the wildcard in your life.

Kitties and Cabernet

All photos courtesy of makers.

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on November 20, 2018November 15, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I hope you like these products as much as I do! Just so you know, I may collect a commission or other compensation from the links provided on this page.

1. Unique holiday greeting cards everyone (especially mom) will love.

Get them from The Critter Co for $6 each.

2. A dreamy necklace for the girl with her head in the clouds.

Get it from Curious Oddities for $75.20.

3. A deceivingly warm corduroy jumper for the girl who’s always cold.

Get it from Mod Dolly for $92.92.

4. A cross stitch kit for your crafty friend with bare walls.

Get it from Diana Watters Handmade for $35.

5. The cutest little polar bear necklace for the animal lover in your life.

Get it from Swimming Fox Studio for $23.

6. An effortlessly cool shelf for the new homeowner.

Get it from Stained Lace for $36.

7. A checklist map of Canada’s National Parks for your most adventurous friend.

Get it from Ello There for $45.50+, with lots of add-on options.

8. A subtly festive pinecone necklace for the friend who never wants Christmas to end.

Get it from Emery & Opal for $27.34.

9. A fuzzy friend for your littlest friend.

Get it from Miso Handmade for $20.51.

All photos courtesy of product makers.

Handmade Gift Guide 2015

Posted on November 24, 2015November 24, 2015 by Melissa Harrison

Buying handmade means buying something special. When one person, or a small team of talented people, are entirely responsible for a product and work on a project from initial idea, to sourcing materials, to handcrafting the product, right through to selling, shipping and customer service, they are able to ensure their values are upheld every step of the way. Whether it be a commitment to environmental sustainability, fair trade ingredients or incredibly high quality products, someone who has a hand in every part of the process finds it easy to achieve these goals. When you shop small, local or handmade, you are supporting these people and their devotion to the aspirations and ideals that many of us share.

Here are some of my favourite handmade items this year:

Zephyrus Terrarium by ABJ Glassworks (Pennsylvania, United States, $65.00)

Crochet Braided Headband by Plexida (Greece, $9.58)

Stud Earring Set by Liperla (Turin, Italy, $22.60)

Because Cats Pinback Button by Sparkle Collective (Toronto, Canada, $1.54)

Teen Dream Enamel Pin by Ludlow Luna (Pennsylvania, United States, $10.00)

“A Certain Glamour” Cat Watercolour Print by Water in My Paint (Canada, $7.70)

Haters Gonna Hate Bunny Tote Bag by Hello Harriet (Winchester, United Kingdom, $16.00)

Antler Ring by Autumn Equinox Jewelry (New Hampshire, United States, $32.00)

Sunday Plaid Eyeglasses Pocket Square by The Honey Press (Massachusetts, United States, $25.00 – 40% off with coupon code “CLOSING40”)

Lace Up Slippers by White Noise Maker (Wellington, New Zealand, $29.00+ depending on size)

“Will Perform for Cakes” Side Plate by Jimbobart (London, United Kingdom, $35.00)

Terracotta Serving Bowl by Baskakova (London, United Kingdom, $43.49)

All prices in USD. All photos via respective shops.

Bath & Body

Sarah’s Soaps

7C Salts

Marley’s Monsters

Candles

Wild Serenity

Sophster-Toaster

Accessories

Just a Little This That

Dawning Collective

Camp Collection

Escaping the Ordinary

Clothing

Electric West

Rosehound

Home

Garden City Essentials

Kuishi

Miracle Eye

The Outcast Society

DIY Kits

M by M Knitwear

Salt + Mustard

Christmas & Holiday Cards

Brittany Lane Art & Illustration

Ostockley

Gift Cards

1. A retro rainbow planter + air plant magnet for the host with that kitchen the guests always gravitate towards.

2. An exfoliating hand soap for the host with the cute guest bathroom.

3. A tiny salt & pepper shaker set for the friend who loves to set the table.

4. A Christmas tree scented candle with a crackling wood wick for that person who’s had the artificial tree up since November 1st.

5. A cotton canvas apron for the one whose desserts you never forget to save room for.

6. A linen cotton blend tea towel for the hero who always helps clean up.

7. A satin sleep mask for the hostess who always goes out of her way.

8. A hand painted mug for the wildcard in your life.

1. Unique holiday greeting cards everyone (especially mom) will love.

2. A dreamy necklace for the girl with her head in the clouds.

3. A deceivingly warm corduroy jumper for the girl who’s always cold.

4. A cross stitch kit for your crafty friend with bare walls.

5. The cutest little polar bear necklace for the animal lover in your life.

6. An effortlessly cool shelf for the new homeowner.

7. A checklist map of Canada’s National Parks for your most adventurous friend.

8. A subtly festive pinecone necklace for the friend who never wants Christmas to end.

9. A fuzzy friend for your littlest friend.