Made in Canada holiday gift ideas

Handmade glass ornaments via Brook Drabot on Etsy / Matisse print via Bananastrudel on Etsy / Linen apron via Lost in Linen on Etsy / Miniature landscape painting via Melissa Mary Jenkins Art on Etsy / handcrafted soap via La Marcotterie on Etsy / pretty bracelets via On this Earth on Etsy / leather journal via Forest Nine on Etsy / handprinted watercolour cards via Pacific Greeting co. on Etsy / pink quartz earrings via Veronique Roy on Etsy / handcrafted flower press via Oake Living on Etsy /

At this time of year we are inundated with ads for Black Friday sales. It's so easy to curl. up on the sofa to scroll and shop.

But did you know that every time you buy something from a small business your dollars are not only supporting that business but also the local economy, even if it’s an item you can buy at a big box store.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 66 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local economy, compared to only 11 cents per dollar spent at a multinational.

There are lots of ways that you can support local businesses and still shop online - and many are having sales in the lead up to the holidays and to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 25^th.

Etsy is also a go-to for holiday shopping. I like that I’m supporting artisans and small businesses and did you know you can also shop local? Etsy has a feature that lets you filter your search by city, province or country. If you’re looking to shop for something more specific, check out the Etsy Editor’s Picks for gift ideas too.

Here are some of my Made in Canada Etsy holiday gift ideas.

Winnipeg, Manitoba based Brooke Drabot Glass creates the most beautiful handmade glass ornaments, straws, vases and incense dishes that are perfect for gifting.

I love this Matisse print from Toronto-based Bananastrudel whom I’ve been a fan of ever since I organized Toronto’s first Etsy Handmade Market back in 2009 at The Gladstone Hotel.

This linen apron from Toronto-based Lost in Linen makes a lovely gift for someone who loves to cook or garden.

A miniature landscape painting pendant by the lovely and talented Melissa Mary Jenkins whom I had the joy of interviewing several years ago for The Toronto Star.

You can never go wrong with pretty soaps, and perhaps pair it with a vintage dish. La Marcotterie from Sherbrooke, Quebec makes lovely self-care focused gifts.