Local Christmas Gifts: Here’s How to Shop Mindfully This Holiday
Whether they’re made slowly, locally or sustainably, these chic holiday picks are imbued with intention.
Nothing makes for a feel-good gift quite like a handcrafted, consciously made something. We tapped Canada’s most exciting makers — from Vancouver all the way to the most eastern edge of Newfoundland — for their sustainable wares so you too can satisfy the “shop local” moment.
Ghlee Lip Balm Mango-Papaya
Only six natural ingredients make up this chic, Toronto-made balm, including ghee (hence the name!) An ingredient at the heart of many Eastern self-care rituals, ghee is said to act as a nourishing salve on the skin. Grab one for everyone on your list plus an extra for yourself — it’s that good.
Wanze Dumpling Bag
This sweetly named, silk-polyester blend handbag — all puffed and stuffed like the doughy delights — is the brainchild of Toronto-based slow fashion designer Wanze Song. Depending on their carrying style, get it in one of four sizes: mini for a low-key night out or large for carrying the essentials and so much more.
Noahnoahnoah Vintage 14K Gold Multi-Gemstone Cigar Band Ring
Fashion editor alum Noah Lehava has turned her curatorial eye towards fine jewelry of the vintage variety in Noahnoahnoah. Her worldly treasures are fit for the sustainably-minded fashion girl: rare, sculptural Rolexes sourced in Buenos Aires, hard candy-like pendants and this cigar band that’s dotted with colourful gems.
Meilen Extra Large Platter, 16” Marbled Turquoise #1
Hamilton-based husband-and-wife duo Bert Walker and Jennifer Bernstein craft colour-popped ceramics, like this pale blue-marbled serving platter, made for the consummate host. And if it’s fit for some of Canada’s most revered restaurants (Restaurant Pearl Morissette among them), it’s certainly worthy of a setting on their table.
Heirloom Hats Cloud Mohair Beanie Steel Blue
Montreal milliner Samantha-Tara Mainville of Heirloom Hats crafts some of the country’s coolest chapeaus, like this sky-blue beanie that’s aptly called the Cloud. Its mohair-merino wool blend just adds to its cozy nature.
Fogo Island Workshops Punt Chair
Gift them a piece of the east coast with this modern-meets-nostalgic chair from Fogo Island Workshops. Dreamed up by French-Canadian designer Elaine Fortin, the Punt Chair is made from Newfoundland juniper and pays homage to the traditional wooden fishing boats that were once a mainstay on the local fisheries.
Cheekbone Beauty Fearless Eyeshadow in Cobalt Blue
For the bold beauty maven, consider this potently pigmented eyeshadow stick from Cheekbone Beauty. A five-star reviewed winner from the first Indigenous-owned cosmetics company, this creamy pencil is crafted from sustainable PEFC certified wood so you can use its high-payoff colour right down to the last shaving.
MAË Piercing Evil Eye Threadless Pin
Add a little (responsible) sparkle to their ear stack with a dainty earring from this Montreal-based company that specializes in handmade solid gold piercings featuring titanium threadless pins. Crafted in Canada from certified bio-compatible 14K gold that meet the highest standards set by the APP, according to the brand, you can feel good while they look good.
Kotn Men’s Kilimanjaro Cable Sweater
When it comes to holiday gifting, an enduring knitwear piece is always a good idea. Take Kotn’s modern cable knit sweater, for example: made in 100 per cent extra-fine lambswool, it delivers on lightweight coziness and style (check the highly wearable, boxy fit and dropped shoulders.)
Corey Moranis Double Coil Bracelet
Lucite is the medium of choice for Corey Moranis, a jewelry and accessories designer out of Toronto. Pieces like her Double Coil Bracelet make a statement, but Moranis sees their potential for mood stabilizing and everyday comfort too (this one’s pretty enchanting to play with.) Perfect for the fashion-phile who could get out of her head sometimes.
Indigo Arrows Bezhig Napkins Boreal
Anishinaabe designer Destiny Seymour handmakes her linen textiles in Winnipeg, using this outlet to honour her Indigenous ancestors’ stunning pattern-making skills. These table napkins — adorned with a print inspired by a 400-year-old elk antler scraper tool — have your discerning mother-in-law’s name all over them.
Wilet The Linen Duvet Set
Give the gift of sound sleep with Wilet’s linen bedding wares, a duvet set that feels like you’re dozing off in some lavender-scented French château (yes, they’re that good.) The breezy, temperature-regulating material gets softer with every wash and completely elevates their slumber experience.
The Cure Body Serum
After moving from Toronto to small town Nova Scotia, The Cure founder Nitasha Goel began harnessing the power of locally harvested Irish sea moss in her small-batch, plant-based skincare line. One result? A highly giftable (and healing) body serum that smells divine.
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