small business holiday gift guide cover

QuickBooks Holiday Gift Guide

Intuit QuickBooks is committed to the success of every entrepreneur and we understand how critical the holiday sales cycle can be to that success. This, and every year, we want to help Canadian small businesses unwrap holiday success during their most important season.

You can extend support by shopping local this holiday season, and, to help with that, we’ve curated a list of local gifts from small businesses in our community. 

From delicious treats to aromatic scents and toys for kids - there is something for everyone in the QuickBooks Small Business Holiday Gift Guide.


Gifts for Her/Him/They

Gifts for Self-Care

Gifts for Kids

Gifts for Flavour Lovers

Gifts for Her/Him/They

If you're looking for something for someone who likes a little bit of everything, check out these small businesses.

Julie Sinden Handmade

Julie is an award winning textile artist originally from the quiet shores of Lake Erie who is proud to be celebrating 10 years of making her living making things. Using merino wool, which is soft and luxurious, these never scratchy products are handmade with care in Toronto by Julie and her fabulous team. Perfect for the upcoming winter, get Julie Sinden Handmade’s Slipper Socks!

Instagram: @theloveofcolour

Flowerink

Flowerink creates greeting cards and paper goods embedded with wildflower seeds and herbs to promote stationery items that are environmentally friendly. Always illustrated and printed in Montreal, art is important to Flowerink, but they do feel like it’s magic when art meets environment. The 2023 holiday collection is all about one thing: the wonders of winter! Send a different kind of greeting card to the green thumbs in your life this season.

Instagram: @flowerink.stationery

Kind Karma

Kind Karma spreads goodness by employing at-risk and homeless youth in Toronto to handcraft quality jewelry in an innovative art therapy-based employment model. By employing marginalized youth to make beautiful jewelry, all Kind Karma pieces have a positive impact not only in our community but throughout the world of fashion. Carrying unique symbolism and energy with each number, these Angel Number Necklaces are believed to hold special messages from the universe or “angels” so whether it’s a message you’ve noticed in the numbers around you or an intention you're manifesting, this necklace is a great gift to yourself or a loved one.

Instagram: @kindkarmaco

PleaseNotes

PleaseNotes is a line of affirmation-filled workshops and goods created to help you become your favourite version of you. The product line includes Guided Journals, Manifestation Planners, Affirmation Cards, and other positive gifts. The PleaseNotes Guided Clarity Journal is built for those seeking clarity in their career, relationship, or personal growth. With its intuitive prompts and thought-provoking exercises, it helps you jump into your next phase of life with confidence and clear focus.

Instagram: @pleasenotesgoods


Friday Sock Co.

Friday Sock Co. makes purposely mismatched socks! Designed in Canada and ethically made in Italy with OEKO-TEX Certified Egyptian Combed Cotton, Friday's mission is to make fun socks in a responsible way while giving back to the community. If you're looking for cheeky gifts to make your loved ones smile this year, their socks are a perfect option! New for this year, Friday Sock Co. has released all new Ugly Christmas Socks, cozy Merino Wool Socks, and lots of super cute Cat & Dog Socks, to name a few things!

Instagram: @fridaysockco


Peace Collective

Everything Peace Collective does stems from their passion to make giving back easy and accessible. They’re not only committed to establishing a sustainable future in the fashion industry, but supporting mental health awareness. Every Peace Collective garment sold gives back to the communities that need it most.

Instagram: @peacecollective

KayTran Eyewear

At KayTran Eyewear, they believe in moving freely. Founded by Kathy Tran-Riese, this Canadian eyewear company is all about inclusive fit. Their specialty is Low Bridge Fit eyewear that is designed for a slip-proof and smile-worthy fit. Handcrafted with high-grade materials, their glasses are built to last and elevate any look. Whether you're looking for a classic frame or something more daring, KayTran has got you covered. Check out their new arrivals for the perfect holiday gift that will keep on giving.

Instagram: @kaytran_eyewear

Origami Customs

Origami Customs is a customized and handmade line of swimwear, lingerie, and more for folks of all genders. They specialize in gender-affirming products and their goal is to construct clothing that makes it easier for people to be in the world and they actively produce fashion technology that supports the transgender and queer community (and anyone else who wants to feel good in their body!) Treat them to an Origami Customs gift card since each item is individually patterned for a perfect, customized fit.

Instagram: @origamicustoms 


Cambio & Co.

Cambio & Co. is a Filipino jewelry company for pieces designed and handcrafted in the Philippines. They create sustainable livelihood for artisans, while empowering the Filipino diaspora to #WearYourHeritage and celebrate our roots, everyday without apology. This holiday season they’ll be offering a limited edition drop of the Parol Capiz Shell Earrings, which sold out within 15 minutes on Instagram during its launch! Handcrafted by traditional artisans in the Philippines using iconic materials like South Sea pearls and lightweight capiz shells, don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Instagram: @cambio_co


The Paperhood

The Paperhood is a Toronto-based paper goods brand founded by Malika Pannek and Tomas Urbina. The Paperhood brings together Malika's love for all things paper and her goal of finding a more creative way to bring her illustrations to life. This holiday season, take a trip across Canada with The Paperhood's 2024 Soul of the City calendar, featuring paintings of historic and cultural landmarks that make our cities great. Also check out The Toronto Heritage Set, The Paperhood's latest boxed set of popular Toronto-themed holiday cards.

Instagram: @the.paperhood


MINI TIPI

MINI TIPI is a Canadian brand that produces and operates locally in Gatineau, Québec. It collaborates with Indigenous artists to create exclusive designs, addressing the lack of authentic Indigenous textiles. MINI TIPI celebrates Indigenous arts and cultures, offering individuals the chance to purchase products while appreciating cultural diversity with confidence. Their blankets are soft and luxurious, and the Ceremony Reversible Blanket by Morningstar is no different. Made from their wool blend fabric and lined with cozy sherpa, Nibi Mittens are another ideal winter accessory.

Instagram: @MINI.TIPI

Bota Undergarments

The market is full of underwear made from synthetic materials that are an environmental nightmare and just don't breathe. That's why Rayna Larson and Grace Coulas created Bota Undergarments: to give women better underwear, that's designed with their bodies in mind. All Bota garments are sustainably made from GOTS-certified organic cotton so they are non-toxic, ultra-soft, and highly breathable making them perfect for everyday wear. Bota is also size inclusive across sizes XS-4X so all women can find their perfect fit and feel their best!

Instagram: @botaundergarments

Happiness Is Inc.

At the age of 95, with wisdom, reflection and passion, Gordon Carton founded Happiness Is Inc. as a way to inspire us to find our happiness within. Now, Gordon’s legacy lives on with his granddaughter, founding partner and Chief Happiness Officer Andrea Armstrong. Share their passion and give a gift of happiness with a personalized present that will make them smile. Made in Canada, their super-soft clothing inspires happiness, gratitude and connection.

Instagram: @happinessisinc

Gifts for Self-Care

Everyone deserves a self-care day, especially during one of the most hectic times of the year. Give the gift of self-care this holiday season from these Canadian small businesses.

Buck Naked Soap Company

Buck Naked Soap Company is a full line of all-natural, vegan, handcrafted skin care essentials. Committed to being chemical-free, using only pure, natural and sustainable ingredients – they are on a mission to buck convention in creating a more just, equitable, and healthy existence that starts with self-care. Try the Vanilla Chai bundle for the holidays - it’s sweet, spicy, and steeped in tradition.

Instagram: @bucknakedsoapcompany

Matter Company

Denise Williams founded Matter Company, a holistic range of all-natural skincare products, after pursuing environmental studies and turning her attention to the traditional practices of Herbalism. Armed with knowledge about plants and their medicinal properties, Williams began creating solution based skincare products that were not then available on the market and are good for the body – both inside and out. This Heat Rub soothes and revitalizes tired muscles and more - great for athletes, hikers, and anyone who likes it hot!

Instagram: @mattercompany


Sade Baron

Sade Baron was created by mother and daughter duo, Sade and Rachel, with one simple goal in mind: to create high-quality vegan body products packed with nutrient-rich superfoods that are good for both your skin and our planet. The All Moi Multipurpose body balm is designed for eczema, contact dermatitis, dry or chapped skin, and helps prevent roughness while replenishing moisture - great for anyone who has dry areas on the body, fingers, face and more.

Instagram: @sadebaron

Sara's Soaps and Candles

Sara has been running her own handmade business, Sara’s Soaps and Candles, since 2016 when she started making novelty soaps for friends as gifts. Each and every candle is hand-poured, made with love, 100% soy wax, and richly scented with high-quality fragrance oils. The Earl Grey candle will add a sense of elegance to any space and envelop it in the classy scent of sweet bergamot.

Instagram: @stop.and.smell.the.candles



The Sea Moss Guy

The Sea Moss Guy Inc. is a small, black-owned business, co-founded by Dezie and Clinton, Created to help educate others on the health benefits of Sea Moss, they’re also providing their community with accessible and affordable options to live a healthy lifestyle. Sea Moss is a nutrient-dense algae that can be added to smoothies, protein shakes, teas, and more – it also makes a great face mask and hydrating hair mask. Give the gift(card) of health this season and let your giftee choose the best Sea Moss product for them.

Instagram: @theseamossguy


Yukon Soap Company

Award-winning and Indigenous-owned, The Yukon Soaps Company makes all their soaps by hand, from scratch, and in small batches to ensure the best quality. Yukon forests are full of medicine and teachings and a good walk in the bush (like this essential oil) can help provide peace of mind, connection to the land, and endless learning. The Grandmother Line of Soaps are made with high-quality shea butter and coconut oil. The plants included in each soap bar are harvested in the Yukon boreal forest, and each soap name translates to 'grandmother' in all eight Yukon Indigenous languages.

Instagram: @yukonsoapscompany

Rally and Roots

From small Etsy store to full-on mobile plant shop, Rally and Roots has been a long time dream come true for Kate. After selling hand painted and hand stamped planters online for years, she and her partner have been able to make their vision of growing the business into a mobile plant shop come to life. Pick out the perfect planter phrase or have one custom made!

Instagram: @rallyandroots


Bubbles & Balms

Bubbles & Balms makes the best-smelling bath, body, and personal care products for dry/sensitive skin. Due to eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and chronic dry skin in their family, the couple exclusively make oil-based products that avoid the preservatives and fast evaporation of water-based creams and lotions. Gift up to 15 bubble bath sessions with the Bubble Bath Therapy for Dry Skin - a bubble bath, cleanser, and moisturizer routine that makes dryness & itch a part of your past.

Instagram: @bubblesandbalms.ca

Salt Spring Island Candle Co.

Salt Spring Island Candle Co. was born from a desire to make clean-burning plant based candles while utilizing the best aromatherapy oils to create truly unique scents inspired by Canada's West Coast. Many people want the experience of a walk in the Canadian West Coast woods but are sensitive to scent: Salt Spring Island’s commitment to using only 100% essential oils brings the true arboreal aromas to folks who want an authentic experience.

Instagram: @ssicandles


Wild Prairie Soap Company

Wild Prairie Soap Company Inc. creates body care products that make skin wildly happy, using high-quality, plant-based ingredients. After seeking natural solutions for resolving her children’s dry and sensitive skin, Tanya Zurock developed a deep passion for the artful craft known as cold-process soapmaking and started Wild Prairie Soap Company. This year, their Wintervention Skincare Collection is the ultimate remedy for the seasonal skin blues, packed with skin-loving ingredients to cleanse, nourish, and protect your skin through the cold months. The balanced blend of floral lavender and sweet vanilla provides a deep level of comfort each time you experience a product from this collection.

Instagram: @wildprairiesoap

Skwálwen Botanicals

Sḵwálwen Botanicals is an Indigenous skincare brand that honours cultural knowledge, Indigenous plant science and self care. Founded by ethnobotanist Leigh Joseph of Squamish First Nation, Sḵwálwen (skwall - win) provides gentle and effective skincare and wellness products that draw from the ceremonial aspects of plants. Give the gift of deep relaxation, rejuvenation and healing from the Calming Set, which features the Kalkáy Wild Rose Yarrow Bath Salts, Shkweń Rainforest Bath & Body Oil and Kalkáy Wild Rose & Yarrow Salve. As for muscle tension, check out PÁ7PAWTN (pa-pow-tin), a powerful muscle salve made with oils of nettle, arnica and peppermint.

Instagram: @skwalwenbotanicals



Green & Frugal

Green & Frugal is a natural and organic skincare company that was born out of a passion for sustainable and ethical practices. The company offers handcrafted products made with top-quality ingredients that are sustainably grown and organic whenever possible, and also incorporates zero-waste initiatives at their Toronto store. Their natural Muscle & Joint Rub contains a blend of pure essential oils that are high in anti-inflammatory properties and menthol crystals to give a cooling and heating sensation to relieve pain instantly.

Instagram: @greenandfrugal


Gifts for Kids

Find the perfect gift for the children in your life. Whether they are a mini-entrepreneur or a child-at-heart these gifts are great for those who like to explore and look fashionable at the same time.

petit apprenti

petit apprenti works to design and manufacture unique, attractive and high quality products for parents and children. Entirely designed and manufactured in Canada, their multifunctional learning towers are inspired by the principles of Montessori education and positive parenting. They allow little learners to discover the world from a new perspective, without compromising their safety or the design of your kitchen. petit apprenti believes that the best way to teach the humans of tomorrow is to include them in everyday tasks.

Instagram: @petitapprenti 


Kol Kid

Kol Kid takes pride in being able to offer a well curated selection of brands from around the world. Kol Kid's primary focus has always been to provide an offering of toys that seek to enhance and encourage open ended play and nurture a child's imagination. Djeco Colour Assemble Play creative kits come with a variety of cardboard pieces to colour in and assemble to create a magical world of enchanting scenes offering hours of creativity and entertainment.

Instagram: @kol_kid

fairechild

fairechild is a sustainable fashion brand that offers quality outerwear for today’s families with future generations in mind. As champions of the circular economy, they believe in thoughtful design, transparency and responsible manufacturing. Inspired by traditional fisherman’s pants, the Dungarees are adorable with details like the storm flap front pocket – add warm underlayers and these waterproof pants can be worn year-round.

Instagram: @fairechild


XXL & Co. LTD

Born out of a love for scrunchies and art, XXL & CO LTD is a clothing brand and home of the TikTok-viral XXL Scrunchie. Art is a main focus for XXL & CO, every aspect of their product down to the paper tags serve as a canvas for artistic expression. For astrology lovers, try the XXL Scrunchie Zodiac line and pick out your giftee's sun, moon and rising to create a beautiful, personalized set.

Instagram: @xxl.scrunchie


Gifts for Flavour Lovers

These are the perfect picks for all the foodies in your life. From gourmet chocolates to the flavour-packed pickles and chutney, these gifts are thoughtful and delicious.

La boîte à bonbons

Sweeten up someone’s holiday with La boîte à bonbons! Created by two friends who are passionate about candy, La boîte à bonbons delivers delicious, fresh candies to your door on a monthly basis. La boîte à bonbons develops monthly menus for all candy lovers to help them discover or re-discovers favourites. This holiday season, discover new candies daily with their advent calendar.

Instagram: @laboiteabonbons

Mojo Jojo Pickles

Mojo Jojo Pickles is a fresh twist on traditional canned goods with an urban flair. Mojo Jojo Pickles was started in 2011 by Johwanna "Jojo" Alleyne, who, after having lived through the digital age of photography, enjoyed using her creativity to make and share real things. Mojo Jojo Pickles makes many creative acidified and spirited-preserved foods from pickles to condiments, beverage syrups, and shrubs. Get their most popular relishes and chutneys this holiday season, perfect for dipping, spreading or serving with a fine cheese - ham and turkey sandwiches will thank you too!

Instagram: @mojojojopickles

La Finca

Opened in 2016 under the name of La Finca café & bureau, it was reinvented in the midst of a pandemic and became La Finca café & local market. Through this transformation, there is one thing that will never change: La Finca is first and foremost human beings with a passion for coffee! For holidays this year, get them the perfect trio which features homemade granola, delicious Costa Rican coffee and a 100% organic Montreal-made tote bag!

Instagram: @lafincamtl


Laura Slack Chocolate Artist

Laura Slack is a Toronto based artisan chocolatier and pastry chef. An avid baker since childhood, Laura honed her passion through a combination of formal education and practical work experience. A holiday favourite -  Drink of the Gods is made from Laura’s unique blend of specially selected milk and dark chocolates. Created to deliver the ultimate drinking chocolate experience, it promises a taste of the divine with every sip.

Instagram: @lauraslackchocolate


Wabanaki Maple

Wabanaki Maple is 100% Indigenous female-owned and has created a an Elderberry Infused Maple Syrup that is an exceptional blend of traditional flavours with natural goodness. The history of elderberry and Indigenous People are intertwined, with communities around the world having long recognized and utilized the medicinal, cultural, and spiritual significance of this versatile fruit. Wabanaki maple syrup is a taste of the land's cultural fabric.

Instagram: @wabanakimaple


Courage Cookies

After making more cookies than they could ever safely consume during the pandemic, Chelsea and Ian came to the realization that this surplus of tasty treats needed to be shared. As demand rose, they felt compelled to give back to the community and set a donation goal which they have now surpassed as they continue to donate 5% of their overall revenue to charity each month. Treat your loved ones this holiday to cookies that taste good and feel good.

Instagram: @couragecookies.to

Zero Waste MVMT

Zero Waste MVMT is an earth-first brand on a mission to create a waste-free future and help you live more sustainably with plastic-free reusables and natural, earth-friendly products. Not only are their products eco-friendly and plastic-free, they are also sustainably sourced, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, all-natural and free from toxic ingredients. Any flavour lover is going to have a lot of cleaning up to do, this Kitchen Essentials Bundle will help with that, and help reduce kitchen waste overall. For the hair enthusiast, their concentrated, zero waste shampoo bars provide a rich lather that moisturizes and nourishes your hair and scalp.

Instagram: @zerowastemvmt


Outer Layer

Outer Layer has been helping shoppers on Toronto’s Queen Street West find the perfect gift or card since 2002. Now online too, they add new products to the store daily and you’re sure to find something kitchen-perfect for the flavour lover in your life like this fun holiday cat spoon rest.

Instagram: @outerlayer

Monogram Coffee

Located in Calgary, Alberta, Monogram Coffee grew from a coffee cart to multiple cafes by serving coffee that sparks your imagination and brings people together. At Monogram, coffee represents an incredible opportunity to positively change people’s lives through meaningful connection and generous service. So, when looking for a gift for the coffee lover in your life, a pre-paid subscription to Monogram Coffee makes a delicious and thoughtful gift. Or try gifting a bag of their warmth filter blend that's been crafted for comfort. This smooth blend is rich in flavour and low in acidity - perfect for everyday sipping. 

Instagram: @monogramco


Honest Dumplings

Founded by wife and husband team Ray Ma and Chris Lerohl, Honest Dumplings started with Ray's passion for food and creativity and Chris's passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Both of them are disruptors of the status quo, which led them to build and grow an artisanal food company that aims to reinvent grocery. In 2018, they also merged their company with South Island Pie and co-founded Uproot Food Collective. Indulge in the warm and festive flavours of the season with South Island Pie's Roast Turkey Pie and Honest Dumplings, crafted with care and filled with a medley of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From savoury classics like their mouthwatering Ginger Beef dumplings to inventive and vegan Truffle Oil Mushrooms, there's a dumpling for everyone on your gift list including gluten free options.

Instagram: @honestdumplings @southislandpie @uprootfoodcollective


Caramunchies

Caramunchies are made for gatherings and treating yourself - founder Alysia Lok grew up in a big family that loves to cook, so with a background in nutrition and food science from the University of Alberta and endless curiosity for experimenting with new flavours, Caramunchies was born. She pairs creamy caramel with crispy cornflakes to make a deliciously addictive cluster with pockets of soft caramel and the most satisfying crunch – try the original Salted Caramel flavour or pick up a limited edition Gingerbread Caramunchies which features festively spice gingerbread caramel that instantly reminds us of the holidays.

Instagram: @caramunchies 



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