2022 Local Love Holiday Shopping Guide
Starting up and running a small business takes passion, grit and uniqueness. As a women-led boutique travel company, we salute the grind, and love any opportunity to support it. Our trips bring groups of amazing women to woman-owned businesses around the world for dining, drinks, accommodations and shopping. And even when we’re not on the road, we want to make it easy for women to support other women with the power of their dollar. This year, we’ve curated a list of amazing Canadian businesses, so you can make your holiday shopping experience one you feel good about.
Little Stuff - perfect for secret gift exchanges, stuffing stockings, and small delights.
Kokom Scrunchies
The youngest boss on our list is Mya Beaudry, a talented 11-year-old Algonquin artisan from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Since starting Kokom Scrunchies in the fall of 2019, Mya has always ensured that all Kokom Scrunchies are handmade with love in Canada, named after important matriarchs in her life.
Octopus Books
Woman-owned Octopus Books exists to make available to the public books which lead to an understanding of poverty and injustice, to promote community education, discussion and debate of social issues relevant to Canadian society, and to promote and encourage discussion and debate of issues which affect women, children and the family. They support this mission through their selection of books, by hosting book events, and in their community classroom.
somedays
somedays takes a radically tender approach to period pain, reminding us that while period pain is common, it is not something we must accommodate or normalize. Their founder, self-proclaimed “Period Prince” Lux Perry, developed their line of topicals, kits, teas, bath products and more to give menstruators of all genders the painless period they deserve.
Good For Her
Good For Her is a gender-inclusive, safe space for high quality sex toys, resources, workshops, wellness products, advice and much more. Founder Carlyle Jansen got her impromptu start after giving an off-the-cuff sex toy seminar at her sister’s bridal shower in 1995. Seeing the need for her a place for women to learn and shop for their pleasure, she founded one of Toronto’s longest-standing sex stores. It probably goes without saying, but use discretion when giving sex toys to unsuspecting friends.
Dahlia May Flower Farm
This beautiful farm grows acres of speciality cut flowers and operates an on-farm store year round in Prince Edward County. If you’re local, treat yourself - or a friend- to a monthly floral subscription. Live farther afield (yes, we did just do that )? Dahlia ships bulbs and corms to greenthumbs across the country, so you can create your own gorgeous garden at home.
Experiential stuff - perfect for people who are hard to shop for and love quality time.
Nature Folk
This modern bathhouse, sauna and body work facility is located in the beautifully refurbished former Dartmouth city hall. Founded by Ashley Cluett, Anna Tremblay, and Kristen Morse, Nature Folk is a space that’s all about escaping the stresses of everyday life,with packages and retreats you can treat someone to, or join them and treat yourself too!
Stella’s Eatery
Chef Leah Marshall Hannon prepares comfort food featuring foraged and seasonal ingredients of Prince Edward County. They emphasize supporting farms and suppliers local to the County, especially local women. Enjoy a delicious selection of local and international wines and beers with your meal or to go. This spot is one of the County’s best, located in beautiful Waupoos.
Bota Bota
Family-owned Bota Bota is a beautifully outfitted spa on a boat in Montreal’s Old Port, giving the opportunity to sit in the water, on the water. The boat features spa installations on the boat’s decks, including steam room, saunas , steam baths and outdoor whirlpool baths. There’s ample space to relax, including a restaurant on board.
Gusto
Toronto’s Gusto locations represent the culinary and experiential mastery of restaurateur Janet Zuccarini. The laidback yet elevated atmosphere and simply delicious menu has attracted plenty of Torontonians and tourists alike. If Italian’s not your thing, you can check out Chubby’s, a tasty Jamaican spot in the Gusto restaurant family.
North Market
Almonte is considered by many to be one of the friendliest towns in Ontario, and this lovely Euro-style bodega may have a lot to do with that reputation. Chef Amanda Herrara rustles up fantastic lunch food, delectable baked goods, and potentially the ‘best coffee in the land’. While you’re in Almonte, wander around and discover the incredible array of women-owned businesses, gifts, fashion, and books that this gem of a town has to offer.
Fashionable stuff - perfect for people who prefer pieces that make a statement.
maggie jayne
A small, sustainable-oriented clothing and textile brand, maggie jayne makes classic pieces with a fun and modern twist. Their manufacturer in Jaipur, India, is registered through World Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade Federation US, and Craftmark (an initiative that helps denote Indian genuine craft). They work primarily with GOTS certified organic cotton that is hand block printed using AZO free, low impact dyes. The print unit is located in Sanganer, where block printing has been practiced for centuries. They are conscious in their processes not to contaminate the environment with dye waste.
Slowly Slowly
Rejecting fast fashion and overconsumption, Slowly Slowly invites its shoppers in its name and its practices to slow down. They strive to solely carry brands and designers who are making a positive impact on their community, environment, and makers. With apparel, accessories, beauty and home goods, Slowly Slowly is a quick way to get a few gifts sorted all in one place.
JV Studio
JV Studio is where Ottawa’s Jasmine Virani displays and her unique jewellery designs, and curates a selection of apparel, accessories and gifts from other artists, designers and makers. In her eight years of operation, she’s featured over 200 women-led brands.
Victoire Boutique
Victoire boutique has been curating elevated, slow fashion pieces since 2006, They represent the very best of independent Canadian fashion while championing sustainable and ethical business practices. For whom it may concern, they also specifically cater to bigger busted people, who can have a notoriously difficult time finding elegant and modern pieces that work.
Vincent
Amanda and Angie are badass sister bosses who have been sharing their exquisite taste and personalized service with Ottawa women since 2013. In addition to sourcing gorgeous clothing, this duo are passionate about supporting the local community, including Dress for Success and the Shoebox Project for women.
Valamode
Feel like splurging on a luxury handbag, but not ready to drop quadruple digit funds? Try Valamode. Owner Dia Shams travels the world to collect vintage and gently used designer pieces, with a focus on luxury accessories. This trusted source for authentic items also runs a matchmaking service connecting women with the next favourite in their closet.
Home stuff - perfect for people who love to stay in and chill out.
Alicia Nauta
Toronto-based artist Alicia Nauta creates art and curios to add some surreal artsy elements to the home of your favourite nester. Her shop offers prints, posters, pillow shams and other curios.
Cup of Té
This Ontario-based retailer offers premier loose leaf organic teas and teaware. They take pride in the quality and unique blends of our products while ensuring that each tea is hand selected, organic and ethically sourced. They’re also extraordinarily fresh and very tasty.
Yukon Soaps
Indigenous owned and operated, The Yukon Soaps Company creates beautiful, hand-crafted soaps, shampoo bars, essential oil blends, and so much more. Featuring wild rose petals, juniper berries, a Yukon-shaped press, and the beadwork of Indigenous artisans, these soaps are literally infused and imprinted with the spirit of the Yukon. Founder Joella has made Yukon Soaps an opportunity for foraging, language learning and community building, and offers youth employment in her workshops. For over twenty years, The Yukon Soaps Company has been supporting economic diversification, authentic relationships with customers, and bringing life to the heart of the Yukon.
Subscription stuff - for people who love mail… everyone.
Grape Witches
Grape Witches is a wine dispensary, patio, online shop, event space and Toronto institution. They are a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer, with a team of women operating the brand and operations. The subscription offers four pricepoints, all with complex and tasty natural wines.
only
Periods can be a pain, especially re-stocking products. The only subscription box gets you your monthly re-up on period products that are sealed sustainably, and free of plastic and rayon. only offers a wide variety of products depending on your preferences, and your changing needs throughout your cycle.
Raven Reads
Raven Reads sends curated boxes of books from Indigenous authors and gifts from Indigenous entrepreneurs. Since their inception, they have invested over $500,000.00 back into Indigenous entrepreneurs and authors. Raven Reads is available at three subscription cadences, and features a children’s option.
If you made it this far, you love reading about women leading great businesses and doing great work. Be the first to know about our trip launches, and hear more about our international partners with our newsletter.