At Pretty & Smart Co. we love supporting small businesses! Not only is it an opportunity to invest in local communities, but also a way to find unique goods and specialized services. This year, family-owned stores and artisans are feeling the strain of lockdown much more than large corporations. The best way to show them you care is by shopping local and encouraging your friends and neighbours to do the same. With that at heart, here are our picks!
Reilly’s Pick: Terre-Neuve Apparel and Accessories
This east coast inspired business is providing quality, stylish non-medical masks at an affordable price. I absolutely love mine! Showcasing their community spirit, Terre-Neuve has pledged $1 from the first 1000 masks sold to The Gathering Place, a charity dedicated to equality, community building, and the provision of food, clothing, medical assistance, and counseling to vulnerable individuals in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Suggested item: Stylish face masks!
Rachel’s Pick: Jagielky’s Homemade Candies
Jagielky’s a homemade candy store that stands (2 locations) in the New Jersey beach towns of Margate & Ventnor. This shop has been around for over 40 years, making gourmet candies ever since. If you are not in the area, Jagielky’s ships & makes the perfect gift to give to anyone who loves something sweet!
Suggested item: Dark chocolate covered caramel pretzel bites with sea salt!
Sydney’s Pick: Rose Quartz & Co
Located in Port Dalhousie, Rose Quartz & Co creates unique products ranging from artisan soaps, bath salts, face masks and lip balm. Their products are 100% vegan and uniquely crafted, deeming them as essential for your next self-care date. If you aren’t local to Niagara, Rose Quartz & Co ships across Canada and the USA using Eco-friendly packaging. It is never too early to shop for Christmas gifts or wedding favours!
Suggested item: Mulled Wine Artisan Soap.
Brooklyn’s Pick: Candles with Care
Located in downtown Orillia on Mississauga Street Candles with Care creates their own artisan candles in all sorts of styles. Candles with Care, carries beeswax candles as well as soy wax candles. Try out the Pearberry you won’t be disappointed! They also carry Woodworks candles (you know the ones that crackle) which are great but I recommend trying the ones they make in house. The shop also has very cute gifts and stocking stuffers (Christmas is coming fast) you have to check it out.
Suggested item: Pearberry Mason Jar Candle.
Cassandra’s Pick: Best Damn Beauty Bar
Best Damn Beauty Bar is a beauty salon that has recently opened up in Ottawa. It offers services such as lash extensions, lash lifts and tints, eyebrow wax and tints and lip blush. The ultimate goal behind this welcoming space with cute and cozy décor is to have women come in feeling comfortable and leaving beautiful. It will soon be selling quality products as well. Whether you want to pamper yourself or purchase a gift card to treat a friend or loved one, check it out.
Suggested item: Offers a range of beauty services!
Natalie’s First Pick: Cait’s Cafe
If you find yourself looking for an incredible sandwich and a delicious coffee, head to Cait’s Cafe in Goderich. This made-from-scratch menu is locally sourced and family- owned. Cait’s Cafe is always adding new menu items, but it is a perfect lunch spot. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Suggested item: Cuban Sandwich on Panini.
Natalie’s Second Pick: Whimsy
Walking down the Main Street in Georgetown, you will find a beautifully decorated storefront draped with seasonal balloons and decorations. The owners of this restaurant put every effort into creating a beautiful customer experience (only matched by their delicious menu). Donuts, ice creams and seasonal goodies will leave your taste buds celebrating!
Suggested item: All the donuts!
Taylor’s Pick: Caird’s Creations
New small business on the scene, Jenny from Caird’s Creations makes the cutest home décor and personalized sweaters. You’ll love her bubbly personality and her quick turn around. She’ll also work with you when it comes to what exactly you’re looking for. I recommend ordering the Hubs and Wifey sweaters for you and your significant other.
Suggested item: Hubs and Wifey Sweaters
Conclusion:
In tough times, everyone is budgeting and no one feels the strain more than small businesses. This Christmas, they are counting on your patronage to keep their doors open. Every purchase is precious to them, so when deciding where to buy your stocking stuffers consider the benefits of turning to local, independently owned businesses in your community. When buying local, you support your economy and help other families to have a happy holiday season. Help everyone have a merry Christmas, buy local!
Need more Christmas fun? Check out this Holiday Bucket List!
