Canadian Gifts That Feel Good to Give

There’s no shortage of gifts to choose from this holiday season, and where we spend our dollars matters. Choosing to shop local and support Canadian, founder-led brands that give back to their communities, prioritize sustainability and care for the environment is how we can make our holiday shopping more impactful and meaningful. 

From skincare that supports ocean restoration and clothing that helps regenerate forests to jewellery that creates employment opportunities and homewares that celebrate Indigenous artists, these Canadian brands are creating positive change through the products they make and the values behind them.

This holiday season, think beyond what’s under the wrapping paper and consider the impact of your purchases. These unique Canadian gifts will feel just as good to give as they do to receive.

Facial Care from Plantd Skincare

Give the gift of a skincare ritual that feels good in more ways than one with the Facial Care Collection from Plantd Skincare. Made in Canada, this five-product range brings together regeneratively grown jojoba, wild Pacific kelp and red seaweed in thoughtfully formulated cleansers, creams and facial oil. Designed to nourish and care for skin, the collection makes a lovely gift for anyone who appreciates effective skincare and a little everyday luxury.

Every facial care purchase helps fund kelp forest restoration along the BC coast through Plantd’s partnership with veritree. The company has committed to supporting the restoration of 10,000 kelp plants.

Lipstick from Cheekbone Beauty

A beautiful lipstick is always a welcome addition to a makeup bag, and the SUSTAIN Lipstick from Cheekbone Beauty offers colour with purpose. This Indigenous-owned Canadian beauty brand creates vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics that celebrate Indigenous identity and culture. The refillable lipstick features rich, buildable colour, a creamy satin finish and shades named after words for land or earth in Indigenous languages.

Cheekbone Beauty has supported Indigenous youth through educational initiatives, including a scholarship program. Its refillable lipstick packaging is also designed to reduce waste by encouraging customers to reuse the outer component.

Indigenous Blanket from MINI TIPI

Wrap someone in warmth, comfort and beautiful design with the NIBI Indigenous Blanket from MINI TIPI. Made in Canada using a blend of recycled wool, recycled polyester and acrylic, this generously sized blanket is perfect for cozy evenings, camping trips or adding a meaningful accent to the home. Designed by Indigenous artist Nikki Shawana, the pattern draws inspiration from Star Quilts, Anishinaabe traditions and Haudenosaunee designs, celebrating cultural connections and storytelling.

MINI TIPI collaborates with Indigenous artists through a royalty program that compensates them for their designs, while supporting Canadian textile manufacturing and incorporating recycled materials into its products.

Hoodie from tentree

For the person who appreciates comfortable everyday essentials, the Reynard Zip Hoodie from tentree is a practical gift they’ll reach for throughout the year. Made from the Vancouver-founded brand’s signature TreeFleece fabric, this soft, easy-to-layer hoodie is designed for everything from weekend adventures to relaxed days at home. Its classic style and comfortable fit make it a versatile addition to any casual wardrobe, while the company’s commitment to environmental restoration adds another reason to feel good about gifting it.

tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased, supporting projects that restore ecosystems and create employment opportunities in communities around the world.

Necklace from Leah Yard Designs

For a gift with a personal touch, the Zodiac Pendant from Leah Yard Designs is a beautiful way to celebrate someone’s individuality. This celestial-inspired charm is available in all zodiac signs and crafted using 14-karat gold fill and gold-plated sterling silver. Wear it on its own or layered with other favourite necklaces for a timeless everyday look. Created in Vancouver, it’s a meaningful gift for someone who loves jewellery with meaning. 

Leah Yard Designs donates 5% of its profits from jewellery sales to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, supporting women in the community where the brand operates.

Handbag from Mariclaro

Give a piece of aviation history a second life with the Safety Tote from Mariclaro. Handmade in Ontario from repurposed Air Canada life jackets, this one-of-a-kind bag incorporates original details, including safety instructions, clips and inflation straps, into a practical everyday accessory. With a zippered exterior pocket, multiple interior compartments and an adjustable strap for carrying a yoga mat, it’s a conversation-starting gift for someone who appreciates unique design and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Mariclaro transforms discarded aviation and automotive materials into functional accessories, helping divert waste from landfills. The brand also directs 5% of proceeds from its aircraft life jacket collection to the Air Canada Foundation, which supports the health and well-being of children and youth.

Rose Kimono from Stacey Martin Lifestyle

Gift both comfort and style with the CHILL Rose Kimono from Stacey Martin Lifestyle. This luxuriously soft, reversible faux-fur kimono blanket is designed for cozy evenings at home, weekend getaways or making a statement while out and about. Featuring a beautiful rose-pink colour, deep pockets and a relaxed, one-size fit, it’s the perfect combination of comfort and everyday glamour. This statement piece brings a little luxury to the art of slowing down.

Stacey Martin Lifestyle is a Black woman-founded, majority Black-owned Canadian fashion brand committed to ethical manufacturing in Canada. The company prioritizes environmentally conscious materials, avoids single-use plastics in its packaging and promotes inclusive fashion and body confidence.

Great Lakes Candle from Laykhaus

Bring the fresh scent of a Canadian winter indoors with the Frozen Fir | The Great Lakes Candle from Laykhaus. Inspired by the snow-covered forests and rugged shorelines of the Great Lakes, this beautifully crafted candle combines notes of frozen fir, evergreen and fresh snow. Handmade in small batches in British Columbia using plant-based soy wax, it’s a lovely gift for anyone who loves the outdoors or wants to bring a little of Canada’s natural beauty into their home.

Vancouver Island-based Laykhaus directs 5% of every sale to marine conservation programs, helping protect the lakes and waterways that inspire its products. The brand also prioritizes recyclable packaging and products designed with circular use in mind.

Egyptian Cotton Bath Sheet from Kotn

Bring a little everyday luxury into someone’s home with the Egyptian Cotton Bath Sheet from Kotn. Crafted from soft, absorbent Egyptian cotton with a plush velour finish on one side and terry texture on the other, this generously sized towel turns an everyday routine into a small moment of indulgence. Designed in Toronto in a variety of colours and made in Egypt, it’s a thoughtful choice for anyone who believes the best gifts are the ones used and enjoyed every day.

Through its ABCs Project, Kotn directs a portion of each order toward education in Egyptian cotton-growing communities, helping fund schools while supporting the farmers behind its products.

Compostable Phone Case from Pela

Give their everyday essential a thoughtful upgrade with a Compostable Phone Case from Pela. Pela creates colourful, protective phone cases in a range of designs, from minimalist solids to playful patterns and nature-inspired prints. Made with the company’s proprietary Flaxstic material, which combines flax straw with a compostable bioplastic, these cases offer an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic accessories. With options for a variety of phone models, it’s a practical stocking stuffer for someone who loves personalizing their tech.

More than 80% of Pela’s cases are manufactured in Canada. Its compostable case material and Pela 360 take-back program are designed to help reduce reliance on conventional plastics and recover used materials.

Brilliant Breath from Before

Freshen up someone’s holiday stocking with the Icy Cool Stocking Trio from Before. This Canadian oral care brand is making everyday essentials a little more luxurious with thoughtfully formulated products and a commitment to sustainability. The gift set includes SuperMint Whitening Toothpaste, Brilliant Breath SuperMint Mouthwash, a sustainable bamboo toothbrush and a reusable cotton pouch. With refreshing mint flavours and vegan, cruelty-free formulas, it’s a practical and affordable gift that brings a little extra care to an everyday routine.

Through its BeforeCares initiative, Before commits 1% of sales to supporting environmental organizations. The brand also uses recyclable, plant-based sugarcane toothpaste tubes, which it reports have a 50% lower carbon footprint than conventional plastic tubes.

Laptop Sleeve from LOOSENDS

Give everyday tech a colourful upgrade with the Crochet Laptop Sleeve from LOOSENDS. Handcrafted in Montréal from 100% reclaimed T-shirt fabric, these playful laptop sleeves combine practical protection with a little personality. Available in a range of colours and two sizes, each sleeve features removable bows that can be adjusted or taken off for a different look. It’s a fun, functional gift for students, entrepreneurs or anyone who appreciates unique accessories and handmade design.

LOOSENDS is on a mission to make fibre arts more sustainable and accessible. By transforming reclaimed textile waste into yarn and handmade accessories, the brand gives discarded fabrics a second life while promoting slower, more conscious fashion.

Bracelet from I AM LOVE Project

Give a little reminder of love and encouragement with a piece from the I AM LOVE Project jewellery collection. From colourful gemstone bracelets and affirmation necklaces to everyday earrings, this Winnipeg-based social enterprise creates meaningful accessories designed to be worn and treasured. The collection offers a range of styles and price points, making it easy to find something personal for a friend, sister or someone who deserves a thoughtful reminder of how much they’re appreciated.

I AM LOVE Project reports that 60% of its jewellery is crafted by women facing employment barriers, including disabilities and mental health challenges. Since 2021, the organization has helped more than 35 women re-enter the workforce.

Baby Blanket from Modest Maverick

Give the littlest person on your list something cozy with the Sandy Baby Blanket from Modest Maverick. Handmade on Canada’s West Coast, this soft, reversible wool-blend blanket features a beautiful pattern inspired by sandy beaches and warm days by the water. Perfect for stroller outings, tummy time or cuddling together, it’s a thoughtful gift for a new baby or growing family. Created by a woman-owned Canadian business, each blanket is made in small batches with comfort, quality and lasting use in mind.

Modest Maverick donates a portion of proceeds from every baby blanket to support individuals and families navigating infertility, connecting its products to a cause that holds special meaning for many Canadian families.

Chelsea Boots from Voes & Co

Gift animal-loving style this season with the Harlow Chelsea Boots from Voes & Co. These striking white boots offer a modern twist on a classic silhouette, with a sleek pointed toe and a soft, comfortable fit. Handcrafted from innovative cactus-based vegan leather, they’re designed to offer the look and feel of traditional leather without using animal-derived materials. These versatile boots are a great gift for someone who loves fashion, appreciates thoughtful design and wants their wardrobe choices to reflect their values.

Voes & Co is committed to advancing animal-free fashion through next-generation plant-based materials. Its cactus leather uses up to 90% less water and produces 85% fewer carbon emissions than traditional leather, while its footwear is manufactured in an entirely vegan facility.

Neck Scarf from Simply Merino

Keep loved ones cozy through the colder months with the Merino Neck Scarf from Simply Merino. Made in Vancouver from 100% Australian merino wool, this beautifully soft, double-layered scarf provides warmth without unnecessary bulk. Its versatile triangular design can be styled several ways, making it an easy addition to winter walks, weekend outings or everyday adventures. Available in a range of rich, earthy colours and classic neutrals, it’s a practical and stylish gift for anyone who appreciates natural fibres, comfort and quality Canadian-made essentials.

Simply Merino prioritizes ethical local manufacturing and responsible material sourcing. Its scarves are made using Woolmark-certified, non-mulesed merino wool, supporting animal welfare and recognized wool quality standards. The company also avoids harmful chemicals in its dyeing process and saves its textile waste from landfill.

Issue 04 of Ripple of Change Magazine

Give the gift of inspiration and fresh perspectives with Issue 04 of Ripple of Change Magazine. Dedicated to equipping those who believe in positive change with ideas and actions to build a better world, Ripple of Change believes that every story matters and every action counts. Issue 04 explores the relationship between humans, technology and nature, examining the codes that shape how we live: the language of innovation through technology, the language of life through nature’s DNA, and the language of living through traditional community knowledge. It’s a thoughtful gift for curious minds and anyone passionate about making a difference.

Ripple of Change amplifies stories of positive change, sharing diverse perspectives, practical ideas and opportunities for readers to take meaningful action in their own lives and communities.

Feel Good About Your Giving 

Where we spend our dollars matters. Every gift purchase this holiday season is an opportunity to support the businesses, values and communities we believe in. When we choose brands that invest in people, protect resources and the environment and give back, we’re supporting more than the products they make. We’re helping those businesses continue the work they’re doing and encouraging more companies to make a positive impact. Giving should feel good.