Shop Small Holiday Gift Guide
Updated: Dec 1, 2019
As a local vendor myself I have the wonderful opportunity of meeting other vendors at markets. There are so many wonderful makers in Canada, this is a curated list I chose for my gifts this year. All vendors here are lovely, Canadian female artisans. I love knowing the person who made my items it makes them that much more valuable to me. So shop small this season!
Handcrafted Concrete Designs
Mind the Minimal
Based in Vancouver
insta @mindtheminimal
https://www.etsy.com/shop/mindtheminimal/
Mind the Minimal creates beautiful concrete pieces. Most recognizable are her signature plant holders I also love her ring holders. I got my sister a rose gold one and put the ring I bought her on it.
Handcrafted Leather Goods
Mamewo
Based in Vancouver
insta @mamewogoods
Mamewo makes gorgeous handmade leather goods. I love her signature shaped bags and the unique leathers she chooses. Find her at the East Side Flea this weekend too.
Hand Stamped Jewellery
Amara Blue
Based in Vancouver
insta @amarabluevan
https://www.amarabluedesigns.com/
Amara Blue makes lovely hand stamped jewellery, she has beautiful stamps many of which she designed herself and is also able to do custom words. She made me a necklace that says "Resilient" on it and the fact that I somehow haven't lost it in 3 years shows how truly resilient it is! This year I found the perfect gift for me and my twin by getting us matching "Pinkie Swear" stamped jewellery. Since my sister loves rings I bought her the ring but as I work with my hands I bought myself a necklace. I wrote a note saying "I pinky swear I will always be there for you."
Magazines for a Well Styled Life
Dote Magazine
Based in Calgary
insta @dotemagazine
https://shop.dotemagazine.com/
I've been following Dote since Issue 1 and it breaks my heart that they just put out their final issue. It is a wonderful one though, focused on body positivity and features illustrations by Stephanie Cheng. Because Dote is closing all of their past issues are on sale for $7.50, I ordered every issue that I was missing. Shop also at your local Indigo.
Hand Screen Printed Prints
Stephanie Cheng
Based in Toronto
insta @iamstephaniecheng
https://www.stephaniecheng.ca/
I adore Steph's work and I purchased a now sold out print from her last year for my most stylish and minimalist friend Sydney. Her work is stunning, and will make a great addition to your home. Shop beautiful prints, cloths and calendars. You'll find her illustrations as well in the Dote body positivity issue. Shop in Toronto at OOAK Nov 21- Dec 1 and in Calgary Dec 13-15.
Geometric Contemporary Jewelry
Lana Betty
Based in Vancouver
insta @lanabetty
Lana Betty makes some of my favourite jewellery, her whimsical designs are enchanting. Her new collection is mesmerizing, she has a unique method, using 3D printing to make her jewellery molds which is how she creates such intricate layered designs.
Of course all these gifts pair well with BEK Design cards!
