9 thoughtful and unexpected holiday gifts from Canadian businesses

Dec 15 2020, 7:02 pm

Let’s be honest, this year has been nothing close to normal (and the holidays are no exception). But instead of dwelling on the challenges, we want to help you bring some holiday magic into your home and the lives of others.

Not only is it the year to send your sentiments and gifts via snail mail, but it’s more important than ever to source these items locally as a lot of small businesses, makers, and artists rely on the holiday season to see them through the year. Many businesses will be working on overdrive to compensate for the obstacles they’ve been faced with in 2020.

This has also meant shifting many of their services online, so that customers can shop creative, unexpected, locally-made gifts no matter where they are.

From gorgeous stationery to design-forward homeware, sparkly accessories to relaxing apothecary fares, we encourage you to celebrate, indulge, and show your favourite people you care by sending them gifts from the following shops across Canada.

The Apothecary Boys 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @godaddycanada

These guys are offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more across Canada, and we can guarantee it won’t be hard to spend that much on these small-batch natural wellness goodies. From soaps to lip balms, moisturizers to face masks, and more, they have a penchant for clean and natural products that will enhance your skincare routine. Don’t forget to complete your order with a vegan, all-natural soy candle in fresh, light, and fruity scents.

Indie Home 

Since we’re spending more time at home these days, there’s no better time to make your space your sanctuary. At Indie Home, you can find a one-of-a-kind item for that friend who loves adding unique pieces to their home. Gift a Prana Rock — a natural oil lamp made from Nova Scotian slate (no two are alike) — or choose from their curated selection of sustainably-made homeware and accessories. No matter what you choose, it’s bound to be a perfect conversation piece in the background of their Zoom and Facetime calls.

Wrinkle and Crease

The pandemic has instigated the planner in all of us. Wrinkle and Crease offers a yearly planner that checks the boxes for design and function. Each page has a clean layout that leaves room for to-do lists and appointments, along with an inspiring quote. Add on custom embossed lettering as a personalized touch to make this planner a charming new addition to your giftee’s WFH setup. Write a heartfelt message on a luxury card or gift tag, wrap it in eco-friendly paper, and you’ve got a beautiful gift that’s almost too pretty to open.

Black Owned Toronto

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Black Owned Toronto (@blackowned.to)

This online platform is a holiday shopping mecca. Peruse through talented BIPOC creatives’ work and the small business directory that features well-known names like artist Josh Hy, Satøri Apparel, Hair Diction, Bare Butter, Neeky Teas, and Marshay Beauty, among many others. From stocking stuffers to fitness gear, to home goods and wellness products, give a gift that gives back and supports something greater than the physical item itself.

Lavish Design

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lavish Design (@lavish.design)

Established in Kelowna, Lavish Design was started by a trio of women who have a passion for furniture and impeccable design. From gift certificates that treat you (the giver) to an extra little something, to gift baskets and stunning accents, they offer no shortage of gift ideas for the hostess who has it all. Know someone starting renovations in the new year? Gift them an appointment with a lead designer who will help guide them through the process and make the little details of their home come to life.

Beeleaf

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by B E E L E A F (@mybeeleaf)

Led by a mother-daughter duo from Calgary, Beeleaf creates beautiful, sustainable products designed to endure life and be handed down to friends and family. You can order gifts like scrunchies that come in a reusable cotton bag, multi-way scarves, handmade reusable dinner napkins, and durable linen baby carriers via the brand’s website. In short, there’s something for everyone on your list.

Fraser Valley Cider

Since travelling is pretty much off the table for the foreseeable future, it’s time to explore the hidden gems located right in our backyards. Gift a date night that features an at-home flight of the Fraser Valley’s finest ciders or book a tent with your bubble (maximum six people) for a COVID-friendly tasting experience at the cidery in the new year. We hear it comes with fresh mulled wine on a wood-burning stove!

Touch Massage Bar

Every time we indulge in a spa treatment, we say to ourselves that we’ll do it all over again soon. But it never happens that way. Toronto-based Touch Massage Bar understands this, which is why it created The Ritual, a monthly subscription for registered massage therapy (RMT). Book in for a chair massage or table massage and unwind in the tranquil spa ambiance. If you’re looking to give the gift of wellness to a loved one, send them a gift card for future massage sessions.

Plant Shop

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Plant (@plantshopyyc)

Adding some greenery to your home office or living room can brighten up your space and inspire your work. Grab a planter made by a local ceramist and choose the perfect plant to enhance the homes of your loved ones. If your friends aren’t plant people (gasp), gift them locally-made homeware instead. A few of our favourites are candles by Field Kit, pressed flower art from Pressed Botanicals, and hand-drawn prints by Angela Smyth. For the humans in your life who like an extra creative challenge, gift them a DIY terrarium kit.


If you’re a budding entrepreneur or considering making your creative side-hustle the real deal, the first step is to get your business online. With assistance from the experts at GoDaddy, you can easily set up a website that’s clear, concise, and easy for your consumers to navigate.

Daily Hive

Branded Content

This content was created by Hive Labs in partnership with a sponsor.
Daily Hive Branded ContentDaily Hive Branded Content

+ Christmas
+ Shopping
+ Sponsored
+ Curated
ADVERTISEMENT