With the weather cooling down and record-breaking shipping delays expected due to the pandemic, it’s time to start your holiday shopping and to put together your wish lists.

But just hang on before you go on an Amazon spree… This isn’t the time to further support billionaires. No matter what you’re looking for, chances are there is a local or more sustainable option than hitting up the mall.

Why support local? Small local businesses are the heart of your community. Supporting them means you’re literally supporting hardworking entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and their dreams & passions. And let’s be honest, you’re helping them survive after the year they’ve all had. Plus, most have local delivery and pick-up options which reduce your gift’s carbon footprint and the postage industry’s parcel volumes.

Apparel & Accessories

1. Anne Mulaire

Ethically-made in Winnipeg garments with sustainable fabrics, this Métis-owned fashion label is a leader in sustainable fashion. I own their bamboo neck warmer & headband and LOVE how soft, warm, and cute they look!

2. Azura Bay

This online shop based out of Winnipeg curates ethical lingerie & *DRUMROLL* ethically-made Christmas pyjamas!

My favourite product of theirs: Wama hemp undies.

3. Beithe Clothing

Natural fiber women’s clothing ethically-made in Winnipeg. My olive dress in the photo above and the majority of the cute masks I’ve been wearing also come from here.

4. Conscious Step

This is one of only two non-local businesses on this list, because I know gifting socks over the holidays is common, and I wanted to find you a sustainable alternative to fast fashion socks. These ones are ethically made in Australia, and each pair supports a special environmental or social cause! So nice to be able to gift “socks that plant trees” or “socks that fight for equality”.🖤

5. Jillian Leigh Jewelry

I mean, have you SEEN their handmade-in-Winnipeg pretties? Minimalist, versatile, 14K gold-filled, and supporting two of the sweetest women. You really can’t go wrong when gifting one of their pieces, but remember to opt for a gift card if you’re unable to choose so that your person can get their very favourite piece. ☺️ Use code CHANELLE at checkout for 15% off.

6. Prana Vida Style

If you know, you know. ;) Their ethically-made leggings & bras are a dream. Move away from supporting activewear corporations & choose to support slow fashion instead! You can get a $15 off coupon by entering your email at this link. ♡

7. Riley Grae

Such a colourful, unique shop filled with vintage apparel, handmade accessories, art, homewares, and more. You may not be able to visit their Winnipeg shop in-person with the current restrictions, but you can still shop online anytime!

8. Shop Take Care

Vintage consignment, an in-house fashion label, accessories & more! There are two locations in Winnipeg, but currently you can only shop online.

9. Simone’s Rose

A Winnipeg one-woman slow fashion biz using beautiful natural fabrics. I also love that she uses fabric scraps to make cute scrunchies!

10. Sol Designs Studio

Unique vegan handbags & clutches made of upcycled & recycled materials, including… you’ll never guess… leftover vinyl flooring! Such a cool way to use materials that would otherwise wind up in the landfill. On top of creating environmentally-conscious products, another mission of theirs is to provide employment for adults living with intellectual disabilities by partnering with Epic Smile in St. Malo, MB.

11. Souvenir Handmade

Handmade jewelry using beautiful gem stones and upcycled materials such as vintage brass platters and spoons!

12. Sweet Pea Threads

Gifting the little ones in your life new clothes? Choose secondhand instead. This biz curates children’s consignment clothing & accessories that are as easy to shop online as any fast fashion site. Check them out!

13. The Tin Robin

Children’s & women’s apparel ethically-made in Winnipeg with sustainable fabrics. Add to your personal wishlist or match with your littles! Their long sleeve mock neck is my fave, but their hemp tee is also a sustainable fashion lover’s dream.

14. whatMwore

On-trend consignment & stylist services. Margaux can curate missing pieces in your closet from secondhand sources & even offers closet organization sessions and personal styling appointments! Perfect for someone starting a new job, that new mom, or really just anyone who wants a versatile wardrobe they love & wear. Shop online anytime or message her on instagram for her to check her huge inventory for the pieces you are lacking in your closet.

Food & Drink

You might be a local business connoisseur like me but if not, don’t worry. I got you. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or needing ideas for your own wish list, here are 50 small businesses you can support this holiday season.

15. Adagio Acres

Get together with some loved ones to gift a family a CSA full of grains & pulses from Manitoban organic & regenerative farms! I’ve ordered mine and can’t wait for January until I get to enjoy amazing sustainably & locally-grown foods.♡

16. Cloud Mylk

Gift a plant-based mylk subscription to your favourite vegan (or vegan-to-be, or whoever wants to reduce their environmental impact by not supporting the big oil’ dairy industry). With mylks this delicious & full of healthy whole ingredients only, you’ll want to get one for yourself too. They even have a bottle return program to further reduce their footprint! Not to mention you’ll want to get your hands on a bottle or two of their new NUTNOG (yup, vegan eggnog, it’s amazing).

17. G SPOT Winnipeg

Meal delivery services and retail products like the perfect salsa & their famous no-tella (yup, vegan Nutella!). Gift a meal subscription, a gift card, or a jar of one of their tasty spreads (just check with them regarding shelf life to ensure you don’t order too early, whole foods are best fresh😘).

18. Jardins St Léon (or your favourite small local grocer!)

Gift cards for their reopening in the Spring make a perfect & useful gift! Just order one online anytime.

19. Plantavor

Book a plant-based cooking class for you and a loved one to experience together. Whether you’re vegan or just curious about how easily you can incorporate more plants into your diet, gifting a new skill is always a good idea. They also make charcuterie boards, deliver individual meals, and cater!

20. Plant Power Jerky

Want: Mouth-watering vegan jerky in my stocking please, thanks. ♡

21. Preserve

A shop full of local preserves & goods! Visit them in Winnipeg or order online.

22. Roughage Eatery

Gift cards to this local plant-based restaurant are sure to satisfy even the carnivores in your family. Once they try the Tot-chos and brunch options, they’ll be hooked too.

23. Solbrü Elixirs

A bottle of wine or liquor is often something we give or receive. But as more & more people move towards a healthier lifestyle and even go booze-free, there’s a new option in town that tastes just as great! Sol Brü is a local biz making alcohol-free beverages with delicious & healthy ingredients. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from every purchase helps support addiction recovery.

24. Spice World

I would like spicier stocking stuffers please.🙋🏻‍♀️ These spices are non-irradiated & gluten-free and they are transitioning to glass jars instead of plastic packaging.👍🏼 Get your favourite person the Everyday Bagel spice or the Peg City spice, or both (while also stocking your own cupboards).

25. Spreads by Cede

Nutritiously infused almond butters made in Winnipeg! Their new Gingerbread Baobab flavour would make a yummy & festive stocking stuffer. (That’s a hint from me, in case you couldn’t tell😆).

26. Vegan Fromagerie

It’s exactly what it sounds like.🧀 Vegan gourmet cheeses & spreads, made right here in Winnipeg. Order via the Generation Green website here.

Health & Lifestyle

27. Fortify

The food, the shop, the health clinic… So much to applaud & love in one cute space. Shop clean beauty, low waste products and more online, or grab a gift card for your fave person’s next meal to be on you (because it’s downright delicious, don’t get me started on their curry bowl🤤).

28. Generation Green

Eco products for the home, body, and soul, combined with a plant-based cafe. Purchase a gift card or choose from their current selection of goods online here.

29. Lineage House, or your favourite local Green Circle certified eco salon

Especially in times like these, it’s always a good idea to gift intentionally. Gift cards for my next haircut are one of my favourite gifts! As a minimalist, I love gifts that aren’t necessarily stuff, but things I spend money on throughout the year anyway. Plus, Lineage House caries sustainable hair & body products, cute accessories, and more!

30. My Body Fitness & Nutrition

An inclusive fitness & nutrition center to help your loved ones love their bodies! Gift them class passes (even if they have to be online for the time being) or join them in a two-on-one training session.

31. Nest Family Store

Perfect for the parents and littles in your life! Clothing, accessories, and all kinds of necessities all in one local shop.

32. Photography Gift Certificates

Captured memories are such a thoughtful gift! It’s hard for me to choose just ONE photographer to feature since I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many talented ones here in Manitoba! However, I know that Marissa Naylor Photography is offering gift certificates at the moment for when it’s safe to do photography sessions again, so message or email her here if you’d like one.

33. Sam Squire Meditation

Give the gift of relaxation & mindfulness! This is the only other non-local business on this list but lucky for you, it’s all online☺️ Sam is actually from Winnipeg now living in BC and I’ve been using her meditations for over two years. They have greatly helped me with my outlook on life and self-growth. Look out for more virtual meditation series coming in 2021!

34. Via Natural Medicine, or your favourite local alternative medicine clinic

Gift certificates, whether to be used towards a massage or a future visit with an alternative practitioner, allows you to gift a bit of health to someone you love. Contact them to arrange curbside pickup or to have a gift certificate mailed to you.

Home & Beauty

35. Community General Store

Oh man, so many beautiful gift ideas in one place. Low waste options, locally-made options, plants & florals… The cutest store just out of town, both worth the drive AND available for online shopping too! For now, enjoy curbside pickup, Niverville delivery, and shipping to your door. They got you, boo.

36. folk-pourri vintage

Shop their instagram highlights for curated secondhand treasures & vintage decor, making for unique gifts without the environmental impact of buying new.

37. Jane & Rose

Beautiful hand-crafted wooden toys for the littles in your life. They even do custom family portraits on heirloom peg dolls for a truly unique gift for the family. And don’t even get me started on their gorgeous doll house furniture… They are truly thoughtful gifts that will be passed down for generations.

38. Little Love Home

Their macramé rainbows & plant baskets give me major heart eyes. Such a special gift for the new baby in your life (is it just me or was 2020 the year of babies despite the chaos?!) or for your own wish list to cheer up a corner of your home.🌈

39. Little Tree Hugger Bath & Body Boutique

Tons of local and eco goodies in one shop!

40. Portia-Ella

My favourite, trusty eco beauty store to ensure I’m using the safest, cleanest, and most sustainable products for my sensitive skin. Check out their men’s line, zero waste products, makeup, and more online until you can visit their beautiful Outlet Collection store once again. They even offer curbside pick-up!

41. Practical Homestead

Low-waste essentials sewn right here in Manitoba: bowl covers, soaps, facial wipes, food wraps, and more.

42. Reclaim Mending

Gift one-on-one sewing lessons with Anna-Marie or gift certificates towards your loved one’s next alterations or clothing repairs. Sewing lessons are definitely something I’d love once I’m done school & the pandemic isn’t ruling our lives! If you haven’t seen the amazing work this local eco goddess does, you must! Follow her here.

43. Refill Market

Bulk liquids, low waste products, and more. A great way to gift someone their household cleaning essential for the upcoming year, without all the bottles and plastic.

44. Sand Boheme

Curated vintage and secondhand treasures, with new items on their instagram almost daily. They can even put together themed gift boxes to make your gifting easy-peasy.

45. SOAK Bath Co

Manitoba-made soaps that I’ve been personally using for almost two years now, both as hand & body soap, complete with seed labels that grow into wildflowers! My favourite products: the Elderberry Soap Bar for hands, & the Neem Oil Soap Bar for body.

46. Stone + Stump

Online home and lifestyle goods shop based in Winnipeg, with the environment in mind. Help your loved one start their low waste journey by getting them eco kitchen & bathroom products.

47. Sweet Pea Natural Skincare

A minimalist’s dream: low waste packaging & simple, plant-based skincare bundles, with subscriptions available to ensure you never run out of your go-to versatile products. Get 10% off with the code CHANELLE10 at checkout!

48. Sweet Spirit Apothecary

Luxurious skincare made in Manitoba by a literal woodland fairy (ok not quite, but Demetra lives in the woods and creates magical skincare products, let’s be honest). Some ingredients are even foraged right in her backyard! I’ve been using her eye creams for two years and no more eyelid eczema for me.

49. The Ba.sic Shoppe

Sister duo selling minimalist products for your home such as planter pouches, drawstring bags, greeting cards (including holiday cards), and prints.

50. Winnipeg Woodworks

Custom-made wood decor including Christmas ornaments & soap trays. View some of his latest work on their instagram and DM for orders.

☃️BONUS! Since you’ve made it this far, here are 5 gift ideas that don’t require any shopping at all:

Plant Cuttings🌱
Gift a plant baby from one of your plants for others to benefit from more greenery in their homes this Winter. Don’t have a pot? Use a food container, bottle, or jar and let them decide how to pot it instead. Who knows, they might already have one laying around (or 10) just waiting to be filled with a new plant.
Used Books📚
Share a book you’ve loved reading by passing it along to a loved one. Don’t have any, or are sentimental and aren’t willing to give them up (I definitely have a few of these)? Look on Buy-Nothing Facebook groups in your area for books and other free things to gift!
Recipe jars or a homemade preserves of yours🍓
Ok, yes, another jar idea, you know how I feel about jars 😂 Upcycle a pickle jar or whichever one you have available to you, wash it, and fill it with yummy food. Done, easy as can be.
Re-Gift🎁
Yup, I went there. You’ve likely received gifts in the past that just weren’t your jam and that you think someone you love might be more into. Regifting is often thought of as tacky but I’m here to tell you, IT’S OK! As long as you’re intentional with who receives which items, it’s not tacky but rather thoughtful and sustainable. Much better than having valuable items sitting at the back of your closet or drawer collecting dust.
Gift your time💞
This has been a difficult year for many. Help out by offering your time as a gift such as shoveling snow, taking care of picking up an essential worker’s groceries for the month of January, or simply spending time with your loved one when safe to do so. These gifts are worth more than anything for those who truly need them.

One last thing: You might be wondering, what about gifting electronics or small appliances? Again, check out Facebook Marketplace, other local buy & sell Facebook groups, or Kijiji. You can often find people selling brand new items that they simply aren’t using for less than what the stores would sell it for. Helps the environment, and helps your wallet. Win-win!

Remember, I couldn’t possibly include everyone & everything, because there are SO MANY amazing local businesses in Manitoba. But if you have trouble finding locally-made or sustainable versions of specific items, feel free to message me and I’ll see if I might just know where to shop for them :)

Sending you all the love, hugs, & support in these trying times!

-Chanelle oxo

Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide