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Located in the charming chocolate shop on Main Street is where my favourite holiday treat is found. Pecan Islands from Sweet || Kenora, $14.50 All I Want Fir Xmas candle from Coal & Canary 1. Sloane Earl Grey tea from Academy Florists | 13. Tofino beach towel from Hoolio & Goober | 12. Ceramic baking dish & thumbprint mug (example) from Lot.15 | 11. Goddess Glow Moisturizing Beauty Balm from Sweet Spirit Apothecary | 10. Cabin slippers from Egli’s Sheep Farm | 9. Melanie Auld ring from Poplar + Birch | 8. The Hygge Game from Pineridge Hollow | 7. Canadian diamond earrings from Brennan’s Jewellers | 6. Knitted hat & knitted basket from Knits ‘N Knots | 4. Wolf & Pine clay mask from Hoolio & Goober | 3. And I think that’s something to buy into this Christmas.ġ. Beyond investing in quality craftsmanship, you’re investing in community. I find that they’re also the businesses that will go above and beyond– staying late when you get there right at closing but need a pair of shoes for the office Christmas party, or are willing to make a custom design for you. When you shop local, you’re helping to put a little girl in ballet lessons or pay the salary of perhaps the person down the street. In our tourism town of Kenora, many small business struggle in the winter– so by committing some or all of your holiday budget to shopping small and local, you’re helping make their Christmas just a little bit brighter. Shopping local and small is something that’s incredibly important and rewarding.
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While I’ve tried to include a variety of shops, makers, and artists from the area, this list is only a sample of the incredible artisans and shopkeepers out there in my hometown, and I’m sure there’s many in yours. This holiday season has been particularly stressful for many because of the Canada Post strike– so this is the perfect opportunity to spend your money at home, where much of it will stay. While not all products may be available in your specific area, many of the small businesses offer shipping throughout Canada (as well as internationally), or you may be able to find their products at stores that I have not listed. Most importantly, I chose these products because they were all made and/or available from small businesses within or associated with the Lake of the Woods region– specifically Kenora, Northwestern Ontario, and Winnipeg. Many of these items will last for years (quite possibly even the recipients lifetime!), or in the case of the consumables, are meant to be savoured. Many of these may cost more than those that can be found at your large department stores, but many are handmade and from high-quality materials, and made by highly skilled local craftspeople. I chose the gifts in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide for a few reasons. Spend a little more where it matters, and know that you’ll be making an overall bigger impact. The key is adopting a “less is more” mentality, being mindful about where the gift is purchased, and putting thought into the needs and thoughts of the recipient. They can fulfill a need, satisfy a desire, create memories, even trigger memories when those gifts are used years from now, and support local businesses. And when a considered approach is taken, they can serve various purposes. For many people, it’s a way that they express their gratitude, affection, and love. And I’m just so incredibly thankful to have both my parents and the rest of my family with me this holiday season.īut gifts actually do play a very important role at Christmas. (Ok, and maybe for 2018 to end!) With my parents both having significant health events, it’s been far easier to prioritize what’s really important in life. Our family has had such a tumultuous year that all I want is a quiet Christmas with my family. My mom has been hounding me for a few weeks about what I want for Christmas– and the truth is that honestly, I really couldn’t care less. So get ahead of the crowds and get your shopping done early so you can relax with a glass of wine and sweet treat and actually enjoy the season this year. Whether you’ll be ready or not, Christmas is coming.