As most of us trade in our usual December parties and festivities for distanced visits and Zoom calls, ‘home for the holidays’ is taking on a whole new meaning this year. We’ve rounded up some of our current favourite gifting items from 11 Canadian companies with a focus on making our home lives as cozy and comfortable as possible. 

2020 has been a difficult year for independent businesses everywhere, and with the pandemic causing shipping and border delays around the world there’s never been a better time to shop local, support Canadian small businesses and explore everything our beautiful country has to offer! 

 1) Dried Wreath, Pictus

Floral wreaths are a lovely way to brighten up any room, however, as with any fresh-cut arrangement, traditional live wreaths have a limited life span. Dried wreaths are a great alternative that will bring the recipient joy for months and months to come! We adore Pictus’ selection of hand-made wreaths in festive, pastel or neutral tones.

 2) Fair Cabin Socks, Encircled

Our take on a Canadian outfit staple, the Fair Cabin Socks are knit in Toronto and made with a breathable and durable cotton blend that will keep your toes cozy in even the chilliest weather. Available in green, black or pink, these are an ideal stocking stuffer for those spending time in the great outdoors, cozying up indoors, and anywhere in between.

3) Deck the Halls Candle - Oakmoss, Amber & Cedar,  Seventh and Oak 

Candles are one of the easiest ways to bring warmth and coziness to any space. Seventh and Oak’s vegan, hand-poured and clean burning holiday collection not only smells great, but their glass vessels make a lovely addition to the home that won’t detract from your other decor. They even have a recycling program and offer a discount for returned jars - win/win!

4) Cha Cha Chai,  Cup of Té

Nothing warms the soul quite like a cup of tea on a cold day. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix or something on the soothing side, Cup of Té’s selection of premium, organic loose leaf teas are sure to spread cheer to any tea lover. Each tea is hand selected and ethically sourced, so you can be confident that your gift is as socially conscious as you are. Cup of Té also donates $1 from the sale of each of their Luxe Organic Tea Sets to Mental Health Awareness causes. It’s not hard to see why Oprah named them as one of her Favourite Things of 2020.

5) tawâw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine by Shane M. Chartrand

With all of the extra time spent at home right now, many of us are working on our cooking skills and always looking for new and interesting recipes. Acclaimed chef Shane M. Chartrand’s debut cookbook explores the reawakening of Indigenous cuisine and what it means to cook, eat, and share food in our homes and communities. We recommend this book for any beginner or seasoned chefs that want to expand their cooking repertoire and learn more about Indigenous culture and cuisine. 

6) The Recycled Cotton Beanie, Encircled

Keeping cozy has never been this sustainable! Our one size fits most hat is made from soft, upcycled cotton yarn, and dyed and knit locally in Montreal.  A classic beanie fit available in green and black that is sure to be loved by almost anyone on your list. Be warned: after seeing this hat on your gift’s recipient, you’ll be tempted to order one for yourself, too.

7) The Fair Jogger Set, Encircled

Our ethically-made Fair Jogger Set is a favourite for working from home, those early morning dog walks and any other time that you need to head to toe, breathable, coziness. Made from soft-as-can-be Rayon from Bamboo and Cotton, we’ve got nine different colours to help cross off almost everyone on your list.

8) Mama’s Perch - Rose + Geranium Relaxing Floral Bath Bomb, Bathorium

With the colder months upon us, baths are back! A perfect gift for anyone in your life who enjoys a good soak, these bath bombs nourish the skin, while also calming the nerves and anxiety that often come with this time of year. On a mission to “revitalize the bath time experience”, Bathorium’s creations are free of the harsh chemicals found in many common bath products and will leave your mind as relaxed as your body.

9) Buff Face and Body Scrub, Wildcraft

Looking for the perfect gift for someone in your life who needs to treat themselves to a little self-care? Look no further. Wildcraft’s 100% natural, mineral rich exfoliant will leave their skin feeling ultra soft and fresh, while also priming the skin to absorb moisture better.

10) Coupe Glasses, Cocktail Emporium

Ring in the new year with your bubble and some bubbly! Whether you decide to dress up or find yourself in the same sweatpants you’ve been wearing since March, these champagne coupes from Cocktail Emporium are the perfect way to bring a touch of sophistication to your low-key New Year’s Eve celebration.

11) Recycled Wool Blanket, Anupaya

No fireplace? No problem! This recycled wool blanket from Anupaya will keep you cozy and feels like a warm hug from a friend,(which I think we could all use right about now). We love the idea of turning material that would otherwise end up in a landfill into something so soft, not to mention beautiful. Send it to someone in your life that you look forward to embracing IRL, eventually.

What are some other Canadian brands you'll be supporting this year? Let us know in the comments below! 

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