Shop Local - 2019 Canadian Christmas Gift Guide
You can’t buy happiness but you can buy local!
Alright folks - here it is! Your one stop shop for buying Christmas gifts for all your loved ones! (sans kids as I wanted to focus on adults this year!)
This isn’t your traditional gift guide as I feel like there are tons of those out there. Being born and raised in Vancouver, BC, I want to support local business who also give back to the community! Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. This benefits you the most. Below you will find a bit of fashion, self care, food & drink as well as some goodies for yourself!
Here are a few of the local brands that we absolutely adore!
Those who have followed me for awhile have seen me post a few times about Naked Snacks. I love love love this brand and what they stand for!! Who doesn’t want to eat delicious snacks without the guilt? What I love about Naked Snacks is that they don’t sacrifice the taste to be healthy! I struggle with finding healthy snacks at the moment with two little ones at home so instead of reaching for a bag of chips, I rotate between the variety of Naked Snacks.
These make the perfect present as you are giving the gift of food without the added sugar. My current seasonal favorite is Pistachio! They are SO good! All of their products nourish the body and mind, giving you improved energy levels and increased focus!
The best part of Naked Snacks is that they give back! For every box they deliver, they donate a healthy snack for a hungry child at school. Snacking with them makes a difference in Canada! This reason alone makes me want to support them!
The Gift Refinery: This is the mother of all subscription boxes! This box ships every quarter and is filled with the most amazing Canadian Brands. Imagine being able to shop your favorite products, all from the comfort of your own home and they all come in one nicely packed box! You can get a seasonal subscription box that is delivered to your door four times a year, offering you the latest & greatest Canadian finds.
Each Season, TGR will bring you 7-10 full size luxury lifestyle products ranging from beauty products such as makeup, skincare & haircare to jewelry, stationary, wellness, pantry items, housewares & more!
I received the winter box and I am SO in love. All of the products are so well made!
I received the following in my winter box:
Cèla by Celine Tadrissi Crème de la Crème
Evio Beauty Hydrating Lip Gloss
Horace Jewelry Rosita Hair Clip
Iremia Skincare The Protective Cream
Lace & Charm TGR Exclusive The Refined Toque
Mala the Brand Candle
Province of Canada Socks
Simply Rosie Photography TGR Exclusive 5X7 2020 Calendar
It doesn’t get any more local than this! If you are unfamiliar with Vancouver Island, Tofino is a small little town on Vancouver Island filled with so much character. It’s best known for it’s beautiful ocean side views. To!fino Soap company items are crafted in small batches so you know that every product you receive will be amazing. When products are created traditionally by hand, quality, pride and care go into them. Buying handcrafted & local products creates balance and financial sustainability.
If you are looking for the most amazing smelling candles and bath goodies, look no further! I’ve shared their candles before but they now make essential oils, roll-ons, organic shampoo, conditioner, body wash and cream! There is something about receiving items that are simply great quality.
I love that they are devoted to Environmental sustainability & respect. They recycle and re purpose everything possible. Their paper packaging is 70% recycled paper board, uncoated, biodegradable and recyclable. Oh and bonus, they use 100% natural ingredients!
Chunni Chest: is a small, local shop in the Lower Mainland, run by two moms with a passion for unique style. These ladies are so sweet and carry such amazing shawls and dupattas! The bright colors and soft fabrics add a touch of elegance to any Indian outfit! I love unique and well made Indian clothes and they have just that! Whether your style is traditional, trendy, or something in between, they encourage their followers to think outside of the box and put their own twist on wearing dupattas, stoles, and shawls. They pride themselves in hand picking timeless, unique pieces that will satisfy fashionistas far and wide.
Below are some of my favorites!
Kashmiri Thread
Embroidery and the Indian culture go hand in hand. It is an important piece of the rich cultural heritage India has to offer and is admired by the world for its delicate intricacies. There are thousands of different styles of embroidery with every region having its own unique flavor. This particular piece on georgette material, displays a Kashmiri style with bold colours and intricate threadwork, bordered with emerald green tassels.
Ivory Lace
Lace has always been a staple when it comes to fabric choices in dupattas, as well as fashion overall. Its beauty is classic, timeless and elegant. This ivory coloured lace dupatta is embellished with a floral threadwork detail throughout, in addition to a unique striped pattern, created by using a green and gold gotta. Finished off with a pearl border, this piece is truly one-of-a-kind and a perfect addition to your Chunni Chest!
Opulent Organza
Florals prints are something we see on the runways each season, proving they are timeless and iconic - a common theme and something we value at The Chunni Chest. Made of a soft, lightweight organza, a delicate floral detail is etched along this pastel green dupatta. A stunning example of feminine simplicity and versatility - this piece is truly the epitome of romance and summer nights.
Vero Moda Canada Let’s talk fashion! I have loved this brand since I can remember, I have been obsessed with Vero Moda clothing for a long time and it’s because their clothes are so well made with a price point that can’t be beat! Vero Moda screams classy with a bit of edgy chic!
It is totally my style and there is something for everyone. From workwear to a night out with the girls, you will literally find everything your closet needs in one place. Below are a few of my favorite items from Vero Moda that you can either purchase for yourself or as a gift!
Below are my favorite picks from their fall/winter line.
Mejuri - When in doubt, buy her jewelry. Isn’t that the truth! A girl can never have enough jewelry and Mejuri has one of a kind unique pieces that you won’t find elsewhere! Their pieces are delicate, feminine and look so classy on! My two favorite pieces and ones that were gifted to me are pictured below!
Who doesn’t want a tasty sugar-free, sweetener-free, and gluten-free alcoholic beverage with only 100 calories per can! Nude is made with triple distilled vodka, sparkling water, and all natural fruit extracts and essences.They come in a variety of different flavors so there is something for everyone. They taste so crisp and refreshing without that odd aftertaste that some low calorie drinks have.
My favorite part about this amazing brand is that they give back. Partial proceeds from each Advent calendar purchase will be given to BC Food Banks!
Chapters Indigo - My go to place for books, unique home trinkets and cute baby items is! I find myself browsing their website at least twice a week as new stock comes in daily and they carry some pretty amazing Canadian brands. I have SO many favorites here but rather than linking a ton, I thought I would focus on gifts for the special man in your life. Chapters carries such nice items for men and let’s get real, they are the hardest to shop for ;)
There you have it! This is my complete guide to purchasing gifts for your loved ones all while shopping local and putting money back into your local economy!
