I have deep respect for anyone who complies a gift guide - including myself (kidding…not kidding). A day by day guide as I’ve done in the past is not quite as easy as it looks - and it’s super time consuming. BUT it’s also been very popular and I get great feedback from it which I’m so appreciative of. Compiling a gift guide involves being able to go out to stores and artisan markets to source ideas. Sadly, that’s not available this year, so I’ve come up with another idea for this Covid edition of Vicki’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. I’ve asked some of my favourite retailers, artisans (who I suggest shopping with) to recommend their favourite spots to SHOP LOCAL this season in the Toronto area or across Canada, because we need to keep our dollars at home. For all of this year’s recommendations you can shop online for curb side pickup or delivery. You can shop via their Instagram accounts or you can email or call and place orders.

I feel very strongly about supporting our local retailers and artisans this holiday season (and always as a matter of fact). I know it’s tempting to click through Amazon and have it all conveniently delivered to your front door, but small businesses need our support more than ever this year. So it’s my hope that you will enjoy the local recommendations, many of whom you might already be familiar with and many of whom have become my friends. I’ll be posting the Gift Guide (which will come to your inbox if you subscribe) over the next two weeks - or so. As always, your feedback is welcomed and very much appreciated!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

VICKI RECOMMENDS:

I met Janelle from Goldscoop at a pop up market at West Elm last holiday season. I bought the sweetest gold necklace and think of what a great young entrepreneur she is every time I wear it. I’ve kept up with her on Instagram and witnessed her success even through the pandemic. I hope you’ll find something wonderful from Goldscoop for yourself or a loved one.

GOLDSCOOP RECOMMENDS:

Sincerely NV is a Toronto shop that specializes in products that are made from fabric remnants that would normally be put into the garbage and thus end up in landfill. Check out their site for cute bags and unique pillow covers.

Soft and Still Collective is a Niagara Region candle making small business. Janelle really know’s her way to my heart - sustainability and Niagara! Check out the @softandstillco Insta for their festive scents and adorable packaging.

FROM THE 2019 GIFT GUIDE:

DAY TWENTY - IT DOESN’T HURT TO ASK

DAY SEVENTEEN - DID SOMEONE SAY PIZZA?