10 Small & Local Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

This past year has been very uncertain for many, especially owners of small businesses. They have unfortunately received the short end of the stick, and many have struggled to remain open because of the countless restrictions and lockdowns.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, I encourage you to consider choosing to support small, local businesses within your region or explore other small businesses you may have never heard of before online. Your support doesn’t have to be monetary, you can follow their social media channels, interact with the content they publish, or suggest their business to a friend or family member who is still completing their holiday shopping. These small acts can play a large role in the success of someone’s small business.

I’ve made a list of some small, local businesses mainly located in the Greater Toronto Area that I would encourage you to check out. I have either personally shopped at these businesses, gifted someone something from these businesses, or have heard amazing things from my best friends. They all have websites for their businesses that allow you to shop online and ship to your home.

Self Care, Luxury, & Home Decor

Anna With Love Photography (Toronto, ON). Anna sells stunning prints of London, New York, Greece, and Paris that come in many sizes. Her prints are perfect for gifting to someone you know who loves travel and is always looking for new things to frame! Prints can be purchased individually, in gift packs, and Anna also offers gift cards in case you don’t know which print to choose! Check out Anna’s Instagram HERE!

Bluboho (Toronto, ON). A Toronto owned, handcrafted jewelry company that specializes in minimalist pieces. They offer free standard shipping to both Canadian addresses and those in the United States. You can check out their stunning Instagram page HERE!

Le Chic Boutique (Whitby, ON). This family-owned business not only focuses on quality service but makes the experience of their services memorable. They offer gift cards for their services that are redeemable during a safer time. I absolutely loved my experience when I visited and look forward to a time I can visit again! Check out their Instagram page HERE!

Real Talk Candles (Toronto, ON). The candles that start conversations. They’re soy, vegan, cruelty-free, and wood wick candles! The scent is subtle and not at all overwhelming like many other brands are. These candles have received a lot of love online and from Canadian media, and you can’t help but love the bubbly and innovative owner, Rachael-Lea Rickards. The website restocks every Tuesday at 1 pm EST! Check out Rachael-Lea’s Instagram page HERE!

Kids & Activities

Friendly Fables (Ajax, ON). Alexis Alexander created Friendly Fables, a collection of interactive and entertaining kid’s books including Farts, How To Bake A Monster Cake, and A Dino Rap Book. Alexander also has a YouTube channel where he performs his books and has even performed in front of live audiences locally. Check out his Instagram page HERE!

Guess Where Trips. The company that's redefining road trips. Trips are available in the Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver areas. To begin planning your trip, you select the type of trip you’d like to go on, Guess Where Trips then sends you a package with your guide and itinerary so you can then head off on your adventure. Everything is COVID friendly and themed trips are available during the holiday season. This is the perfect gift if you’re tired of being home and want to explore this beautiful country safely with your loved ones. Check out their Instagram page HERE!

Joyride 150 Indoor Bike Park (Markham, ON). Joyride is an indoor bike park that cyclists and BMX riders love to visit, especially during the cold months of the year. This has been my brother’s favourite place to visit over the last decade. Gift cards can be purchased online that can go towards park admission, rentals, concessions, and safety equipment. Check out their Instagram page HERE!

Restaurants & Takeout

Bellagio Pizza (Ajax, ON). My FAVOURITE pizza place! Not only is the pizza amazing but the customer service is incredible! My go-to pizza is the small, stuffed crust with pineapple. Bellagio Pizza offers take-out and delivery. Check out their Instagram page HERE!

Portly Piper Pub (Ajax & Oshawa, ON). While we can’t hang out in a pub like pre-pandemic life, you can still bring the pub food home! Portly offers take-out and delivery through Skip The Dishes, Uber Eats, and Doordash. Check out their Instagram page HERE!

The Favourite Greek (Peterborough, ON). This family-owned kitchen serves classic Greek food including spanakopita and souvlaki. When I visited my friend in Peterborough a few summers ago, she took me to this restaurant and I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the owner was a sweetheart. They offer take-out and gift cards for purchase.

When I first thought up the idea to write about small and local businesses, I reached out to my friends and followers online asking for some of their favourites. While I only wrote about 10 businesses in detail, I still wanted to include a list of other companies that you may want to support too. Thank you to everyone who reached out with their recommendations!

• Liane Vaz - Toronto Goldsmith - Jewelry - Toronto, ON - Maegan E.

• The Goodberry - Frozen Yogurt & Espresso Bar - Whitby, ON - Alison D.

• Driftwood Decor - Candles & Decor - Brooklin, ON - Alison D.

• Baby’s Basement - Vintage Clothing - Oshawa, ON - Andrew T.

• Maison Blanc Day Spa - Spa - Whitby, ON - Andrew T.

• Aide Bodycare - Gift Shop - Oshawa, ON - Andrew T.

• KB Food - Restaurant - Whitby, ON - Andrew T.

• Venusian Beauty Co. - Candles & Beauty - Oshawa, ON - Lauren N.

• Shiloh Candle Co. - Candles - Tania R.

• Mexico Lindo - Mexican Restaurant - Whitby, ON - Jenna R.

Whether you’re supporting these businesses through purchases, sharing them with a friend, or just following them on their social media accounts, every little bit of support is appreciated, especially in these uncertain times.

I hope these small and local business recommendations help make your holiday shopping a little easier this year.

Stay safe and happy shopping!

xx Lex

Disclaimer: I do not own any image used in this post but have linked to the original publisher's Instagram page. If photos need to be removed, please contact me.