This is the part of our .CA Gift guide where it’s totally cool (and encouraged) to nerd out for the people you love. So, dive in and browse a smorgasbord of proudly Canadian board games, handmade jigsaw puzzles, top-notch books, music, wall art and more!
Books, games and music
owladventures.ca
Owl Adventures hatched from the mind of Edmonton-based writer and illustrator Sarah Hudson. It’s an ongoing series of charming, quirky books chronicling the daily adventures of Owl and his best friend Penguin. Perfect for young readers, or the young-at-heart! Also check out the super-cute Owl Adventures prints, greeting cards and stickers!
compactmusic.ca
Established by two music-loving brothers in Ottawa, Compact Music has been delighting ears and putting a grove in your moves for over 40 years. Whether you're looking for a brand new album, 50's vintage, metal or musical soundtracks—they have everything for music lovers!
thespanielstale.ca
Looking for your next unique and though-provoking read? Well, shake a paw and check out the Spaniel’s Tale! It’s a queer-owned, independent bookstore that offers a curated smorgasbord of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, games, cards and other whimsical gifts.
puzzlescanada.ca
Puzzles Canada’s website proudly proclaims that they are Canada’s largest puzzle store. And we believe ‘em. There’s an astonishing amount of puzzling to be had here. You’ll find sturdy children’s jigsaw puzzles all the way to 10,000+ piece epics that will keep even the most seasoned puzzle enthusiasts occupied for days, weeks…or months!
lakehousebooks.ca
This proudly independent shop can be found in the lakeside town of Port Stanley, Ontario. They have a generous selection of the latest bestsellers, adult and kids’ fiction, as well as non-fiction titles.
happytears.ca
The holidays are all about making spirits bright—and Happy Tears is here to help. Their mission is to bring happiness and mindfulness to the masses, and they’re doing exactly that with their card games. They’re filled with conversation-provoking questions that range from fun and playful to deep and philosophical. An evening of getting to know one another is guaranteed to be had!
palmaris.ca
These lovingly-made, gorgeous, wooden jigsaw puzzles aren’t just playthings—they’re pieces of art that each tell a story. Just have a look at their “enchanted forest” or “Tofino sunset” jigsaw puzzles, and you’ll see what we mean. Now, what would really be puzzling to us is if you didn’t instantly fall in love.
nimbus.ca
Looking to get the bookworms on your list a literary treat from further east? Give Nimbus Publishing a good look. Their mission is to bring you Atlantic Canada’s best titles and authors. Browse children’s picture books, non-fiction, current events, biographies, photography collections—and more!
hachette.ca
If that special someone needs to scratch their Francophone literary itch, Hachette distributes works from more than 130 French and Quebecois publishers! Browse anything and everything from youth fiction and manga to the latest thrillers.
inkdrinkersbooktique.ca
This isn’t your run-of-the mill second-hand book shop. Hardly. Ink Drinkers Booktique founders (and best friends) Candice and Kristen painstakingly hand-select and curate every gently-loved selection they carry. Sift through their generous online catalogue and treat your fellow bookworms to a new buzzworthy read!
victoriagoddard.ca
Feeling Game of Thrones withdrawal? Dive into the rich, fantasy universe of the Nine Worlds! Canadian novelist Victoria Goddard’s works bring together a cast of memorable characters and layered plots. What’s more, her books can be tackled as a continuous series or standalone stories. The way you tackle the entire Nine Worlds journey is up to you.
typebooks.ca
A Toronto-based,independent bookstore, TYPE Books, offers gifts, puzzles and a thoughtfully chosen book selection that’ll tickle the fancy of serious literary types and casual readers alike. For the more adventurous: fill out a questionnaire and let the Type Books staff fill a “mystery bag” of literary goodness based on you (or your special someone’s) tastes.
secondhandstories.ca
Every single book at Secondhand Stories is generously donated by Ottawa-based community members and sold for $5. And the best part? 100% of the proceeds go towards The Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue, which helps horses and farm animals that have suffered neglect or abuse. This, friends, is a fantastic way to buy for the bookworm on your list AND save animals at the same time.
basecampcards.ca
It’s pretty much a scientific fact: people come together over card games. With that in mind, Basecamp Cards has come up with “conversational card decks.” They contain simple questions, like, “What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun,” designed to kickstart storytelling and open communication. Break out a deck of these cards with your closest friends—and let the quirky conversation flow!
kopsrecords.ca
When it comes to vinyl records, Kops Records has been a Toronto institution since they first set up shop in 1976. Whether you’re sifting through their bins in store—or browsing online, Kops boasts over 40,000 new and used titles. Expect to find anything from today’s pop chart toppers, to punk, soul and international tracks.
Gadgets and tech
journeyofficial.ca
Elevate your special someone’s humble home office workspace with slick, space-saving charging stations, luxurious, wireless charging desk mats and full-grain, leather-wrapped cases for iPhones and AirPods.
te-koop.ca
We all have that person that can’t get their tech sorted to save their lives. So, give ‘em a reason to wrap those charging cables! Te-Koop supplies plenty of attractive tech organization solutions—including desk organizers, compact travel kits, caddies and laptop sleeves to help keep all the e-clutter and chaos in check.
soundsgood.ca
Treating your ears right shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Quebec-based Sounds Good creates wireless ear buds that bring the perfect balance of sound quality and affordability—along with other nice features, like noise cancellation. Perfect for the office, gym or avoiding human contact after too many holiday gatherings.
gowood.ca
Break out of plasticky purgatory. Make a fashion-forward, eco-conscious statement with meticulously crafted wooden accessories from GOWOOD. Check out their collections of wood-frame sunglasses and watches—they’re lightweight, comfortable and feature gorgeous woodgrain patterns.
pelacase.ca
The worst thing about most phone cases? They’re made from cheap, polluting plastics. So, now, the people behind Pela are on a mission to prevent one billion pounds of waste with their lineup of plant-based plastic cases. Available in a whole range of styles from sensible to downright eccentric, Pela’s cases offer looks, durability and eco-consciousness for the smartphone-toting special someone.
kasemedesign.ca
You can tell a lot about a person just by their choice in phone case. Are they care-free bon vivants? Deep-thinking dreamers? Rugged realists? Kase Me cases are all about making a bold statement by transforming your humble smartphone into a piece of individual art. Pick from a massive selection of bold, beautiful designs, or create your own custom case using a favourite photo.
frontandcompany.ca
Front and Company, a long-time Vancouver-based supplier of consignment clothing and gifts, has your stocking stuffing needs covered. Choose from a host of cool and unique tech gifts that will satisfy every whim. You'll find everything from stylish phone cases and lights for live streams to massage guns and disco lights for iPhone! After all why not?
Arts and Crafts
ariverofyarn.ca
We can safely say that Peterborough, Ontario’s a River of Yarn will leave you in stiches - quite literally. Browse luxury yarns, tools, accessories and patterns guaranteed to fill your creative crocheting and knitting cup!
paste-n-paper.ca
Journaling is one of the most powerful—and intensely personal—experiences around. So, why keep a catalogue of your innermost thoughts and experiences in some notebook you bought at the corner store? Go instead with a completely custom-made and hand-bound journal from Paste-n-Paper. Your writerly soul will thank us later!
nest-embirdery.ca
The old-school art of embroidery is making a big comeback. And Nest Embirdery has your beginner embroiderer needs covered! They offer a series of kits containing all your essential supplies and instructions so you can create detailed patterns that would make your great grandmother nod solemnly in approval.
colinwhite.ca
Artist and illustrator Colin White creates cartoony, colourful sketches of Ottawa, Gatineau and Toronto’s most distinctive, old-school storefronts, theatres, restaurants, convenience stores, bars—and more. Pick up a print for the proudest Ottawans or Torontonians on your holiday shopping list!
artterra.ca
Artterra is home to a massive selection of modern, contemporary and Indigenous art that’s been curated by interior design professionals. So, you can select a unique piece from an up-and-coming Canadian artist that’ll dazzle AND match your special someone’s style and space.
foonie.ca
Founded by Japanese-Canadian artist Saya Oiwa, Foonie produces whimsical, warm greeting cards, art prints and tote bags inspired by the wonders of nature and the simple-but-beautiful things in life. A brilliant way to share pure cuteness in card form with anyone on your gift-giving list!
thescrapbookshop.ca
Have a serious scrapbooker in your life? Spoil them with all the supplies they’ll ever need to fully unleash their creativity! The Scrapbook Shop—based in Listowel, Ontario—is a true papercraft paradise, carrying everything from binders, stencils and paper to intricate die-cut decorations and foil sheets.
fifteen.ca
Want to give your favourite art aficionado something a little more—ahem—“off-the-wall?” Raymond Biesinger, a Montreal-based artist and illustrator, brings his bold, eccentric charm to every print—whether he’s celebrating music history (and venues), lost buildings or road-trippy welcome signs from each province.
inkwellboutique.ca
Inkwell Boutique is a charming east-coast Canadian treasure trove of unique and quirky gifts, perfect for spreading joy and cheer. This boutique is a haven for those seeking delightful and one-of-a-kind treasures, from whimsical stationery to artsy home decor.
theknittingloft.ca
We’ve found knitting Nirvana. And it’s at the Knitting Loft in Toronto, Ontario. Treat the hardcore yarn lovers in your life to high-quality knitting supplies, accessories and so much more! The Knitting Loft specializes in offering a unique selection of natural fibre, indie-dyed and rustic yarns. So, you’ll score points for originality with every stitch!
dulynoted.ca
This charming, Halifax-based boutique offers a curated collection of lively, bright and cheeky greeting cards, stationary, pens and cute knick-knacks for any living space. An excellent source of stocking stuffers for the people on your list who still indulge in the art of putting pen to paper.
galeriegoart.ca
Galerie Go Art’s raison d’etre, if you will, is to offer up distinctive, affordable artwork while supporting and amplifying the work of local mid-career and female artists. Browse through a stunning selection of sculpture, watercolour works, abstract prints and more.
sadieandjune.ca
Everyone has a special place they call home, where they first fell in love, or even had a memorable adventure. Sadie and June offer a collection of simple but striking hand-stitched red hearts on vintage maps. They’re a powerful, personalized way to celebrate the places and people you hold dear.
quills.ca
Have someone in mind with a deep love for all things calligraphy? Hamilton, Ontario-based Quills offers a whole range of calligraphy supplies—including inks, nibs, quills and stationery—as well as handcrafted prints and gifts. For the people on your list looking to dip a toe (or quill) into the art of calligraphy, there’s even in-person and digital workshops to explore.
madeinabarn.ca
Started in a 100-year-old barn with a saw and a stack of wood, Made in a Barn is a family-run business that creates eye-catching, wood-carved décor and luxurious charcuterie boards that are stylish and rustic all at once.
fireart.ca
Ignite the fire and passion in your special someone’s art collection! Fire Art is the brainchild of artist Shauna Liora, whose travels to the Arctic Circle inspired her to combine ink and fire—yes, actual fire—on ceramic tile to create vibrant, immersive wilderness scenes. Check out her collection of prints and original works for the person on your list who craves something unique!
northernworkshop.ca
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Workshop creates artisan crafts and accessories with wood sourced from local lumber yards. Everything they produce is made to order—so whether you’re looking for some gorgeous hand-carved décor for the living room, or a cutting board for the kitchen—every single piece is completely unique.
artwrk.ca
Want to grab a completely unique piece for that special someone? The people behind ARTWRK give talented artists a place to present their artwork online, where it can be purchased and shipped directly from the artist to you! Be sure to check out ARTWRK’s curated Holiday Gift Guide selection of their favourite pieces.
