‘Tis the season for gifting. It’s getting colder and the clock is counting down the days to Christmas. Which means it’s time to start Christmas shopping! 2020 was a rough year for everyone, but especially small businesses. Little did we know that the struggle would trickle into 2021 as well. If there is one thing that we do know, after living through this pandemic, it’s that it’s important to shop local and support small businesses. 

Small businesses have been forced into lockdowns, several different restrictions, and are now grappling with labour shortages. It’s been a tough year and even though it may be impossible to get everything you need from local businesses, being a little more conscious during the holiday season versus immediately heading to the chain stores will make a huge difference for small business owners.

That’s why I’ve pulled together a guide for every person on your Christmas list. I recommend that if you see something you like, you go for it sooner rather than later.  Some of these businesses are ones that I’ve supported in my shopping, and some are ones that were recommended to me. With everything compiled into one place, you have no excuse to not shop local this year.

For the beauty lover 

@Farmacywellness is a curated inventory of holistic beauty and wellness products to help you create your personalised self-care toolkits. Shop some of your favourite local brands in one place and build your own wellness box.

@Kulfi.beauty was started by a group of South Asian women wanting to empower the community through representation. Kulfi Beauty is a celebration of culture and beauty and reclaiming the joy of makeup for many South Asian women. 

@Lashesbynkc is a certified  lash lift and tint technician. She started it as a hobby during the pandemic and has garnered the skills to help your lashes look bomb for the holidays. Refer a friend and receive $5 off your first booking. 

For the jewellery lover

@Withoutfearandco is a Sikh faith based jewellery company dedicated to providing fashionable everyday jewellery for people who want to proudly wear their religion and culture. Featuring pieces with the Punjabi Alphabet, Sikh symbols and Punjab roots, there’s something for everyone.

@HighMaintenceLuxe is a luxurious and affordable jewellery brand based in Surrey, BC. They are currently in the midst of dropping new items throughout the holiday season with reduced “DRPSZN” pricing for affordable holiday shopping.

For the artist 

@RAVINARTOOR officially launched in the year of 2020. This art platform represents the start of something new, the start of creating space for brown representation across the world. With the passion of the community, Ravina will be donating 10% of all profits each month to organisations that support the daughters of Punjab and Haryana.

@PAPERSAMOSA offers hilarious doodles available on apparel or to frame that make for a great stocking gift! Creator Simmi Patel is an advertising writer by trade, but overall a hopeless creative person--endlessly playing with words and art to create whatever she can think up. Check out Paper Samosa to see more of her work.

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@artbyamruta welcomes you into her little world where she paints vibrant, colourful, and sometimes quiet yet thought-provoking contemplative abstracts, guided by intuition and inspired by her search for everlasting peace, happiness, and joy.

For the book lover 

 @PutItOnMyHead is a sweet story for Desi children to celebrate their uniquely sassy, but always sweet, relationship with Baa (Grandma). It will hit home for many and bring a smile to all. Check out Paper Samosas website to purchase this amazing read!

@Dosti is a story about friendship and camaraderie and is illustrated through birds that are popular in South Asia. The story of Dosti takes place during the partition of 1947. Check out this great read available on Kalam Creations!

@StoriesforSouthAsianSuperGirls by Pink Ladoo is a best-selling book for South Asian Supergirls which tells the inspirational life-stories of 50 famous and under-celebrated women from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This is the perfect gift to inspire the next generation of youth.

Others  

@WrappedbyG is owned by two best friends who specialize in creating your wrapped visions. Their business uses your visions to make gift baskets, flower boxes and decor for special events. This Christmas they will be offering a huge giveaway to show their appreciation to their clients along with celebrating their one year in the business. Check out Wrapped by G’s instagram for this upcoming promotion!

@SundayMorningResin started as a hobby that Manpreet picked up during the pandemic. After sharing these pieces with friends and family and hearing great feedback, she was encouraged to start a small business from her home. Manpreet has always loved making arts and crafts, so each piece is uniquely handmade by herself for you to keep forever. Most of the designs can be customized to your liking from style, colour, to adding gold or floral accents. 

@ohshtkits: Whether it be for a professional event, a friend or family member’s wedding, a trip, or just for a bag/purse and car (yes, both), an emergency kit is something that is always assembled to ensure ease for the occasion. These make the perfect gift for soon to be brides. Check their website for the different packages available for your special event.