This list is designed to feed the souls and stimulate the minds of the artsy (and art-loving) people in your life.
They’re the ones who seek out that perfect print for the living room. The same people that can curl up for hours with a book or spend days flipping through crates of vinyl records in search of news sounds. So, read on and discover a whole world of uniquely-Canadian artwork, handmade crafts, books, music and more!
Books, Games and Music
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: $ - $$
Octopus Books is a woman-owned, independent bookstore in Ottawa that’s dedicated to promoting progressive literature. Their carefully curated book selection covers a range of topics, from Canadian and Indigenous fiction to international politics, sustainability and pop culture. Octopus Books also features a large children’s section with books on themes of social awareness, history, life skills and more.
Price range: $ - $$
Pressland General is a cozy, retro-looking shop located in downtown Mission, B.C. They offer a range of gifts from locally made skincare products, to hilarious cards, classy stationary and rugged outdoor apparel. But wait—there’s more! Pressland General also boasts their own screen-printing space, where you can get custom-printed tees, vinyl stickers and more created for that extra personal touch.
Price range: $ - $$
Located in the west end of Toronto, Another Story Bookshop sells a wide range of children’s books and adult literature with a special emphasis on social justice, equity and diversity. To the owners of Another Story, it’s not all about pushing the latest best-sellers. Rather, they take special pride in promoting works by marginalized voices, including writers of colour, queer authors and indigenous writers.
Price range: $ - $$
Is your special someone’s bookshelf crying out for some new Canadian content? Very Canadian Books—as the store name implies—brings you the best in Canadian literature, with hundreds of old and new titles for all interests. Browse their broad online catalogue of children’s literature, First Nations works, fiction and more.
Price range: $ - $$
Every single book at Secondhand Stories is generously donated by Ottawa-based community members and sold for $5. And the best part? 100% of the proceeds go towards The Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue, which helps horses and farm animals that have suffered neglect or abuse. This, friends, is a fantastic way to buy for the bookworm on your list AND save animals at the same time. With new books added every Saturday, you’ll want to keep coming back to browse their latest inventory.
Price range: $
It’s pretty much a scientific fact: people come together over card games. With that in mind, Basecamp Cards has come up with “conversational card decks.” They contain simple questions, like, “What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun,” or “What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten,” designed to kickstart storytelling and open communication. Break out a deck of these cards with your closest friends—and let the quirky conversation flow!
Price range: $
When it comes to vinyl records, Kops Records has been a Toronto institution since they first set up shop in 1976. Whether you’re sifting through their bins in store—or browsing online, Kops boasts over 40,000 new and used titles. Expect to find anything from today’s pop chart toppers, to punk, soul and international tracks. Trust us: there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with tracking down that priced slab of vinyl for the analog enthusiast on your list.
Price range: $ - $$
Arts and crafts
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: $ - $$
Have someone in mind with a deep love for all things calligraphy? Hamilton, Ontario-based Quills offers a whole range of calligraphy supplies—including inks, nibs, quills and stationery—as well as handcrafted prints and gifts. For the people on your list looking to dip a toe (or quill) into the art of calligraphy, there’s even in-person and digital workshops to explore.
Price range: $ - $$$
Get your cuddle on with these seriously adorable plushies from Atelieh. Every plushie is handmade from 100% sustainably sourced Canadian wool. And here’s something that’ll really give you the warm n’ fuzzies: every plushie purchased directly supports local farmers and artisans.
Price range: $ - $$
Whitby, Ontario-based Carli D Collective specializes in producing handmade resin coasters and platters and modern art home décor accents that inject style into any space. Plus, for those looking to try out resin art for themselves, Carli D Collective offers all-in-one project starter kits.
Price range: $ - $$
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: $ - $$$
Ignite the fire and passion in your special someone’s art collection! Fire Art is the brainchild of artist Shauna Liora, whose travels to the Arctic Circle inspired her to combine ink and fire—yes, actual fire—on ceramic tile to create vibrant, immersive wilderness scenes. Check out her collection of prints and original works for the person on your list who craves something unique!
Price range: $ - $$$
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: $ - $$
Toronto-based duo Q&A Design works with copper, aluminum, wood—and plenty of care—to create hand-crafted bird houses, beer caddies, lunch boxes and more. After browsing their selection you’ll agree that each piece could stand on its own as a work of art!
Price range: $$ - $$$
Sony’s Studio is run by Toronto-based artist Sony Johny and the lively, quirky art she produces is all about drawing joy from the little things in life. Browse her selection of posters, clothing and accessories—all guaranteed to put a smile on your loved one’s face.
Price range: $ - $$
A little birdy told us that you’ll find an extremely cool gift here! Metalbird provides beautiful, detailed bird silhouettes made from recycled local style. They’re fully guaranteed to transform any outdoor environment—be it a backyard, cottage or garden—into a tranquil, artistic space.
Price range: $ - $$
Browsing through Ottawa-based artist Colin White’s prints, you see different corners of the world through his colourful, well-traveled lense. Whether it’s a carpet souk in Marrakech or a winter streetscape in Ottawa, each print is another trip worth taking.
Price range: $ - $$
Located on the Whitehorse Waterfront, North End Gallery serves up truly stunning artwork inspired by the vast Yukon landscapes. There’s also a healthy selection of First Nations arts and crafts and fine, artisan-produced gifts. Expect to find anything from original paintings in a variety of mediums, to hand-made jewelry made from local materials, like trade beads, mammoth ivory and carved silver.
Price range: $ - $$$
This is a prime example of truth in advertising. Ottawa-based Damn Fine Prints offers…well…some damn fine, colourful, vintage-style prints inspired by Canadian landmarks, nature scenes and culture. They’re a retro trip down memory lane that your loved ones’ walls won’t want to miss.
Price range: $
Want to grab a completely unique piece for that special someone? The people behind ARTWRK give talented artists a place to present their artwork online, where it can be purchased and shipped directly from the artist to you! Be sure to check out ARTWRK’s curated Holiday Gift Guide selection of their favourite pieces.
Price range: $$ - $$$
Think you’ve scratched the artistic itch for everyone on your list? The next step is to check out CIRA's full .CA gift guide for even more excellent recommendations for your family and friends.