Support Handmade & Shop Local

Everyone has that impossible-to-buy-for person on their list. For me, that’s most of my list! This is why I love to shop local and support handmade. Finding local artisans in your area is well worth the effort. The best way to do this is to visit local holiday craft shows in your area. There’s an endless amount of them in my area every year at churches and community centres. 

Another way to discover a multitude of phenomenal artisans is Facebook! There are many Facebook groups made for local artists and their wares. There are a few in my area that encourage people to ask for and search out specific vendors. I live just outside of Toronto. Many people think they need to visit metropolitan-area shows to find the best work but I’m telling you, check out your own backyard.

Burlington and surrounding area is home to a vast array of makers and I found a few of the best to show you just how amazing local artisans can be. If you live in my area, definitely check out these beautiful handmade goods. I encourage you to search out your own city full of artistic goods. You are guaranteed to find a beautiful, one of a kind item for the pickiest of person on your list. The added bonus: Most artisans include beautiful packaging as well which means less wrapping for you.

Whimsy & Kind

For the person who loves fun & unique artwork, Whimsy & Kind has got you covered. These stunning prints are perfect for the artsy woman or the curious child on your list. They also make a great gift for the mother-to-be as nursery decor. Based in Milton, these gorgeous prints can be shipped out to you for a nominal fee or even free! 

I finally assembled my craft room but my walls were bare. They screamed for some art and as it’s my own haven, I can decorate how I see fit. Meeting the ladies of Whimsy & Kind this summer and seeing their stunning artwork, I knew without a doubt that they were the one and only stop for eye-catching goodies for my wall.

Don’t miss their Play Tents as well! So adorable and sure to bring a smile to any child’s face on Christmas morning. 

Check out Whimsy & Kind

Website: www.whimsyandkind.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whimsyandkind

Etsy: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WHIMSYandKIND

Bubble & Sweet Designs

For the little princess on your list, Bubble & Sweet Designs has the sweetest of jewellery. These baubles feature brightly coloured and sparkly beads with the added touch of popular toys like Shopkins, Paw Patrol, Minions, My Little Pony and more!

Bubble & Sweet has also just launched a line of chewelry. These are great for kids who love to chew and make a great gift for children with special needs who love to fidget or chew. These are customizable with your little one’s favourite colours. Kim also has a line of teething jewelry for mom. These teething beads are the best of the best: 100% non-toxic & BPA, PVC, Lead, Mercury and Phthalate-Free!

Luckily for you, Bubble & Sweet has an Etsy store for those not in the Burlington, Ontario area. Kim is happy to do a custom order just for the little jewelry-loving kid on your Christmas list and you can bet she has just what you’re looking for. 

Check out Bubble & Sweet Designs

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bubbleandsweetdesign

Etsy: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/bubbleandsweetdesign

 Feather & Fern

Family, nature and love is what Feather & Fern is all about. These gorgeous bottle openers are perfect for any home which means they are perfect for so many of the people on your list this year. My parents have a cottage and a love of beer so this is the perfect gift for them – they are also the hardest to buy for! I was so glad to have found Victoria’s beautiful work to help me check them off my list.

These rustic pieces are simply beautiful and befitting for anyone on your list. You can choose between the classic opener as well as a funky bear head! Based in Burlington, Ontario, Feather & Fern also makes beautiful growth charts, gorgeous gift baskets and pine cone shadow boxes that are customized to your family. I guarantee you will find the perfect item for the nature-lover on your list.

Check out Feather & Fern

Website: www.featherandfern.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/featherandferncanada

 Reverie Gardens

The whimsical fairy lanterns from Reverie Gardens cannot be missed. There are so many tiny details to these beauties that you’ll spend hours trying to find them all. With stones, sand, beads, sequins and so much more, these jars are simply magical. The beautiful vintage jars can be customized to suit any fairy-lover’s wishes. My daughter adores unicorns. From the mouths of babes, her favourite colours are “light pink sparkle and mint!” Hailey crafted a custom enchanted lantern for Miss O with these exact specifications. 

The lanterns feature little fairy lights, making these a beautiful nightlight for your little one. They are just as gorgeous when not lit up but the lights add a bit more whimsical sparkle, illuminating the many layers. You can choose an enchanted lantern, a whimsical garden, and in the summer, Reverie Gardens crafts stunning fairy or gnome pots & gardens.

Due to the delicate nature of these fairy jars, these are only available for pickup. These beauties are for those local to the Oakville, Markham and Bowmanville areas of Ontario only – sorry folks!

Check out Reverie Gardens

Website: www.reveriegardens.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/reveriegardens

 

Have you found any hidden gems in your area? Spread the love and support handmade!