A few of our favourite small shops
This year, we put a list of our favourite small shops together to share with our audience. We have built friendships & relationships with most of these incredible owners and many of these products are all staples in our own household. Given the events of 2020 and the interest expressed in shopping locally (and small) this holiday season, we've created this list for those who would like to browse some wonderful Canadian-run small shops, all in one place. Enjoy!
Jones Baby
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING
Jones Baby makes comfortable and long-lasting clothing for children and babies. Their rompers are a top seller and their items last forever! My kids have been able to wear their pieces for 6-12 months. Their line continues to expand (and their family will be soon, too!)
Heyfolks
FOOTWEAR
Also in the Lower Mainland, Heyfolks is a family-owned shop specializing in shoes for all ages of the family. Each design is carefully designed and considered for the recipient. Their warm shoes are a winter essential for our baby and our daughter loves the voyageurs for easy on/off and comfort. We likely have over 20 pairs in our current collection, that's how much we love them!
Hallington
CHILDREN'S ESSENTIALS
This is a brand new shop based in the Lower Mainland as well, owned by a sweet mom of two littles. She has you covered with several options for baby essentials, like official BIBS soothers, collapsible silicone snack cups, and silicone bibs all in the dreamiest colour palette!
Millie's Little Closet
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING & MORE
MLC is actually one of our retailers, but she carries so many beautiful products and we often find ourselves browsing her shop. Based in Alberta, she has a heart of gold and pours every ounce of her efforts directly into her family and community. Plus, she has stellar taste for the most beautiful children's clothing and items!
Parade Organics
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING & MORE
My daughter received some rompers from Parade on her first birthday and I fell in love! Their prints are beautiful, they are one of the most durable products I've ever used (they've held up perfectly after being used by three children), and I swear they fit each kid forever! Their price point is great and they have many neutral (but still colourful) options so they're a great option for gifts.
Monkeyfly Memories
DOOR MATS / HANDMADE KEEPSAKES
Run by a local mama, this shop has the most hilarious keepsake items. I rotate several of the highly-relatable door mats each year, and when I gave one to my mom as a Christmas gift last year she was thrilled (and claimed it was her favourite gift)! These door mats make great introductions for any visitors.
Só Luxury
BATH & BODY
I discovered Só Luxury at a market a few years ago and I can say they truly have spectacular body products. All of my family members have received either the Magnesium spray or Coco Oat soak in their stockings (and likely will again this year!!). This is my go-to bath product; the water beads off my skin and leaves it deeply moisturized without the need for any other products. Plus, the ingredients are all clean and allergen-free.
Mint & Birch
PERSONALIZED JEWELRY
This shop, run by a mama of five, makes an exceptional sentimental gift. Jessica does personalized necklaces cut from ethically sourced metals and is a huge advocate for mental health. I proudly wear a bar with my kids' and husband's name etched on each side and it's the only necklace I will wear. I've had countless friends and family ask for Jessica's info because after seeing the stunning craftsmanship they, too, want a necklace that they can cherish forever.
Love, Mom
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING
These beautiful locally made organic & sustainable children's clothes last forever! My favourite item from this shop is their grow-with-me pants. Both of my kids get at least 6 -12 months of wear from each item so they're a longevity staple piece. The owner, a mama of four, is one of the warmest humans I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She really takes care of everyone around her and in addition to running Love, Mom, she also runs a tropical plant company (Zen Tropicals can be found here)
Munchie Mug
SNACK CUPS
I also discovered this fellow vendor (and super sweet mom!) at a local market. Every family needs several of these brilliantly-designed snack cups. They have a fabric cover that prevents crumbs from escaping and the lid is removable for easy cleaning. They are spill-proof and keep my kids entertained and fed on the go!
Blume
SUPERFOOD BLENDS
I discovered this company at one of our retailers (awesome little shop to check out too - The Local Space!!) and wish I had found them sooner. These products are blends with healthy ingredients and are the perfect replacement for not-so-healthy indulgences! They have a great range of flavours, from pumpkin spice, to matcha, to hot chocolate and can be used in smoothies, lattes, baking, soups and oatmeal. Their pumpkin spice mix has become a nightly & soothing ritual and it's a pleasant beverage that I actually feel good about drinking knowing it's doing my body good.
Milkin' More
LACTATION PRODUCTS / SNACKS
I had been eyeing these since seeing them on a few other blogs and finally got the chance to enjoy them. Their lactation products (cookies, mixes & snacks) all contain ingredients to naturally boost the body's milk production. They are the perfect gift for a new or expectant mama, or if you are still on your breastfeeding journey they're a great gift to yourself!
Jax & Lennon
CLOTHING
This well-known company designs gorgeous staples for all ages. Their beautiful prints are timeless and their items are sustainable, ethical and natural. A large portion of my children's wardrobes are Jax & Lennon and the fabrics are nothing short of dreamy, both in feel and design.
Evergreen Baby
BABY BEDDING / NURSERY ACCESSORIES
I met this mama at one of our markets; we were beside each other in booths and have maintained a friendship ever since! She is a wonderful person who cares deeply about her community, fellow small shops and family. Her products are beautifully hand-made and consist of nests, blankets, crib sheets and more for your baby's nursery. She recently introduced masks into her collection in the most beautiful prints - they would make a fabulous stocking stuffer!
Ready Set Romper
BAMBOO ROMPERS
These rompers are a smart design with a unique pocket to allow for easy diaper changes. We're big on diaper changing access and she has nailed it with her clever design! Her prints are so fun and she always has several fun & vibrant options available at a very affordable price point.
Bambi & Birdie
SLEEPWEAR
I was given some sleepers at my baby shower before my daughter was born and I distinctly recall my jaw hitting the floor as I opened up the gift. I fell in love with this sleepwear immediately - hand painted prints in ultra soft & stretchy fabric. Both of my kids have lived in these comfortable PJ's and I now live in my collection of women's rompers & sleep dresses.
Social Latch & Co
NURSING FRIENDLY CLOTHING
Jenna is a long-time friend of mine and I adore her carefully-curated collection of nursing-friendly items! Clothing that provides breastfeeding access is hard to come by, but she has done the research for us and has found some really awesome staple items. If a nursing mom is on your Christmas list, anything from this shop would be a super useful option.
Life in Colour
TIE DIE CLOTHING
These beautifully tie-dyed garments are done by hand and 10% of sales is donated back to mental health! The owner of this shop is a psychiatric nurse and is also a local mom of two.
Etty + Roll
ON THE GO WITH BABY
Etty + Roll is company that focuses on life on the go with a baby - diaper change pads, diaper clutches, nursing covers, etc. She is basically a professional mother with four of her own, so she knows what's required when raising little ones!
Tender Heart Co.
TIE DIE CLOTHING / ACCESSORIES
Tender Heart specializes in hand dyed pieces and their collection includes clothing, sneakers, masks, scrunchies and more. Their sneakers are the most comfortable things I've ever put on my feet; they're like walking on a cloud! Amanda, the owner of this shop, is passionate about giving back - she lovingly donates a portion of her profits to organizations supporting women and children worldwide.
Modern Imagination Toys
HANDMADE WOODEN TOYS
This company was founded by a family from Squamish, BC. They use Montessori and Waldorf philosophies in the design of their toys to help childrens' imaginations grow and thrive. As soon as their shop was shared with me, I was instantly in awe of how beautiful and creative their products are.
In A Box
KEEPSAKE STORAGE BOXES
This is the original storage box shop! Jen has done an incredible job of personalizing keepsake boxes for any needs - home / school / business / you name it! Complete with a name decal and detailed folders for each necessary stage, these boxes are fundamental in keeping organized. When she does her monthly drop, you have approximately 3.5 minutes to score one before they all sell out - they sell like hotcakes!
Haven Kids Clothing
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING
Haven is a playful collection of kid's clothing with a focus on eco-friendly, comfortable and ethically made products. The attention to detail on these pieces is top-notch - they are beautifully crafted and locally made. We love the pieces we own and they are superbly durable, high quality pieces.