Local Holiday Gift Guide
I think this year more than ever we are being hammered with the importance of shopping and supporting small and local. My opinion here might be a little bias, but without question it is going to be essential to the vitality of a lot of small shops and makers in your community for you to support them this year more than ever before. I want to the preface this entire post by saying that I fully understand not always being able to afford smaller shops and artist as their items and creations often do come with a higher price tag (not always, but sometimes). This does not mean you cannot however support them in other ways. Share their business with your friends, add items from their shops to your own wish list, promote them on social media - the list goes on - but spending money is not the only way to support your local shops. It is also key to realize some of these shops and makers that you might have the impression as being more expensive often are not. Take a walk through, ask them for gifts under a certain dollar amount. I know for me personally I love to bring things in at all price points during the holidays especially to ensure we have something for everyone, so don’t be shy!
Okay enough about that. Here are some of my favourite local, Bracebridge, businesses to support this holiday season and some of the items I think everyone should add to their wish list (or their cart if they are doing the shopping).
First up on this gift guiding adventure is the cutest, new, online home boutique, Maggie & Kaye. Emma, the owner, has curated the most beautiful collection of everything from bedding basics, to throw pillows, to seasonal decor. I personally am obsessed with the sheets I purchased from M&K. Like I cannot express enough how investing in your bedding is so important / worth it (you are in your bed every single day!) I’ve added a second set to my own wishlist and highly recommend you scout out this site full of home goodies ASAP!
* THIS OLD LADY CHIC CUSHION MIGHT BE ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PURCHASES FROM MAGGIE & KAYE. SO MANY GREAT THROW PILLOWS FOR THE BEDROOM AND LIVING ROOM FOR THE HOME GOOD LOVER ON YOUR LIST *
* WATTY AND I BOTH LOVE THE DUVET AND SHEETS WE PICKED UP. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY I FEEL LIKE WE ARE SLEEPING IN LUXURY EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! - ADD TO MUST HAVES NOW - CUTE BABY FOR ATTENTION *
Next on our journey I have to shout out one of my favourite local shops, Kala. Their collection of treasures ranges from my favourite baby swaddles, to pottery, to some of the best cook and cocktail books around. My personal wishlist is filled with cookbooks right now and Kala has each and every one I am asking for! Kala also has an amazing range of locally crafted items which makes it just that much better. For example, The Sunday Lane Studio’s gorgeous ceramic earrings can be found there, and trust me they are stunning!
* MY HUSBAND MIGHT LAUGH AT THIS BECAUSE COOKING ISN’T ALWAYS AT THE TOP OF MY PRIORITY LIST (I’M A LITTLE BUSY, AM I RIGHT?") BUT I LOVE HAVING NICE COOKBOOKS AT MY DISPOSAL. ONE OF MY CURRENT FAVS IS FROM KALA AND A WHOLE BUNCH MORE FROM THERE ARE ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST!*
* THE EARRINGS I WAS RAVING ABOUT - JUST TRUST ME *
Third on my list of local loves is Ah Naturel, a sweet little spa with a retail area too! Right now more than ever it is so important to support our local spas and salons. If you aren’t quite comfortable yet enjoying spa experiences during the pandemic adding a gift card to your wish list allows these wonderful businesses to survive and thrive during these trying times. If you are booking a pedicure ask for Angie (the owner) and just trust me when I say she gives the world’s greatest massages - you’re welcome.
* JUST A PICTURE OF MY LATEST “HOLIDAY” NAILS BECAUSE PINK IS A CHRISTMAS COLOUR AND I LOVE THIS SWEET LITTLE MOOSE LOL. ALSO JUST AN FYI THE GIRLS ALWAYS LET ME RAINBOW COLOUR MY NAILS AND DON’T EVEN COMPLAIN *
Okay this next suggestion is one that is near and dear to my heart. Carlyn of Lenny & Hume photography is not only one of the most talented photographers I have had the privilege of working with but is also an exceptionally kind and wonderful human. She is passionate about each and every shoot she does and it is so reflective in the end result. If you are wanting to treat someone to something truly unique and special get them a gift certificate from Lenny & Hume for a future photo session. Carlyn shoots everything from maternity, to engagement, to families, and full blown weddings. She is truly a local treasure and we are lucky to have such a talented babe in our midst.
* THIS PHOTO IS ONE FROM MY MATERNITY SESSION WITH CARLYN AND I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH HOW SPECIAL EACH AND EVERY IMAGE FROM THIS DAY IS TO ME. SHE HAS CAPTURED SO MANY IMAGES OF OUR FAMILY AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SHARE MORE. ALL I CAN SAY IS BOOK A SESSION WITH HER FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR LOVED ONE, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET THIS AMAZING MEMORIES *
Last but not least, Belle’s Boutique. I think I would be a fraud if I did not endorse my own little shop in downtown Bracebridge. We have worked extremely hard at the shop to curate collections of clothing and gift items that are accessible to all. We are open for walk through traffic (for now) and online, so whatever your comfort level is, we’ve got you! If you have a mama to be in your life (or any lounge seeking enthusiast) treat them to a Smash & Tess romper, they will love you forever! Also top of my personal list is always Brunette the Label. In case you didn’t know we have a collab with Brunette for our lake loving and Muskoka babes, AND we are repping the amazing Birds Papaya collaboration too! SO many comfortable choices to make her christmas cozy and stylish!
* IT IS NOT A SECRET THAT I LIVE IN SMASH & TESS ROMPERS MOST DAYS OF THE WEEK AND HONESTLY NO SHAME OVER HERE! BONUS POINTS BECAUSE THESE ROMPERS ARE MADE IN CANADA AND ARE A FEMALE OWNED COMPANY. THESE ARE JUST A FAB GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION *
This seems like a good place to end this cute little gift guide but I promise I am going to be posting a ton more over on my instagram stories. Be sure to head over there to fill up your own wish list with great local ideas or to help check off the people on yours! Wishing you all fast shipping and small shop shopping this holiday season.
xo