Ontario holiday shopping gift guide
Grand Bend | Ontario’s Southwest
Whether you’re looking for Secret Santa gifts, custom gifts for the kids or charming holiday keepsakes to decorate the season, celebrate Ontario with unique gift ideas from local artists, makers, creators and designers.
Many local shops and small businesses pay it forward with ethical, eco-forward products and by supporting causes in their communities. In addition to shopping in-person, take advantage of convenient online shopping and direct shipping. Before ordering, confirm free or paid delivery details with each business.
Use this handy holiday gift idea guide to start your holiday gift shopping, including gifts that reflect the unique personality of Northern Ontario.
Stocking stuffers
Ontario Parks Store
Get your Ontario Parks-branded favourites, such as park crest patches and stickers, colouring books, mitts, toques and holiday ornaments. The cozy winter collection includes Round-the-Fire-themed hoodies and coffee mugs.
Location: shop online
The Maker’s Outpost
Launched by two female artists who wanted to create a space to support other local artists, this one-of-a-kind gift shop showcases wares from small local brands and offers DIY craft supplies for the creatively inclined.
Location: 159 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
Mint & Honey
This tea and gift emporium offers a selection of high-quality loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions and small-scale produced goods like gourmet honey and jams, organic maple syrup, specialty chocolates and craft beverages.
Location: 150 Katimavik Road, Kanata
Hanji Gifts
Co-owners Hyun Suk and Catherine Choi fell in love in South Korea, settled in Toronto and opened Hanji Gifts to celebrate Korean tradition and design. The shop offers a range of carefully selected giftware, papers, stationery, craft supplies, accessories and cards crafted by local artists.
Locations:
Beadle
Don’t let the tiny size fool you—Beadle packs the most handmade items per square foot of any shop in Canada. Find memorable gift ideas from T-shirts, socks and greeting cards to apothecary products, pottery and jewellery.
Location: 1582 Dundas Street West, Toronto
The Spacing Store
Choose from various buttons, tote bags, magnets and games that celebrate the city’s neighbourhoods or gift a book on local architecture and history. Online shopping available.
Location: 401 Richmond Street West, Toronto
The Maker’s Hub
Shop for unique, local and hand-made products.
Learn about the creative makers behind some of these wonderful products and feel great about supporting local artisans and makers. Shop in-person and online.
Location: 1380 Hopkins Street, Unit 5, Whitby
One and Only
From home decor and artwork to bath and beauty items, find unique local and Canadian-made artisan gifts, including zero-waste and refillable products. Shop in-person and online.
Location: 215 Saint Andrew Street West, Fergus
Willow + Oak
This charming boutique offers hand-crafted decor, apparel and accessories, including their "man cave" collection, a great selection of meaningful Christmas gifts for the men on your list. Shop in-person and online.
Location: 4215 Petrolia Line, Petrolia
Downtown Market
Open five days a week, find all things local, hand-made and unique, including art, crafts, accessories and more.
Location: 140 Christina Street North, Sarnia
Markets Ontario
Markets Ontario is a boutique multi-vendor marketplace, bringing the best handmade products together in one convenient location.
With three locations, Markets Ontario features high-quality artisanal home goods, food, clothing and more from 150+ local vendors. Shop in-person and online.
Locations:
RAD Studio + Eco Store
Unique eco-friendly products include activities for children of all ages, baby essentials, environmentally safe products for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, and delicious food to fill pantries. Shop in-person and online.
Location: 268 King Street West, Chatham
The Mutchmor
Located inside a large historical building, The Mutchmor is a mix of cafe and art gallery that brings the local Manitoulin Island community together. Shop for local goods like artsy clothing and antiques and select freshly baked desserts from the restaurant.
Location: 5263 ON-551, Providence Bay
Clothing and accessories
The Handmade House
The Handmade House offers original items crafted by over 80 artisans in the region, such as handmade gifts, apparel, pantry items and pottery.
Location: 71 King Street West, Dundas
JV Studios
A sparkling opportunity to support small businesses, JV Studios is a jewellery boutique that offers curated collections from hand-picked artisans in the area, including items crafted by shop owner, Jasmine Virani.
Location: 1282A Wellington Street West, Ottawa
BRAVE Leather
Your go-to for ethically and locally made leather accessories, including belts, bags and other fashion items.
Location: 85 Colville Road, North York
Peace Collective
Known for its "Toronto vs. Everybody" and "Toronto is Home" apparel, Peace Collective has a collection of gift-worthy clothes, like the fan collection, which showcases loyalty to the Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Purchases support mental health research.
Location: 7 Trinity Street, Toronto
Made You Look
One of Toronto’s favourite indie jewellery stores showcases collections from over 100 local designers specializing in engagement rings.
Location: 1338 Queen Street West, Toronto
Echoes in the Attic
Over 100 tons of fabric have been rescued from landfills to create vegan eco-chic bags and purses. These hand-made “upcycled” products are the brainchild of two dedicated Bradford-based mompreneurs.
Location: online shopping only
Whit Kingston
This Kingston-owned shop, with a full line of men’s and women’s apparel, proudly celebrates the city, its downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Location: 239 Princess Street, Kingston
Illbury + Goose
Strong Ontario roots from Woodstock and Strathroy are steeped in the name Illbury + Goose and its anchored maple leaf logo amplifies a deep Canadian identity. Find stylish knit toques and classic caps or browse their selection of classic T-shirts and tanks.
Location: 884 Dundas Street, London
Muskoka Bear Wear
Choose from a wide assortment of cozy fleece tops and bottoms for those chilly winter days or for lounging around the house.
Adorable sizes are available for infants and don’t forget your furry, four-legged family members. Doggie bandanas are available, with proceeds going to the local Muskoka OSPCA.
Locations:
- 41 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge
- 110 Muskoka Road South, Gravenhurst
- 51 Main Street East, Huntsville
- 3145 Muskoka Road 169, Bala, Muskoka Lakes
Milk Shop
Indulge in some capital chic. Choose from a wide range of stylish women’s clothing, jewellery and accessories for the fashionista on your list.
Location: 45 William Street, Ottawa
Ungalli Clothing Co.
Ungalli proves eco-conscious living need not compromise on style and quality. This ethically produced clothing line and home products made from recycled and organic materials were developed from a deep love of the environment.
Check out special collections for products that support people in need.
Location: 115 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay
PTBO Northern Originals
Born out of a love for Peterborough, PTBO Northern Originals delivers apparel with bold, original designs that showcase the best of the city and its surrounding outdoors.
Location: 383 George Street North, Peterborough
The Positive Inception
Give comfort and joy when you gift cozy hoodies, sweaters, hats and other apparel with positive messaging.
Owner Ryan Benoit was born with cerebral palsy but that didn’t deter him from channelling his positive outlook on life into motivational messages that promote good in the world. Giving back looks great with their Charity Collection.
Location: 1212 Lasalle Boulevard, Sudbury
Archies Surf Shop
Open year-round, this little shop makes a big difference. A portion of sales proceeds for their popular sweater line goes towards the Coastal Centre, which protects the Lake Huron coastline. Shop for apparel, accessories, drinkware, stickers and more.
Location: 53 Main Street West, Grand Bend
Cheerfully Made Goods + Markets
This charming store in Almonte is filled with many unique and handmade products created by Canadian and local artisans. Shop online for a diverse bevy of best-selling products and items with character, such as delightful accessories and clothing for pets or pet parents.
Location: 72 Mill Street, Almonte
Good Neighbour Roncesvalles
Discover a wide variety of men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing available at this trendy store situated east of Toronto’s High Park. You’ll also find household supplies, wellness products and sweet treats.
Location: 415 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto
Stitch & Stone
Inspired by Canadian roots, this boho-inspired boutique is owned by three women and features creative, high-quality women’s clothing like dresses, skirts, coats, shoes and more.
Locations:
Gift ideas for kids
Mini Mioche
Your family will love this collection of simple, soft and comfy clothes and accessories for babies and kids made from organic cotton. All clothing is knit, dyed, cut and sewn in Canada.
Location: 181 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto
Small But Kinda Mighty
These soft toys are 100% handmade crocheted creations from merino wool, each with a backstory and booklet included.
Location: online shopping only
Michaud Toys
Family-owned Michaud Toys features an extensive collection of classic, modern and original wooden board games, including snakes & ladders, crokinole and cribbage.
Location: 41 Talbot Street East, Jarvis
Tickled Pink
Browse a wide variety of kids’ clothes and accessories at this independent gift store owned by a couple fittingly named Jack and Jill. Snug animal-themed mittens make adorable puppets in addition to keeping little hands warm. Reversible toques give little ones the choice to sport different looks.
Location: 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa
Spark Toys
From outdoor toys to brain-building tools and puzzles, there are countless activities and toys for kids of all ages. There are also a lot of great playful solutions to make road trips enjoyable for kids and parents.
Location: 30 King Street West, Cobourg
August Kinn
Packed with a cute selection of baby and toddler clothing, accessories and nursery accents, August Kinn is the perfect place to find gifts for any little ones in your family.
Location: 1374 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
The Friendly Woodworker
All toys at the Friendly Worker are 100% wood and made right in the North Dundas shop. From tactile toys like a car race set or stackable blocks to great corporate gifts like their custom-made pens, gift ideas abound.
Location: Online shopping only
Indigenous-made products
Beaded Dreams
This Indigenous arts and crafts store has been operating for 30 years and is now run by the son of the co-founders. Browse the one-of-a-kind selection of jewellery, moccasins, mitts, dreamcatchers, handmade candles and soaps, smudge medicines and more.
Location: 426 Bank Street, Ottawa
Turtle Soul Native Arts and Gifts
Support local artists and Indigenous heritage with a gift of beautiful beadwork, baskets, drums, earrings, dreamcatchers, paintings, soapstone or moose hair tufting.
Location: 12-785 Tecumseh Road, Wallaceburg
The Silver Moccasin
100% First Nations-owned and operated, The Silver Moccasin carries the largest selection of Métis regalia and novelties. It also offers authentic arts and crafts, gifts and souvenirs, including specialty moccasins made in Canada by Indigenous artisans.
Shipping available worldwide.
Location: 36 Silver Street, Cobalt
Mulberry Design & Engravings
Inspired by Montessori methods, this Indigenous-owned business in the Waterloo Region produces early language learning games and activities that connect to the traditional dialects of First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages.
Location: shop online or in-person by appointment only
Wolf Den
Choose from among a wide selection of intricately detailed Indigenous arts and crafts, including hand-crafted pottery, birchbark and porcupine boxes, jewellery, carvings and an assortment of warm and comfortable moccasins.
Location: 43 James Street, Parry Sound
Janelle Wawia
Talented Anishinaabe Thunder Bay artist, Janelle Wawia, has received numerous accolades for her work. Contact Janelle about custom orders.
Location: shop online only
Thunderbird Crafts & Trading Post
Discover an extensive selection of authentic, high-quality First Nations crafts and supplies, including handcrafted blankets, jewellery and artwork.
Location: 6312 Indian Lane, Lambton Shores
Whetung Ojibwa Centre
Browse a wide variety of Indigenous art, crafts and gifts from sculptures, paintings and prints to pottery and accessories.
Location: 875 Mississauga Street, Curve Lake
Mādahòkì Farm and Indigenous Marketplace
Shop for unique pieces of art, craft, jewellery and more and help support Indigenous small businesses, artists and artisans. Shop in-person or online.
Location: 4420 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean
The Cedar Basket
Located inside the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, The Cedar Basket is Toronto’s only Indigenous-owned and operated store. Browse a variety of handcrafted First Nations, Métis and Inuit jewellery, carvings, basketry, beadwork, moccasins and original art.
Location: 16 Spadina Road, Toronto
Find more Indigenous-made gift ideas.
Last updated: December 19, 2024