Shop Local - 2020 Canadian Small Business Christmas Gift Guide
Love where you live and shop local
Shop and support local! We have all heard this term before and it’s never been more important than this year! When I first started my blog, one of the things I told myself was to remember to always support others. Being able to give back through my platform is something I only dreamt about 2.5 years ago and I am so happy that now I’m able to do that!
Being born and raised in Vancouver, BC, I wanted to support local businesses who could use the extra brand awareness. When I put the call out on my Instagram, I didn’t realize how many small businesses would be interested! To tell you the truth, I thought maybe 2-3, not over 50. I would love to be able to support everyone but I am also a one person show;) Maybe next year I’ll start the call out earlier so I can include everyone!
All of the brands you see below are amazing and offer some really great items for the holidays. I know you will adore them as much as I do.
Below (in no particular order) you will find a bit of fashion, self care, food & drink as well as some goodies for yourself!
Enjoy!
Jennifer is a married mother of 3 who is also an elementary school teacher (and Christmas tree ‘farmer’) who has taken the year off to try something new, Signed by Santa! She loves ALL things Christmas! Christmas is going to look very different for many of us and she wanted to create a safe alternative to Christmas for children and families. When kids won’t likely get the opportunity to sit on Santa’s knee this year and we won’t be gathering like we are used to, Signed by Santa is encouraging us to celebrate the gift of time together this Christmas with many activities meant to make lasting memories.
Let’s help keep Santa and Christmas memories alive this year by sending your child a personalized letter from Santa and a Christmas Eve Experience box. It includes; reindeer food, snow from the ‘North Pole’, Santa’s magic key (no chimney, no problem!), a believe bell, Mrs. Claus’ secret cookie recipe with cookie cutter and a candy cane. When you order a letter with a Christmas Experience Box, you will receive 15% off by entering code SANTA2020. Signed by Santa also offers other activity based products/gifts. Take a look at www.signedbysanta.com
Pictured below is the Personalized letter from Santa and the Christmas Eve Experience Box. You guys I am SO in love with this box. It’s absolutely perfect especially because Christmas looks so different this year. Jennifer hasn’t left out any details. Everything from the packaging to the quality of products is so amazing! I used the felt garland in Ethan’s room as part of his Christmas decor and he loves it! This is such a brilliant idea and such a hot item for 2020! Get in touch with Jennifer to place your order ASAP!
Lav and Kush is a fashion loungewear brand made in Vancouver BC! They strive to create “happy” clothing for busy women on the go, especially mamas. They source the finest, super soft bamboo which feels so dreamy that you never want out! They have matching rompers for mom and babe, but also cute items for dad for holiday. For the holiday season, they are launching matching sweaters for mommy and me, and ribbed bamboo rompers, a beautiful bamboo ribbed holiday dress as well as red and black holiday plaid pjs. This is in addition to their regular line of rompers and separates.
How stinkin’ cute are these rompers for me and the boys?! They are SO comfortable and soft that we don’t want to take them off! They fit well and are so reasonably priced for a great quality romper. Angela the owner is also such an amazing human who also tries her best to give back to the community! The first thing Ethan said was “This is so soft mama!.” I love how they fit and we need more in other colors!
Jasmin is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Dental Hygiene Instructor, and the owner/operator of FairyBrightSmiles – a mobile Teeth Whitening company. Her services are personalized to each individual so she can safely and correctly assess the teeth before deciding which whitening solution is best suited for your dental health. The whitening solution is applied directly to the teeth and monitored for the entire appointment. Furthermore, being a dental professional that has a passion for helping people obtain beautiful bright smiles has fueled her to take her business a step further and launch a new product – Advanced Take Home Whitening Kits.
Who doens’t want whitter teeth? haha! Pictured below is the Advanced Take Home Whitening Kits which I think everyone needs! I tried this out and loved it! My teeth look so clean and white!! This would make the perfect gift for a loved one. It’s different and it it’ll help towards their hygiene;) Jasmine is so kind and I loved connecting with her! Check out Fairty Bright Smiles for more information!
For over 30 years, AG Hair — a Vancouver-based beauty brand —has been a leading producer of high-quality, professional-grade haircare products. With a passion for innovation, AG Hair makes products that work, meticulously selecting only the best ingredients to formulate products that are cruelty-free and do not contain salt, PABA, parabens or DEA. Be sure to grab a few of AG’s fan-favorite hero products — perfect for gifts or stocking stuffers for those who want a little more TLC in their lives.
I have been using AG Shampoo and Conditioner and I LOVE them both! My hair Is SO soft and full. Their nourish hair mask is sooo good. I use It once a week and It's helped with my breakage. AG products are amazing and would make the perfect self care gift for a loved one!
Nourish Mask Snow Mushroom Deep Conditioning - For the thirsty.
Absorbing up to 500 times its weight in water, snow mushroom extract delivers intense hydration to hair. Nutritious superfoods including smoothing avocado oil, mango butter and chia, pumpkin and carrot seed oils are blended in a rich, creamy shea butter base that restores dryness and brittleness resulting in shinier, more luxurious hair. Silicone-free with over 98% plant-based and naturally-derived ingredients.
Firewall Argan Oil & Flat Iron Spray - For the hot head.
Firewall provides high shine plus a smooth protective barrier between your delicate hair and your searing flat iron, smoothing, protecting and preventing breakage while controlling unruly hair and flyaways. Infused with argan oil, Firewall lets your iron slip seamlessly through your hair as it adds incredible shine.
For over 30 years, Livingspace — Vancouver’s premier destination for luxury home furnishing — has been the go-to place for interior design lovers. From lighting and accessories to kitchen and closet solutions, Livingspace has all the items to make your loved one’s home stylish this holiday season.
Baccarat Crystal Bear - For those who love treasured items
Baccarat is a French luxury brand internationally recognized as the leader for high-end, exclusive crystal products.
Be rbrick Baccarat is the lovechild born from a daring collaboration with the Japanese brand Medicom Toy.
NAVA Combo Backpack - For the one on-the-go
A versatile unisex bag and a backpack meet in a single object with hybrid functionality and twofold nature. The adjustable shoulder straps allow to carry it on your back, while the dual top handles, which can be clipped together, allow easy carrying by hand.
Ampersand Distilling Co. is a family-owned distillery located in the Cowichan Valley. They use only B.C-grown wheat, natural spring water sourced from their organic farm and hand-harvested botanicals to make their award-winning spirits.
Tis' the season because who doesn't want to be gifted alcohol for Christmas? ;)
The Ampersand team has curated drool-worthy cocktails to help you celebrate the holidays this year. Check out their website for more information!
Food and Friends. That is the basis behind Gourmet Graze. Gourmet Graze is a newly established venture founded by two friends, who have a passion for food, love hosting for their loved ones, andwanted to make their mark in the charcuterie grazing industry.
Founded in August 2019, Gourmet Graze specializes in creating beautifully assembled boxes and tables filled with delicious meats, cheeses, dips, breads, crackers, fruits, vegetables, sweet/savoury snacks and garnishes and for any event or occasion. A Gourmet Graze box is a perfect option for a date night, girls night in and looks amazing on the dinner table during a holiday get together! A graze box can also be used as the perfect gift for your host. All tables and boxes are customizable and can be made vegetarian, vegan, keto, gluten-free or nut-free.
Who doesn’t love a good graze box?! You guys whenever I scroll my Instagram and Gourmet Graze comes up, I am literally drooling! Their graze boxes look soo good! This is such a great gift to give to a host or even put on a dinner table spread! They are super colorful which is so appearling to the eyes and everything looks SO fresh! I am looking forward to trying ours during Christmas! Check out their website to place your order and peruse through all their different offerings!
Sharan Brar is the face behind Shot by Sharan Photography. Being a mama, wife and a photographer is everything to her! She loves capturing beautiful portraits for families, couples and fashion in the Fraser Valley. Her goal is to capture warm, intimate and candid photos of you and your loved ones. She absolutely loves connecting with her clients in each of their unique ways. She is not only your photographer but also a resource for adding creativity to your shoot, wardrobe stylist, and your best friend who is going to make sure you look your best in every shot.
I actually won a contest on Instagram that Sharan was hosting so I had the pleasure of being photographed by her. She made me feel SO at ease. I’ve worked with hundreds of photographers through my modeling career and Sharon is someone I felt comfortable with right off the bat! She made me feel confident yet at ease which is exactly what you want when having someone photograph you and your family! Book your photo session with her for a fun, easy going and creative shoot for pictures to cherish for a lifetime!
Risian is a Vancouver based Lash Artist who specializes and teaches Lash Lift and Tint. She is really excited to be the first one in Vancouver to incorporate Lash Lift & Tint and Spa experience together! Lash Lift and Tint is usually an add-on service for most artist but it’s my SUPERSTAR! Earlier this year, she started 24K GOLD facials with a Hydrojelly Mask here in Vancouver. It’s inspired by celebrities and Victoria secret models. She wants people to feel and know that they don’t have to pay so much money to feel like celebrities to experience this kind of luxury service. Her main goal is to not just provide a service but a one-of-a-kind and unique experience to everyone who comes through her doors. She believes that when we look good, we feel good and nothing is more empowering than that.
Christmas promos below:
1. FREE HYDROJELLY MASK with every YUMI LASH LIFT AND TINT SERVICE
2. BUY 3 SESSIONS OF 24K GOLD FACIAL & GET THE 4TH for FREE
3. FREE DERMAPLANING w/ every 24K GOLD Facial
I was booked to go in for a few treatments but due to covid, we have postponed! I am hoping we can book something in the early new year and will keep you guys posted!
Vicky is the owner of Dal’icious Treats and named it after her hubby! How cute is that?! She loves to create unique cookie art that are both appealing to the eye and dal’icious to eat ;) Get it, haha!
The holidays are huge for her and her family and they have old traditions and many new ones to create now that she has her own little family. Along with her siblings, they all gather at her parents place for the holidays!
By day, Vicky is a practicing Social Worker and most night after her kids fall asleep, she is at the dinner table creating special decorated cookies. She gets lost in imagination and by the end of it, is covered in royal icing! . Her cookie business actually was born out of her struggle to conceive and therefor she found making cookies a therapeutic outlet and has now been making and creating edible art for 4 years!
Vicky and I connected on Instagram DM’s and she is the sweetest! Her cookies are so darn cute and the boys devoured them! I love when people share their stuggles as it makes them even more human. We connected on another level and I love that!
This year she is featuring her fun holiday sets! Anywhere from one cookie that features the pesky elf on the shelf, to sets of two in the Grinchmas theme and many more treats for both you and the family and even Santa! Prices will range from $6 to $45 several options to choose from! Check out her instagram for more information!
How cute is this little advent calendar? There are individual cookies sealed to keep them fresh! I know Ethan is going to love these!!
When Kamila decided to turn her lifelong love of flowers into a business, she was above all else committed to breaking the cycle of waste typically created by the floral industry’s large environmental footprint (which comes from shipping blooms from overseas, using non-recyclable materials, and creating significant organic waste).
Her dream was to create a mindful sustainable approach to floristry that she could share with those looking to add the poetry and beauty of flowers to their home or office.
The subscription model is one of the keys to Bloomiér’s zero-waste method, allowing them to only source the flowers which are needed for each set of arrangements. With no extra stock on hand, there are no unused flowers to throw away.
Not only is Kamilla one of the kindest people that I have met through Instagram, she has such a big heart! I read an article in Van_Mag where they wrote about Bloomier and the fact that they donate flowers to Hospices. This made my heart feel all kinds of things. I have seen flowers go to waste so the fact that they go out of their way to make others feel good who don’t have a lot of time left is absolutely amazing.
The gift of a flower subscription would make anyone happy! I think this is such a unique gift and not one that many of us would think of! I would love to get flowers on the regular!!!
As all flower-lovers know, flowers make the best gifts, are the sweetest form of self-care, and add that magic little something to any space. Subscribing for your home means you choose the regularity of the delivery, the style of the arrangement, and they handle the rest.
PS: The best part is that their gorgeous flowers are wrapped in paper that has the sweetest notes on them!
Wild Ribbon Designs customizes products for special events, such as custom signage, customized favors, customized decals and customized gifts (mugs, champagne flutes etc.). They believe that every event and every gift should be thoughtful and personalized. Their products are limitless and made to order!
We have the Starbucks cold and hot tumblers and they are so cute! I used the cold tumblers this past Summer and love how durable they are! We took them to the beach, parks and out for walks and they are such great quality! I’m looking forward to trying the hot tumblers this Winter and I know they will be just as good! These ladies know how to do customized gifts right! If you’re looking for great quality and unique customized gifts, check them out!
Tofino Soap Company is a brand based on Vancouver Island and their 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!
De Luxe & Co. is a 'mompreneur' small business with the intention of maintaining a healthy balance between work and family. Jasmine is the the owner of De Luxe & Co. She is a mother to a 8 year old girl and a 4 year old boy. They inspired her to leave her day job and to open an online store. She truly feel so blessed to be able to build her business while raising her kids. What started from her search for a stylish, functional and lightweight diaper bag that can be worn as a backpack and a shoulder bag manifested into De Luxe & Co.
They are offering a free scrunchie with every purchase of an Original Diaper Anytime bag for Christmas. Limited quantities are available.
I have been following De Luxe & Co. for some time now and what I love is how modern yet functional their bags are! Being a mama means that you need to carry ALL THE THINGS and why not have something pretty to carry them in. This bag is one of a kind and I am so in love with it! Pictured below is the Original Diaper Anytime Bag in black. There is a total of 15 pockets, 8 exterior (4 slip pockets and 4 zippered pockets), 7 interior (3 mesh pockets, 2 zippered pockets and 2 insulated pockets). That is the kind of organization I like!
This would not only make the perfect Christmas gift for your bestie but also a perfect baby shower gift for someone who is expecting! The price point is so good for a great quality diaper bag.
Eddie is a local Vancouver portrait photographer. He has been a photographer for over 5 years now shooting eveyrthing from events to street style! Photography is his biggest passion and his work has been published in more than 10 magazines. ED offers portrait photography services for individuals, families and business.
I met Ed a few years ago at a fashion show and he was SO kind and even took a few extra photos for me so I could create some content ;) He is humble and so helpful when it comes to questions about phogoraphy! I highly reccomend him if you are looking to book a family session, events or individual shoots!
Big Phat Indian Weddings – Sub Company Pinks Prints & Design
Pinky is the owner of Big Phat Indian Weddings and Pinks Prints and Design. Due to Covid, events and weddings have either been postponed or cancelled. Due to that, they have been bringing awareness to their sister company, Pinks Prints & Design. They do in house design work for wedding and event clients.
Pinks Prints and Design have the cutest custom items that would make such nice host or stocking stuffer gifts. We love these Christmas ornaments!!
Custom Christmas Ornaments offered by Pinks Print and Design:
Covid Specialty Ornamnets
Family Name Ornamnets
Customize it for any occasion products.
How cute are these customized ornaments? I love the fun covid one too!
Sandeep is a certified life coach who helps women with depression. She has spent over a decade managing and healing her own depression, which has ranged from severe to highly functioning. Depression looks different on everyone, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why coaching is so effective; it’s customized to address the exact symptoms you’re experiencing. Sandeep uses mindset coaching and to help women show up as who they were meant to be in the world. Change is possible and it begins with a free hour call. Contact her to set it up and discover how your depression will no longer have to define you.
Sandeep and I met on Instagram a couple of years ago and she has become one of my favorite supporters/followers. She is such a beautiful person inside and out and I love how real and down to earth she is. We have connected deeply on DM’s and I know you will be in good hands if you are looking for a life coach! Give yourself or someone you love the gift of creating any future you or they want.
She is offering a 6 month coaching package at a 10% discount. This includes one on one coaching for an hour each week for 6 months!
Sandeep Jawanda Coaching
Andrea is the owner and creative director behind Creative Designs Co.! They offer custom products such as Starbucks cups, mugs, wine glasses, shadow boxes, acrylic signs and much more! Creative Design Co. has unique items that can be customized to your liking! Pictured below are designer mugs that come in come in a beautiful cream/grey tone and can be customized in any color!
How cute are these mugs?! I love the designer print and they totally make me feel bouje! Andrea has such an eye for customized gifts and I know you will adore her items! Check out her Instagram for more information!
Gossip redefined; The Gossip Label was created to empower and inspire females across the globe to embrace their true selves and know their self worth.
The label was created my by Melissa, a young female who battles Cystic Fibrosis; an illness that affects the lungs, liver and pancreas. Last year she had a very serious health scare with my condition which resulted in loosing almost 50% of her lung function. During this time and her recovery period she decided to create The Gossip Label. She has never allowed CF to define her, instead, she let it inspire her to create something that she always wanted to do for years; hoping that by sharing her story, it could inspire others to go after their dreams.
Gossip is all about women coming together to lift each other up and make a difference in our communities, our businesses and with one another.
It’s about believing in yourself and feeling confident in everything you do.
It’s about learning and growing and becoming the best version of you.
They not only create apparel and accessories to make you feel good and inspire you, but have created a movement by redefining the word “GOSSIP”
Girls
Originality
Strength
Success
Inspiration
Power
Women Empower Women....One GOSSIP at a time !
I am in LOVE with my two piece lounge set from Gossip! It is SO comfortable and looks so chic! Melissa and I chatted over DM’s and I absolutely loved getting to know her. She is such an inspiration and her story and resilience alone makes me want to support her. She is the epitome of lifting other Women up. Go and check our their website as I know you won’t be disappointed! These lounge sets plus all of the other really cute items they have would make the perfect holiday gift!
Products featured: The Holiday Collection, The Gossip Holiday Box, The FW2020 Collection
The Happy Photobus is a 1976 Westfalia VW bus available to rent for photoshoots and special events. The gorgeous blue exterior and vintage interior have been carefully restored to create the perfect boho experience. The decor is thoughtfully planned and changed for every season including custom designed florals and beautiful textiles. Every item has been carefully selected to create the perfect look creating the most memorable photos.
When the Happy Photobus is not in front of the camera, it becomes a small showroom for the Happy Home Shop displaying beautiful and unique home décor items with a coastal bohemian vibe. These items are sure to bring warmth and happiness to any space and can be purchased online, at photoshoots or upcoming pop up events.
I am SO in love with this little bus named Wally! I think this is the most perfect idea for a family photoshoot! The boho vibe and unique locations that Wally situates himself at not only insta worthy but so picturesque! I met Kym on the set of a photoshoot contest that I won and we instantly connected! She is so genuine and sweet and I’m so happy to have met her.
This would make the perfect present to gift to another family or purchase for yourself! Wally is rentable for different occasions. Please contact Kym for more information. The other exciting news from The Happy Photo bus is that they have opened up the Happy Home Shop and oh my gosh the items are one of a kind! See pictures below of some of my favorite things that they carry!
Bauble Boutique is a Vancouver based online shop, bringing you the most fashion-forward styles in jewelry and accessories. Their aim is to offer fashion lovers a wide selection of affordable and carefully selected items for guilt-free indulgence.
Uzma is the owner of Bauble Boutique and she and I recently met on Instagram! She is such a sweetheart and has the most unique little trinkets around. All of them are so well priced as well that you could purchase more than one stocking stuffer ;) The pieces that you see pictures are my favorites! Every single one of them are unique in their own way and such great quality! Check her out for her 12 days of Christmas that is happening right now!
Eco-Giants is the industry leading family-owned and operated cleaning business with decades of experience in post-construction, commercial and industrial cleaning. We provide top-rated service across Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley region. The highest priority for the company is customer service. Each team is made up of fully trained and certified technicians and is overseen by a proficient management unit in order to meet individual needs and give higher satisfaction. Eco-Giants is a one-stop shop for any and all commercial and industrial cleaning needs.
We had hired Eco-Giants for our post constuction clean and were SO impresed with how great of a job they did! Trusting someone to come in to a new home is tough and we were so grateful for how careful and detailed they were with our home! Who doesn’t want the gift of cleaning? I mean, it would be a top 5 on my list ;) Check them out for more information!
Arsh is the owner and founder of Allure Lashes & Cosmetics. As a local Vancouver company their mission is to provide industry standard beauty products at an affordable cost. Arsh launched her brand with 7 unique 3D Faux Mink lashes and has recently expanded to hair accessories! Whether you are a qualified makeup artist like Arsh or just have a love for creativity and style, the brand is inclusive for everyone and perfect for Christmas!
I have followerd Arsh for some time on instagram and she is so taleneted and not to mention gorgeous! I love supporting Women in Business and she is such a boss babe! These lashes you see pictured below are so soft and pretty. Check her out for your lash, hair and makeup needs!
There you have it! These are my picks for supporting local Canadian small business and I hope you found some great new local shops to support! Send them an email or DM if you have any questions!
