12 Indigenous-Made Gifts to Shop in Northern Ontario This Season
Looking for Indigenous-made gifts in Ontario? This guide brings together twelve thoughtful items crafted in communities across the province. Each piece highlights Indigenous artists, makers, and cultural businesses creating beautiful, practical gifts rooted in tradition, craft, and local knowledge. Whether you’re shopping for your cottage-core folks, homebodies, beauty fans, or adventurous friends, these picks make it easy to support Indigenous creators while sharing something truly meaningful.
Indigenous-Made Cozy Gifts for Winter Comfort
Find warm, comforting Indigenous-made gifts perfect for winter days, from soft layers to relaxing at-home essentials crafted in Northern Ontario.
1. ManoominChai Tea Blend
Maker: Tea Horse
Made in: Thunder Bay
Made for: The cozy cottager
This tea blends manoomin wild rice with black tea and warm masala spices. It has a rich, comforting flavour and carries the story of the Ojibwe “good berry.” A great pick for anyone who loves quiet mornings, soft blankets, and a steaming mug by the lake.
2. Strawberry Love Hoodie
Maker: Janelle Wawia
Made in: Red Rock Indian Band, Nipigon
Made for: The heart-forward fashionista
A sweet “Strawberry Love” hoodie brings warmth in more ways than one. The design centres ode’imin (strawberry), an important teaching in Anishinaabe culture that represents love, honesty, and living with a good heart. It’s comfortable organic cotton, beautifully made, and perfect for anyone who loves wearable art rooted in Anishinaabe teachings.
3. Moccasins
Maker: Whetung Ojibwa Centre
Made in: Curve Lake First Nation
Made for: The comfort seeker
These Canadian-made moccasins follow a long family tradition at Whetung. Soft, durable, and full of character, they make a warm and practical gift for people of all ages who appreciate comfort and craft.
Indigenous Beauty & Self-Care Gifts from Canadian Brands
Thoughtful, feel-good gifts for anyone who loves colour, skincare, and wellness.
4. Soy Candles
Maker: WICK-IT Naturals
Made in: Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Made for: The homebody
These small-batch soy candles come in scents like sage, sweetgrass, cedar, lavender, gingerbread, and tobacco vanilla. They burn clean, smell amazing, and create instant cozy vibes. Ideal for anyone who loves warm light and relaxing evenings.
5. Cheekbone Beauty Holiday Kits
Maker: Cheekbone Beauty
Made in: St. Catharines
Made for: The beauty lover
Cheekbone’s holiday kits, like the Aurora Shimmer Holiday Kit and Northern Lights Eye Trio, deliver festive colours with vegan, high-performing formulas. Packaged with care and meaning, these limited sets make a bright and easy gift for makeup fans who want something special.
Handcrafted Home and Cottage Gifts
Explore handmade pottery, maple products, and artisanal goods inspired by Northern Ontario landscapes and Indigenous food traditions.
6. Handmade Pottery
Maker: Maxwell Pottery
Made in: Mattawa
Made for: The home and cottage host
A cottage-core classic. Maxwell Pottery creates durable, handmade pieces shaped by Northern Ontario landscapes. Visitors can watch pottery take form in the studio and browse shelves of mugs, bowls, and serving pieces. A lovely choice for hosts, cottage regulars, and fans of practical, Canadian-made ceramics.
7. Maple Syrup & Sweetwater Products
Maker: Giizhigat Maple Products
Made in: St. Joseph Island
Made for: The sweet at heart
This 100% Indigenous-owned company makes maple syrup and sweetwater products inspired by cultural teachings about nourishment and care. A flavourful gift for food lovers who enjoy cooking, baking, or drizzling something sweet on breakfast.
Indigenous Art, Jewellery, and Collectible Gifts
Shop meaningful Indigenous art, beadwork, quillwork, and jewellery created by makers across Ontario.
8. Native Renaissance Gift Shop Collection
Maker: Native Renaissance
Made in: Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Made for: The art and story seeker
Impossible to choose just one item! This shop carries sculptures by Thomas B. Maracle, dreamcatchers, moccasins, smudge supplies, toys, clothing, and Salish-style kitchenware. A great place to find meaningful gifts that celebrate Indigenous art and storytelling.
9. Quill Boxes
Maker: Lillian’s Indiancrafts
Made in: M’Chigeeng First Nation
Made for: The collector
These traditional quill boxes are made with care and cultural knowledge. Each piece combines natural materials and detailed work, offering a gift that’s both beautiful and meaningful. A great choice for collectors or anyone who appreciates beautiful, traditional craft.
10. Moon Phase Beaded Earrings
Maker: Sister Bear Designs
Made in: Thunder Bay
Made for: The accessory lover
These moon-phase fringe earrings carry teachings about Grandmother Moon and the rhythms she guides. With .925 silver hooks and beautiful beadwork, they make a standout gift for anyone who loves celestial themes, long dangles, and meaningful design.
Outdoor Adventure Gifts and Indigenous Tourism Experiences
Give the gift of exploration with Indigenous-led outdoor experiences, guided tours, and adventure-ready gifts in Northern Ontario.
11. Guided ATV Tour
Maker: Mukwa Tours
Made in: Massey
Made for: The outdoor adventurer
Mukwa’s guided ATV trips range from short rides to full weekend adventures. Tours include safety tips, tasty breaks, and the option of luxury accommodations. A fun, memorable gift for anyone who likes exploring rugged and remote landscapes.
Gift Cards
Let friends and family choose their own Indigenous-made gifts with flexible marketplace gift cards featuring makers, workshops, and experiences from across Ontario.
12. Indigenous Marketplace Gift Cards
Maker: Madahoki Farms Indigenous Marketplace
Made in: Ottawa
Made for: The flexible giver
These gift cards let recipients explore an Indigenous marketplace filled with handmade goods, foods, artwork, and seasonal items. A simple, thoughtful gift when you want to support Indigenous makers but let loved ones decide what they’d like most.
Bonus: High-End Music Gifts
Looking for something extraordinary? Find premium instruments and gear for serious musicians.
13. Not Indigenous-made, just undeniably cool:
Ernie Ball Music Man BFR Majesty 6-String, Red Nebula
Maker: Ernie Ball Music Man
Sold by: Crossroads Music, Fort William First Nation
Made for: The guitarist who has everything
A rare, high-end instrument built for serious players. This limited-edition Majesty features a Red Nebula quilt maple top, a neck-through design, ebony fretboard, stainless steel frets, and DiMarzio pickups with piezo options. Only 100 exist worldwide, each with a signed backplate, certificate of authenticity, and premium Mono case.
(You'll also find a full complement of acoustic and electric guitars, amps, cables, pedals and accessories at Crossroads.)
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