Nobody really needs an excuse to shop right now. However, the choices you make about where you shop are crucial. With Christmas coming up, you’re probably scrambling to get your shopping done. (Unless you’re super organized, but with the craziness of this year, who is?) Which is why I wanted to make things a little easier by sharing thirteen of my favourite small brands and businesses from across Canada. Didn’t you hear? Shopping local is the eternal trend.

As tempting as it might be to shop from the big (bad) box stores—take a second to consider what you can get elsewhere. Yes, it might be faster to get everything from Amazon or Walmart, but are you going to receive a personalized note with your order? No. Is someone going to put that extra bit of effort into packing up your purchase? Probably not. And will your order help them keep their doors open during this pandemic? Hell, no.

Here are thirteen small Canadian brands and businesses to choose and support this season.

Let’s get shopping! My favourite small Canadian brands

1. Queen Books

A cute, quaint, local bookshop nestled into the heart of Leslieville, Queen Books is where it’s at for avid readers. And although we can’t go there to browse the floor-to-ceiling shelves in-person right now, we can order online. They’ll do special orders as well as curbside pick-up and delivery. I recently ordered a book from them and received the nicest email thanking me for supporting them! If you need a book, get it here.

Location: Toronto

READ MORE: Books by Melina Maria Morry

2. Alice Oh X Arbonne

One of my West Coast girlfriends, Alice—also known as @abundantly.well—has a mission that we can all get behind: live consciously, eat well, and nourish your body. In a world as fast-paced as the one we live in, it’s so important to slow down and make healthy choices for your body. (After all, it’s the only one you’ve got.) Alice, an Arbonne Area Manager, shares plant-based recipes, tips, tricks, and natural products on her Instagram to inspire you to look and feel your fiercest. Get your glow on from the inside out and shop with her here.

Location: Vancouver

3. Temperance Tarot

If there has ever been a need for clarity amongst the chaos, it’s 2020. My girlfriend Molly is one of the best in the biz. She rivals the Witches of Eastwick with her healing powers, intuitive readings, and infectious personality. Last year, when it was still safe to see people in person, she did a tarot reading for me over a mouth-watering brunch in Vancouver. She was really good—not just telling me what she thought I wanted to hear. Molly does virtual reading with her small business Temp3rance Tarot so hit her up!

Location: Vancouver

4. Pradegal

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m obsessed with Toronto-based brand Pradegal. If my whole wardrobe could be made by them—well, I don’t want to get my hopes up dreaming of that. All you need to know is that they’re one of the fiercest brands in the city. Everything is handmade in Canada, from gorgeous silky fabrics, and inject a certain kind of confidence in you that’s hard to come by. You’ll feel great and look even better. My current favourite is the Riley Mini Dress. Definitely support this small Canadian brand to keep fierce!

Location: Toronto

5. Casa by Atelier Guarin

Say hello to the newly launched and latest venture from my friend Sebastian, CASA by Atelier Guarin. Previously just a fashion house, Atelier Guarin has (momentarily) hung up frocks and trench coats for iron bowls and scented candles. Even if you don’t live in your dream home yet, CASA will help you fake it ‘til you make it. I want everything. If you’re stuck on what to give your favourite person, try the Essentials Gift Set—it comes with a gorgeous glass candle, a bottle of home fragrance spray, and a bundle of soothing Palo Santo.

Location: Toronto

6. Suzanne Gardner Flowers

When I moved into a new apartment earlier this year, I was in desperate needs of plants, plants, and more plants. I used to walk by Suzanne Gardner Flowers on my way to yoga and remembered the gorgeous rows of lavender they had planted outside. (I’m a sucker for lavender.) I quickly got to ordering a few new plants online as well as a couple of ceramic pots. The order process was super simple and everything arrived wrapped in a big purple bow with a handwritten note attached. No joke. It was beautiful. As if the plants weren’t enough to brighten up my day.

Location: Toronto

READ MORE: Playlists by Melina Maria Morry on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal

7. Schmear Naturals

SCHMEAR Naturals specializes in creating wholesome skincare from real foods. Does it get any more delicious than that? Inspired by nutrition, their face masks, powders, and oils are created using items that you could find in most kitchens: turmeric, coconut, and spirulina. Okay—maybe not most kitchens, but the really healthy ones, so you know this brand means business. A small Canadian brand that cares about the planet? Sign me up.

Location: Vancouver

8. Necessities Fashion

Now that we’re spending the majority of our work days being seen from the waist up on Zoom, accessories have never felt more crucial. Even when I’m wearing a hoodie and yoga pants, I feel so much more me when I can clip a tortoiseshell barrette into my hair or throw on a pair of fierce earrings. For accessories that make a statement, check out Necessities Fashion.

Location: Toronto

9. Artisan Wine Shop

I ordered a couple of bottles from Artisan Wine Shop for a birthday present this month, and they were incredible! Speedy delivery, excellent selection of local BC wines, and they really put a fierce touch on the gift with a cute bag, card—the works. I’ll definitely be ordering from them again.

Location: Victoria

READ MORE: 7 Stylish, Hilarious Retro Rom-Coms and Their Coordinating Cocktails

10. Dipped Donuts

December is the month of empty calories, delicious treats, and not caring about how many desserts you consume—as long as they’re quality. And trust me, Dipped Donuts is as quality as it gets. I went there a few times pre-pandemic and it was bustling. After buying the final apple fritters of the day, people actually starting booing us! That’s how good they are. Why not treat your household to a Rosewater Pistachio, Caramel Crumble, or London Fog Crème Brûlée?

Location: Toronto

11. Rosehall Run Vineyard

In the summer, I went on a COVID-conscious wine tasting at Rosehall Run Vineyard. It was stunning and the wines more than quenched my thirst. From now until December 15, they’re doing free shipping on orders $80 and over. Honestly, it would be hard not to spend at least $80 on their wines because they’re just too tempting. You’ll want them all. My two favourites are the Pixie Sparkling Rosé and the Ceremony Blanc de Blancs.

Location: Prince Edward County

12. Jeeval Tailor Photo

Let me tell you, this girl knows how to style a photograph. From food to accessories, cosmetics and happy hour cocktails, my girl Jeeval makes every photo look straight out of a seasoned magazine’s glossy pages. You could get lost—and ravenous—scrolling through her Instagram posts. So, if you need your products professionally photographed, check out Jeeval Tailor Photo.

Location: Toronto

READ MORE: Buy Your Copy of The Manhattan Mishap by Melina Maria Morry

13. Cee the Good

For all of your baby style needs, check out my friend Christine’s newly launched business, Cee the Good. All of her ultra-cute baby clothes are ethically made and hand-dyed in Vancouver using all natural ingredients. Just think of how much cuter your little bundle of joy will look when you know that their outfit is non-toxic, completely vegan, and uses dyes that don’t damage the planet? My favourite is the “Blushing Cheeks” onesie that was coloured using organic avocado. Is your heart melting yet?

Location: Vancouver

Thanks for shopping small Canadian brands and businesses!

—ᴍᴍᴍ