Shop Small 2023 – Rachel’s Holiday Gift Guide

        If there is one thing we may have all collectively learned these past few years, it’s that home is where the heart is and some of the best gifts come in small (business) packages. Tens of thousands of small businesses nationwide have navigated the covid-19 pandemic like dinghy’s in a hurricane – and many didn’t make it. I wanted to curate some of my favourite Canadian small shops to share with you and encourage you to shop if you have the means. Purchasing from these shops goes a long way to making a small business owner do a little happy dance (and staying afloat). There is some overlap between categories, and I have some categories “gendered” (not because I believe some gifts should be for men/women only, but because these are the most common search parameters). This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here’s at least 250+ of some of the best small shops/businesses I want you to know about while you’re hunting for the perfect gift this holiday season!

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links and coupon codes.

At absolutely no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases with some of the below listed Etsy-based shops which allows me to keep my website advertisement free and fund other digital maintenance as needed. Nothing you see within this blog post is paid or sponsored content – it is all here because I love it, I think you’ll love it, and because I believe so deeply in supporting and promoting small businesses. 

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Bath and Beauty

• Só Luxury – a female owned small company based in Mission, BC, Só Luxury is one of my favourite bath and body companies out there. With many products licensed by Health Canada for treating eczema and many other bath and body options for the whole family, Só Luxury has  everything from gift bundles to stocking stuffers to sugar scrubs and magnesium soaks. Shipping is free on orders $100+ to Canada and the USA.
• Yukon Soap Company – Indigenous owned and operated, The Yukon Soaps Company creates beautiful, hand-crafted soaps, shampoo bars, essential oil blends, and so much more. Featuring wild rose petals, juniper berries, a Yukon-shaped press, and the beadwork of Indigenous artisans, these soaps are literally infused and imprinted with the spirit of the Yukon. 
• Routine Deodorant – Basically, the most effective natural deodorant ever made (and I have tried dozens). Routine’s effectiveness and commitment to maintain a deep connection to local community has resulted in a word of mouth, sought after destination product with a loyal fan following. Ethically crafted with the health of the planet and its roommates as priority, Routine was created by sisters Neige and Pippa at the base of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful Calgary, Canada. I swear by the baking soda free Curator and Johnny’s Cash!
• Anto Yukon – To create her line of body oils, bath salts and small-batch soaps, Whitehorse-based Kym Rempel sought inspiration in the Yukon’s wild landscapes. Her bar soaps ($10 each) are made from locally harvested ingredients and wrapped in stunning illustrations by B.C. artist Meghan Hildebrand.
• Hipbees – Jill is the powerhouse behind Hipbees, a woman owned skin care business in St.Albert.  As a Canadian company they live in a dry climate, which means their skin needs a little extra love. They’ve incorporated Hemp, Honey, and Beeswax for their incredible moisturizing and conditioning qualities that work without clogging up your pores. All of their ingredients are sourced locally and through farmers right here in Canada so you can feel good about supporting local.
• Sweet as Candy Bath – Based in Calgary, Alberta, Kate makes super fun bath products made especially for kids. With simple ingredients and only water soluble dyes, Kate makes everything by hand in small batches here in Calgary. Her bubble bath creates enormous bubbles with only 4 ingredients. Her bath bombs have a kaleidoscope of colours, and even fun options like surprise toys inside. She also makes bath powder, lip scrubs, body lotions and much more. An AMAZING addition to your stockings this year. Code BOWS15 saves you 15% off everything!
• Cheekbone Beauty – Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous-owned and founded, digitally-native, Canadian cosmetics company established in 2016. Based out of St. Catharines, Ontario, Cheekbone Beauty is known for creating high quality, cruelty-free beauty products including their signature SUSTAIN line of lipsticks and eye pencils, their Warrior Women liquid lipsticks, and a variety of other cosmetics all designed for low environmental impact and maximum wearability. 
• K’Pure Naturals – Another small female-owned company from Mission, BC, Karen created K’Pure Naturals when more natural (cruelty-free + handmade) products for her own use. Try “get closer” natural deodorant or the “recover” bath soak.
• Potion Masters YYC – Launched in 2019, by Mother/Daughter founders Joy and Sylvan, their skincare potions are waterless skincare meets Magic. These serums are 100% preservative free and with zero extraneous filler ingredients. They are potent, luxurious, and remarkably effective. Based in Calgary, Alberta.
• Rae Dunphy Aromatics – Since 1988, Rae Dunphy Aromatics has endeavoured to provide the best that Aromatherapy has to offer, being the most experienced merchant of Essential Oils in Canada. From their inception they have travelled the world for small boutique farmers who provide the ultimate in organic, wild-crafted and unusual essential oils. They purchase as carefully and directly as possible, doing their best to know the real story behind each oil. Based in Calgary, Alberta.
• Woo Woo Laboratory – Check out WooWoo Laboratory for natural, hand-blended wellness products focused on reproductive and sexual health, mindful beauty and ritual and self-care. Additionally, they donate a portion of sales to organizations supporting opportunity, resources, and access to health and wellness initiatives for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ peers.
• Ritual Skin Co – Ritual Skin Co is a Canadian woman owned and operated skincare business with a focus on results and consistency. Brands range from Korean specialty beauty to Canadian favourites.  Elsie started Ritual Skin Co in 2018 with the desire to bring a focus of beauty and skincare to Thunder Bay’s downtown core. Her focus was on small Canadian brands, but over the years she has expanded the store to bringing in major brands like Dr. Loretta, Suntegrity and recently K-Beauty brands like Dr. Jart+, and CosRx. Through it all Elsie hasn’t strayed from her roots and continues to bring in amazing science backed Canadian brands. Going into Ritual’s 3rd year, the COVID-19 pandemic has derailed certain plans but it hasn’t slowed Ritual Skin Co or Elsie down in the slightest. As a brick and mortar store with a sole focus on skincare and beauty Ritual Skin Co is one of the only stores of it’s kind in Northwestern Ontario and even Canada. 
• Sisters Sage – Based in Vancouver, Sisters Sage is owned by two sisters, Lynn-Marie and Melissa-Rae Angus. They are of Gitxaala, Nisga’a, and Métis descent. The company focuses on bringing handmade wellness products to the masses, including their popular “Smokeless Smudge” spray and their traditional salves. Like many of the brands on our list, they have a passion for sustainable and natural ingredients. They also offer gift sets!
• Hollyberry Soaps – Holly and Pat handmade their traditional bath products the natural way. They believe that natural can be fun, functional and beautiful. Having made soap from an early age, they know the importance of quality that you can feel and smell. At Hollyberry they hand craft their product in small batches in the beautiful prairies of Alberta with fresh, sustainable and cruelty free ingredients that is also verified by EcoCert. They pride ourselves on being a transparent company and what you see on the label is what you get; clear, simple and honest ingredients. Never tested on furry friends.
• DYP Refillery – Do Your Part Refillery aims to find greener, more sustainable, ways of living and help Calgarians see how simple this transition can be. They offer dozens of minimal waste household, bath and body, travel and daily-used products – looking for recyclable and compostable options in all things. They offer over 85 refillable products and they strive to maintain the highest standard of all natural, chemical free quality in their cleaners, soaps and bath and body products. They’re also constantly searching for as many bamboo, silicone, stainless steel and glass options over plastic as they can find. Check out their online shop!
• Mother Earth Essentials – A Canadian indigenous-owned company, Mother Earth Essentials creates luxurious body and beauty products from natural ingredients and traditional recipes. Trust me on this, the entire peppermint sage line is DIVINE.
• Skwalwen Botanicals – Sḵwálwen (skwall – win) Botanicals is a Canadian Indigenous business creating botanical skin care products. Honouring traditional Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge, they incorporate sustainably harvested plants and organic, high quality ingredients. Their wild plant ingredients are harvested in a respectful way and each product has a Squamish name to honour the place where this plant knowledge comes from.
• Buck Naked Soap Company – Buck Naked prides itself on being a natural, vegan, sustainable bath, body and beauty brand that is bold and uncompromising. Being Buck Naked is more than the sum of its parts, and more than just a punny reference to being natural or au naturale. Being Buck Naked is to be unadulterated, raw and vulnerable. Check out their website for products for men, women, children, AND fur friends. Based in Cambridge, Ontario.
• Sequoia Soaps – Inspired by Native legends and ingredients, Sequoia Soaps is a beauty brand that is 100% owned and operated by Indigenous women. Founded in 2002 by Michaelee Lazore, Sequoia prides themselves on incorporating traditional medicines in their handmade soaps, candles, bath bombs and more. Everything is made right here in Canada, and each product has a story to tell.
• Drift Simply Natural – Siera owns this Canadian made boutique manufacturer of all natural beauty and wellness products for the conscious consumer. With an unwavering commitment to use simple, fresh & all natural ingredients; you can shop with the freedom of knowing each choice is safe for your well-being.

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Adult Apparel

• Buttercream Clothing – Based in Calgary, Alberta, Candice started Buttercream Clothing 9 years ago as a way to bring in an income for her family. Local friends and family fell in love with her designs, and she began selling her clothing online. Buttercream now has a local, ethical, group of sewists to bring more Buttercream to the growing community and also works with three factory-based groups in Calgary to ensure ethical and sustainable production on Canadian soil. Buttercream Clothing proudly offers sizes XS to 4X, and has pieces for both men and women. Code BOWS10 saves you 10% off the entire website, and shipping to Canada & the USA is free.
• Madame Premier – Founded in 2019 and incorporated by Sarah Elder-Chamanara in 2020, Madame Premier is rooted in politics, community-building, feminism and design. Madame Premier creates fashionable, gender-neutral clothing for the entire political family. Madame Premier donates to local and national non-profit organizations through design collaborations for specific causes and initiatives. Madame Premier’s flagship store in Calgary is intentionally designed to be a space to help female candidates fundraise and to create capacity for women who are learning about politics as well as those looking to become more knowledgeable in specific advocacy areas.
• Manitobah Mukluks – As an Indigenous-owned company, their vision is to build a vibrant, global brand that makes a significant impact in Indigenous communities. Many of their signature products are made at their headquarters in Winnipeg, Canada, including their Iconic Kanada Collection as well as their Métis, Corrine Hunt, and Deerskin collections. Their Storyboot items are handcrafted by elders and artisans in Indigenous communities. Shipping is free in Canada!
• Kurvy Kouture Co – Proudly Black female owned, every piece is curated with a Kurvy body in mind, by their founder Tasha. She has been a Kurvy body her entire life and has always had a love for fashion. With an eye for style, she has sought out the best pieces, that not only she, herself loves to wear, but ones she knows others will love too. Tasha is passionate about helping other women to find their own style & fit, and really loving the body they’re in. Founded in Lethbridge, Alberta to serve beautiful women everywhere.
• Jamie Gentry Designs – Jamie is from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation and she handmakes traditional, custom made moccasins for modern day living. Her focus is on style, comfort and durability with an emphasis on sustainability. Each pair is cut, beaded, sewn, carved by hand and infused with love making each pair unique. Based in Sooke, BC.
• Forever Yours Lingerie – Based in the lower mainland of BC, FYL proudly sells inclusive undergarments, lingerie, and loungewear for women. Specializing in inclusive fits, you can find bras in sizes B to N, and panties up to a 4X. They have a large mens department as well (underwear & loungewear – especially the wildly popular SAXX brand). 
• OkayOK – With so many graphic tees on offer (from $45), picking just one is impossible—though I’m partial to the seriously awesome Business Woman print. Bonus: The shirts are designed in the brand’s Toronto studio and are made from cotton milled in Montreal and— who knew?—Scarborough, Ont. OkayOk also makes adorable kids’ clothes, cozy sweatsuits, socks in dozens of hues and super cute custom-printed totes.
• Lumber Jill Apparel – LJA is a women’s ethical outdoor apparel that will keep you warm, comfortable and stylish while living your best life outside. Made in Canada using high quality fabrics, all LJA garments are sewn in Alberta with both home sewists and an ethical factory. I have their Maligne Coat (warm enough for Prairie winters!), the grotto sweatshirts, the Nakiska Shacket (so cute for Fall), and a large rundle wrap and I love them all. Code BOWS10 saves you 10% off their entire shop!
• Lost in Layers – Lost In Layers began in 2015 when Lindsay was at a loss for new trends and good quality fashion while living in a more isolated city. Lost In Layers’ goal, first and foremost, is to encourage women to feel great about themselves. Lindsay designs knowing the garments make women of any age, stage, shape and style feel comfortable, confident and beautiful. Her goal is to use high quality fabrics with a strict attention to every detail to create pieces to last as staples through the seasons in your wardrobe. The line features sizes XS to 3X and is ethically produced in Calgary, Alberta as well as employing women who work from home.
• Little Heaven Designs – Crystal Heaven-MacDonald, founder of Little Heaven Designs has always had a passion for creating through the art of sewing. Over the years her designs went from interior decorating pieces to her signature creation the Harem Romper. This romper quickly became the foundation of her ethically made Canadian clothing brand featuring sizes XS to 3X. My favourite piece from her shop is the pullover (I have them in too many colours). 
• Loon and Bloom – Meet Janae, a wife, mother to two sweet girls, and the owner/creator of Loon & Bloom. She created this brand from a desire to bring high quality, comfortable, easy dresses that were also beautiful and stylish, to Canadian women. She also felt there weren’t many options for women’s & girl’s matching dresses in Canada, so she decided to change that! They carry girls dresses from sizes 1/2T all the way to 16 (and ladies dresses 0-26) so you can match the girls in your life, no matter their size! Her dresses are proudly designed and ethically produced in her home province of Alberta. Her dresses are designed to be effortless, stylish, comfy, and perfect for women in every stage of life (best part? They’re maternity and nursing friendly!). Code BOWS10 saves you 10% off everything.
• The Happiest Collection -The Happiest Collection is a premium happily made in Canada apparel line that is rooted in its love for positive + happy messaging. You can use code RACHEL15 for 15% off your entire order.
• The Littlest Inukshuk – The Littlest Inukshuk was created by a Nunatsiavut mixed Inuk female entrepreneur who creates Northern and Cultural apparel creations featuring Indigenous art. Based in Atlantic Canada.
• Tiny Tims Apparel – Tiny Tim’s is proudly a family ran shop located in rural Saskatchewan! They are dedicated to bringing you handmade, quality and comfortable, custom clothing for people of all ages (babies to adults!). Everything is sewn on demand via pre-order, but check out her frequent retail sales!
• Kanata Studios – Featuring wearable woodland art with a modern approach. Indigenous Artists co-operative. Located in Hamilton Ontario. Their beaded moccasins are some of the most gorgeous ones I have ever seen!
• Camp Brand Goods – Camp Brand Goods is owned and operated by husband and wife team Connor and Leslie Gould, and runs with the help of a small but mighty crew. In true grassroots style, Camp was first established in 2011 where they gained a lot of traction at local pop-up markets and quickly transitioned to opening up shop online, and most recently in their brick and mortar space, The Livery Shop. To make their products, they use super soft, sustainable materials and timeless, classic cuts which outlast the fast-fashion trends. All of their clothing is ethically manufactured in Los Angeles, USA and all of their screen printing is done in Calgary, Canada. 
• Branded by Tam – Tam is a wife and mama of two sweet boys aged 5 and 1 1/2. She grew up in Saskatoon, SK but has recently called Martensville, SK home. She fell in love with the idea of custom hats because she noticed there was very little style-wise on the market for them.  Then, Branded By Tam was born – custom leather branded hats with supple finishes and an infinite number of customizable options. For infants to adults!
• Lesley Hampton – LESLEY HAMPTON is an Indigenous-owned, women-led, size-inclusive, Canadian clothing and accessory brand based in Toronto, Ontario.
  Founded in 2016 by Lesley Hampton, her self-titled brand is known for creating high quality fashion, from Signature Collection items of eveningwear and occasionwear to Athluxury Collection items of athleticwear and leisurewear. With a foundation of inclusivity and community, LESLEY HAMPTON aims to decolonize euro-centric standards in the fashion industry, inspire the next decade of leaders and entrepreneurs, and create space for empowerment and representation in fashion, film, and media. 
• Blended by Design – Created by Hollie (also the face behind the super popular custom fabric brand, Blended Thread Fabrics), Blended by Design takes their own custom pattern designs and turns them into apparel, gifts, houseware, and more. I am an enormous fan of her Lane Windbreakers, cell phone cases, and her custom socks – so dang comfortable. Ships worldwide!
• Someday Studio – Created by the wildly talented Emma Knudsen, Someday Studio is a women’s apparel brand that is dreamed, designed, and responsibly made in Vancouver, BC. Featuring sizes ranging from 3XL to XXS and luxe linen fabrics, this is a brand whose designs you need to see to appreciate.
• Clever Girl Apparel – Clever Girl Apparel was started in 2021 by Sarah, a self proclaimed Nerd, Fandom Fan Girlie, and Swiftie. Some may call her Basic, and to that she would say, she’s in good company! At Clever Girl Apparel they are passionate about all things fandom related (and they really think anything can be a fandom, like Feminism, Holidays, or Sports) and they don’t think they’re alone in that. They love to show off their fandoms (of which there are many) while staying true to their style. 

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Accessories

• Sweetgrass Crafts – Working with leather and beads, Sweetgrass Crafts was created by Jillanna Hannah, a Native Made-Plains Cree woman. Located just outside Calgary Alberta on Treaty 7 land, she loves custom creations the most. Her beaded earrings are absolutely stunning!
• Bec Design Shop – Originally hailing from New Zealand, Bec arrived in Canada 10 years ago with a knack for making her own homemade jewelry. Bec first started selling her jewelry in late 2019, launched her Etsy shop in April 2020 and has been growing ever since! Bec Design pieces now include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair scarves, home décor, and jewelry organization. Bec carefully blends a mixture of style and aesthetic to create pieces that she loves and would want to wear herself. All Bec Design pieces are made of polymer clay, silk/cotton tassels, gold, acrylic and resin. Bec also does custom designs! She’ll happily design anything from custom bridal pieces to matching earrings for a group of girlfriends, or exclusive designs for retail stores. Code BOWS15 saves you 15% off her entire shop!
• Rosie Joan Jewelry – Shan is the powerhouse behind Rosie Joan Jewelry. A mom to 9 year old twins, a wife, and a fiery entrepreneurial spirit, Shan began making bracelets and earrings two years ago as a side hustle. Named after her grandmother, Rosie Joan Jewelry is best known for their hand-beaded gold-filled and sterling silver beaded bracelets, made with love to last. Located in Okotoks, Alberta.
• Friday Sock Co – Friday Sock Co. launched in January 2015 in Calgary, Alberta Canada. The company was born from the desire to create uniquely different sock designs that didn’t exist in the marketplace. Each pair of their purposely mismatched socks are designed in Canada, and ethically made in Italy. Their socks are made using high quality OEKOTEX® Egyptian Combed Cotton; their Friday Kids line is made from G.O.T.S. certified Organic Combed Cotton. They also have a recycled cotton collection that is made from pre-consumer cotton and pima cotton. Lastly, their luxury collection is made from high quality mercerized cotton which carries anti bacterial properties and is also anti shrink. Their soft cotton yarns are tested for harmful materials and produced in an eco-friendly environment. Check out their sock subscriptions!
• White Otter Design Co – Jaymie Campbell, an Anishnaabe woman from Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, created White Otter Design Co after being mentored by elders and traditional knowledge keepers of this community and discovering her deeper calling to artistry and design. She creates mindful, high-quality handmade art and fashion pieces grounded in Anishnaabe culture to adorn, inspire and share knowledge. Located on unceded Sinixt territory in New Denver, BC. Follow her on IG for updates on new product release dates.
• Luna Lou Designs – Lindsey & Amanda are the best friend duo behind these super cute clay earrings. They make unique, small-batch, one-of-a-kind accessories out of clay and no two pairs are exactly the same, just like the beautiful people who wear them. Based out of Okotoks, Alberta.
• Emerald Bella Co – Emerald Bella is a heat free hair product and solution to healthy, happy curls. With just a 100% satin bella wrap and two silk scrunchies, you’re ready to go. Start with damp or dry hair, and place the ribbon over your head like a headband, using the scrunchies to hold it in place. Twist sections of hair around the ribbon, adding a little more to each section as you go, and tie off the sections at the bottom with the scrunchies. Sleep, hit the gym, or hang out for a few hours, and then shake out for perfect curls.
• Jenny Be Free – Tarra and Jenny are a sister duo in Calgary, Alberta making scrunchies, polymer clay earrings, hair accessories, and even dog apparel. 
• Petite Gold Jewelry – Timeless and dainty gold filled jewelry handmade to last here in Calgary, Alberta. Hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant! 
• Plantsie – Jaime and Jeff, the two co-founders behind Plantsie wanted to help promote positivity, healthy living and growth for all plant owners. With the Plantsie pet plant ($39.95), it guarantees you get a plant with a big personality and plenty of growing room for health and positivity. The four-step “create your own plantsie” includes picking a plant, its pot, naming it, and selecting a plant personality.
• Moonstone Creations – Moonstone Creations is a Native-owned art gallery in Calgary’s Inglewood district on Treaty 7 territory. They create traditional handmade art right in-store and carry the work and wares of 70+ Indigenous artists from across northwestern Turtle Island. Shop online or in-store at 1219 10 Ave SE Calgary, AB, Canada T2G 0W6.
• Little Jaimes Grey – Raegan curates, cuts, sews, packs, and ships all of her lovely headbands and scrunchies from her home in the Medicine Hat area of Alberta. Super cool to note she also makes swim scrunchies made from swimsuit fabric and chlorine resistant elastic – SO cool!
• Bend and Snap Bows – Original, adorable, and affordable hair accessories for children and adults. Handmade and designed in Ontario Canada. All products in their shop are exclusive, as they have been designed for their brand. Some of the best ones I’ve seen!
• White Birch Handmade – Boho, modern, chic leather earrings and accessories. Handmade in small batches using sustainably sourced leather and created in Golden, BC. Tessa ensures all goods are carefully packed in reusable muslin bags and shipped to you in recyclable envelopes (where facilities exist). They also try to avoid the use of any one-time-use plastics!
• Fellow Earthlings – From their tiny seaside studio in Guernsey Cove, P.E.I., Fellow Earthlings’ wife-and-husband founders Sydney and Christopher Seggie have been making one-of-a-kind eyewear ( from $200) out of would-be waste material since 2015. Among their greatest hits: The brand manufactured the retro cloud-shaped sunglasses spotted on Anna Sui’s spring 2020 runway and recently collaborated on an all-Canadian line with eyewear boutique BonLook. (Oh, and Justin Trudeau also owns a pair, so there’s that.)
• The Keylet – the KEYLET Official was founded in mid 2020 in West Kelowna, BC by Brittney –  a new mama on a mission to stop loosing her keys! A KEYLET is a handmade keychain wristlet, designed to be worn on your wrist or arm made from the most gorgeous palette of silicone beads – indestructible if dropped & easy to disinfect (that’s key). Each KEYLET is handmade with love – beaded & strung, one by one, in small batches, by the owner, to ensure consistency & that the product you receive is of the highest quality!
• Saltwater Grace Designs – Jenna, the owner and creator of Saltwater Grace Designs, lives on beautiful Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. She’s a mother of two and her small shop was born out of an obsession for beach combing for beach glass in 2017. Now she handcrafts unique and stylish earrings made from polymer clay and metal and ships all over Canada and the USA.

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For the Guys

• Coulee Outdoor – Dexter and Erin are the husband and wife duo behind Coulee Outdoor, a local outdoor company making smoke-less fire pits. Dexter has an extensive background in the industry, working over a decade for Pitboss Grills and that industry experience with wood pellets as a fuel source and a gap in the market made it the perfect opportunity to create Coulee Outdoor. They offer 3 different portable, smokeless, firepit options and ship nation-wide. We own the Coulee Yard, and LOVE it. You can use code BOWS20 to save 20% off their entire line 🙂
• Knifewear – Knifewear’s Knife Store (Hamono-ya) in Calgary quietly opened in March 2008. The Knife Store has become a destination/hang-out for those who love Japanese steel and are addicted to sharp. They carry knives not found in any other shop in locally and they specialize in exclusive, scary sharp, high performance blades. 
  They aim to offer expert knife knowledge, an enjoyable purchasing experience, after sale support and knife passion. They ship Canada wide.
• Tyee Marine – (*Tyee – a chinook salmon of 30 pounds or more) Tyee Marine was first opened in 1953 by Henry Peterson, and is the longest established store for sportsfishing and hunting in Campbell River. They ship all across Canada and have a ton of great gift ideas.
• Hunting Season Spices – Chef made wild fish and game spices, rubs, cures, batters, and more. Specifically designed for the hunting enthusiast. Saskatchewan made and Prairie Proud. Really good prices, I recommend building a gift basket to taste a whole bunch of options.
• Sultan Knives – Sultan Knives is a small family run Canadian business which aims to keep century old techniques and craftsmanship alive in the modern era. The inspiration of this business came about when two cousins went on a trip to South Asia and fell in love with the medieval traditions being practiced and kept well alive on creating premium Damascus knives and tools. Their team consists of master craftsmen who use traditional techniques handed down through many generations to design and create premium high quality woodworking tools, knives, weapons, bows and swords. They specialize in Damascus steel, D2, J2, 1095 high carbon steel tools. Every item is hand-made from start to finish by a single professional craftsman. Ships from Canada.
• Cabin Leather Goods – Simply put, the goal of Cabin Leather Goods is to “bring quality back.” Cameron Hoddinott strives to make products that will survive the test of time and age gracefully. Cabin Leather Goods is a small shop located in Ontario, Canada focused on providing the highest standard of handmade goods.  Their leathers are from the worlds best leather tanneries, and their hardware is from the best and most trusted suppliers in North America. All products are made and finished by hand, without the use of machines, giving each item a unique, one-of-kind feel. 
• Toms Ridickulous Things – Tom makes hilarious beer can chicken stands for the bbq. Made from stainless steel, only 1/8″ thick, dishwasher safe, and is easily stored in the packaging it arrives in. Since nothing else I say will do as much justice to this product as a photo, here you go:

• Drink Wolfhead – A craftsmen operation in Amherstberg Ontario, Wolfhead Distillery incorporates the resources found in its own backyard in producing unique flavours that push the boundaries of standard Canadian Spirits. A distinct element being the neighbouring Amherstburg quarry, the supplier of Limestone treated water used in the production of all Wolfhead spirits. Check out the Whisky Wolf Pack for an ultimate gift, or peek at the gift sets on the website (featuring whisky maple syrup, whisky bbq sauce, and straight whisky for sipping). ]
• Beer Of The Month Club – Each month they’ll deliver 12 full-sized bottles of hard-to-find, specialty microbrews from highly-rated, regional breweries across the country. Each shipment includes four different varieties of premium, hand-crafted beer carefully selected by their experts and brewed in limited quantities. Members can choose from 3, 6, and 12-month clubs and a Beer of the Season Club with new selections each spring, summer, fall and winter.
• North Arm – North Arm Knives is a small knife manufacturer in the greater Vancouver (Canada) area. They are a father and son team, John and Mike. They take great pride in making top quality knives at competitive prices, right here in BC. They make kitchen knives for use by anyone who is passionate about food and their cutting tools and they also make knives for hunters,  fishers, campers and other outdoor adventurers. Most recently they introduced a modern folding knife to their line-up, a versatile knife to handle most everyday cutting tasks. They do ship internationally! Their company is named after the North Arm of the Fraser River near where they live.

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For The Kids

• Awasis Boutique – As a Mama of two little ones and a woman of Metis + Filipino roots, Christine Marie is the founder of Awasis Boutique. Awasis means “child” in Cree. While taking time off from teaching to be a stay at home Mama, Christine put her teaching areas Home Economics + Native Studies to use in a different capacity. What started off as sewing a few bibs + aprons for other Mamas due to exposure on social media, Christine quickly received continual orders and interest that led her to do some research on what was on the market for an Indigenous inspired baby/kids fashion line. 4 months later, Awasis Boutique was born in Feb 2018 and features custom aprons, bibs, blankets, bags, headbands, onesies, toddler tees + more. Indigenous designed for ALL. 
• Silkberry Baby – Silkberry Baby® was initially developed by Carrie, mother of two young children. Her daughter had an allergic reaction to synthetic fibers. After much research, she sourced natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable fibers (rayon from bamboo & organic cotton) that she found to be the best natural choices available for baby and toddlers’ clothing and bedding. She started to design and launch more styles made of buttery soft and breathable fabric. All designs are functional, adorable, fun and creative. These are some of our FAVOURITE small shop pyjamas and they’re based out of BC!
• Beyond Measure Boards – Tamara Clanfield (owner of Beyond Measure Boards) offers the most stunning keepsake reuseable milestone boards. She recently began offering these reusable colouring boards and my girls adore these. Great for colouring in the car, you can wipe clean with a baby wipe or damp cloth and start all over again. We have several of her colouring boards and both my daughters have the Back To School milestone boards as well, we can vouch for their quality! You can use code BOWS10 to save 10% off your entire order (peek at her dry erase menu boards too, those are mama’s fave!)
• Tumbleweed Toys – Tumbleweed Toys is a Kamloops mom-owned small business toy store. Their focus is on products that you won’t find in big box stores and specialize in products that are high quality and powered by your imagination. They carry products that will last and will still be fun and interesting generations from now and toys that are eco-friendly and safe for children to play with. They offer shipping across Canada.
• Dilly Dally Toys – A small Vancouver based mom & pop toy store founded by Claire and Tyler. They focus on educational toys that bring magic to a kiddo’s childhood. Toys that will be thought of fondly and tenderly when those kids are all grown up. Toys that inspire creativity, grand adventures and delightful make believe worlds. One of my ALL TIME favourite toy stores to shop at online for educational, heirloom, S.T.E.A.M toys (and check out their gift guides for age-appropriate gifts, so handy!)
• Bambi and Birdie – Bambi & Birdie was founded in Vancouver, B.C in 2017 by two longtime best friends that happen to both be moms of young children. As new parents they struggled to find comfortable, ethically made and Eco-friendly pajamas and decided to design custom printed bamboo sleepwear for children using modern colors and patterns. Their vision was to create the most comfortable but trendy sleepers and pajamas for newborns, infants and toddlers and have now expanded their line to include matching pajamas for mamas and dads! Handmade in Vancouver, BC. Code BOWSANDBENTOS saves you 10% off your order.
• Mi and Fi – Mi & Fi is brought to you by 2 Calgarian moms, Vicki and Leah, based out of Calgary, Alberta.  Focusing on quality and unique styles for babies, toddlers, and women. Inspiration is drawn from basic designs that offer versatility to broadcast the sass and funk of a child’s personality.  The name Mi and Fi comes from their very own minis, Mia, Miles, and Fiona. You can use code BOWSANDBENTOS to save 15% off your entire order as well!
• Meadowlark Toys – Meadowlark is a sister/brother team of toy makers that are passionate about early childhood development. They work together to design and handcraft wooden toys that are heirloom-quality with a simple clean aesthetic appealing to modern parents and early childhood educators. The Meadowlark business model is designed around the “Head, Hands, Heart” model of Waldorf teaching. Jennifer and Matt are drawn to the Waldorf method because of its focus on children as holistic individuals and their connection to the natural world, emphasizing learning through doing. This is exactly how they were raised on the family farm, and a type of learning they want to instill in their own children. And what better way to teach kids than through play! Based in Calgary, Alberta.
• Huckleberry Designs – This is a Canadian family run business in Abbotsford, BC. They offer a wide range of products, including custom 3D signs, Montessori style wooden toys, kitchen helper stools, pikler style arches and so much more! Their helper stools have a flat rate shipping of $30 across Canada, and their wooden toys & signs have free shipping over $150.
• Name Puzzles by Glenn – These name puzzles are hand crafted from Baltic birch plywood by Glenn Fidelak. Each brightly coloured letter is a puzzle piece cut from 6mm Baltic birch stock with a scroll saw, then painted in bright primary colors. The Baltic birch stock is varnished, and with a 3mm backing attached, becomes a tray into which the letters are returned. All finishes used are non-toxic. Size range is approximately 7” x 4.5” to 14.5” x 4.5” depending on the number and size of letters in the name. Based out of Southern Alberta but ships nation-wide.
• Little Finley Co – Little Finley co is a children’s and ladies apparel line proudly made in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Sara hand makes almost every item you see in her shop in her home studio! She also brings in a curated selection of items that are loved by her children in their own home. Most of her fabrics are sourced from other North American small fabric shops and she uses a variety of fabrics ranging from Organic cotton knits, French Terry Fleecy, & Waffle knits.
• Rowe Apparel – Founded by Barbara Backman with the help of her husband Niall and inspired by their three children, ROWE believes clothing can be functional, unfussy and stylish. From their zompers (sized for newborn up to age 10 now), to their fleece jackets, to their silky soft lounge suits, and now their adult offerings, Rowe is committed to slow, ethical, sustainable fashion. Everything is designed, made, and shipped from Canada.
• Honeysuckle Swim Co – Shevawn and Andrew dreamt up Honeysuckle Swim Co after not being able to find high quality protective swim wear for babies. They developed their rashguard bathing suits to be exceptionally functional, fundamentally protective and undeniably cute. Offering sizes newborn to adult to 4XL, these swimsuits feature dynamic 4 way stretch, quick drying and chlorine resistant UPF 50+ UV Protection fabric, and an inseam zipper for easy diaper changes on the baby sizes. Based in the Lower Mainland of BC. Code BOWSANDBENTOS saves you 10% off your order!
• Current Tyed Clothing – This is a small family (of 4) business based outside of Vancouver, Canada.  They began our company in 2019 with a custom suit Kate designed for her son Tye’s eczema.  With a passion for high quality + ethical manufacturing, they set out to lovingly create a line of Chemical Free products for the whole family. Each design + print is lovingly created in Canada, and ethically manufactured by their fabulous manufacturing partners. Code BOWS15 saves you 15% off everything!
• Jan and Jul – Inspired by Vancouver’s greatest assets – its rain & its sun – in 2015, Twinklebelle Design created the brand Jan & Jul (January and July) to help kids & families stay outside longer, in all weather. We have SO many Jan and Jul products now and love them all, but I especially recommend the cozy dry boots, the one piece fleece lined cozy suits, and the waterproof mittens. Ships to Canada and the USA!
• Padraig Cottage – Helen made her first pair of slippers for her young son in the winter of 1977. They had a hand cut sheepskin sole and a crocheted upper made with hand spun raw wool. In a few years they would become known as the Original Padraig Slipper. Since Helen started selling her wares at local craft markets, the slipper line and the company have grown and evolved. The slippers now come in numerous colour ways and styles and although their company has expanded, employing more than thirty local artisans and support staff, they’re still independently owned and operated and their premises remain in North Vancouver, ensuring product quality and support of the local community. The slippers too remain largely the same; they are still hand-crocheted and hand-dyed in small lots, ensuring each pair is one of a kind.
• Tiny Button Apparel – Jamie created Tiny Button Apparel when she was on maternity leave in 2014. Her goal from day 1 was to create  comfortable, durable, and stylish pieces for the modern day child and now creates premium quality, modern and environmentally friendly clothing for infants, kids and adults. Everything is handmade in Vancouver, Canada. 
• Cabin Fever Clothing Co – Kati makes children’s (and occasionally adults) clothing in Northern BC. Her sizing is designed to grow with kiddos and fit for 2-3 years instead of barely fitting after one wash. She sews with organic cotton and bamboo fibres producing ethical/sustainable clothing that doesn’t end up in the landfill.
• Peanut and Bumble – Bre opened Peanut and Bumble to create modern, cheerful clothing for your kids as part of the slow fashion movement – ethically made to order and small batch production with thoughtfully designed pieces. All of her items are made right here in Alberta, Canada. Pieces come in sizes 12 months to 7 years. Code BOWS10 saves you 10% off her entire shop!
• Munchkits YXE – Munchkits YXE was started by Patti and Jenna, a Mom and Daughter team from Saskatoon SK, in 2018, who wanted to start a new hobby, so they took on creating fun and functional products, thus creating their business! They specialize in reusable snack bags for kids in super fun prints (machine washable too!). Code BOWSANDBENTOS saves you 15% off their entire shop.
• Jack and Sully Co –  Jack & Sully Co. is owned and operated by Mark and Katie Nelson and named in honor of their children Jack & Sully. They’re a husband and wife team with a dream to work alongside each other and their kids. A love for 3D printing met with a passion for minimal, open ended toys created the unique adventure that is Jack & Sully Co. They believe less is more; simple heirloom toys that leave their children’s imagination room to explore and discover on their own with no rules to play.
• Squishy & Bean – Britteny is the creator and owner behind Squishy & Bean. She’s a work-at-home-mama of two kiddos – her jelly Bean, Noah, and her little Squishy girl, Amelia (the inspiration behind her little shop)! She handmakes stylish and practical accessories for children, including hair bows, bibs, headbands, scarves, milestones discs, and so much more. Based in Calgary, Alberta.
• Bloom Blocks – Jocelynn is a talented Calgary maker who creates gorgeous wooden toys, loose parts, and my favourite – playdoh stampers. Great for sensory exploration, phonics, and early sight recognition – kids can stamp their playdoh and practice their letters at the same time!
• Ami and Emme – Robyn is a supremely talented master crocheter (and mother of 3) creating beautiful heirloom handmade crochet stuffed animals and toys right here in Calgary, Alberta. You can guarantee that everything is always made with love and quirkiness. Code LOCALYYC gives you free local pick-up in Calgary.
• Country Pallets – Grogeous hand painted/stenciled wood signs by Kaitlin Harper, a dental hygienist turned scroll saw artist in Ottawa, Ontario. Nursery decor, personalized baby gifts, and other wooden signs for every room in the house.
• Little Larch – a Calgary based small shop making small batch playdoh for little creatives. Their dough is coloured using organic plants & minerals and this means no petroleum-based synthetic food or cosmetic dyes (that can cause skin irritation). They work with suppliers to find traceable ingredients that are better for little hands and for the planet. My girls LOVE her potion play packs! Code BOWS10 saves you 10% off her entire shop.
• Hello Dough – Shadia is a mother and an educator to young children whose been making dough for the last 10 years and has perfected it! She has curated some amazing sensory dough and rice kids for sensory play. Each Kit contains a variety of quality items including dough that is handmade, non-toxic and scented with essential oils chosen to reduce anxiety and stress in children. Hello Dough Kits encourage imagination, creativity, learning through play and the development of fine motor skills. The items in each kit can be used for Dough creations, counting & sorting activities, loose parts play, sensory bins, to create small worlds and so much more.
• Eves Little Earthlings – Eve makes handmade, eco-friendly, waldorf inspired, gender neutral, imaginative small toys for children and all folks who are young at heart! All toys are designed and made by Eve in her home studio with natural and often upcycled materials such as wool and felt. This shop is a creative endeavour that has been evolving over the last 12 years – located in Guelph, Ontario.
• Noble Wooden Toy Co – Jenna and Evan own Noble Wooden Toy Co and are young parents of a 2.5-year-old boy who work out of their garage “shop” to create beautiful handmade wooden toddler toys. Everything in their shop is made from scratch by hand, and they only use non-toxic, zero VOC paints and finishes. You can shop mud kitchens, pikler triangles, wooden balance beams, sensory tables, and more. Based in Ontario.
• The Oak Village – This is one of the most fun ideas for an Christmas gift. For just $5.50 each, you can have Jessica (designer and creator of The Oak Village) draw you a digital seasonal poster with your child’s name on it! Getting it printed at Staples or another local printer is super quick and easy (I always opt for the 24″by36″ print at Staples) and provides a great art activity for kids. Extra special if your child has a unique name and personalized items are tough to find!
• Littledesign.ca – A small local wooden toy maker in Calgary, Alberta. They make these toys in their home shop in Calgary from start to finish. They hand-cut each piece out of wood panels (MDF, Pine or Plywood), and after its cut they sand them smooth to the touch and hand-paint them, varnish and sand them again to make them soft for little ones to handle. They use child and Earth friendly materials involving FSC pine boards, AP Certified non-toxic paint and water based varnish.
• Crochetty Rose – Area Coelho wanted to make something handcrafted for her little one, so with her basic crochet knowledge and lots of excitement, she created an amigurumi dragon. Amigurumi refers to the Japanese art of crocheting stuffed toys. Now she has perfected her craft and sells crocheted toys, home decor, baby gifts, and so much more. She is based in Calgary Alberta and offers free local pickup.
• The Wonder Box – STEAM activities that make your brain happy! Each Wonder Box is built with research and care, so kids can explore, learn and feed their curiosity. Wonder Boxes come packed with STEAM activities or toys and hours of fun! You can choose a one time purchase, or a subscription option.
• Cushy Couch– A family owned and operated business, the Cushy Couch team created a play couch that is designed, sourced, sewn, and shipped in Canada. Available in 8 different colours and expansion packs available, this is the perfect gift for active kiddos. Based in Calgary, Alberta
• Dot Boxed – Tegan owns and operates Dot Boxed in Edmonton Alberta, creating milestone bedding, heirloom loveys, monogramed bedding and linens, pyjamas, and so much more. If you love personalized gifts, you NEED to check out Tegan’s shop.
• Pika Layers – Marie, Atlee and Sophie are the co-founders of Pika Layers. The company came from their own search for comfortable base layers that were great for their active, outdoor lifestyle. Eventually with new families and young kids in tow, it was natural to want to outfit the next generation in quality gear. Pika was inspired by their love of the outdoors and the desire to create the softest, most comfortable kids clothing to keep their little ones warm and dry. Fast forward to today and these three women run a growing business making comfortable, breathable layers, for happy little adventurers. Pika is a small, women-led company and everything is developed, designed, and proudly made in Canada.
• EcoEvie – Eco Evie Apparel is a mom and daughter small business aiming to make sustainability fun!   Eco Evie Apparel creates endangered animal- inspired kids, womens, and mens shirts made from 100% recycled water bottle fabric in Milwaukee, WI.  Eco Evie Apparel donates a portion of every sale to help save endangered animals across the globe, by funding conservation efforts through non profit organizations.
• Emma and April – Terri designs and handmakes clothing and accessories for mamas and their littles. Saskatoon based, this is a proudly Métis owned small business. She has gorgeous dusters and beanies you should check out!
• Four Cubs Cochrane – A locally owned children’s boutique in Cochrane, Alberta, owned by Chelsea and Jocelyn – two mamas with four cubs between them. Featuring many small shop brands and some of the most well-known children’s brands, Four Cubs Cochrane has everything your child needs (shoes, clothing, undergarments, and accessories) for kiddos aged 0-14. 
• Little Elska – Established in 2014, Little Elska is based out of small town Arborg, Manitoba Canada. Jackie specializes in products such as personalized super soft minky blankets, embroidered stuffed animals and a wide assortment of personalized items that can be customized for each customer in a special way, with your child’s name, birth-date etc. We have her minky blankets and personalized beach towels and *love* them. Code BOWS10 saves you 10% off!
• Pine and Poppy – Gorgeous handmade knit hats, bonnets, cardigans, hand knit stockings, snugglers, headbands, wall hangings, and so much more. 
• Wild Child Designs – Wild Child Designs began nearly 6 years ago, when Jessica began knitting and crocheting small baby accessories while on maternity leave.  What started as a small side gig, quickly grew to a full time business. They now have a team of 5 wonderful and talented local people that knit and crochet all of their items, right here in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Everything is handmade (with a whole lotta love). They also cut and sew all of our own faux fur poms!
• Golden3.ca – Jenny is a mom of three and based out of Calgary, Alberta. She hand crochets the absolute cutest amigurumi toys and loveys for kids!

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Food

 

• Made with Local – Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, they create simple, nourishing snacks using the best local ingredients from Canadian farmers & producers. Their foods are all made in bakeries that employ & train Canadians experiencing barriers to the mainstream workforce. You can find their bars and granola bar mixes in grocery stores nation-wide, or shop direct on their website with code BOWS20 to save 20% off your entire purchase (makes a great teacher gift!)
• Those Chocolates – Those Chocolates was brought to life through Calgary Pastry Chef Nicole Buckton’s love of chocolate, anything chocolate! She has a passion for creating delicious and delightfully fun chocolates for everyone to enjoy. She make your chocolates to order, that way you know they’re always fresh and taste is top quality. She use real ingredients, cream, butter, fruits, nuts and good quality chocolate. No fillers and nothing fake. She will have a wide variety of Christmas offerings available soon, and you can use code BOWS15 to save 15% off your order.
• Sugar Cube YYC – The Sugar Cube is Calgary’s first and only candy store that is COMPLETELY Mobile! They’ve been sweetening up this beautiful city with fresh sweet treats since 2013. From dishing out all the goodies from their Candy Food Truck, to spinning Cotton Candy Puff’s bigger than your head at our Gourmet Cotton Candy Carts, to making sure your events are well seasoned with delicious candy bars and sweet favours – they’ve got you covered for all your candy needs. They have gluten free, vegan, kosher, nut free, and other options available for your needs and also ship nation-wide.  Code BOWS10 will save you 10% off your entire order. Keep your eyes peeled for their Christmas advent calendar! 
• Drink Sante – Santé is committed to providing quality non-alcoholic products to their community with exceptional service. They provide an opportunity for a lifestyle change, and raise a glass to health without compromise of quality or social pressures. Everyone’s journey with non-alcoholic drinks is different and there are countless reasons to make the change. Whether you are sober, curious, or anywhere in between, Santé is here to provide an inclusive, alcohol-free environment for when you’re not drinking, whatever your reason.
• Eats By Luc – Lucia is Calgary’s Graze Gal, creating gorgeous works of art via artisanal handcrafted charcuterie boards. Savoury or sweet, custom designs, big or small – Lucia can do it all (dinner for two or wedding graze table, she’ll nail it). Lucia serves the Calgary and surround region.
• Saltspring Kitchen Co – On B.C.’s charming Salt Spring Island, self-proclaimed Sauce Boss Melanie Jean Mulherin makes sweet and savoury jams and preserves that make a perfect complement to cheese and charcuterie boards. The most recent addition to the lineup is a collection of three hot sauces that combine unexpected flavours, like orange, curry and habanero.
• Mugging Whales Coffee – Heather and Jim are the owners of Mugging Whales Coffee, a micro roaster based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Their coffee is roasted in small batches once a week so it’s fresh. They source specialty coffees that are as unique as the countries they come from in the best growing climates known as The Bean Belt. They want to help more people become mindfully aware of the type of coffee they consume and where it comes from by telling the story of where their coffees were grown. Shipping is free on orders $50+ in Canada and $12 flat rate shipping to the USA.
• Silk Road Spice Merchant – An amazing gift for the foodie on your list this year. Silk Road Spice Merchant is a retailer of fine spices, herbs and seasonings located in Calgary, Alberta and serving all of Canada. They offer a complete selection of top-quality whole and ground spices, dried herbs, dried chiles and chile powders, and their own hand-blended spice mixtures and rubs to cooks and food lovers across Canada. Order spices online or visit one of their locations in Calgary or Edmonton.
• Worthy Jams – Worthy is a Calgary-based jam and preserves company founded by Ashlee Steinhauer. In 2014, Ashlee became passionate about making jam while in a 12-step recovery program. A couple years later, Ashlee started to get her zest for life back and decided to focus on making jam full-time. The importance of recovery is the backbone of Worthy. Ashlee wanted a name that related to addiction and the recurring theme she noticed of addicts feeling unworthy. She experienced how the stigma that surrounds addiction can affect an individual’s self-worth. Ashlee uses her platform to reduce the stigma and aims to make every jam-lover feel Worthy.  
• Bone to Broth – Bone to Broth offers both liquid bone broth as well as dehydrated bone broth “bouillon” and all their broths are simmered between 24-48 hours and made in Alberta. Bone to Broth is made with carefully hand-selected organic ingredients and certified grass-fed beef bones or free-run soy-free chicken bones. No fillers, No confusing names, no MSG. Their bouillons ship all over, and local folks can buy the bone broth directly for pickup or delivery in the Calgary area.
• Atypique – Established in October 2020 and cofounded by Étienne Boulay, Atypique offers you your favourite classic cocktails — the only difference is that they are non-alcoholic and low in sugar! Atypique aims to push the boundaries of ready-to-drink cocktails by offering a non-alcoholic version of the classic cocktails that everyone loves—that is, a delicious alternative for those who don’t want to consume alcohol, regardless of the reason.
• The Lemon Square – The Lemon Square is a small slice of paradise. Handmade in British Columbia and all wrapped up just for you. Not your typical Lemon Square, this one is made with fresh lemons, BC butter and dusted with coconut. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Ships for $2 within Canada and the USA.
• Laura Raes Caramel Co – Sherri started her caramel company on a whim after quitting her corporate job in 2020. Caramel candies, beer infused caramel, caramel sauce – if you have a sweet tooth, you really should take a peek. Located in Elora, Ontario.
• Johnny & Glo – Created by Jade in Airdrie, Alberta, Johnny + Glo curates custom boutique inspired celebration boxes for every occasion. They pride themselves on supporting small local businesses collaborating to make unique offerings that provide you the chance to enjoy food, family, friends and a little fiesta. Established in 2021, the idea was born years before this, likely after the first lunchable in 1990, but sometimes good things have to wait. 
• Lannie Rae Gourmet – Located in Cochrane, Alberta, Lannie Rae Gourmet Flavoured Pancake and Waffle Mixes are thoughtfully crafted using wholesome, natural and plant based ingredients. Their boutique mixes are formulated to provide you with choice and can be made with various dairy, egg and oil alternatives to suit your dietary desires. The french vanilla, toasted coconut, and gingerbread mixes are my absolute favourite and a holiday breakfast staple!
• Lost Aviator Coffee Co – Lost Aviator Coffee Co are premier Ontario coffee roasters. Founded in Guelph Ontario, Canada in 2020 by two longtime friends and career airline pilots, Adam and Steve. There are few things more beautiful than the view from 40,000 feet with a cup of great coffee in hand. Seeing parts of the earth that are nearly impossible to reach, or even view, from the ground has provided us an appreciation for our planet from a whole new perspective. With this appreciation for our planet, they founded Lost Aviator Coffee with sustainability and ethical sourcing as their core values. Their goal is to provide you a captivating start to your day (or night), with the knowledge that they are supporting direct trade local farmers, and the environment. Locally roasted by Adam and Steve right here in Ontario. They have merch too!
• Wildflower Superfoods – Kate Portwood founded Wildflower Superfoods and is a Herbalist, Certified Nutrition Consultant and mom of two. She designed Wildflower Superfood protein blends to help women consume nutrient-rich foods at any meal and these blends make it easy to give your smoothies, snacks and drinks a supercharged boost to help you achieve optimal health and feel your best. Kate’s Wildflower blends use the purest plant-based protein from cold-pressed hemp seeds and organic nutrient-rich herbs. Perfect for the health enthusiast in your life. Based in Calgary, Alberta and ships nation-wide.
• Triple Smoke Foods – Established in 2014, they wanted to create a lineup of spice products that highlighted the all-natural bold smoke flavour of outdoor cooking and capture it in spice form to use indoors year round. Handcrafted in Shawnigan Lake, BC, all orders $40+ ship free. If you have a bbq or smoker fanatic to buy for this holiday season, this is the perfect shop to take a look at.
• Algonquin Tea Company – Algonquin Tea is not your average tea company. All natural and wild-grown, they have a variety of teas with magical names like Sacred Blend and Sweetfern Tonic. The brand is committed to providing authentically Canadian ingredients, hand-picked in the wilderness. They offer affordable loose tea and tea bags in different sizes.
• Beccas Little Boutique – Bookish, fandom, artisan teas hand blended in Toronto, Ontario. Harry Potter, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Outlander – these witty and bookish blends are great for both the tea lover and bibliophile in your life. All blends offer free shipping!
• Drizzle Honey – Drizzle Honey is an everyday luxury you can feel great about. Drizzle is completely raw, bee-friendly and supports Canadian beekeepers too! Drizzle White is one of my faves, a floral, delicate raw honey, buttery in texture and perfectly paired with the fresh, light flavours of fruit, lattes, and warm bread. Stir into hot water then shake over ice to add the perfect sweetness to your favourite cocktail recipes. (Fun fact: Arlene Dickinson from Dragons’ Den is an investor in this all-female-operated business.)
• Daniels Dill Dip – Based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, this is the best dang creamiest vegan (dairy free, gluten free, nut free) dill dip you will ever taste. Find it in select grocery stores across Alberta and believe me when I say to buy more than one because these don’t last (safe for almost everyone’s dietary needs). 
• MothermayIbake Hummus – Nada’s hummus is a dish like no other. What makes MotherMayiBake’s hummus unique? Despite the fact that this hummus recipe is 100 years old, she uses minimal ingredients for this wholesome dish. The simple quality ingredients are precisely measured and combined to create optimal flavor. You can taste the history in each bite. The beet hummus is my absolute fave, and a must for any charcuterie board I make. Find these delicious dips in select Sobeys, Safeway, and Calgary Co-op locations across Southern Alberta.
• Rousseau Chocolatier – Chocolatier Julien Rousseau has been hand-making treats from his Halifax boutique since 2014. Single-origin bars that showcase the unique terroir of faraway places, such as Ecuador and Ghana, are just a starting point; Rousseau’s sweet lineup also includes macarons, caramel spreads, chocolate-dipped artisanal marshmallows and more.
• Backyard Meats – Backyard Meats is a wonderful Calgary based curated meat shop delivering high end meat from local ranchers straight to your front door. Sourcing from local ranchers like Brant Lake Waygu, Sungold Lamb, Alberta Natural Angus, Kingsland Hutterite Colony and more, Backyard Meats is bringing accessibility and affordability to families looking for humanely raised, locally sourced, high quality meat.  Orders over $100 will be delivered to your doorstep (Calgary and surrounding area) for free – and they can ship to most of Alberta!
• Phllipenns sauces – If you don’t know these guys yet, then welcome to the Phlippen family! Obsessively passionate about sourcing local ingredients, Phlippens handcrafts small batch, naturally smoked sauces that are some of the most versatile condiments in anyone’s fridge. Gift a jar or two or go all in for the sauce-scription!
• Supper Studio Okotoks – If you’re stumped on what to make for supper, dread grocery shopping with your littles, need inspiration at meal times, hate prepping food or are always just short on time, Supper Studio is here to help. They will meal plan, grocery shop, and prep to help you avoid the panic of what to make for supper.  There are two delicious ways to fill your fridge (or freezer) with Supper Studio meals.  Their Pick-Up option allows you to preorder your meals for the days you need them the most. Here, you can customize ingredients to your personal palette or your picky eaters. Alternatively, their convenient Delivery option brings Supper Studio right to your doorstep.
• Smak Dab Mustard – Founded by Red Seal Chef, Carly Minish-Wytinck, Smak Dab Mustard is thoughtfully crafted in a small family-run operation in northern Manitoba and uses 100% Canadian mustard seeds. Looking to exceptional local ingredients, Carly creates unique and diverse flavour combinations that compliment anything from a simple salad dressing to a long and slow-cooked meal. Expect healthy and wholesome ingredients through and through; a product that is low in fat, sodium, and sugar; and wherever possible, gluten-free.
• Heartbeat Hot Sauce – Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co. was founded in 2015. A hobby of making hot sauce for themselves at home quickly ignited into a full fledged production company after word of mouth spread throughout their home town of Thunder Bay and beyond. All of their sauces are made with maximum flavour and balance in mind. Each sauce is bright, bold, healthy, and deliciously unique. They ferment their peppers using traditional methods before they cook them with a few simple, high quality ingredients. They add no water, thickening agents or chemical preservatives of any kind making their sauce as natural as it gets. All of their recipes are proudly developed, cooked, bottled, packaged, and distributed from their dedicated facility in the South Core of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
• Wabanaki Maple – For many years, long before sugar came with the fur trade, the Indigenous Peoples of the First Nations harvested the savoury sap from the maple trees of Canada. The tales of this savoury sap, with its sweet and woody flavour, travelled the world and so came the name ‘maple syrup.’ The tradition was passed from generation to generation, and as the maple moon rose each Spring, the harvest of nature’s rich tree sap began. With healing and nourishing powers, maple syrup has been cherished by First Nations Peoples for centuries. It was one of many gifts shared with early settlers, helping them to survive harsh winters and share in our land’s bounty. Wabanaki Maple is 100% Indigenous female-owned and located on Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), and is proud to introduce you to this tradition that’s shared by many Peoples of the Wabanaki Confederacy; Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq, Penobscot, Abenaki, and Passamaquoddy.
• Long Run Ranch Beef – Long-Run Ranch is located just minutes west of Crossfield Alberta, and is owned and operated by Kevin and Amy Taks and family. The ranch is a 3rd generation ranch and grain operation. They have great pride in their herd and raise all their own replacement heifers. Their herd consists of 400 females which are primarily red Angus with some Simmental influence. Their beef is some of the best in Alberta and so worthy of a spot in your freezer.
• Cheese Of The Month Club – Each month they’ll deliver a delicious selection of perfectly aged and hard-to-find cheeses from small, independent producers around the world. Each shipment includes three different 160 gram varieties each carefully selected by their gourmet-experts exclusively for members. They offer 3, 6, and 12-month clubs and a Cheese of the Season Club with new selections each spring, summer, fall and winter and you can choose between monthly and every-other-month shipping to build the perfect gift for your recipient’s schedule and your budget.
• Bolo Cakery – Bolo Cakery is making cake great again. They specialize in custom cake designs and wedding cakes. All cakes are buttercream and all are delicious. They also offer their signature Cheese Wheels, cinnamon buns and cookies.
• Maritimer Madness – Turn everything you eat into a explosion of flavor. They’ve got heat levels for all enjoyers. Their new hot sauce is like liquid fire in a bottle! Addictive and dangerous, just like them. They strive to have something great for you no matter what heat level, flavour profile, or lifestyle diet/protocol you follow, at a great value and always with health, flavour, and local sourcing in mind. Proudly located in Prince Edward Island.

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Home Goods

• The Craft Cochrane – Based in Cochrane Alberta, Carissa pours her love into all the handmade wooden signs and painted home decor she creates. Incredibly responsive, she’s always happy to customize an order. She ships worldwide!
• Kozy Haus – Another super talented Calgarian, Nicole hand-knits  gorgeous large chunky throws and artisan throw covers – perfect for your couch, bed, guest room, and more! We have a couch throw and a king bed runner from her and believe me when I say, these blankets are softer than a baby’s fresh-outta-the-bath tush. You can use code RACHEL10 to save 10% off your order.
• The Northern Kiln – a curated online marketplace where shoppers can find only handmade, Canadian pottery that is either one-of-a-kind or small batch designs. They offer low shipping rates to anywhere in the country and they’re based in Southern Ontario.
• Grow and Company – Lindsey and Crystal are the best friend duo behind this Calgary based small business and create custom wood decor including family growth charts, art display signs, wedding decor and much more! Their hand crafted designs add function and personalization to any space. The “look what I made” signs are great for displaying children’s artwork, and I love their options for grandparent gifts!
• Stash & Story – The reinvented baby book for modern parents. You can write and display memories, events and photos in their modern minimalist designed pages of your STASH + STORY box, plus store all of your kiddo’s artwork, certificates and report cards, photos and so much more in the included STASH + STORY folders, or simply hole punch the pages with a standard North American 3-hole punch and watch your STASH + STORY box grow. Ample room to get creative with their modern designed pattern pages with photos and hand lettering. Based in Calgary and ships worldwide.
• Ello Woodworks – Kyle Sommerville owns Ello Woodworks and is based in Calgary, Alberta. Whether it is handmade cribbage boards, bread boxes, pet food feeders, heirloom toy chests or home decor pieces, Kyle can make just about anything. Order his handmade cribbage boards from Etsy for shipping worldwide, or directly message him on Instagram to order a larger piece locally.
• Ash & Co Collective – Based in Cochrane Alberta, Carlie specializes in creating gorgeous, witty, whimsical personalized & custom products. Some items include drink-ware, custom pillows, apparel, holiday & seasonal items. Her tumblers and mugs are my favourite! She also ships worldwide! BOWS15 is the code to save 15% off her entire shop.
• Twine and Oak – Kendall is an Edmonton based artist who creates gorgeous hand painted signs and home decor pieces. She welcomes custom orders! Code BOWS10 saves you 10% off her entire shop. She ships Canada-wide.
• Little W Studio – Christin and Evan Dewald are the makers behind Little w Studio and their workshop is located in Chestermere, Alberta. They create home décor with a balance of boho and modern details and their designs (often using reclaimed wood) are cut by studio laser and handcrafted to last. Their type co sets are my personal fave!
• Salty Sea Dog Designs – Salty Sea Dog Designs is the collaboration between the husband and wife duo of Blair and Sarah Dawes. Their ceramic partnership explores animal designs with cheerful colours, animated expressions and whimsical creations. Salty Sea Dog Designs combines Blair’s talent for creating adorable 3D animals and Sarah’s love of vibrant colours. Utilizing both artists skills created a distinct look and unique style that has become well known and instantly recognizable. Located in Calgary, Alberta.
• Inspired Findings -Meryl is a mother to two boys, a wife and the creator behind Inspired Findings. Just under 6 years ago, she began Inspired Findings refinishing furniture and as time has progressed she naturally switched her focus to signs and decor. Located in Calgary, Alberta.
• Indigo Arrows – Indigo Arrows is an Anishinaabe-owned interior design company based in Manitoba. The line is inspired by the patterns and designs of the ancestors, to bring traditional Indigenous art into your home. They have a variety of “modern home goods”, from their oh-so-popular throw pillows, to stylish linens and napkins for your gatherings.
• Glass Book Shop – This airy, Edmonton-based independent bookstore is dedicated to promoting local authors and marginalized voices. Also on the shelves: CanLit-inspired items designed by local makers, including a slogan tote, literary tea towels, and postcards that celebrate Alberta writers, such as Joshua Whitehead, Titilope Sonuga and Lisa Martin.
• Majesty and Friends – Julie owns Majesty and Friends (located in Edmonton, Alberta) and is basically the coolest (imagine the best Christmas stocking full of the best stocking stuffers) and this store is *that*. From mugs to trinkets to art to cards to treats and more, there is something for EVERYONE on your list. Ships all over!
• Lines by Lacey – Witty hand painted wooden art work with a splash of swear words. If I could bottle my personality up in one small shop, it would be Lines by Lacey.
• Pot and Pantry – Pot & Pantry is a curated kitchenware boutique, featuring Canadian-made housewares, gourmet grocery and all your favourite high quality kitchen brands. They’re a proud purveyor of curated kitchenware and gourmet goods and is a dynamic addition to Ottawa’s vibrant and storied Elgin Street. Established in 2016 by Ottawa native and food-obsessed Robin, it promises to appeal to anyone with a love of food and home. The store is packed to the gills with everything from cookware and utensils to linens and gourmet goodies – many of which are Canadian made, or locally-sourced. With stock that ranges from utilitarian and practical to whimsical and mouthwatering, there is something for everyone.
• Dani and Jordis –  Ralna Moore is the the face behind Dani & Jordis and she started this business five years ago with a desire to have a creative outlet and share her passion for both home decor and building furniture. You can find kitchen linens, pillows, table runners, wood art, and more. 
• Heart and Hope Designs – Bethany and Matt are the husband and wife duo who own Heart and Hope Designs, a gorgeous handmade pottery mug small business based in Spruce Grove, Alberta and shipping worldwide. I own 6 of her mugs now and I LOVE that they’re microwave and dishwasher safe! Code BOWSANDBENTOS saves you 10% off her shop!
• Lac Pebble Art – Their shop name, LAC Pebble Art, has a dual meaning. “Lac” is ‘lake’ in french and they live a short stroll from the shores of Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada. In addition, “L” and “C” are the first initials of their two children’s names (ages 8 and 6 years respectively). Each pebble art piece they create has an experience within it. Nearly every day, they walk as a family down to the shoreline. Since their children help collect the pebbles, beach glass and driftwood, they deposit the proceeds into their education savings plans! They have family art, teacher gifts, and even holiday ornaments!
  
• Kind Designs by Robin – Handmade items by Robin, including drinkware, apparel, wood signs and more! Based in Calgary, Kind Designs offers items that are the answer to your search for the perfect decor piece. Witty and trendy, she offers custom pieces too. Ships worldwide!
• Modern Rustic Metal Art – Leanne and Curtis are a husband and wife team in Airdrie, Alberta handcrafting raw metal home decor pieces. Everything ships free in Canada! 
• Sticks & Doodles – Kyle and Danelle are a family-run local business based in Regina, Saskatchewan that makes custom luxury signs & decor using laser cut wood designs. Their mission is to help families find ways to make their lives amazing by filling them with inspirational words, images, and moments.
• Prairie Chick Prints – Prairie Chick Prints by Crystal Derouin Design Inc. sells charming & cheeky greeting cards, mugs, pencils, totes and more! Based in Sherwood Park, Alberta.
• Autumn Blue Designs – Autumn Blue Design (ABD) began as a dream in their hearts that they didn’t even know existed. Initially specializing in graphic design, they changed course about eight months later to focus on handmade decor items. With all that they learned and tried in their relatively short time in business, they’re excited to be shifting once again, this time to focus more on painted wood signs, growth chart rulers, wipeboards and seasonal items — all with a modern farmhouse look and feel.
• Frankie Print Co – This is the one American small shop inclusion on my list, and it’s here because I am so obsessed with the idea. Diane makes woven blankets with your loved one’s text on it. Letter from a parent who passes away, vows from your spouse – she makes it in their own writing on a blanket. They do ship to Canada and it is the top gift on my list this year! 
• Gemstone Lights – Gemstone Lights was actually founded here in Calgary, Alberta in 2016. The founder, Tate Leavitt, was *every person ever* and frustrated with hanging Christmas lights every year. After an exhaustive search, he concluded that nobody had a high quality permanent outdoor lighting system that was sleek, professional, blended into the home, AND handled our harsh Prairie winters. He got to work creating one and Gemstone Lights was born. He added a bluetooth controller and after many modifications and improvements Gemstone Lights was able offer a cloud-based Hub controller that would allow customers to enjoy multiple Gemstone Lights products controlled through one app while being anywhere in the world.
• Sprint Bike – Based in Calgary, Alberta, Derek and Monica of Sprint Bike Canada manufacture air bikes. No plug-ins, no electricity. You power the bike for a whole body workout. They take up less space than a yoga mat, and have wheels up front to move it if needed. Seat height and position are adjustable, and the battery powered LCD digital display has interval settings and tracks time, calories, distance, etc. Steel frame and a max weight load of 350lbs.
• Sunset Snuggles – The absolute softest blankets known to mankind, based out of Abbotsford, BC. Made of feather knit yarn, these feel like they’re made with a cross between fairy dust, a newborn baby’s tush, and what I imagine angel wings to feel like. In sizes ranging from baby lovey to twin size bed, there is a blanket for everyone. Worth every penny! Code BOWS20 saves you 20% off.
• Hudson + Oak – A wow-worthy planter is an easy way to give a room a fresh new look. Vancouver-based Hudson + Oak’s hand-painted pots (from $100) come in modern shapes and neutral tones, making them the perfect vessels for cool cacti and fabulous ficuses. The brand’s signature blush hue—millennial pink’s more refined counterpart—is a crowdpleaser, according to founder Sarah Henderson. “It holds a special place in my heart,” she says, adding that it took around 15 tries to get the colour just right.
• Tara’s Cozy Creations – Based in Redcliff, Alberta, Tara makes the most incredible minky blankets, bedsheets, change pad covers, carseat ponchos, nursing pillow covers, weighted blankets, pillowcases, and so much more. We have some of her blankets, pillowcases, and bedsheets and LOVE them!
• Northwood Supply – Northwood Supply is a husband and wife team creating absolutely everything out of their garage in Airdrie, Alberta. Their home decor pieces are all made by hand, and the bold designs are perfect for everyone. Local pickup is available in Airdrie with code LOCALPICKUP at checkout but they also ship within Canada and the US!
• Owl’s Nest Books – Calgary’s most knowledgeable and longest established independent bookstore, featuring books, puzzles, games, and more for folks of all ages. Shop online or visit in store at 815a 49 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1G8.
• The Next Page YYC – A super cute independent bookstore and coffee shop in Calgary’s Inglewood district. They also feature used books, and offer book consignment for those looking to downsize their collections. Shop online or in-store at 1217A 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S9.
• Nest and Nook Housewares – Nest & Nook opened in June 2019 by two friends, Misty Coldwell and Lindsay Trudeau who have a deep love for home decor. The shop was created from a dream of providing beautiful housewares to others on Vancouver Island who shared their love for crisp, bright spaces, filled with texture, natural elements, and neutral colours. Overflowing with throw pillows, the most endearing doormats, candles, beautiful kitchenware, and amazing shelf styling items, nest & nook truly makes living lovely.

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Services

• Sprog and Sprocket – Before moving to Calgary in 2015, Marija and Simon owned and operated a well-loved sandwich shop and catering company in NW England. So when it came to deciding which direction to go in this new chapter of their lives, they both agreed that they were happiest and most proud when helping customers successfully pull off their special events; whether it was a wedding, a 1st birthday, a 50th anniversary or an important business meeting. With that, they decided to pursue their love for helping people create memorable celebrations, and the idea for Sprog & Sprocket Inc. grew from there. They provide fun, safe, exciting play center rentals for home, parties, and more. Mention code BOWS10 when booking to save 10% off your rental experience.
• Aspen Crossing – Aspen Crossing is truly a unique destination located near the hamlet of Mossleigh, Alberta, that has been entertaining and enthralling visitors who, in the beginning, came to buy plants and trees, then to enjoy a meal, and now to relive history on the Aspen Crossing railroad. Celebrating the role that the railways made in developing the Canada we know today, Aspen’s owner Jason Thornhill has recreated his own memories of the trains that ran right by his childhood home, which was located where the Station stands today. We take the kids on the Polar Express train ride every Christmas and it is really magical, I couldn’t recommend it more!
• Naturally Illustrated by Sam – A born and bred Alberta girl, Sam is one of the best photographers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is magical with children, incredible with couples, and specializes in Rocky Mountain views and sunsets. Pictures are the most important gift I have ever been given, and I prioritize family photos every single year. You cannot go wrong booking with Sam.
• Pinnovate – Pinnovate DIY Studio is Calgary’s newest creative outlet where both Bigs’ and Littles’ can come together and create. Whether you’re in the mood to paint a pallet, create a 6ft ruler board, nail in some string art, or just play in our glow in the dark splatter room, Pinnovate has something for all ages. No local? Check our their incredible DIY Delivery selection for at-home crafting ideas.
• Flirt Cosmetics Studio – Flirt Cosmetics Studio is a new concept Beauty Bar specializing in custom brow bar services, cosmetic tattooing, skin tightening, laser hair removal, IPL photo rejuvenation, and a host of other services specializing in the ultimate self-care experience. Owned and operated by best friends and business partners, Ciara Ramsden (a paramedic for 18 years in Alberta) and Sheri Meyer. There are multiple “Bows and Bentos” promotions available on their site, take a peek for some pampering love.
• Sweet Reads Box – No matter what stage you are at in your life, time for yourself seems to get lost in the everyday. Sweet Reads Box is your chance to relax and enjoy a great read, a decadent sweet and a carefully curated item that ties to your novel. Every box contains a bestselling fiction novel, an artisan drink, beautifully crafted item, and gourmet goodies. Free shipping in Canada!
• Axe Monkeys (YEG) – Axe throwing is not just for lumberjacks anymore…it’s for everyone! Competitive and fun, this activity is perfect for couples on a date night, family outings and groups of all sizes and a perfect way to entertain on any special occasion from birthday parties, anniversaries and corporate events to bachelor or bachelorette parties. Experience the *axecitement* of axe, spear and knife throwing at their large indoor throwing facility in Edmonton as well as their RAGE ROOM® where you can enjoy smash therapy and release all your stress through destruction!
• Sleigh Rides in Banff – Relax and take in the breathtaking views and sparkling winter air of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Spend some time in a winter wonderland on a 40 minute sleigh ride through the mountain meadows. The sleigh ride will take you through the Bow River Valley showing you the remote areas around Banff, western style!
  Along the way, be prepared to see a local wild life such as deer and elk as you enjoy views of Banff’s iconic mountain peaks such as Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle.
  Your memorable excursion includes a fireside warmup stop after the ride where you can toast a marshmallow and enjoy a warm drink back at the stables 
• Boeing 737 Flight Simulation Experience – Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take command of the world’s most popular jet airliner, the Boeing 737? Sit in the Captains seat, take-off, cruise, and land at airports around the world in this realistic Calgary flight simulator experience. Choose from 30, 60 or 90 minutes experience on our Boeing 737-800 flight simulator. Experience the speed of up to 838 km/h and reaching the ceiling of up to 40000 ft (12000 km) above ground.
  • During a 30 minutes experience you will enjoy a short scenery flying, quick takeoff and landing and quick familiarization.
  • A 60 minutes experience is perfect to get the most out of the experience and covers most of the functionality. from cold and dark, gate to gate
  • A 90 minutes experience is for people who want to live the experience to the fullest from cold and dark state, gate to gate and flight plan programing.
• Same Stars Wellness – Same Stars Wellness is group of health care professionals dedicated to our client’s well being. Same Stars was founded on the premise that “Everyone deserves therapeutic treatments, no matter what the age, condition or ability”. Their founder, Jessica, noticed a lack of accessible treatment for those with complex conditions in Alberta, and created Same Stars to fill this void! Registered Massage Therapists and acupuncture all offered in the comfort of your home.  They’re able to direct bill most insurance providers and offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. Give the gift of wellness this holiday season!
• Charmed Resort – Charmed Resort is a campground full of storybook cottages, handcrafted by the Leavitt Family, which opened in the Crowsnest Pass in spring 2021 to much anticipation. There are 9 gorgeously designed fairytale cottages to choose from, you can experience a sleepover in another world. Bookings are open year-round, and all cottages have electricity & heat. 

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Fur Babies

• Dog Dog Goose – Lauren is the creator behind Dog Dog Goose, and began hand making dog collars, leashes, bandannas and more when she realized her local pet stores didn’t have the long-lasting products she needed. Focused on longevity, eliminating single use plastics in her work, and quality products, Lauren offers a lifetime guarantee on everything she makes. She supports local rescue efforts by donating proceeds to various rescue organizations (DDG Rescue Series Bandanas) as well as works together with talented artisans and illustrators to promote collaboration over competition in the small business world. Based in BC and code BOWS10 saves you 10% off!
• Indie Star Creations – Here you can find boho Chic rope accessories for the stylish pup handmade in Calgary, AB.
• Paw and Prairie – Paw and Prairie believes fashion is self-expression for you and your four legged friend. They are simple, fresh, whimsical, and fun. All of their products are handmade by Stephanie in their tiny home sewing room using high quality North American sourced fabrics that are hand stitched, inspected, and lovingly gift wrapped before each order goes out.
• Doodle Dogs Boutique – The Doodle Dogs dream began in 2016, when a brother and sister duo (Corey + Meghan) had a plan to bring only the most chic and unique dog gear to Calgary. They discovered that the best way to build a beautifully unique pet store is to carry the beautiful handmade gear made right here in Calgary and across Canada (usually found at markets and on Etsy, etc). Five years later they boast over 20+ local brands – all handmade in Calgary and across Canada, most of which can only be bought direct from them on in our shops and our online boutique. Ships all over! 
• Feline Fun – Tina Kim lives in Enfield, Nova Scotia, Canada and she started making cat nip toys for her cat Frankie, who you can see on her shop’s main page. Gorgeous hand stitched felt toys filled with cat nip for your kitty friend to enjoy.
• Fluffy Feet Designs – Chris and (Kristen) make ledges/houses for your pet to jump, climb and play on. Their chinchilla’s have tested and approved of all their ledge/house designs and they do not sell anything that they don’t give to their own pets. Perfect for hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and more. Based in Sunderland, Ontario.
• Good Wolf Design Co – This London, Ontario based small pet company offers functional, fashionable, and financially accessible dog collars and leashes. All of their gear is made from Biothane, an extremely durable material that has the soft, flexible feel of broken in leather, even in freezing temperatures. Their products our completely vegan, and lovingly handcrafted here in Canada. 
• Fetch Co – A themed collection of subscription goodies for every season of the year! Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer – They’ve got the best of the best from North America’s most premium dog brands. Every box includes a mix of 8-10 premium toys, treats and chews. From fun, durable toys, to all-natural, high quality treats, to long lasting and delicious chews, they’ve got you covered.
• Two Dapper Pupz – Jessica is the founder and owner of TDP. Her business is run from her home in Ontario, Canada where she lives with her two dogs Brady and Bentley. Her love for dogs is what drove her to open her own business. Two Dapper Pupz is a shop for pets of all shapes and sizes. While her business is geared towards dogs, she offers custom sizes to cater to cats and the smallest of animals. They offer a wide range of products including Collars, Leashes, Bandanas, Dog Car Seat Belts, Bow Ties and matching accessories for the humans too.
• Share the Luff – Jill and her goldendoodle Barley are based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and design a beautiful line of dog collars, leashes, and bandanas. Fabric is all sourced from Canadian vendors, and her rope is Canadian made. A portion of all her proceeds goes towards mental health and animal rescue initiatives. She ships all over Canada and the US!
• Dog Treat Of The Month Club – Each month they’ll deliver a new selection of premium, gourmet dog treats made with only the finest, all-natural ingredients and carefully chosen by their canine gourmet-experts (Fido, Spot and Champ) who sample dozens of mouth-watering dog treats every month judging them for flavor, freshness, and bow-wow-wonderfulness. Each monthly delivery features two different flavors and weighs in at nearly a full pound of doggie-deliciousness. They offer 3, 6, and 12-month clubs and a Dog Treat of the Season Club with new selections each spring, summer, fall and winter and you can choose between monthly and every-other-month shipping to build the perfect gift for your recipient’s schedule and your budget.

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Cards and Candles

• Jay Bee Design – Jaclyn, is the owner and designer behind Jaybee Design. She built a locally owned & operated stationery company based out of Calgary, AB. All of her paper products are designed, printed and packaged in house and her cards are made to help celebrate the big & the little things in life. Her holiday cards are especially witty and perfect for everyone in your life.
• Fern + Opal – At FERN + OPAL, they believe that lighting a candle should be a nostalgic and uplifting experience that enhances your well-being without compromising your health. Their mission is to craft candles that evoke cherished memories and emotions through the use of natural and sustainable ingredients, exquisite fragrances and beautiful designs. They are committed to promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle by offering candles that are free from harmful toxins and phthalate free fragrances. Woman owned and based in Edmonton, Alberta.
• Heart To Home Pam – Pam is a small town mom of three, grade one teacher, and self taught hand lettering artist. She taught herself to handletter in 2014 and hasn’t stopped. From painting quotes on wood signs to names on doormats, she paints everything she can! Creating digital handlettered designs had been a dream of hers and with some more time and commitment she finally made it happen. All of her designs are hand drawn on her iPad and printed by a small local business in town. She’s forever coming up with new ideas, so stay tuned to her shop to see what comes out each month. I adore her greeting card designs!
• Rachel Lyon Design Co – Rachel is a hand-letterer, illustrator, and designer based in Calgary, Alberta. She runs Rachel Lyon Design Co. as an online shop owner + freelance artist. Projects include wedding stationery + signage, brand design, font design, social media graphics, lettering workshops, and large-scale murals, to name a few! She offers cards, journals, notepads, day planners, and so much more.
• The Kindle Company – Offering luxury coconut soy candles made with love and in small batch pours. All locally sourced + hand poured in Calgary. Her eucalytus + lemongrass candle is my absolute favourite!
• Land of Daughters – Another favourite local maker of mine, Paige is the brilliant Métis woman behind Land of Daughters. All small batch made here in Calgary, she has some of the most intricate and emotion-evoking scents I have ever come across. You can check out her entire scent profile page on her website (note that you can buy scent samplers to narrow down your choices), and her Fall/Winter collection just dropped which is also divine. She makes most of her scents in room/body sprays and hard perfumes too, which is great for folks who may not be into candles. So worth checking out!
• 6th Scent Candle Co – As an early childhood educator and teacher, Allie makes a lot of classroom decorations and educational materials sparking she creativity. She proudly hand pours and crafts all her soy wax with fragrance oil candles in Langley, BC. Choose from traditional or wood wicks – her brown sugar and fig, and rose candles are my favourite scents. The wood wicks crackle like a real fire and sound so authentic.
• Wick’d Petals – Wick’d Petals Candle Company is based in Sherwood Park, Alberta and thrives on the importance of ethically preserving nature. Their products are made from 100% sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable soy wax and topped with locally grown and locally dried flowers. Scented with phthalate-free fine fragrance oils, their soy products are handcrafted to ensure that the products you receive are as genuine as nature itself.
• Nancy Carol Studio – Nancy is a wickedly talented artist from Port Moody BC and hand draws all her art. She sells her greeting cards and prints and I think you’ll love her whimsical designs as much as I do. 
• Heart Notes – Heart Notes was founded by Melinda in 2020, after having made soaps for herself, friends, and family since 2011 as a creative outlet. From day one, the goal was to design high quality self care products to help alleviate the day’s stresses and calm the soul. Bath bombs to soak sore muscles at the end of a long day. Flickering candles to create a tranquil feeling in the background of a quiet room. Handcrafted soaps to pamper skin. Based in Calgary, Alberta, you can use code BOWSANDBENTOS15 to save 15% off your entire order. I *love* her Canadian Landscapes candle collection.
• Nova Rae Co – Ashley created Nova Rae Co in November 2020 with the purpose of making clean and toxic free candles that are safe for everyone to enjoy. She hand pours all of her candles in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. She uses a premium, plant-based Soy and Coconut wax blend that is a sustainable and eco-friendly.  It is a unique fusion of Coconut and Soy that is environmentally-conscious and incredible clean.  Coconut Soy Wax is known for its incredible Hot Throw, and Cold Throw (when the candle is not lit). She scents her candles with fragrances and essential oils that are of the highest quality and are paraben and phthalate free making them enjoyable for even the most sensitive customers. All her candles boast wooden wicks from native, sappy fruit trees, sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified mills.  They provide a beautiful crackle sound each burn. She also sells room sprays! 
• Sarra Todd Designs – Sarra is based in Calgary Alberta and offers custom illustrations, prints, stickers, keychains, apparel, and more with her custom designs.
• 2AM Illustrations – Tara is a talented digital artist based in Okotoks Alberta. She creates cute and edgy paper goods and artwork, and offers value-packed digital guides for small businesses wanting to take their Instagram game to the next level. A wealth of knowledge!