Paper Parade Co.

Discover one-of-a-kind holiday decor on Etsy.

The festive season is here and it's time to bring out the twinkling lights, candles, and decorations that bring you joy during the holiday season - because isn't that what we're all looking for at this time of year? 

If you're looking to freshen up your Yuletide decor think about shopping for handmade or vintage this season. While choosing preloved or handcrafted items can sometimes take a little longer than hitting the standard big box stores you can feel better about hoarding a little more holiday decor by choosing with intention and opting for handmade or vintage. 

“In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, there’s something undeniably magical about the things that stick around,” says Etsy’s resident trends expert Dayna Isom Johnson who coined one of this years holiday trends "the Heirloom Era" and says that timeless treasures and vintage-inspired finds are stealing the spotlight."

It's great to visit local craft fairs, antique markets and shops to source handmade and vintage finds but if you'd like to explore what to find online, try exploring Etsy. It's one of my favourite spots to find unique gifts and decor.  

I've pulled together some of my favourite finds here in this guide. 

Felt natural star tree topper via Paper High Gifts on Etsy

I love this whimsical handcrafted felt tree topper made by Paper High Gifts. It's made from sustainable wool and recycled wire.

Medium Christmas Bow via Annie and Wolf on Etsy.

In case you didn't know, it's officially the year of the bow. They are everywhere and I'm here for it. I adore this oversized fabric bow in red striped linen. 

Antique Staffordshire King Charles Spaniel Mantle dogs via Soaked City Vintage

I've been obsessing over these mantle dogs for a while but I don't have a mantle. Lucky you if you do. I'd tie velvet ribbons in bows (of course) around their necks for the season. 

Christmas Art Print via Melissa Mary Jenkins

You haven't decorated until you've added a little bit of art and I think this petite winter scene painted by the lovely Melissa Mary Jenkins is the perfect piece to add to a holiday vignette. Jenkins also has some smaller ornament sized works perfect for adding to your tree. 

Striped Frill Pillow via Hello Mello Store

I've had my eye on this striped linen pillow for some time. It just happens to be perfectly festive. 

Linen ruffle tablecloth via Jauja Linen

Yes, more ruffles please. This lovely linen tablecloth comes in a variety of colours too.

Antique art deco ceramic candleholder via Brocante Basics

Such a lovely antique hand painted ceramic candle holder for your table. So much joy.

Velvet ribbon via Anastasia Marie Shop

Here you go. So much ribbon to discover in this shop. For making all the velvet bows this season. 

William Morris stocking via WinifredJ

William Morris fabrics fit right into my holiday aesthetic and I adore this stocking in the Brer Rabbit print with a velvet cuff and pom poms. 

Do you have a favourite from this collection? Let me know if you have any favourite Etsy shops that you think I should check out. 

Happy Holidays!

Debra

*This post contains affiliate links. 

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  / pretty bracelets via On this Earth on Etsy  / leather journal via Forest Nine on Etsy / handprinted watercolour cards via Pacific Greeting co.  / pink quartz earrings via Veronique Roy  / 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.

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. 

Pretty jewelry like these bracelets from Montreal-based On This Earth.

A personalized leather journal from Calgary-based Forest Nine.

Pretty rose quartz earrings by Veronique Roy in Montreal, Quebec.

A flower press from Oake Living in Kentville, Nova Scotia.

For more of my Etsy holiday gifting favourites visit my page at Etsy.

*This blog post contains affiliate links.