We are very lucky to live in an area that has a thriving entrepreneurial community, surrounded by many independent businesses and individual makers. This creates an opportunity to pick up unique gifts for the people on your Christmas shopping list.
When you make the decision to shop locally, you are making a statement that you care about small businesses and support them. By spending your money locally, more of your money stays in Northeastern Ontario, which continues to feed back into our region's economy. If you're visiting here, you can be sure you're taking home something that's not only local, but totally unique!
All products are handmade from all-natural ingredients, including locally sourced and seasonal products. Dirty Girls Farm produces amazing handmade soaps, laundry detergent, lip balms, shampoos, lotions, creams, and they also take special orders. You can purchase their products at the North Bay Farmers Market and other locations in the area. Find all information about them at DirtyGirlsFarm.ca.
Terry Leszczak makes all of these products by hand in his home in North Bay. All pieces are 100 % unique, and he is always open to discussing custom projects. From cutting boards to desks to coffee tables and everything in between, Chuck and Wood has that special thing for the person in your life who appreciates a beautiful, handcrafted, functional gift. Visit chuckandwood.ca for everything you need to know about this great local business.
Amy Steele designs and makes each bag by hand in North Bay and has been a finalist of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards twice. A passion for sewing and designer bags culminated in Amy performing a drastic career change by launching Amy Steele Bags in 2006. The craftsmanship of her leather goods is unmatched, and you can really feel the quality and care that went into each of these products. Discover all of Amy Steele’s designs and goods here.
This is another great soap company from North Bay that prides itself on ethical practices and the purest of ingredients. This small business is family-run and turns out soap products that are non-toxic, natural, and as luxurious as possible. They also offer vegan and vegetarian products that make for very thoughtful and personal gifts. Find all information about their products and where to purchase them on their Facebook page. It is easy to support this local business with their quality products and environmentally friendly values.
Roy’n Stone from Timmins creates the cutest pieces of art that are extremely customizable. Roy’n Stone creates pebble art, which can include multiple figures and objects, thus allowing you to get a customized gift for your entire family or group of friends. Nancy Roy is extremely creative and has found an awesome way to show it. Find Roy’n Stone on Facebook for all information regarding this local entrepreneur.
Located just outside of Timmins, Dream Acres Alpaca farm has over 30 alpacas on their property, and they create some of the most versatile and quality materials available. Alpaca fiber is considered five to six times warmer than wool and also is hypoallergenic. The products they produce include scarves, ponchos, hats, mitts, and socks which are all naturally water-repellent, temperature regulating, and moisture-wicking, making them an amazing gift for the holiday season. Find their website here for all information.
Some shawl and scarf combos at the fair! All #handwoven at the farm. #alpaca
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Beautifully Dotted is based out of Timmins and entirely run by Donna, who is a working professional and mother. She specializes in beautiful artwork primarily using, as the name suggests, a precise dotting technique. Everything is hand-painted and one of a kind, ensuring a personal and unique gift. Mugs, rocks, and canvas paintings are her main focus, and her products will be available at the Northern Ontario Handmade Christmas Market, follow her social media accounts to find out more about Beautifully Dotted.
Two sisters from the Sudbury area are creating ecologically inspired art for sale across our region. They make notebooks, notepads, prints, and blank cards from recycled drafting paper. With designs that capture what it means to be from Northern Ontario, these ethically sourced products are a great gift for people who value and appreciate creative minds. Their art is available in locations across our region and at local markets. Check out their website to learn where to pick up their products and discover their awesome Instagram.
Old Soul Soap Company was created after the founder learned of all of the chemicals and disturbing practices involved in the mass production of soap and beauty products. After doing research into what natural products are available on the market, she decided to to try her hand at creating her own all-natural soap. New products are continually being created, including seasonal soaps, candles, balms, bath bombs, and much more. They have something for everyone including a large collection for men such as beard oils, grooming kits, and shaving products. Everything is 100% ecologically friendly, which makes these products perfect for those bathing sessions in the lake. Old Soul Soup Company has products available across the country and widely available in the North; explore their fantastic website to learn more about where to purchase and discover all their wonderful products.
There is a real strong presence of personal care products being created here in Northeastern Ontario, and Wolf & Pine puts their own twist on it by focusing on herbal beauty care. Handmade in Lively, Ontario, their products are proudly promoted as natural, vegan, and unfiltered. With products for every inch of your body, they will make you feel amazing, and their packaging will make you smile. Widely available in stores across the North, these products should be pretty easy to pick up; they will also be at the Makers North Handmade Holiday Market, and if you can’t make that happen, they have a great shipping service! We highly recommend you take look at their Instagram and their beautiful website.
High quality and unique pottery make fantastic gifts. Kiln Kandy creates practical and functional pottery and dishware from slab clay by hand. Mugs, bowls, birchware, and beads are some of the most popular products sold. Beautiful birch bark designed pieces are one of a kind and are a great fit for Northeastern Ontario residents. As a regular at craft markets and art festivals, picking up a gift from this great local company is easy. For more information and updates on where to purchase these cool products, check out their Facebook page.
Co-Founders of the Makers North Collective, Julieanne Steedman is an artist who specializes in colourful artwork, detailed hand-drawn maps, and handmade home decor. If you are buying a gift for someone who lives on a lake in Ontario look no further, Heirloom Island has a massive selection of original watercolour prints featuring lakes in our region and they are absolutely beautiful. Check out her great website to find more information on products and how you can purchase.
Dedicated to bringing you the best quality chocolate and desserts possible is Ultimately Chocolate based out of Gore Bay. Only organic products are used in the creation of their chocolate including natural sugar, real butter, cream, and ingredients. No added preservatives or hydrogenated oils are used, so you can feel good knowing that you are using the purest and most delicious form of chocolate in your recipes. Products are available through their online store and at retail locations across the region. Visit ultimatelychocolate.ca to treat someone special to local Manitoulin Island chocolate this holiday season.
Designed and crafted in Little Current, Robin Burridge creates hand stamped jewelry for sale through her Etsy store and at local markets and select retail locations. Products include earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and seasonal specialities. These unique, affordable, and perfectly modest pieces of locally crafted jewelry will surely bring joy to a lucky recipient on Christmas. All information on Anchored Jewelry can be found on their Facebook page.
