This holiday season, explore unique Canadian gift ideas that support local artisans and brands rather than mega-corporations like Amazon, Temu, and Shein. Choosing gifts from Canadian businesses means backing creativity, sustainability, and community. Every purchase helps small business owners thrive and keeps money in the local economy, creating a ripple effect of positive change. From cozy home essentials to skincare tough enough for a Canadian winter, this guide offers thoughtful alternatives that make holiday shopping truly meaningful. Here are some home-grown picks that bring heart and purpose to your holiday gift-giving.
Unique Canadian Gift Ideas Holiday 2024
Canadian Body Care Essentials – From Head to Toe
Looking for unique Canadian gift ideas that pamper from head to toe? These body care essentials from Canadian brands add luxury and sustainability to any self-care routine while supporting local businesses.
Nova Scotia Fisherman
Drawing inspiration from the rugged Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia Fisherman offers body care products infused with sea kelp to keep your skin nourished and protected during the colder months.
Skwálwen Botanicals
Skwálwen Botanicals blends traditional Indigenous plant knowledge with modern skincare practices, resulting in products that honour nature and cultural heritage.
Satya Organics
Satya Organics provides a multi-use skin balm that soothes eczema and winter dryness. Made with clean, simple ingredients, it’s perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.
Jack 59
For eco-friendly hair care, Jack 59 offers shampoo and conditioner bars that help reduce plastic waste and keep hair healthy.
Understory Botanicals
Understory Botanicals delivers hand-blended skincare using plant-based ingredients, making their products perfect for wellness enthusiasts.
Cheekbone Beauty
An Indigenous-owned company, Cheekbone Beauty combines sustainability and high-quality makeup, perfect for those who care about eco-conscious beauty.
Everist
Everist redefines sustainable beauty with their waterless concentrates for hair and body, providing thoughtful and eco-friendly gifts.
Lunah Life
Lunah Life’s botanical skincare products are made from locally sourced, natural ingredients, appealing to anyone who loves clean beauty.
Somedays
Somedays is a Canadian company dedicated to providing natural, science-backed solutions for period pain relief. Founded by individuals with personal experiences of chronic pain and endometriosis, Somedays challenges the normalization of period pain and offers a comprehensive line of wellness products, including topicals, anti-inflammatory teas, dry brushes, and heat therapy. Their mission is to validate people’s experiences with periods and provide effective, pleasurable relief options. (*note. I bought this for my daughters last year and they rave about the cramp cream)
Stylish Canadian Fashion and Accessories
Explore unique Canadian gift ideas in fashion and accessories that blend style with sustainability. These local brands offer standout pieces that support ethical practices and Canadian artisans.
Poppy & Peonies
Known for their trendy and functional bags, Poppy & Peonies offers fashion-forward accessories that are both chic and practical.
Warm Social Co.
Based in Calgary, Warm Social Co. donates one piece of outerwear for each item purchased. Down with fast fashion and greedy companies, and in with @warm.coats, where every purchase is a step towards a warmer, kinder world.
Province of Canada
With minimalist, high-quality clothing that celebrates Canadian pride, Province of Canada is a great pick for those who value comfort and style. Added bonus, everything is made right here at home.
Oraki, based in Quebec, offers sustainable athleisure made from recycled and natural fibres. Their best-sellers, like the ECOMOVE leggings, are crafted using eco-friendly processes that significantly cut down on energy and water use. Founded by Cynthia Savard, the brand focuses on empowering women while championing ethical fashion
Encircled, based in Toronto, offers ethically made, versatile women’s clothing that combines style with sustainability. Their “wanderleisure” line features travel-friendly pieces crafted from eco-conscious fabrics like Tencel™ Lyocell and organic cotton, making them a perfect gift for the mindful dresser
Mave & Chez
Mave & Chez is known for crafting high-quality, stylish slippers that prioritize comfort and elegance. With an emphasis on modern design and functionality, their slippers make a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate both luxury and practicality in everyday items
Outway
Outway, based in Victoria, BC, specializes in high-performance socks designed for athletic lifestyles. Their collection includes ankle, quarter, crew, and knee-high compression socks, all crafted to provide comfort and support during various activities. With free shipping across North America and an extended warranty, Outway ensures quality and customer satisfaction.
Madame Premier
Madame Premier is a women-owned and operated small business that aims to empower other women through fashion and stimulating dialogue. With the goal of amplifying the lack of women in politics through beautiful clothing with satirical, political, and feminist designs, Madame Premier is creating and increasing awareness, starting conversations, and moving the dial on increasing representation in politics.
Riesling & Rose
Oooh la la! Buddy the Elf would approve. Riesling & Rose is a Canadian brand specializing in handcrafted lingerie and accessories. Their collection includes made-to-order lingerie, in-stock bralettes, panties, bodysuits, and purses, all designed with a focus on comfort and style. Committed to social responsibility, they offer a range of sizes and styles to cater to diverse preferences. For those seeking unique, high-quality intimate apparel, Riesling & Rose provides thoughtful and elegant options.
J. N. PATTEN
J. N. PATTEN is a Canadian brand specializing in luxury outerwear for both men and women. Their collections feature timeless designs crafted from high-quality materials, including Italian wool-blend fabrics and technologically advanced membranes like c_change™ from Schoeller Switzerland. Each piece is designed and manufactured in Toronto, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. For those seeking elegant and functional outerwear that withstands Canadian winters, J. N. PATTEN offers a range of options that combine style, warmth, and durability
DOUBL is a Canadian company revolutionizing the bra industry by offering custom-fit, wireless bras tailored to each individual’s unique shape and size. Utilizing precise 3D smartphone scanning and advanced AI pattern-making software, DOUBL crafts bras that provide unparalleled comfort and support without the discomfort of underwires or foam cups. Their T-Shirt Bra, available in various colors and support levels, is designed to move with you, ensuring a perfect fit that adapts to your body’s natural changes. Committed to sustainability and inclusivity, DOUBL’s mission is to create bras that empower women to feel confident and supported throughout every stage of life.
Jewellery and Personal Accessories
Jewellery can be more than just an accessory; it can tell a story. Discover unique Canadian gift ideas in handcrafted jewellery and accessories that inspire and make a statement.
Rocking Vibe
Rocking Vibe crafts unique jewellery that inspires confidence and self-expression, making each piece a statement with a deeper meaning.
Carrie Schultz Jewelry
Carrie Schultz’s handmade pieces blend modern design with timeless elegance, ideal for those who appreciate artisanal work.
Hen and Bear
For bold and eclectic jewellery, Hen and Bear offers eye-catching designs that add personality to any wardrobe.
For The Home
Looking for unique Canadian gift ideas for home enthusiasts? These brands offer eco-friendly, artisanal, and meaningful home goods that support Canadian craftsmanship.
Granville Island Broom Co.
Granville Island Broom Co. in Vancouver crafts handmade Shaker-style brooms using antique tools and traditional methods. Founded by sisters Mary and Sarah Schwieger, these brooms are durable, functional, and add an artisanal touch to any home. I accidentally tripped upon this store when visiting Vancouver in August and have since become obsessed with obtaining one of these beauties. So pretty you’re more likely to display them than use them.
Oak & Willow
Oak & Willow focuses on eco-friendly, zero-waste products designed for a cleaner, fresher home. Their collection includes sustainable cleaning solutions and household essentials crafted to reduce environmental impact without compromising effectiveness. Perfect for those committed to green living, Oak & Willow’s offerings make thoughtful gifts for anyone looking to elevate their home with planet-friendly products.
Indigo Arrows
Indigo Arrows offers textiles and home accessories inspired by traditional Anishinaabe patterns, adding a meaningful touch to any home or outfit.
Hive to Home
Hive to Home, based in Nova Scotia, offers handcrafted beeswax wraps as a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. Made with locally sourced beeswax, these reusable wraps are perfect for eco-conscious individuals aiming to reduce single-use plastics in their kitchens.
enVy Pillow
Founded in 2009 by two Canadian registered nurses, enVy Pillow offers a range of wellness pillows designed to enhance sleep quality and support skin health. Their products feature a patented ergonomic design that promotes proper spinal alignment, helping to alleviate neck pain and TMJ discomfort. Additionally, enVy pillows incorporate copper-infused fabrics known for their antimicrobial properties, contributing to a cleaner sleep environment. For those seeking a blend of comfort, support, and proactive skin care, enVy Pillow provides thoughtful solutions.
Gifts for The Foodies in Your Life
Delight the food lover in your life with uniquely Canadian gift ideas that bring gourmet experiences to the table. From protein bars to warming tea, these picks make great gifts.
Mid-Day Squares
Mid-Day Squares creates snack bars packed with plant-based protein and clean ingredients, offering indulgence that’s guilt-free—perfect for the health nut in your life.
Holy Duck Chili Oil
Holy Duck Chili Oil, crafted in Vancouver, BC, offers a unique spin on traditional chili oil using Canadian-rendered duck fat. Their all-natural blends are umami-packed, spicy, and delightfully crunchy, making them a must-have for food lovers. Whether added to eggs, noodles, or rice, their products—like the original and the extra-spicy version—promise a bold flavour kick that’s perfect for adventurous palates.
Mitchell’s Soup Co.
Mitchell’s Soup Co. offers handcrafted, small-batch dried meal mixes made with Canadian-grown ingredients. Their hearty soups and stews provide convenient, nourishing options for home-cooked meals, perfect for gifting to food enthusiasts.
Genuine Tea
Genuine Tea, an award-winning Canadian company based in Toronto, specializes in ethically sourced loose-leaf teas. Voted Best Tea in Toronto in 2021, they offer a diverse selection, including matcha powder, green, oolong, black, white, and herbal teas. Their commitment to quality and fair trade makes them a perfect choice for tea enthusiasts seeking authentic flavours.
Peppermaster
For the spice enthusiast, Peppermaster offers a range of gourmet hot sauces crafted from farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With over 50 years of experience, they blend intense flavours with varying heat levels to suit any palate. Their commitment to quality and sustainability makes these sauces a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate culinary craftsmanship.
Craig’s Cookies
Craig’s Cookies brings flavour, fun, and nostalgia to each of their mouth-watering cookies. Founded by Craig, who first learned to bake with his mom in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the bakery now offers over 100 delicious flavours, from classic chocolate chip to inventive varieties. With locations in Toronto’s Church Street and Parkdale neighborhoods, Craig’s Cookies has become a community hub where locals and visitors alike come for their cookie fix. Every order is a ticket into the Craig’s Cookies family, where supporting this small, heartfelt bakery is as sweet as the cookies themselves.
Peace by Chocolate
Founded by the Hadhad family after fleeing Syria, Peace by Chocolate combines Syrian ingredients with Canadian quality from their base in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Their chocolates and bars celebrate both heritage and resilience, with 3-5% of profits supporting global peace initiatives. Each piece brings a taste of their inspiring story.
Making Spirits Brights – Craft Beverages
Make spirits bright with these cheerfully Canadian spirits! These craft businesses offer beverages that are sure to delight.
Vodkow
Vodkow turns dairy by-products into smooth spirits with a unique twist. Ideal for those who enjoy exploring new drink options.
Crafted from 100% BC honey, Wayward Distillery’s spirits support sustainable beekeeping and local agriculture. Their honey-based vodkas, gins, and rums are perfect for those who appreciate a twist on traditional spirits.
Slabtown Cider
Add some excitement to your holiday countdown with Slabtown Cider’s Advent Calendar, featuring a variety of their signature ciders. It’s a fun gift for cider enthusiasts.
Paradigm Spirits Co.
Treat yourself and others with Paradigm Social Co.’s Whiskey Mallows. I was given a box of these to share one time, I did not. I will take no further questions at this time. Trust when I say though that these small-batch delights are so irresistible, it’s best to order an extra box for yourself!
Unique One-of-a-Kind Gifts and Treasures
For those who appreciate one-of-a-kind items, these gifts scream thoughtful and offer something special that stands out from the ordinary.
Mindful Dancers
Mindful Dancers offers a unique combination of mindfulness and dance, creating resources and tools that promote well-being and focus for dancers of all levels. Their collection includes products like guided journals, mindfulness worksheets, and meditation aids, helping dancers integrate mindfulness into their practice to enhance their performance and personal growth. Perfect for those looking to add intention and self-awareness to their dance routines
RetroFestive.ca
For fun, nostalgic holiday décor and quirky gifts, RetroFestive is your go-to for adding a little extra cheer to the season.
What’s not to love about Reclamation Dress? Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece embodies a unique blend of vintage charm and modern elegance. Reclamation’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production ensures that every dress is not only beautiful but also crafted with purpose and care. Gifting a Reclamation Dress is truly giving a one-of-a-kind gift to be cherished and handed down.
Pressed Glass & Goblets
What’s better than gifting one-of-a-kind vintage and antique glassware? From 18th-century treasures to classic vintage Pyrex, Pressed Glass & Goblets offers a curated selection perfect for collectors and enthusiasts alike. They ship their unique finds, making it easy to gift these special pieces no matter where you are. Follow them on Instagram to keep up with their latest offerings, and catch them at antique shows across Ontario. If you’re searching for a specific piece, Sean and Olga will be your eyes on the ground to help you find it.
Driftwood Gallery
Driftwood Gallery, located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, features the evocative mixed media artworks of Canadian artist Sara Lamond. Inspired by nature, Sara’s pieces capture the essence of the salt marshes and coastal landscapes, offering a unique blend of texture and color. Her work, which has found homes in private collections across five continents, is available as original paintings, collages, monotypes, and high-quality archival Giclée prints. For those seeking art that resonates with natural beauty and emotion, Driftwood Gallery provides a selection of pieces that speak to the soul.
Unique Experience Gifts
Give the gift of memories with unique Canadian gift ideas that go beyond material items. Experiences shared together are perfect for making the holidays unforgettable.
Broadway Across Canada
Give the gift of unforgettable theatre experiences with Broadway Across Canada. This platform brings world-class Broadway productions to cities across the country, making it easy to enjoy top-tier performances without leaving home soil. Perfect for theatre lovers, it’s a way to create lasting memories through the magic of live shows.
With this comprehensive list of Canadian brands, you can make your holiday shopping more meaningful by choosing gifts that support local businesses, sustainability, and community spirit.
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