When doing your holiday shopping, don’t just hit the big box stores and usual places for gift ideas. For those people who “have everything,” you need unique gifts. Even after the holidays and during the year for birthdays, anniversaries and gifting surprises a handmade gift is always appreciated. 

Ontario artisan creators offer gift options off the beaten path. And with the ongoing pandemic, small businesses need support now more than ever. Many are offering safe shopping or shop-from-home options, as well.

So if you’re looking for special gifts for the holidays, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got a list of gift ideas and ways to shop safely, all from Ontario artisan creators. Read on for more! 

Made With Love & Made In Ontario

Ontario makers have a stunning variety of products and options that go far outside of the box. Shopping with artisan creators for your gifts for the holidays not only supports local businesses, but can also help you score something sure to make memories.

Artisan products have the benefit of not being mass-produced, often having a handmade charm and craftsmanship that cannot be replicated on an assembly line. Let’s take a closer look at some potential gift ideas.

1. Personal Care Items

One of the most popular types of artisan goods is toiletries and skincare. Have a man in your life who’s tired of pocket knives and coffee mugs?

There are several Ontario artisan creators who offer items such as beard oil, hair care products, and skincare items that are specifically crafted for men’s needs and tastes.

For the ladies, there is also a plethora of options in hair and skin care. And everyone can appreciate a well-crafted bar of hand soap that is both decorative and functional.

Kids aren’t left out either. From bath bombs to fun soaps and creams and balms, some with glitter, there is no shortage of products for everyone.

2. Home Goods

Another fantastic artisan offering is items for your home and kitchen. Unique, handcrafted décor and furniture, handmade jelly and other canned goods, and even trendy items such as paper straws, beeswax wrappers, dishes and utensils are all offered by Ontario artisan creators.

If you have a relative or friend who enjoys the finer things in life, shopping locally will ensure that you find something unforgettable that won’t be shoved in the back of the closet after the holidays. 

3. Arts and Crafts

Ontario artisan creators also produce artwork and items such as unique jewelry that can’t be found anywhere else.

For art lovers in your life, purchasing a painting or sculpture from an Ontario maker is sure to bring a smile to their face and joy to their home or even outdoor living space. 

And artisan-made pieces are always unique, making for a gift that can’t be bought from any department store or mall. 

4. Things We Don’t Even Know About 

Quirky and odd, the ‘what’s its’ are out there too and deserve equal attention. It’s all about being open to art and maybe there is something being done out there you’ve never heard of but need to know about. Or it’s a gift for your one family or friend that marches to the beat to their own drum, either way, Ontario has some pretty cool people out there doing their thing.

Finding Ontario Artisan Creators

If you’re looking for the perfect gifts this holiday season and want to keep it local, we have a master list of Ontario makers with e-commerce and online shopping for your convenience. Many of these artisans also offer safe shopping and online buying allowing you to shop safely, and possibly in your pajamas. Did we miss your favourite maker? Please let us know!

For more things to do and see in Ontario, make sure to check out our events and attractions page, which has been updated to highlight safer experiences during this pandemic.

We also have other blog articles about what’s hot in Ontario, so make sure to browse around. You’re sure to find plenty to love!

Artisans, Creators & Makers By ‘Department’

Clothing

https://www.muskokatyedye.com/

https://www.tjindigo.com/

https://www.copiousfashions.com/

https://alpacatime.ca/

Accessories

https://pastintonew.ca/

https://gosslingorganics.com/

https://www.plumagestudio.ca/

https://www.overstitched.com/

Health, Wellness & Beauty

https://thehappybuddahsoapco.ca/

https://www.twosistersnaturals.com/

https://www.canoewomanherbs.com/

https://www.treehousesoap.ca/

Jewellery & Crystals

	Artsy jewelry for daydreamers. https://www.dawningcollective.com/
	Native made ~ Jewelry | Art | Handicrafts | Fashion ~ Keeping tradition & culture alive ~ Family owned for 20 years ~ https://www.beadeddreams.ca/
	Silver jewelry with a modern aesthetic that balances the contradiction of strong and feminine. You don’t follow convention, neither should your jewelry. https://rebelsouldesign.com/
	Handmade artisan fine jewellery and incredible vintage finds. https://www.christinaperrisjewellery.ca/
	Crystals, jewels and carvings.

Glass, Woodworking, Sculpture & Pottery

	Handblown glass tableware, custom glass pieces, corporate awards and one of a kind pieces.  https://artechstudios.ca/
	Haliburton Forest paddles are handcrafted to the highest quality & selected from wood grown in Canada‘s first FSC certified forest. http://paddles.haliburtonforest.com/
	The best looking, most memorable, and best performing wooden cutting boards. https://pandawoodworks.ca/
	Janson Pottery is dedicated to creating handmade Canadian pottery and strives to make objects that fulfill a need. https://www.jansonpottery.com/
	Stained glass pieces and art. https://forestcitystainedglass.com/
	Selection of wood sculptures, wall hangings, and fun and handy art including wood candle sticks, bowls, and more.  http://www.twistedpinestudio.com/

Food, Drink, Beer & Spirits

	Family-run Muskoka cranberry farm selling cranberries, wine, cider, jams and many other cranberry products made on site. https://cranberry.ca/
	Global Indigenous Chocolates and Pastries. Wherever possible, products are sourced from Indigenous businesses, local businesses or Canadian businesses. https://www.ravenrising.ca/
	A hip little cafe with a passionate coffee roaster, artisan bakers and real baristas. https://groundedcoffee.ca/
	Distillery in Perth, Ontario. Proud makers of Vodka, Gin, Whisky, Bitters, Moonshine & Hand Sanitizer. https://topshelfdistillers.com/
	Producer of maple syrup and maple products. https://williamsfarm.ca/
	Charger Foods is a First Nations company that specializes in gourmet hot sauces, salad dressings and wine jellies. https://chargerfoods.myshopify.com/

Kitchen, Home Accessories & Décor

	Sculpture, printmaking & home decor.
	Handcrafted home goods. Custom signs, wall decor, children’s decor, custom name signs. Custom laser work available. https://urbannestdecor.com/
	Subversive and irreverent pieces made from repurposed antique china. A contrast between dainty and audacious, giving an ironic twist to classic decor. https://www.wolfdottir.com/
	The Keeki bag is a plastic free natural way to store your bread.  It is a beeswax lined linen bag.  https://keeki.ca/
	Eco-Bee: Friends of Nature offers earth friendly, handmade, plastic free gifts.   https://www.ecobeefriendsofnature.ca/

Candles

	Eco-conscious luxury candles that encourage you to escape to a simpler, more relaxed way of life. Hand-poured in Prince Edward County, Ontario. https://thecountycandleco.com/
	Wick-it is a small business specializing in hand-poured 100% soy wax products such as candles, crumble and tea lights. https://wickitnaturals.com/
	Hand poured soy candles. https://www.lambandkiss.com/