Canadian Brands Gift Guide
This year has been tough on so many levels, but a bright spot is that the holidays are right around the corner! I rounded up a Canadian Brands Gift Guide to help you along with your holiday shopping and supporting the Canadian economy!
So many people lost their jobs due to the pandemic this year, but if you still have some extra income to spend gifts, it’s more important than ever this year to shop from Canadian brands!
Although I’ve been lucky enough to continue working this year, working for a Winnipeg-based brand has given me a whole new appreciation for how much of an impact these small-medium sizes businesses have on our economy. I work for a fashion brand that employs around 100 people here in my home city of Winnipeg, and for that reason, I understand how important it is to support fellow Canadian brands so that others, just like myself, can continue working.
Canada is full of incredible, innovative brands that sometimes we don’t even realize! Some of my favourite brands are Canadian, and not for that reason. But because they’re high quality, socially responsible, affordable, and all around just GREAT products. Take a peek and get your gift list ready!
You can find my gift guide for Shopping Local Winnipeg Brands here, but for those larger gift purchases, I’ve put together a quick reference of high quality, Canadian brands that you should keep top of mind for any shopping needs this holiday season!
Activewear & Loungewear: MPG
This Winnipeg-based Activewear brand yahoo! Style Canada refers to as “the affordable alternative to Lululemon” and for good reason! MPG offers high quality, on-trend performance activewear at really reasonable price points. Although MPG is the company I work for, they didn’t make it on this list for that reason. I shopped the brand for years before I started working for MPG, but working here has given me a whole new appreciation due to the fact that the company’s mission is to offer sustainable activewear (over 70% of the collection is made from recycled materials) and remain socially responsible every step of the way. The company is hugely diverse, in fact over 70% of the employees are female and over 30% identify as a racial or ethnic minority.
Use code CASSIDY25 for 25% off
Outerwear: NOIZE
This Montreal-based brand brings outerwear styles from the streets of New York and Milan to one of the coldest places in the world: Canada. They create environmentally-conscious and cruelty-free jackets and parkas from materials like recycled plastics, vegan leather, and vegan fur. I recently received their gorgeous Winter Parka and I was shocked at how heavy and warm it felt, but lightweight to wear. Instead of traditional feather fill, it’s insulated with recycled plastic fill for a temperature rating of -30°C… enough to keep us warm even here in Winnipeg!
Use code CASSFW15 for 15% off
Handbags: Pixie Mood
Another sustainable Canadian brand, Pixie Mood designs great bags in socially responsible ways at their HQ in Toronto. Pixie Mood bags are chic and sophisticated, but still fun with on-trend colours and designs that add make a statement. They consider the planet every step of the way, using sustainable materials both in their products and packaging. I received the Audrina Bag back in the spring from Pixie Mood (made with a recycled water bottle lining) and actually just purchased my Nana the exact same one for Christmas because she loved it so much!
Shoes: Cougar Shoes
Hailing from Ontario, this Canadian footwear brand goes back over 70 years, and has taken their classic Canadian boot and create a fashion-forward and functional collection of winter boots, rain boots, sneakers, and even sandals. I have a few pairs of Cougar shoes that become my go-to’s each season, and I just love the stylish, statement-making edge they bring to footwear that’s always comfortable and durable. Being Canadian, they know snow and cold, so most of their winter styles are rated for -30°C.
Pajamas: La Vie en Rose
This Montreal-based brand is famous for lingerie, swimwear, robes, and my personal favourite… pajamas! One of the only Canadian stores in its category to still be around across the country, I love how approachable this brand feels and how comfortable their products make you feel! I personally find that pajamas for Christmas are a must-have, and the selection they offer has something for everyone’s style! My personal fave? Rompers!
Jewelry: Mejuri
Founded in Toronto, this fine jewelry brand was designed for women to treat themselves to everyday jewelry, not wait for a man and a special occasion. With that in mind, they partner with top jewellers who commit to ethical practices and the finest materials to create high quality pieces without the markup like traditional jewelry brands. These stunning pieces make the perfect gift for a loved one, or to treat yourself… it’s 2020, you deserve it.
Books: Indigo
This Ontario-based bookstore is Canada’s largest book, gift, and specialty toy retailer. Yup, Indigo, the store we all know and love is a great spot to find something for everyone on your list. Search specifically for Canadian authors and brands to make sure your gift plays double duty in supporting Canada!!
Wellness: Saje
A Vancouver wellness brand that uses essential oils to help your overall well-being, naturally. Save derives their ingredients from safe and renewable resources and uses simple packaging made of recycled or recyclable materials. With a collection ranging from beautiful oil diffusers, to travel-friendly roll-on oils, there’s everything from main gift ideas to stocking stuffers from this Canadian wellness company.
Kids: Coco Village
I recently came across this company as they sent a Holiday Gift catalog to my house — yes, in 2020 — and I had also seen some ads online! They are a Montreal-based brand that designs really cool and completely aesthetically pleasing toys for kids. Ranging from building blocks to activity centres, playhouses to bikes, if you’re looking for a gift for your niece or nephew, or maybe your own kid, these items will look great in any home thanks to the neutral palette of wood and nice colour tones.
There are so many other fabulous Canadian brands out there, so if yours is not on my list, please leave a comment and share them with me and our readers below! Keep safe, happy, and healthy this holiday season!!
Looking to support Local with Manitoba brands? Check out my blog post Shop Local Manitoba Gift Guide
