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Supporting Small Businesses: Your 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Taylor More
Written By
Taylor More
Published On
Dec 02, 2020
Spirit of York bottles, Bijoux Upcycled YSL necklaces, and Wildhood TO dried flower bouquet

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are looking to get a start on our holiday gift shopping. This year more than ever, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that we all do our part and shop from small businesses that rely on our support to make it through these unprecedented times.

One of the biggest struggles for small businesses is getting the recognition they both need and deserve, which is why I created this round up of my favourite small businesses to shop from. These shops have something for everyone on your list, and the best part is, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home to #SupportLocal!

Check it out:

1. Bijoux Upcycled

One of my personal favourites, Bijoux Upcycled is a young Canadian jewelry company based out of Ottawa, Ontario. Each of their pieces is uniquely crafted from repurposed luxury vintage goods and are made with 14, 18, or 24k gold filled chains, so you know you are going to get the most out of them! You won’t find better quality pieces with a price tag like these anywhere else. Oh, and did I mention they ship worldwide?!

Check them out and pick up a one-of-a-kind gift for that jewelry lover on your list!

2. Wildhood TO

If you’ve been anywhere on social media lately, you’ve definitely come across those gorgeous dried flowers that fit perfectly with any aesthetic. Well, Wildhood TO is the place to pick these up for your friends and family this holiday season. These are a great gift for anyone on your list, because who doesn’t love a bouquet of flowers to brighten up their home throughout the winter!? The options are endless as you can arrange the flowers yourself or have them put something together for you! The best part is, because they are dried flowers, they last forever! Yep you heard that right, no need to worry about letting another plant die in your house.

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A post shared by WILDHOOD (@wildhoodto)

3. The Good Bar

If there’s someone on your list this year that has you stumped, you can never go wrong with a few bars of handcrafted soap. The Good Bar has an amazing selection of natural soaps that not only smell amazing, but cater to all different skin types! And let’s face it, we all need a little more self-care these days, so your giftee is going to love incorporating these into their daily routine!

4. Spirit of York

Alcohol always makes the perfect gift, but what happens when you want to shop locally? Your answer is in the heart of Toronto’s historic Distillery District!

Spirit of York has you covered this holiday season with their wide-range of spirits. Whether your giftee is a gin, whisky, or vodka drinker, Spirit of York is the place to go (and they’re stunning packaging doesn’t hurt either)! Grab a bottle for both you and your loved ones this season and enjoy a virtual cheers!

5. Cocktail Emporium

On the topic of cocktails, Cocktail Emporium is a local Toronto brand located on Queen West. With the recent lockdown, they are not only offering worldwide delivery, but also curbside pickup. Their selection is perfect for anyone on your list that appreciates gorgeous glassware or bar tools: the perfect addition to an at-home bar cart.

6. Blush Scrunchies

Scrunchies have made a huge comeback this year, and I don’t know about you, but I am definitely here for it! If you’re struggling with what to get someone on your list this year, scrunchies make the perfect small but useful gift!

Blush scrunchies, a Toronto-based company has the best selection out there! With a wide range of dreamy colours and materials, these are sure to be a hit with anyone you gift them to!

7. Harbour 60

The hospitality industry has certainly taken a massive hit this year with the COVID-19 dining restrictions. However, there’s so many ways to support your favourite local restaurants this holiday season, despite not being able to dine in. With their extensive menu selection, one of my personal favourites is Harbour 60! Grab a gift card from them for the perfect crowd-pleasing stocking stuffer this season.

8. Mid-Day Squares

Chocolate may be one of my favourite food-related gifts to receive on the holidays, and if you haven’t tried a bar from Mid-Day Squares, I’m here to tell you that you’re missing out. This Montreal-based company sells a treat that can only be described as a chocolate bar meets a protein bar, forming a dreamy snack that’s perfect for a midday pick me up. These are to die for, and whether you go for fudge, almond, or peanut butter, there’s no going wrong.

For everyone on your list with a sweet-tooth, and let’s be honest, probably yourself too, these functional chocolate bars are the way to go!

9. Ali + Liv Swimwear

You can never have too much swimwear, right? This up-and-coming swimwear brand makes the perfect gift for all the travel-lovers on your list this holiday season with their wide range of flattering colours and styles! Not only will your giftee get the cutest pieces, but you will also feel good about giving back. With each purchase, Ali + Liv Swimwear donates to ocean cleaning initiatives, creating a better future for all of us.

10. The Nooks

With various locations across Canada, The Nooks brings together artisan products created by a community of over 250 makers. This adorable market allows you to support hand-crafted items from local Canadian artists, and is perfect for finding unique, meaningful gifts for everyone on your list this year. Be prepared to get lost in their website though, because they sell clothing, home-decor, beauty products, and everything in between!

Share Your Favourite Small Businesses!

We love discovering new small businesses to add to our list, so shout out your favourites in the comments down below!

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Taylor More

Taylor More is the Social Media Coordinator at The Influence Agency. She has a passion for digital marketing and all things creative. Outside of work, she loves travelling, especially when it's somewhere tropical. You can follow her @taylorr.more
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