2016 Holiday Shopping Guide

Did you know that when you shop at a chain store, only $13 of your $100 spent goes back into your local economy? However, when you shop at a local store, $48 stays in your local economy. This is why we want to encourage you to shop at local businesses this holiday season to help your city and local economy, and help support small businesses in Canada.

We’ve compiled this list from some of our Futurpreneur-supported businesses to help inspire you this holiday season. To make browsing easier, click below on the category you want to jump too:

For the aspiring interior designer
For the sweet tooth
For the foodie
For those that like to be pampered
For the health fanatic
For the creature of comfort
For the active ones
For the creative cat
For the new or expecting moms
For the people that have everything

For the fashion lover

The Richmond Leather Touchscreen Gloves from Quill & Tine
Talk, text, and ‘gram in style. These moto-inspired touchscreen gloves for him are crafted with fine Italian lamb leather, lined with luxuriant Italian cashmere, and features Shibori stitch detailing and a top zip in silver. Crafted in Canada.

$170.00
Buy here

Stratum Backpack from littleKING Designs
This backpack features detailed leather stitching and layering with large main pockets and two outside pockets which makes this bag not only eye catching but functional for everyday use.

$220.00
Buy here

The Zipper Pull from Ms. Dress Up
Ms. Dress Up’s Zipper Pull will change the way women buy dresses forever. Using the same idea as the wetsuit, an ornamental chain hooks to the zipper of a dress and is used as a pulley to effortlessly do it up. Afterwards the chain becomes a necklace or bracelet.

$29.95
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Lava Stone men’s and women’s bracelets from GentStone
GentStone bracelets are handcrafted with semi-precious stones such as lava rock, agate, onyx and jasper along with precious metals such as .925 sterling silver spacers, 18kt. Gold and gunmetal. All bracelets are locally made in Vancouver with a focus on lithotherapy and self-expression. 

$39.00
Buy here

Golden Sands from Roberto Ruivo Company
You will want to spend a thousand and one nights in this richly elegant Golden Sands high heel–and your man will want you to too. Show off some mystical sex appeal in this genuine gold leather stiletto trimmed with shiny crystals. You’ll sparkle, no matter how dark the night may be! 

$180.00
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Sterling Silver Customer Stamped Rings from Anice Jewellery
Make a little custom piece for that special someone this Christmas! We have three different widths to choose from and then let your imagination do the rest! (Can stamp up to 20 characters, inside and outside.)

$45.00
Buy here 

Coralie Infinity Dress from Arroh & Bow
Arroh & Bow infinity dresses are not your run-of-the-mill convertible dresses, they take great pleasure in choosing high quality fabrics that drape in just the right way. It is important to them that every woman that wears one of their dresses feels comfortable and pretty, so they offer dresses in every size and length. Arroh & Bow dresses are made of beautiful fabric that is lightweight with a soft matte finish.

$239.00
Buy here

Tights from Love Light Yoga
Organic cotton tights, made in Vancouver, and that are adaptable for all bodies, genders and sizes with a waist that can roll up or down. These are dream tights that are thick (never see thru), perfect for movement classes, under dresses or board shorts, on the ski slopes, or in your blanket fort this winter!

$95.00
Buy here

Face to Face Playsuit from B-Lux Boutique
This playsuit is the perfect twist on the blazer dress. It features a chic blazer look and built-in shorts. The silver-toned buttons and 3/4 length sleeves create a casual, yet classy look. Pair with semi-sheer black tights for a day to night outfit.

$160.00
Buy here

Veneto Ankle Boot from Brodawka & Friends
Designed in Toronto, handmade in Mexico, fun and versatile, comfortable and well built. The Veneto Ankle Boot (also available in Navy & Copper) is a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.

$295.00
Buy here

Athena Bib Necklace by Fair Day
Add some sparkle and colour to your holiday! Brighten up your party outfits, or pick some unique pieces for the ones you love. Everything is made by amazing fair trade artisans, organizations and co-ops from developing communities around the world.

$27.00
Buy here

Brenda Swing Shirt from Lennard Taylor Design Inc.
Brenda is the perfect statement dress. Pair this piece with some red lipstick and black boots and you’re ready for work (and then drinks afterwards)!

$305.00
Buy here

Patent Leather Mariona Venice Shoes from CHICC
This shoe has velvet patent leather laces, a unique style for any occasions and is complete with Intech lining. Made in Spain.

$134.55
Buy here

For the aspiring interior designer

SurfaceMotif from Peacock Living Inc.
Are you looking to renovate, or want to add style and character into your space? SurfaceMotif is the new and exciting decorating solution for the home. It allows you to easily apply patterns onto surfaces that can be painted and personalized, creating one of kind designs. Great for any size paint project, from arts & crafts and DIY, to accent walls.

$59.00
Buy here

The Edwin Chair by Coolican & Company
Coolican & Company’s take on the classic Windsor chair. Made of solid Ontario White Oak with a black oil finish, the chair features a deep comfortable seat and brass peg details. A versatile design that is at home in any space.

$890.00
Buy here

For the sweet tooth

Christmas Night Bell from Nadia Chocolates
Santa is coming to town! Delectable Belgian chocolate centerpiece, to be proudly displayed on your dinner table, and shared with the special people in your life. Imagine the conversations, create memories. Dimensions: 14.5 x 17 cm, Net Weight: 400 g

$39.00 + tax & shipping
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Drizzle gift pack from Drizzle Honey Products
Gift Packs contain three 80g mini raw honey jars in a clear case perfect for stashing individually in your bag for your honey addiction, gift giving, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and more. The 80g jars are all Drizzle’s summer variety, which is a floral and sweet creamed honey with notes of wildflower, oak and clover. As always, Drizzle is raw, unheated honey that supports local beekeepers. Healthy enzymes, vitamins and minerals are plentiful and you’ll get more natural flavour from seasonal pollens and nectars.

$23.99
Buy here

Salted Caramel Whiskey Dessert Sauce from Gourmet Inspirations
Drizzle. Drizzle. Drizzle. Great on ice cream, cheesecake, apple pie, brownies, crepes, waffles, pancakes and your coffee!

$12.95 + shipping – receive a 15% discount by using “futurpreneurDEAL16”
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Sweet Candy Sushi from Sweet C Bakery Inc.
This candy sushi is a unique experience for anyone tasting it. Made completely of sweet items and fresh to order this item explodes with flavor.

$8.00-$38.00
Buy here

Gummy Bears from SmartSweets
The first smart candy that kicks sugar – naturally! These gummy bears have only 2g sugar per bag along with 24g of plant based fibre. Perfect stocking stuffer for sweet tooths of any age. 

$29.99-$58.99 per half or full case
Buy here

For the foodie

Cranberry Wine Mustard from SMAK DAB
SMAK DAB’s twist on the classic holiday flavour! Try a dab on your roast turkey or ham, brie cheese, and charcuterie boards.

$9.99
Buy here

Penny Candy Jam
Penny Candy Jam is the way fruit should taste. Low sugar, all natural and wildly delicious, Penny Candy Jam is the only jam you’ll find that’s more fruit than sugar. Dive in guilt-free, one spoonful at a time. Penny Candy Jam. Fruit. Forward.

$7.00-$12.00
Buy here

Cameroon Boyo Light Coffee Roast Coffee Beans from Goliath Coffee Company
In the northwest highlands of Cameroon, hidden in valleys tucked among endless hills and volcanic peaks, lay the villages where Cameroon Boyo™ coffee is born. Enjoy a full-bodied cup with a rich, earthy profile. Chocolate notes, hints of currants and a well-rounded finish.

$18.00
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Delicious Kicks Salsas from Las Salsas Corp.
Homestyle Mexican salsas made in Manitoba, made with natural ingredients, no preservatives, and low salt. These salsas can be used for cooking, as an ingredient, or condiment. Flavours are: Tomato and Garlic Hot and Mild, Cilantro, and Tomatillo Hot and Mild.

$6.99
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Healthy treats that keep on giving from Naked Snacks
Give the gift that keeps on giving. Select your tasty gift from a single box, 3-month, or 6-month plans, choose the snacks you’d like to give, add a custom message for us to print on the card inside the first box, and you’re done. Holiday gifting has never been this easy, or delicious!

$32.00-$177.00
Buy here

Vegan sauces from NONA Vegan Foods Ltd.
NONA Vegan offers rich and creamy cashew-based sauces that please every palate. Made from health and wholesome ingredients, our preservative-free sauces make meal-time easy and delicious. Try each of NONA’s three sauces: Alfredo-Style, Cheesy-Style & Carbonara-Style.

$6.99-$9.99
Buy here

Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil from This Table
A truly Tuscan oil, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. Basil, rosemary, flat-leaf parsley, and marjoram give this oil the taste of the Italian countryside. Fragrant and full-flavoured, this is a fabulous complement to Italian favourites like pizza and pasta, a great base for Caesar salad dressing, and excellent for bread dipping.

$14.00
Buy here

Gourmet Fruit and Nut Bar from Art of Raw
This satisfying delicacy tastes like a tropical island dream! An uplifting treat packed with hunger-crushing coconuts with a hint of lemon – one of the most refreshing and detoxifying foods out there. Available in several flavours.

$47.50
Buy here

For those that like to be pampered

Body Wave Human Hair Extensions from Sassy Hair Collection
The Body Wave from our Diamond Collection is 100% unprocessed human hair extensions. Each bundle comes from a single donor and the cuticles run in one direction making this hair tangle free and stunning. Try our Body Wave hair today from our Diamond Collection and experience the Sassy Gyrl Lyfestyle of beautiful luxurious hair!

$130.00
Buy here

Pour over Kettle from Monarch Methods
This Monarch kettle is a pouring vessel designed for use in the pour over method of brewing coffee. The features of a standard gooseneck kettle have been tailored to bring efficiency and precision to the brew method. The result is simple: better coffee through control, consistency and ease of use when brewing. Designed and made by Chris Chekan in Toronto.

$119-$139 USD
Buy here

Organic Deodorant from Fable Naturals
Our natural deodorant is formulated with gentle ingredients for sensitive skin. We’ve added fresh citrus and eucalyptus essential oils, perfect for both men and women. Free from aluminum and harsh chemicals, this deodorant uses natural ingredients to combat odour.

$16.00
Buy here

Luxury shaving brushes from Paragon Shaving
Handcrafted luxury shaving brushes made in British Columbia. The best fibers in the world made with beautiful high quality wood. A perfect gift for your loved ones!

$56.95 to $116.95 – 15% with code “HOLIDAY” on Etsy
Buy here

Absolut Face & Body Lotion from United & Free
This multi-purpose rich lotion helps to hydrate and seal moisture in the skin’s natural barrier. Formulated to be non-oily or greasy. Hemp and red raspberry seed oils leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated. Hints of citrus, red pine and cedar will remind you of your last big adventure every time you lotion up!

$29.99
Buy here

Vintage Beauty Collection from Sangre de Fruta Botanical
The Vintage Beauty Collection features the classic flower essences of rose otto, jasmine and neroli which have been used in perfumery since ancient times. The exotic oils are all found in their pure organic forms making this a treat for the perfumery enthusiast, while also being highly therapeutic for the skin and the spirit.

$114.00
Buy here

For the health fanatic

Culture Shots from Culture Shock Functional
These culture shots are a water kefir cultured drink and are the highest natural source of probiotics.

$7.00
Buy here

Mindfullness Liquid Supplement from 4vryng
Mindfullness is a Health Canada approved supplement carefully designed to promote relaxation and manage stress. This liquid supplement will serve as a great tasting beverage to complement zen-like activities such as massages, yoga and meditation. Consult a physician and/or naturopath for other potential uses.

$34.95
Buy here

WINTER | ginger tea with turmeric from Turmeric Teas
Warming organic ginger loose leaf tea with turmeric root. A warming and healing blend of ginger, cinnamon, turmeric root and black pepper to keep you warm. Caffeine free.

$6.99
Buy here

For the creature of comfort

Pure Ceylon Tea from Chizma Tea Collections
Heartwarming and exotic blends of pure green and black teas with flavours of strawberry, raspberry, jasmine and rose petals in loose leaf and tea sachets. This tea comes in beautiful packaging which makes it the perfect gift for a loved one.

$12.00-$18.00
Buy here

Cranberry Boxers from The BriefCase Co.
Tough, rugged, seasoned. This season it’s time to unleash the mountain man within. These boxers by Obviously have an incredible engineered pouch for superior comfort and fit.

$25.00
Buy here

Acadie Racer Bralette from Ellesmere Lingerie
Keep spring in your heart year round with Acadie’s cherry blossoms. This front closing bralette features an elegant gathering of Italian silk in the centre front and a soft nylon lining for support and uplift. The ultimate in comfort and style.

$107.00
Buy here

Men’s underwear from VanJohan For Men
VanJohan underwear is carefully crafted and put together using only the finest bamboo and modal fabrics. With its unique package enhancing design called the VanJohan Hammock, men will find dressing up or down that much easier in any situation. The underwear comes in briefs, trunks and boxer-briefs that all have unique benefits including anti-bacterial, wrinkle-resistant and pilling resistant features!

$30.00-$33.00
Buy here

Original Coffee Leaf Tea from Wize Monkey
Wize Monkey Coffee Leaf Tea is an award-winning innovative tea that’s not only delicious and healthy, but also creates year-round jobs for coffee farmers. Two Vancouver entrepreneurs discovered the coffee leaf’s health benefits and how it’s a staple drink in Africa and Indonesia, and decided to partner with a coffee farmer to create the world’s first vertically integrated company in the tea and coffee industries.

$19.99 USD
Buy here

Patchwork Crop Circle Quilt from Work + Shop Boutique
This quilt is made in Regina, using recycled denim and organic hemp, hand painted and hand-dyed in the Work + Shop studio. These quilts can be made to any desired size to suit your home decor needs. They are warm, durable and made to last as an heirloom piece for your home or as a gift for a special person in your life.

$420.00
Buy here

Tea kits from from Honey & Tea
Honey & Tea sells the freshest loose leaf tea in the Greater Toronto Area. Their small batch blends in exotic flavour combinations are perfect for the tea lover in your life this holiday season. Honey & Tea carries nine Themed Gift Kits that come ready for gift giving in a cute gift box.

$26.00-$45.00
Buy here

For the active ones

The Totem from Yunika
Built around a hybrid profile in between freestyle and all mountain, the Totem is the next weapon for any terrain. From the whole mountain to the park, high performances are at peak. Multiple wood densities, wood veneer with direct print technology, reinforced bamboo sidewalls and an amazing die-cut method sintered base that offers high gliding properties.

$549.00 USD
Buy here

Pannier Backpack Convertible from Two Wheel Gear
This Canadian designed bike bag is a must-have for the veteran or aspiring commuter cycling to work, school, or running errands around town. The Pannier Backpack Convertible carries all your daily gear in a hybrid bag that works with any rear bicycle rack. Built for the active commuter or business traveler in any family!

$159.00
Buy here

For the creative cat

Slumber Socks DIY Kit from Hank & Hook
This winter, keep your lil’ piggies toasty with your very own hand knitted, 100% merino wool socks! This DIY kit has everything you need to get started: wool, knitting instructions, and knitting needles (optional). This project is suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike. 

$47.99-$62.99
Buy here

Creative Mind. Happy Soul. Journal from DOODLELovely
Creative Mind. Happy Soul. Journal provides purposeful, guided doodling exercises and uplifting text to inspire creativity, calm, and confidence. It’s perfect for that busy person in your life who maybe needs a little time-out to spend on themselves. To learn more, watch this.

$26.99
Buy here

For the new or expecting moms 

Sleepers from ZippyJamz
ZippyJamz sleepers feature a patent-pending two zipper design – one along the front for dressing and the second along the inseam for diaper changing. ZippyJamz make dressing and diaper changing quick and easy for parents and keeps babies warm and comfortable.

$29.99
Buy here

Baby Shower in a Box
Get everything you need for a wonderful baby shower in one quick and easy purchase!

$79.99
Buy here

Pacifier Clip from Tiny Teethers
Tired of your baby’s pacifier clip constantly being dirty? Tiny Teethers was. So that’s why they designed Tiny Teethers’ line of teething pacifier clips. They’re so easy to keep clean by washing them in the sink with a little soap and water. Plus, they’ll keep your baby’s soother from falling to the ground in the moment you desperately need it!

$14.99
Buy here

Ultimate Oil Trio Bundle from Prenatal Ease
Plant based skincare inspired by traditional herbal medicines, and packed full of antioxidants to help improve skin’s appearance from scars, stretchmarks, dryness and uneven skin tone. Soothe your senses with the delicate scent of this fast absorbing light, dry oil! Formulated without preservatives, mineral oil, petroleum and parabens.

$66.00
Buy here

For the people that have everything

First Barrels Straight Canadian Whiskey from Toronto Distillery Co.
Only 1,452 bottles exist! Rare historic artifact of the rebirth of whiskey distilling in one of the historically great whiskey cities of the world. 100% grain to grass, 100% organic, 100% straight – no additives of any kind.

$49.95
Buy here

Three-month subscription of organic feminine hygiene products from easy.
Have your 100% organic cotton tampons and pads delivered right to your door and help provide sanitary napkins to girls in Kenya through your purchase.

$15.00/month
Buy here

Wildflower (New Journeys) from Little Box of Rocks
Offering courage, protection, and wisdom, this bouquet represents the hope of new beginnings, making it a truly thoughtful and unique gift to celebrate the New Year. Send the Wildflower to the adventurer in your life, and plant yourself in their heart forever.

$48.00
Buy here

Functional Wood Wallet from Alto Collective
This new wallet is simply the most functional minimal wallet ever made. Designed to be a front or rear pocket wallet that allows you to efficiently carry and access your daily essentials; ID, credit cards, cash, metro card, business cards, receipts, etc. With a focus on simplicity and durability… there are no screws, seams, moving parts, or unnecessary features that add bulk, quickly wear down, or distract from the wallet’s intended purpose.

$59.95
Buy here

No. 82 Amaretto from Sons of Vancouver Distillery
Inspired by their mothers’ canning recipes and a 16th century love story, Sons of Vancouver’s No. 82 Amaretto is made with five simple, whole ingredients. It starts with apricot kernels, bourbon vanilla beans and orange peel, and then is sweetened with demerara and BC blackberry honey to create one tastefully balanced liqueur.

$40.00
Buy here

Zen Masters from Bambuddha
Feel at peace as you protect your eyes and the environment with these polarized, bamboo sunglasses. They are lightweight, sustainable and as unique as you are. For every pair purchased, Bambuddha gives back $10 to our wildlife, planet, and people

$111 USD
Buy here

Ticket to Ride: Europe from Rinuu
Explore Europe from the comfort of your own home with Ticket to Ride: Europe. A perfect board game for families and casual gamers of all ages, Ticket to Ride: Europe will have you exploring Lisbon, Moscow, Edinburgh, and Constantinople while racing to build the longest train before it’s too late! Rinuu is a board games retailer that is creating community through board games all across Canada.

$64.95
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Tempus from Lantinga Vita
Perfect for travelling to the office, the gym, or your next adventure, this bag will follow you everywhere. Selecting world class textiles, meticulously engineered in Italy, our bags are built to last. Versatility is at the forefront of our innovative design, meeting the demands of a dynamic life for the modern traveller.

$349.00
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Sentry Aerial Support System from Riderless Technologies Inc.
The Sentry is a crash-proof, water-proof, ultra-portable UAV (drone) built for search and rescue, industrial inspection, conservation, public safety and remote-area filming. It’s unique with a patent-pending propeller guard that folds itself into a side pocket of your backpack. It’s also the most affordable pro-grade thermal IR UAV worldwide.

$2495.00 USD
Buy here

BONUS! Need Holiday Cards?

2016 Holiday Greeting Card Collection from Double Dare Print Studio
This Holiday 2016 Collection features three brand new original designs! Each card is a mini work of art, printed by hand in the Double Dare Print Studio in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Spread the holiday cheer with thoughtful handmade greeting cards.

$5.50 each or 5 cards for $20.00
Buy here