Support Small Businesses's Always
The giving season is upon us and we’re hearing a lot of people express interest in “shopping local” and supporting small businesses. Since most people are doing their holiday shopping online, we wanted to feature some alternatives to Amazon. As a small business, we know how important sales are right now; so we created a list of creators who’s hustle we respect and products we love.
For The Fashionista:
Brat Resin
Looking for the perfect gift for a Y2K baby or trend forward Gen Z? Brat Resin is the place to find quirky, colourful resin jewelry handmade in Calgary, AB. Treat your pal to a beaded friendship bracelet or playful earrings - the cow and mushroom shapes are my personal favourite.
They are incredibly affordable (most pieces range from $6-15) and offer bundle deals, so you can get a bunch of different stocking stuffers! You can purchase directly through their Instagram page or on DePop.
Amara Blue Van
Amara Blue Jewelry, designed in Vancouver, BC, specializes in delicate, small batch adornments. Amara, meaning “eternal” in Sanskrit is the embodiment of their their pieces. Their jewelry is perfect for that person on your gift list who loves layering simple, dainty jewelry.
Made out of ethically sourced Sterling Silver and Gold Fill, they personally handcraft their pieces be held onto, treasured and passed down. I personally own two of the necklaces and a pair of the earrings and am blown away but the quality and durability.
Caroline Ann Collection
Caroline Ann is an Atlanta-based designer who I met when we were both showcasing our first collections at Vancouver Fashion Week in 2017. We have stayed in touch ever since and continue to cheer on and support each others businesses. Caroline’s designs feature bright colours and prints with ultra breezy, relaxed fits, like their signature caftans.
One of my favourite pieces from their newest collection is the bandana scarf mask, which brings a sense of elegance and high fashion to a face covering. They are also offering holiday bundles, making it a lot easiest for you to shop.
Mr. Summer Swimwear
Looking for something for a man in your life? Mr. Summer is a Calgary-based men’s swimwear brand offering affordable swim trunks (as well as baseball caps and a chilrens’s collection) with colourful, eye-catching prints. The fit is perfect, with a quick dry, non-stretch fabric lined with ultra soft mesh to keep the important parts comfortable and supported. With thoughtful design elements such as a stretch waist and wide leg openings for athletic quads – their swim trunks boast a universally flattering fit.
This brand hold a special place in my heart because I worked with them to design most of their patterns, from the Airplants to the Ol’ Dirty Trouts. Included some of the preliminary design sketches below.
Spritz
Started by one of my oldest friends, Sam Duborg Rankin, Spritz Clothing Co. is passionately about in building up the communities we live work and play in. That’s why $6 donated to their selection of charities for every purchase. This inclusive, Calgary-based brands sells baseball caps with funny, sassy tag lines, include “Sad But Cute” and “Not Fancy Just Fun”. Check them out if you are looking for a trendy gift with a charitable cause.
For the Homebody:
8cakes YYC
If you’ve been on TikTok recently you’ve probably seen the Hot Chocolate Bomb trend. It’s essentially a hollow, Kinder Egg style chocolate but instead of a small plastic toy inside, there’s hot chocolate powder and other sweet goodies. When hot milk is poured over it, the “bomb” melts and mixes together to create a rich, delicious hot chocolate.
I’m too busy to try and make my own, so I ordered some from 8Cakes Bakery in Marda Loop for curtside pickup. They have flexible pickup times and a good selection of vegan, gluten free, keto and regular holidays treats. It’s perfect you want to get something for a chocolate lover or someone who loves a good food video. They also have gingerbread house sets too if you’re in the mood for a classic, festive activity.
YYC Plant Delivery
Do you have a succulent lover on your gift list? YYC Plant Delivery is the perfect place to find premium, consciously sourced houseplants. They do free drop-offs in Calgary for every order over $25, making sure your plants arrive safe and healthy.
They have a cute selection of pots and can pot your plants for you, taking the time and care that big box stores don’t. This means that their plants are less likely to have root rot, poor soil, or other damage that will cause them to die early. This is the perfect gift someone else or even yourself. Since we’re stuck inside, we might as well turn our urban spaces into a jungle!
Macrame by Liv
Macrame by Liv is a thoughtful gift for someone who has a new space they want to decorate or loves fiber art. With less than 200 followers, this is a super niche and unexpected place to find a present. This homemade macrame features beautiful neutral colours like cream, dusty pink and burnt orange that will fit with any place. They also offer a variety of plant hangers - the perfect companion to display the plants you purchased above.
Each piece is by commission, so send a DM to @macrame.byliv on Instagram or email livhettinga@gmail.com for more information.
Candles, Candles and More Candles
I like to stay away from blanket assumptions, but based on my interactions, I’ve found that almost every woman loves receiving scented candles. There’s a ton of options on the market, but few of corporate candle producers have taken the same commitment to natural, non-toxic ingredients the way that small makers have. I love hand poured soy candles because they’re better for your lungs and I love the variety of unique packaging. My favourite local candle makers are Dusty Sparrow, Twin Flame Candles, and Candle WTF; each one offers something different.
Dusty Sparrow Candles are 100% paragon and phthalate free soy wax made in Drayton Valley, Alberta. They have some of the most delicious scent combos and even sell their scented wax alone so you can DIY your own! The candles are poured into rounded glass gars with a minimal label that has a certain Albertan je ne sais quoi.
Candles WTF is handmade in Sunderland, ON with 100% locally sourced materials. Their candles are super quirky, poured into soda cans with funny quips and graphics. These playful designs are perfect for a dorm room or other colourful space. They’re also offering free shipping on all orders in Canada and the US!
I recently made an order from Twin Flame and was so impressed by their products and customer service that I had feature them in this blog post. They offer free next day drop-offs in Calgary, making them such a convenient choice for a last minute gift. I got the Cider, Pecan Pie and Santa’s Pipe - it’s impossible to pick a favourite. The jars are super minimal with wooden wicks that give them a unique touch.
Other Ideas:
There are so many options when it comes to support local businesses. The easiest one is a gift card - for a restaurant, shopping boutique, spa/nail salon. Search your city and the product you’re looking for in Google, Facebook and Instagram to find options. Also, remember that local bookshops are struggling and most offer curbside pickup. Anytime you can support an individual instead of a corporation is a win for everyone!