The countdown to the holidays is on and if you’re like me you probably still have a few folks left to shop for. This is a great opportunity to shop locally and support the small businesses in your area, if you have the means. Plus, with delivery deadlines getting unpredictable, it’ll save you the stress of worrying about whether things will arrive on time. Win, win!
In this post I’ll be sharing a whole bunch of small businesses from my hometown of Guelph, Ontario. I often get requests for recommendations and I’m so happy to share this roundup (albeit a non-exhaustive one).
I’ve organized the list by the following categories:
- HOME GOODS
- FASHION
- FOOD & DRINK
- KIDS & CREATIVES
- LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Even if you’re not local, I’ll bet these suggestions will spark some ideas to explore within your own town/city!
NOTE: To my knowledge all these shops offer curbside pickup and many will deliver locally. Each shop title below links to the online store and I’ll be sharing their Instagram handles in my stories as well. All will be saved in my SHOP SMALL highlight.
HOME GOODS
Images: Flowers & Plant Shop via Blooms & Flora / Homewares shop and utility items via Rug & Weave
BLOOMS & FLORA & SUNDAY GENERAL STORE
So many great gift and stocking stuffer options that are gender neutral & sustainable. I get my Mum a flower subscription every year and it gives her something to look forward to throughout the winter months.
You may have already noticed that I love Rug & Weave for all things home and living. Definitely a great option for the hosts and interior design lovers on your list.
Use LEE15 for 15% Off and receive free delivery in Guelph!
A downtown fixture for books, magazines and all sorts of other paper goods. They go out of their way to bring in requests as well!
Free local same day delivery. Order by 2 pm.
No shortage of unique and quirky gifts here!
Another local florist that often has lots of great garlands and seasonal living decor.
FASHION
Images: Accessories flat lay via Grey Rock / Shearling Coats via Outpost Vintage / Jewelry & styled mannequins via Kennedy Park
A beautifully curated selection of clothing, accessories and lots of great stocking stuffers, with a focus on Canadian designers. It also happens to be run by two of the loveliest women I know.
Free local delivery.
Special vintage and classics for all folks.
Family run and focused on sustainable and ethical brands from all over the globe. Great selection of menswear too!
Loads of cute and comfy finds to explore. Plus, they carry BKIND a natural line of skincare and beauty from MTL.
FOOD & DRINK
Support your local restaurants by gifting gift cards to the folks on your list. So easy and so important this season!
Images: Bread via Polestar Hearth / Pizza via Buon Gusto / Seasoning via Sunday General Store / Cheese via Tomme Cheese (taken by me)
This is our go-to for the best natural wine selections and the co-owner’s recommendations are always pot on. You’d be remiss not to get some truffle crisps while you’re at it!
Few things make me happier than a gorgeous cheese board and theirs is something else!
The best bread in town.
Treat yourself or a lucky friend to a gourmet pizza night!
My favourite for cold pressed juices and delicious smoothies.
A great spot for plant-based eaters with some tasty looking gift boxes.
Our favourite for locally brewed beers. The branding is great and there are always fun options to taste and try.
Free local delivery.
The best option for gift boxes and a great way to support a range of local businesses. We’ve ordered several Guelph Boxes this year and really enjoyed them.
Great option for the culinary carnivores on your list.
FOR KIDS & CREATIVES
All the mums I know love this place for their young kids. I ordered a subscription for my nephews and there is so much for them to explore and play with. It all looks so fun, I had to keep Dave from digging into it himself lol.
Every type of art supply one could hope for. Great for young adults and up.
The Take Home Kits look like the perfect winter afternoon activity! How cool is this pressed flower idea?
All the toys and gizmos a kid could dream of. It’s no surprise that I’m to this day I’m still obsessed with Calico Critters and their selection is amazing.
ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT
For folks who are community minded or hard to shop for, making a donation in their name can be a great gift option. I also try to reserve a percentage of my holiday shopping budget for local charities and these 4 are all doing great work within the city of Guelph.
Guelph Wellington Women In Crisis
THANKS FOR READING!
I hope this points you to some options for gifts now or later! Of course, I’d love to hear your recommendations, please feel free to share them in the comments.
Thank you so much for this wonderful list! My boyfriend grew up in Guelph and we currently live in Barrie but love visiting whenever we get the chance. Can’t wait to explore some of the places you suggested once it’s safe and lockdown is over. One of our favourite food spots is Na Ha Thai’s Kitchen. Stay safe and happy New Year!
Oh that’s great Emily! Can’t wait until everything is safe enough to enjoy again, we’ve really missed being out and about downtown. Na Ha’s is a great addition to the restaurant list, thanks for mentioning it. Wishing you all the best for 2021! xo