I love December. From trimming the Christmas tree mid-month, to watching holiday movies while I bake, to smooching under the mistletoe on New Year’s Eve, it’s all gravy (I also love gravy!).

Once November hits, my Christmas shopping and planning begins in earnest. This year more than ever, I’m focusing on supporting Canadian businesses and makers during the holiday season where I can. Here are some of my favourite festive ideas for keeping things more local this year:

Gifting

A cozy wool blanket ($125) from ANIÁN would make the perfect winter gift. ANIÁN’s goods (see also their coats, toques, and socks) are made in Canada from recycled materials—gifts to feel great about.

The bow tie ribbons studs ($35) from Magpie Jewellery are so sweet. In addition to their house collection, Magpie features other Canadian jewellers on their site. (The tiny version of this cedar pendant is on my wishlist.).

This personalized mug ($49) from Montreal ceramics shop, Monokiini, would be a great addition to any breakfast table (maybe add some tea from a Canadian company?). They also offer a food-safe ceramics kit ($75) so your loved one can make their own kitchen creation.

The LAMY ABC Fountain Pen ($30) from Phidon Pens is a fun, entry-level fountain pen (you could also add a converter and some colourful inks). Phidon has a huge selection of pens, ink, and writing paper to explore.

A pair of Canadian Made moccasins ($65+) from the Whetung Ojibwa Centre are on my list this year (this pair, to be specific). Cultural appreciation plus cozy feet? Sign me up.

These hand painted flower pops ($4.50 each) are the perfect little stocking stuffer. Laura Slack Chocolate is a work of art. I gifted a box of painted truffles as my 40th birthday loot bags, and the individual bars are delicious and wrapped in gorgeous papers.

Brighter Days Red Algae + Avocado Biodegradable Eye Masks ($44) are perfect for your pal who loves a moment of self-care. They come from Three Ships, a women-owned, Made in Canada beauty company (they also have a Sea Algae + Bio-Peptide version).

A made in Canada CBC T-shirt ($37) from Red Canoe. (See also: the official CBC shop for goods that also support our public broadcaster). I’ve purchased one for myself and two friends—a unisex piece for one and all.

Baa Baazaar is one of my favourite shops for fun, unique gifts. The Zero Japan salt cellar ($46) is pictured here, and some other picks include Flossie cotton candy, lemon soap, a range of unique chocolates, fancy matches, ravioli spoon rest, chip clips, lip and body balm, thistle cookie stamp, and cauliflower rattle.

These Hansel from Basel sheer socks ($38) from Maguire are a fun, low-stakes fashion gift. Or grab a gift card toward a pair of their perfect ballet flats.

The Non-alcoholic Italian Aperitif ($33) from Monsieur Cocktail is a great pick for supporting someone’s Dry January journey (this aperitif with a splash of tonic or soda water was my go-to summer mocktail). Add their sparkling wine for a less-boozy Aperol spritz, try their espresso martini for a wintry sip, or check out this sample pack to find your favourites.

I buy a lot of book gifts and shop my local, independent bookstore as much as possible. Consider releases from Canadian presses this year (perhaps Giller Prize longlister, An Astonishment of Stars?). If you live in a town without an indie bookstore, order from one nearby instead of shopping Amazon or Chapters (many local bookstores will ship to you.).

When in doubt, a gift card to a favourite shop is always a welcome gift. Maybe something to help with a splurgy piece from Bare Knitwear?

Decorating

Wills & Prior in Stratford, Ontario is a great source for holiday decor, from ribbon and ornaments to dishware and puzzles. They also stock a range of lovely gifts, including a curated selection of goods Made in Canada. If you can’t shop in-person, they ship across the country, or find a local shop near you.

Simons (perhaps the last great Canadian department store!) is a great option for festive tablescapes, holiday décor, gift ideas, and party togs. Tune in especially to their Made in Canada department, Fabrique 1840.

Every year, we buy a Christmas tree from a local tree farm (pictured is my actual husband sawing down our actual tree—don’t worry, the scraggly bottom gets trimmed and cleaned up). Real trees are better for the environment, the purchase supports a local farm, and my municipality has a free Christmas tree collection and mulching program for easy disposal.

Skip the short shelf life (and carbon-heavy plane ride) of fresh flowers and build a beautiful tablescape using dried bouquets from Le Garde-Fleurs. They would also make a lovely little host/ess gift.

I shop holiday markets near me to support local, independent makers. Check out your provincial tourism website for a round-up of major festive markets.

Dining

If you imbibe, support an independent winery or craft brewer for your seasonal toasts. We’ll be toasting the season with a 13th Street Winery sparkling this year.

Get the party started with treats and bites from local specialty grocers, like Les Minettes, Provisions, or MacLeod’s Scottish Shop.

Where you can, shop farmer’s markets and grocery stores for local produce from smaller, area farms. Use a tool like Shop Local Farms to find farmers near you.

The Holiday “Cookie Tin” Bonbon Collection ($65) is Chocolate de Kat’s take on the classic Christmas cookie tin. Choose a decadent treat from this Toronto-based chocolatier for your post-dinner sweet.

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While it may be tricky to commit to shopping 100% Canadian, my thinking is that something is better than nothing. Any time you can shop Canadian, it supports local business, builds community, and strengthens our economy.

Happy holiday prepping!

P.S. Here is the Government of Canada’s guide to buying and supporting Canadian, including how to read labels and avoiding deceptive “Made in Canada” claims.