E’s Element understands how much community support can propel a small business. Every holiday we create a gift guide featuring some amazing businesses we admire and want to share! We hope you check out these products, opening up to a world of more sustainable, fun and intentional gifts!
1. Unique Independent Magazine
For the readers, artists, researchers, and anyone seeking inspiration - an independent magazine is this year’s perfect gift. Issues is a Toronto based company curating unique magazines by small publishers from all over the world. Their vast selection includes publications like OH-SO, which celebrates female skateboarders and ones like Bloom which feature all things gardening and natural explorations. This gift can be thoughtfully chosen for your loved one’s specific interests and subjects they love. You can get an issue shipped straight to your house or enjoy shopping in-store at their beautiful downtown Toronto location. If you opt to shop in person, bringing a friend along for your visit could make for a super fun day browsing through all their cool material.
Find Issues Magazine Shop on Instagram
Shop Now at issuesmagshop.com
2. Ready to Wear Press-On Nails
Supporting local businesses is a great way to shop mindfully during the holidays. Yellow Mellow Clawz offers stunning ready to wear press-ons in so many vibrant colour ways and designs. As a small business, each set is carefully crafted and produced slowly in small batches. Press-ons are an underrated accessory that are especially fun for people who don’t have time or budget to regularly get their nails done. There are so many good sets to choose from ranging from $55 to $100. All Yellow Mellow Clawz products are available online but you can also keep up with the brand’s Instagram to watch for pop-up events. Pop-ups are a great way to shop during the holidays and can be so much fun to meet business owners in person! You can also submit custom orders for an extra special surprise. Be prepared to pick up a set as a gift and one for yourself!
Find Yellow Mellow Claws on Instagram
Shop Now at yellowmellowclawz.com
3. Mushroom Candle Lamp
Urban Barn is the cutest candle company founded by Emily, who started the business as a passion project and has nurtured it into her full time job! You can find 100% natural soy candles in scents like matcha latte, lemon sugar, fruit loops and more! Their mushroom candle lamp is an absolute hidden gem for all holiday shoppers. This candle holder is a unique piece that elevates your candle’s warm glow. For anyone who loves to adorn their space with feel-good accessories and art, this is the perfect gift. Once your candle is finished you can purchase refills on their website! The mushroom candle lamp is available in different colours and scents for $80 while their other candles are on sale for $20!
Shop Now at urbanbarn.ca
4. Plant Based Goodies
Marina, the owner and nutritionist behind Who Eats Like This, is reaffirming eating as an act of love and nourishment. This Mississauga based brand offers a selection of delicious plant-based goodies. From yummy patties to freshly baked banana bread and more, each offering is thoughtfully made with ingredients that energize you. There is an abundance of care and a knowledge for how food interacts with the body that goes into Marina’s products. Every bite uplifts you emotionally and physically! A refreshing aspect of Marina’s business is her dedication to making food intuitively and seasonally. By cooking in alignment with what she feels called to, and what the earth is offering up, her menu cycles through exciting new creations all the time! You can find Who Eats Like This at local markets around the GTA such as the Winter Market. Anything you pick up from Who Eats Like This makes a great dish to holiday potlucks, an individual gift (everyone on your list loves food!), or as a treat to yourself. After trying some goodies during the holiday season, you’ll definitely incorporate these nutrition dense foods as a regular go-to.
Find Who Eats Like This on Instagram
5. Hydrogel Eye Masks
Evio Beauty is a Canadian company that gives you so many reasons to feel energized while supporting! Founder and CEO, Brandi Leifso, is an inspiring woman redefining the beauty industry. Not only are Evio products dermatologist tested, they’re vegan, cruelty free and formulated with clean ingredients that are safe for your body. The company is dedicated to domestic violence reform and economic justice, ultimately working to break stigmas around survivors. Through donations (of over $500,000), education initiatives and policy advocating Evio is living in their mission to be an impact-led organization building resilient skin and resilient community. This holiday season you can feel good about shopping their range of beauty, skin and body products. We recommend the Hydrogel Eye Masks to give the gift of the cutest at-home spa experience. For $22 the box comes with 6 pairs!
Shop Now at eviobeauty.com
6. Hand Beaded Earrings
If you’re looking for a super special gift this year, a pair of hand beaded earrings by Pokadotte are a great find. Each piece is lovingly brought to life by Alicia, the owner and founder of the brand. By giving this gift you introduce to your loved one the practice of adorning their body with art. You can feel and see the care and joy that Alicia pours into each piece as she nurtures it until they’re ready to wear! Each stunning pair is uniquely made with inherently sustainable Indigenous materials and practices. There are many pairs ready for purchase and shipment as well as the option for custom orders. One of the warmest aspects of purchasing with Alicia is that you can contact her directly through Pokadotte’s Instagram to make a purchase. It’s wonderful to be able to get to know the person behind the creations you’ll be buying! For the holiday season you can also find Pokadotte products at Square One and Sherway Gardens at a collaboration pop-up with Aaiin Retail.
7. Handmade Espresso Mugs
In a world dominated by mass production, there's a unique charm in the handmade. Queenie x Ceramics Espresso mugs are a distinct and heartfelt gift option. These one-of-a-kind pieces tell a story of passion and skill, bringing warmth to your daily rituals. Choosing a locally made ceramic mug isn't just a present; it's a celebration of craftsmanship, adding a personal touch to every sip. Elevate your gift-giving with these thoughtfully crafted mugs, supporting both the community and the artistry behind each piece. This gift set of 2 is available for $55 and is ready for shipment!
Find Queenie x Ceramics on Instagram
Shop Now at queeniexceramics.com
Thank you for reading our local gift guide and we hope you discover a new favourite place to support!
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