Monika Sofrenovic is the Marketing Specialist at CIRA. She is a recent graduate of Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Marketing.
Let the good times roll
This is the part of our .CA Gift guide where it’s totally cool (and encouraged) to nerd out for the people you love. So, dive in and browse a smorgasbord of proudly Canadian board games, handmade jigsaw puzzles, top-notch books, music, wall art and more!
Books, games and music
happytears.ca
The holidays are all about making spirits bright—and Happy Tears is here to help. Their mission is to bring happiness and mindfulness to the masses, and they’re doing exactly that with their Connect Deck and Connect Deck 2.0 card games. They’re filled with conversation-provoking questions that range from fun and playful to deep and philosophical. An evening of getting to know one another is guaranteed to be had!
Price range: $ – $$
palmaris.ca
These lovingly-made, gorgeous, wooden jigsaw puzzles aren’t just playthings—they’re pieces of art that each tell a story. Just have a look at their “enchanted forest” or “Tofino sunset” jigsaw puzzles, and you’ll see what we mean. Now, what would really be puzzling to us is if you didn’t instantly fall in love.
Price range: $$ – $$$
nimbus.ca
Looking to get the bookworms on your list a literary treat from further east? Give Nimbus Publishing a good look. Their mission is to bring you Atlantic Canada’s best titles and authors. Browse children’s picture books, non-fiction, current events, biographies, photography collections—and more!
Price range: $ – $$$
thescrapbookshop.ca
Have a serious scrapbooker in your life? Spoil them with all the supplies they’ll ever need to fully unleash their creativity! The Scrapbook Shop—based in Listowel, Ontario—is a true papercraft paradise, carrying everything from binders, stencils and paper to intricate die-cut decorations and foil sheets.
Price range: $ – $$$
hachette.ca
If that special someone needs to scratch their Francophone literary itch, Hachette distributes works from more than 130 French and Quebecois publishers! Browse anything and everything from youth fiction and manga to the latest thrillers.
Price range: $$
inkdrinkersbooktique.ca
This isn’t your run-of-the mill second-hand book shop. Hardly. Ink Drinkers Booktique founders (and best friends) Candice and Kristen painstakingly hand-select and curate every gently-loved selection they carry. Sift through their generous online catalogue and treat your fellow bookworms to a new buzzworthy read!
Price range: $
variableoutcomes.ca
Family-run, Calgary-based boardgame publisher Variable Outcomes is here to save the tabletop game industry from board-dom. How? With high-quality, immersive games that offer bucketloads of replay value and swashbuckling adventures. If you’ve ever dreamed about romping around 17th century Scotland, be sure to check out their signature offering, Outlander: The Board Game!
Price range: $-$$
victoriagoddard.ca
Feeling Game of Thrones withdrawal? Dive into the rich, fantasy universe of the Nine Worlds! Canadian novelist Victoria Goddard’s works bring together a cast of memorable characters and layered plots. What’s more, her books can be tackled as a continuous series or standalone stories. The way you tackle the entire Nine Worlds journey is up to you.
Price range: $
typebooks.ca
A Toronto-based,independent bookstore, TYPE Books, offers gifts, puzzles and a thoughtfully chosen book selection that’ll tickle the fancy of serious literary types and casual readers alike. For the more adventurous: fill out a questionnaire and let the Type Books staff fill a “mystery bag” of literary goodness based on you (or your special someone’s) tastes.
Price range: $ – $$
octopusbooks.ca
Octopus Books is a woman-owned, independent bookstore in Ottawa that’s dedicated to promoting progressive literature. Their carefully curated book selection covers a range of topics, from Canadian and Indigenous fiction to international politics, sustainability and pop culture. Octopus Books also features a large children’s section with books on themes of social awareness, history, life skills and more.
Price range: $ – $$
secondhandstories.ca
Every single book at Secondhand Stories is generously donated by Ottawa-based community members and sold for $5. And the best part? 100% of the proceeds go towards The Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue, which helps horses and farm animals that have suffered neglect or abuse. This, friends, is a fantastic way to buy for the bookworm on your list AND save animals at the same time. With new books added every Saturday, you’ll want to keep coming back to browse their latest inventory.
Price range: $
basecampcards.ca
It’s pretty much a scientific fact: people come together over card games. With that in mind, Basecamp Cards has come up with “conversational card decks.” They contain simple questions, like, “What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun,” or “What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten,” designed to kickstart storytelling and open communication. Break out a deck of these cards with your closest friends—and let the quirky conversation flow!
Price range: $
kopsrecords.ca
When it comes to vinyl records, Kops Records has been a Toronto institution since they first set up shop in 1976. Whether you’re sifting through their bins in store—or browsing online, Kops boasts over 40,000 new and used titles. Expect to find anything from today’s pop chart toppers, to punk, soul and international tracks. Trust us: there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with tracking down that priced slab of vinyl for the analog enthusiast on your list.
Price range: $ – $$
Gadgets and tech
journeyofficial.ca
Elevate your special someone’s humble home office workspace with slick, space-saving charging stations, luxurious, wireless charging desk mats and full-grain, leather-wrapped cases for iPhones and AirPods.
Price range: $ – $$$
te-koop.ca
We all have that person that can’t get their tech sorted to save their lives. So, give ‘em a reason to wrap those charging cables! Te-Koop supplies plenty of attractive tech organization solutions—including desk organizers, compact travel kits, caddies and laptop sleeves to help keep all the e-clutter and chaos in check.
Price range: $ – $$
soundsgood.ca
Treating your ears right shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Quebec-based Sounds Good creates wireless ear buds that bring the perfect balance of sound quality and affordability—along with other nice features, like noise cancellation. Perfect for the office, gym or avoiding human contact after too many holiday gatherings.
Price range: $$ – $$$
gowood.ca
Break out of plasticky purgatory. Make a fashion-forward, eco-conscious statement with meticulously crafted wooden accessories from GOWOOD. Check out their collections of wood-frame sunglasses and watches—they’re lightweight, comfortable and feature gorgeous woodgrain patterns.
Price range: $ – $$
pelacase.ca
The worst thing about most phone cases? They’re made from cheap, polluting plastics. So, now, the people behind Pela are on a mission to prevent one billion pounds of waste with their lineup of plant-based plastic cases. Available in a whole range of styles from sensible to downright eccentric, Pela’s cases offer looks, durability and eco-consciousness for the smartphone-toting special someone on your list.
Price range: $$
kasemedesign.ca
You can tell a lot about a person just by their choice in phone case. Are they care-free bon vivants? Deep-thinking dreamers? Rugged realists? Kase Me cases are all about making a bold statement by transforming your humble smartphone into a piece of individual art. Pick from a massive selection of bold, beautiful designs, or create your own custom case using a favourite photo.
Price range: $-$$
frontandcompany.ca
Front and Company, a long-time Vancouver-based supplier of consignment clothing and gifts, has your stocking stuffing needs covered. Choose from a host of cool and unique tech gifts that will satisfy every whim. You’ll find everything from stylish phone cases and lights for live streams to massage guns and disco lights for iPhone! After all why not?
Price range: $-$$
Arts and Crafts
artterra.ca
Artterra is home to a massive selection of modern, contemporary and Indigenous art that’s been curated by interior design professionals. So, you can select a unique piece from an up-and-coming Canadian artist that’ll dazzle AND match your special someone’s style and space.
Price range: $$ – $$$$
foonie.ca
Founded by Japanese-Canadian artist Saya Oiwa, Foonie produces whimsical, warm greeting cards, art prints and tote bags inspired by the wonders of nature and the simple-but-beautiful things in life. A brilliant way to share pure cuteness in card form with anyone on your gift-giving list!
Price range: $ – $$
fifteen.ca
Want to give your favourite art aficionado something a little more—ahem—“off-the-wall?” Raymond Biesinger, a Montreal-based artist and illustrator, brings his bold, eccentric charm to every print—whether he’s celebrating music history (and venues), lost buildings or road-trippy welcome signs from each province.
Price range: $$ – $$$$
cone10.ca
For the person in your life who’s more than game to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. Montreal-based Cone10 offers beginner and advanced in-person pottery courses that feature expert coaching and cover skills like hand-building and wheel-throwing. Definitely not your typical “paint-a-mug-at-the-mall” experience!
Price range: $ – $$$$
flowerink.ca
Looking for a unique and eco-friendly gift? Look no further than Flowerink! This Montreal-based small business specializes in stationery and goodies made from plantable and forest-free paper. Celebrate winter with their charming Holidays collection, featuring cards that grow into wildflowers.
Price range: $-$$
inkwellboutique.ca
Inkwell Boutique is a charming east-coast Canadian treasure trove of unique and quirky gifts, perfect for spreading joy and cheer. This boutique is a haven for those seeking delightful and one-of-a-kind treasures, from whimsical stationery to artsy home decor.
Price range: $-$$$
theknittingloft.ca
We’ve found knitting Nirvana. And it’s at the Knitting Loft in Toronto, Ontario. Treat the hardcore yarn lovers in your life to high-quality knitting supplies, accessories and so much more! The Knitting Loft specializes in offering a unique selection of natural fibre, indie-dyed and rustic yarns. So, you’ll score points for originality with every stitch!
Price range: $-$$$
dulynoted.ca
This charming, Halifax-based boutique offers a curated collection of lively, bright and cheeky greeting cards, stationary, pens and cute knick-knacks for any living space. An excellent source of stocking stuffers for the people on your list who still indulge in the art of putting pen to paper.
Price range: $$ – $$$
wallartmama.ca
It’s never been easier to inject style and character into your home! Toronto’s Wall Art Mama offers a massive selection of original, printable, high-resolution wall art. There’s something for just about every taste—from funky, vintage-inspired art to beautiful, photographic pieces.
Price range: $
galeriegoart.ca
Galerie Go Art’s raison d’etre, if you will, is to offer up distinctive, affordable artwork while supporting and amplifying the work of local mid-career and female artists. Browse through a stunning selection of sculpture, watercolour works, abstract prints and more.
Price range: $$$
paintmypooch.ca
Turn a pal’s pet into the most purr-fect masterpiece! Simply upload a favourite photo, and the artistes at Paint My Pooch turn it into a stunning, lovingly painted portrait that’s practically dripping with personality. Looking for something a little more portable? No sweat. Paint My Pooch creates custom pet mugs and phone cases too.
Price range: $-$$
sadieandjune.ca
Everyone has a special place they call home, where they first fell in love, or even had a memorable adventure. Sadie and June offer a collection of simple but striking hand-stitched red hearts on vintage maps. They’re a powerful, personalized way to celebrate the places and people you hold dear.
Price range: $ – $$
quills.ca
Have someone in mind with a deep love for all things calligraphy? Hamilton, Ontario-based Quills offers a whole range of calligraphy supplies—including inks, nibs, quills and stationery—as well as handcrafted prints and gifts. For the people on your list looking to dip a toe (or quill) into the art of calligraphy, there’s even in-person and digital workshops to explore.
Price range: $ – $$$
madeinabarn.ca
Started in a 100-year-old barn with a saw and a stack of wood, Made in a Barn is a family-run business that creates eye-catching, wood-carved décor and luxurious charcuterie boards that are stylish and rustic all at once.
Price range: $ – $$$
fireart.ca
Ignite the fire and passion in your special someone’s art collection! Fire Art is the brainchild of artist Shauna Liora, whose travels to the Arctic Circle inspired her to combine ink and fire—yes, actual fire—on ceramic tile to create vibrant, immersive wilderness scenes. Check out her collection of prints and original works for the person on your list who craves something unique!
Price range: $ – $$$
northernworkshop.ca
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Workshop creates artisan crafts and accessories with wood sourced from local lumber yards. Everything they produce is made to order—so whether you’re looking for some gorgeous hand-carved décor for the living room, or a cutting board for the kitchen—every single piece is completely unique.
Price range: $ – $$
sonystudio.ca
Sony’s Studio is run by Toronto-based artist Sony Johny and the lively, quirky art she produces is all about drawing joy from the little things in life. Browse her selection of posters, clothing and accessories—all guaranteed to put a smile on your loved one’s face.
Price range: $ – $$
artwrk.ca
Want to grab a completely unique piece for that special someone? The people behind ARTWRK give talented artists a place to present their artwork online, where it can be purchased and shipped directly from the artist to you! Be sure to check out ARTWRK’s curated Holiday Gift Guide selection of their favourite pieces.
Price range: $$ – $$$
Now, THAT was good, clean .CA fun. We hope you helped everyone on your list scratch their artsy, board-gamey or musical itch this holiday season. Now, head on over to the wider .CA Gift guide for more ideas!
