As most of you may know, I moved to Calgary, Alberta in April and I always love to support local small businesses, especially at Christmas time. It is so meaningful to these small businesses when you purchase from them. It also makes for a more special and valuable Christmas gift than something you purchased from Amazon with a click of one button (in my opinion anyway!). So please, try to support at least some local businesses this year while Christmas shopping. 

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Milk Jar Candle Co.

I’ve been supporting Milk Jar Candle Co for about a year now, ever since I saw their candles in a local Calgary store. They have the most unique candle scents, which is why I initially purchased one. My personal favourites are the “Hawaii”, “Lemonade” and “Bohemia” scents. Everyone that comes over always asks me where I get my candles from, and it’s always the same answer! Another reason why I love supporting them is that each year they pick a charity they donate partial profits to. This year they are supporting G.R.I.T Calgary Society which is a non-profit that supports children with disabilities. For each product sold, $1 is donated to this non-profit. They have some great holiday candles that have come out for the holidays as well, so check them out! 

You can check them out here: milkjar.ca / @milkjarcandleco

Vana Skincare – Facial Box

This small business is super unique and I had the pleasure of trying their “Big Night In” Facial in a box. In the box, you receive everything you need to do a facial in the comfort of your own home (how cool hey?!). The five different skincare treatments within the facial reduce the appearance of inflammation, combat any signs of aging and hydrate your skin completely! Living in Calgary, we all know the struggles we face with our skin getting dried out (especially in the winter). The amount of product given in each of the five mini containers is enough to get a few facials out of it, which is so awesome! I did the facial as a little date night with Logan and we loved it (boyfriends like this stuff more than you think!). Along with the products in the box, you can scan a QR code on the box that has a video where you can follow along and do the facial with the owner of Vana. It’s definitely a unique gift that anyone would be so happy to receive! 

You can check them out here: experiencevana.com / @experiencevana

Beloved Beau Boutique

This small business is such a hidden gem here in Calgary. Beloved Beau Boutique is owned by a boss babe named Carys who sells the most amazing hand-made items through Instagram! I have a super cute doormat made by her and I couldn't be more in love with it. She takes custom designs and executes them beautifully! Although she sells cute, aesthetic doormats, she also makes a ton of other stuff like charcuterie boards, cutting boards, wall plaques, wall decor, novelty items, vinyl on to clothing, and much more! She can make you pretty much anything you're looking for, so definitely send her a DM if you're interested in a locally hand-made item; her stuff is top quality and made with love!

You can check her out here: @belovedbeau

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Floraworx Plant Shop

I discovered this cute little shop at a local night market at the end of the summer! I was on the hunt for some of the infamous pampas grass for our new house and Floraworx sold the perfect little aesthetic bundles of it. But, they also sell a lot more than just pampas grass; they sell a bunch of different plants. They sell indoor plants, outdoor plants, pots/containers for the plants, seasonal plant displays, fresh cut greens, little gifts, and much more! They even have a little store front you can visit too which is nice so you can browse if you need to! There are many, many plant lovers out there, so this is the perfect store to shop at for them!

You can check them out here: floraworx.ca / @floraworx_yyc

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Frayed Grey

This is a Calgary small business I discovered quite recently and I had to add their beautiful macrame products to my Christmas list this year! These beautiful pieces of art are one of a kind and made by the owner, Emily. Her macrame is hung on restored driftwood and adds character and charm to any room you hang them in! They range in price depending on size and style, and you can also submit custom orders if you're looking for something specific. These unique, hand-made macrame gifts are perfect for the home decor lover!

You can check them out here: frayedgrey.com / @frayed_grey

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AS Ceramics

These beautiful handmade vases are designed here in our home of Calgary with a common theme, snakes, making them a super unique addition to any home. Even though real snakes give me the goosebumps, I will admit that they look damn good on these vases! The unique vases are the perfect home for your seasonal bundle of flowers in your home. It's a great gift (especially for a reptile lover) for anyone who enjoys decorating their home with unique, hand-made art! In addition to the vases, she also makes beautiful ceramic mugs and teapots, which is also are great gift for anyone on your gift list!

You can check them out here: as-ceramics.com / @as.ceramics

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Rachel Lyon Design

This is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who may need a planner for the new year for school or work. I use my planner religiously for school and I know any student would appreciate this gift right before the New Year starts. These hand-made planners are a great gift that the person you give it you will actually use and you're supporting a local business, a win-win!

You can check them out here: rachellyondesignco.com / @rachellyondesignco

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Busy B Boutique

These scrunchies are made with love in our home city, Calgary and are the perfect stocking stuffer and gift for any woman in your life. Since we're all home a lot more (thanks Covid) us gals love to keep our hair up in a messy bun and these scrunchies make it more comfortable and stylish!

You can check them out here: etsy.com/shop/ShopBusyBBoutique / @_busybboutique

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Emme Design Co

This small business makes a variety of hand-made accessories including these super stylish face masks (and not the kind you use for skin care, thanks Covid). Since it looks like Covid-19 is going to be a real threat for a while, masks will continue to be mandatory, so it's important to have some nice looking reusable masks for when you do leave your home. These would be perfect stocking stuffers for loved ones who have been working through the pandemic and have jobs that are considered essential for the economy. You can get 15% off with the code: SHOPLOCAL

You can check them out here: myemme.ca / @emmedesignco

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Skwiik Skin Co

This skincare company is a well-known one here in Calgary and for a good reason! They sell a range of skincare products which would be the perfect gift for any beauty guru or skincare/bath lover. Instead of buying your bath bombs or skin creams from a big box retailer, try Skwiik's products, I think you'll be happily surprised how good products can be when they are hand-made with love.

You can check them out here: skwiik.ca / @skwiikskinco

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Well there you have it, my favourite small businesses from here in Calgary. Due to the Covid restrictions, our small businesses had some tough obstacles to get through. Let's support them this year while we're shopping for gifts so we can continue having them thrive here in Calgary. This is my first gift guide out of many coming out this week, so stay tuned!