Give local this holiday season

With the holidays just around the corner, what better way to shop than local with brands from right in our very own backyard? Not only does it help support small businesses, we have no shortage of cool, one-of-a-kind brands to choose from. From chic tableware to a versatile, wear-anywhere backpack, these great gift ideas will have something for everyone on your list (including the person who is really hard to shop for).

A backback for all seasons

This water-resistant, vegan leather backpack from Canadian luggage brand Monos carries all your essentials and lets you look stylish while doing it. The main compartment opens flat for easy access while packing, and there’s even a removable kit that can be snapped on or off when you’re short on space.

Metro Backpack, $231 at Monos.

An enhanced brushing routine

Using sonic technology and six cleaning modes, this sleekly-designed toothbrush from Vancouver-based brand Brüush will actually make you look forward to brushing your teeth. You can also opt into a convenient refill plan to replace the brush head.

Toothbrush, $95 at Brüush (limited edition colour). Refill subscription $24 (3 heads bi-yearly).

Delicious superfood blends

You don’t need barista-level skills to make a matcha coconut latte at home. It’s one of four
delicious superfood blends from Vancouver-based brand Blume that are vegan, organic and
gluten-free, and can be used a variety of ways.

Bestsellers Bundle, $85 at Blume.

The minimalist jewellery lover

Hestia specializes in modern yet timeless fine jewellery designed in its Toronto studio. This
unisex ring in 18K rose gold does minimalism with plenty of flair, and looks just as good solo as it does stacked up with other favourites.

Billie Rose Gold Ring, $140 at Hestia.

Your smoother-than-butter body balm

Toronto-based Naked Beauty Bar’s relaunch of its in-house skincare line (made in collaboration with F.Miller Skincare) includes this body butter in new genderless packaging. It’s a dream team of organic cocoa butter and fair-trade shea butter, and a divine chocolate scent.

Naked Body Body Balm, $38 for 60 ml and $80 for 240 ml at Naked Beauty Bar.

A good night’s sleep

Cozy up on cool nights with this eco-friendly flannel duvet set from homegrown linen brand Envello, made using upcycled threads. Offering affordable bedding that’s ethically made and environmentally-friendly is central to the company’s ethos.

Cozy Flannel Duvet Set, $258 at Envello.

Serving set for meaningful meals

If cooking fatigue is setting in, Fable’s elegant tableware may help. All its offerings are designed in Vancouver and manufactured in Portugal like this serving set. The bowl is hand-crafted with a one-of-a-kind finish, while the accompanying serving spoons are made from stainless steel.

Serving Set in Blush, $118 at Fable.

Candle to get you in a holiday mood

Lohn’s new limited-edition candle is a warm blend of clementine, clove and rose, dressed up in festive packaging by Toronto illustrator Julia Mercanti. 10% from each candle sale will go towards the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Holiday Candle, $40 at Lohn.

Precious metals

Each piece in this contemporary jewellery line by founder Ashley Alexis McFarlane is a celebration of Africa and made using conflict-free and fair-trade African metals. This beautiful hand-crafted necklace features two cowrie shells, once used as a form of currency in West Africa.

Omi Woods The Cowry Infinity Necklace, $156 at INLAND.

A luxe facial at home

This mask harnesses a trio of clays and teams them up with rose petals and vitamin C to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Plus, the floral medley of essential oils like ylang-ylang, geranium rose and lavender will turn every at-home facial into a spa-worthy experience.

Gentle Facial Treatment La Boue De Beauté, $80 at Okoko Cosmétiques.

The jewellery storage helper

Stow away precious rings, necklaces and earrings in this portable vegan leather jewellery box. The organizing enthusiast will appreciate the multiple interior compartments featuring ring mounds and necklace hooks for safe and proper storage.

The Jewelry Box, $79, at Samara.

The wear-anywhere hoodie

This year, the lines have blurred between loungewear and everyday wear. Luckily, fashion designer Lesley Hampton’s unisex hoodie is guaranteed to be in heavy rotation no matter where you plan to wear it, thanks to a chic design, relaxed fit and touchably soft fabric.

Stripe Hoodie, $140 at Leslie Hampton.

Mindfulness matters

This beautiful mindfulness journal by Toronto-based entrepreneurs Sheba Zaidi and Genevive Savundranayagam was created in direct response to the pandemic, a time when self-reflection is at the forefront of our daily living.

The Human Being Journal, $48, at Mahara Mindfulness.

A gua sha for seriously glowy skin

This black obsidian gua sha stone by Toronto-based brand Métange is made from molten volcanic ash. The facial tool is accompanied by a stone cleansing cloth and a limited edition candle, giving you everything you need for a relaxing self-care ritual at home.

Métange Obsidian Holiday Gift Set, $59 at Métange.

Good hair days ahead

Zero waste company Good Juju’s shampoo and conditioner bars are designed to give your hair the same luxurious experience and benefits as its bottled counterparts. Created for dry hair, the solid shampoo uses coconut, jojoba and sanca inci oils in a mood-boosting citrusy scent.

Dry Hair Shampoo Bar and Conditioner, $17.99 each at Good Juju.

BEFORE YOU GO: Cat lovingly stares at owner when he plays the piano

[video_embed id='2117610']BEFORE YOU GO: Cat lovingly stares at owner when he plays the piano [/video_embed]