Let’s be honest – 2020 has been an absolute dumpster fire of a year. Small businesses are taking hit after hit, and local makers are no different. So for this years gift guide I wanted to put extra emphasis on local Canadian makers and businesses. There’s only one product on my list not local, but I think it’s worth including.
So check out the list of seventeen products below and then head to my instagram to enter to win a number of them!
Blackbird Sewing Co
Blackbird Sewing Co. is a small shop based in Alberta that makes Triple Layer Blankets, Loveys, pillow covers and more. A perfect gift for a new mamma or new mom to be.
Reid’s Woodworks
Reid’s Woodworks makes gorgeous handcrafted cutting boards, charcuterie boards and cribbage boards. Based out of Strathmore, Reid’s Woodworks also offers workshops on woodworking. Perhaps the coolest thing about the shop is that for each purchase they make a donation to plant one tree with One Tree Planted!
Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendar
Last year these advent calendars were one of the most popular items of the season.
The Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendar comes as an over-sized paper-over-board wallet, which is tied together with a ribbon. Inside are twenty-four paperback books which include beloved Disney, Pixar, or Marvel characters. As an additional surprise element, the books inside are individually wrapped in recyclable paper sleeves to be opened every day leading up to Christmas, December 24th being the last day. The Disney Advent Calendar includes festive stories from both Disney and Pixar, while Frozen and Marvel contain a collection of stories from each franchise.
You can buy the Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendar here.
Additionally, the makers have come up with the Disney Christmas Countdown Tin with Treasury
Check it out here Disney Christmas Countdown Tin with Treasury
C of Dead
C OF DEAD CLOTHING CO. is reviving your favourite DEAD sports franchises from a simpler time. A time when the Calgary tower rose above the city, when the Saddledome and those c-train cars were new. A time of Electric Avenue, the Calgary Cannons and the ’88 Olympics.
The best part? You get all the nostalgia, without the 80s style.
I’ve been rocking an old school Cannons hat for months now and I love it. Want a hoodie repping Lloyd’s Recreation, Race City or The Corral? C of Dead has it!
First Defence CBD
First Defence CBD is a small Canadian company that offers CBD balm and oil for men, women and pets. First Defence’s goal is to offer a healthy and natural remedy to maintain a healthy mind and body. To do this safely they offer a product that will not adversely alter your mind, only offer a remedy for your pain.
I’ve been using CBD on and off for a number of years now and I’ve been a big fan. I’m currently using the First Defence CBD infused balm on my shoulder and am starting to see relief.
Five 21 Roasters
Five 21 Roasters has to be my favourite local coffee roaster. Not only is their product amazing, but they’re dedicated to supporting locally and globally.
Their newest collaboration with Local Laundry features The Giving Garment with 100% of T-shirt and hat proceeds going to help the rebuilding and relief efforts in Guatemala & Honduras.
And of course, they have great coffee available for purchase, including their Christmas Box that includes three bags of freshly roasted coffee in a reusable box.
Pinnovate
Pinnovate is Canada’s FIRST DIY studio. They offer one of a kind experiences for their guests in Calgary and while they’ve made their offering COVID friendly they have ALSO created awesome DIY delivery packages. We were fortunate to be gifted the Hanging with my Gnomies kit and it was awesome!
Little Finley Co
This mamma small shop makes beanies, bows and bowties for your littles. BOW TIES. I mean, how friggen adorable is a little boy in a bow tie? These accessories make a great stocking stuffer.
Simply Love
Simply Love is a local Calgary children’s clothing company run by momma and friend, Ann. Dashing Mom and I love her stuff so much that Clara is often seen modelling Simply Love clothes. In fact, Ann’s leggings were the first thing Clara and Ryker wore home from the hospital after being born.
Ann is back making adorable clothes for kids after the birth of her second baby and in addition to awesome clothes she also works hard through her Instagram to create a safe and inclusive place for women to talk about infertility struggles. Check her out!
Golf Is Mental
My brother-in-law Josh has been writing a golf blog for a number of years now and has also jumped into the hat game. As he puts it, Golf Is Mental is not just a golf blog, it’s a lifestyle. So whether you – or the golfer in your life – wants to look stylish on the course or off, a hat from Golf Is Mental is the perfect fit (pun intended).
Manscaped
My first reaction when I first saw Manscaped was skepticism. To me, it looked just like a beard trimmer with fancy marketing. However, after Manscaped was kind enough to send me one of my own, I can attest that it is better suited for more *cough* sensitive areas and if you purchase the Perfect Package it also comes with everything you or your significant other needs for peak hygiene.
If you’re looking to be the ballsiest gift giver this year (sorry I couldn’t resist) then this is the perfect gift for you AND just by using my link, you get a sweet 20% off auto-added to every order! manscaped.com/dashingdad
Ashabi Wears
Ashabi Wears sells Men’s, Women’s and Kid’s clothing as well as my favourite mask in the city. Their motto is “Embracing Culture. Preserving Heritage, Staying Vibrant.” and you can see this represented in all of their pieces. Check them out!
Kootenay Clothing Co.
Started by two pals Andrea and Katie, Kootenay Clothing Co. tries to capture the essence of where they live – the Kootenays. With original designs printed on t-shirts, sweatshirts, toques, buttons and more, each design is inspired by beautiful elements and natural landscapes from the Columbia Valley. Offering women’s, men’s and kid’s clothes there’s something for the whole family!
Check out their designs here.
My Personal Concierge YYC
Wondering what to get the person that has everything? Or maybe you want to give that special person in your life something but they’re so busy you can’t even see them using anything? Then give them the gift of time! My Personal Concierge YYC will tackle their to-do list. Book them now, or grab a gift certificate.
Sprog & Sprocket
Sprog & Sprocket was created by two parents that know the importance of creating a fun and safe environment for a child’s birthday or event. They’re the first company in North America to create these play spaces and to make them portable.
With winter upon us, we’re going to need every tool in our tool box to keep us and our kids sane and having Sprog & Sprocket at your house is a safe and fun way to help children and families create amazing memories that will last for years to come.
I attended a Sprog & Sprocket event a couple of years ago and Clara did not want to leave the ball pit, your kids will love it!
Crabb Customs Workshop
A Lethbridge based small shop run by a busy hockey mom who designs custom message blocks and signs. Perfect for additions to the kids rooms, your bathroom, or any Christmas decor!
Mission Eye Care
Since masks are now a necessary accessory for heading pretty much anywhere, foggy glasses and sunglasses are a problem way more than we ever would have guessed a year ago. Mission Eye Care sells anti-fog lens cloths to help prevent these fogging issues and keeps glasses as clear as they can be. This makes a great stocking stuffer and helps support a local business. Buy them online here.
Name Frames
Name Frames is a fun online service offering memorable custom prints laying out all of the details surrounding a person’s name.
Name Frames is a small, online, home-based business started a decade ago with the aim of helping to remind people that they are amazing in their own unique way.
This gift can make the perfect accessory for your kid’s room or a great gift for the grandparents. Check them out here.
Check out my previous Holiday Gift Guides for more ideas!
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