"Canadian-made" deserves to appear on every kid's Christmas list

Winter in the north perennially brings an element of hibernation but this year, thanks to COVID-19, we’re a whole world of homebodies. We’ve developed an insatiable appetite for online ordering which means this Christmas, internet giants like Amazon could devour small shops if we let it happen. That’s why, as we head into the holiday shopping season for our little ones, we need to remember why shopping small and Canadian-made deserves to be the guiding star for every wish list. Why do you shop small and Canadian? Here’s why I do. 

There is a preciousness to ‘handmade’. The loving attention that goes into each stitch of a garment, the fabric chosen with personal care, that’s something chain retailers will never parallel. When my daughter Petra ties on her apron and I pull on my matching one, it’s instant nostalgia (shop apron sets at Hen + Chick Studios— there are even doll versions available). When she pulls on her cozy ForEverly Yours tee, I smile knowing it was created just for her. Little and Lively, Mini Mioche, Pink Threaded Owl, Posh and Cozy, Sew Bright Creations… there are so many super cute small brands, and there is simply nothing like a custom creation.    

Heirloom quality is another can’t-be-copied hallmark of a dedicated maker. Never had I owned a puzzle deserving to stay in the family once my children were grown until the “Canada” jigsaw from The Toy Maker of Lunenburg. This wooden puzzle featuring geographically themed iconography was beloved the instant it came home. It will be so for generations to come. Find it at Hen + Chick Studios. Another woodworker whose work I love is Grandpa’s Wooden Treasures; the trains, games, rocking horses, and trucks are beautifully made.

Something not found in mainstream toy isles is uniqueness: large minimum orders and plenty of backstock means the same packaged toy will be under tree after tree. Enter small toymakers like Very Happy Toys. Handmade in Saskatoon, these personality-filled puppets and toys, like a smiling little sandwich complete with fixin’s, bring a quirkiness that will stand out from the usual suspects. And if you are purchasing those mainstream toys, too, that’s okay! Hey, Lego is a classic for a reason and if your kids are hoping for a trendy toy from Santa, I know you want to deliver. There are small shops that carry those big names. If you live in Saskatoon, Cravings is locally-owned, keeping dollars right in your city. Mastermind is another great Canadian company.

Most large companies outsource manufacturing overseas, so finding ones that keep every branch where the business is rooted is wonderful. Family Pastimes makes innovative games with a focus on cooperation, right in Canada. With over fifteen unique board games, you can choose one to fit your child’s interests. And as quick as it is to grab bathbombs at the grocery store, Canadian-made fizzies by companies like CraftedBath are an easy swap.

Being Canadian, diverseness in both geography and culture is our identity, and children’s books are a special way to celebrate that. “Never Rub Noses With a Narwhal” is a stunningly-illustrated book that will have children minding their Ps and Qs—ptarmigan and qiviut, that is. “Hazel Mist, Hypnotist” and “The Sweet Dreams Express” are two of our favourites from Saskatoon author, Kristin Pierce. All of these titles are available at Canadian shops like Hen + Chick or McNally Robinson.

Something I’ve appreciated in my own city of Saskatoon is that people are realizing the value of shopping local, and they’ve become innovative in connecting wish lists to the small businesses that can fulfill them. The Facebook page, Local Love Holiday Gift Guide popped up recently and lets people both post what they’re looking for and comment to tag a maker. It’s a match made in gift-giving heaven.

Choosing to find and support small Canadian companies not only keeps our economy strong, helps our artists to thrive, and builds community, but it does another very important thing: it highlights the talent, innovation, and sense of fun we’ve got in this snowy country of ours. Let’s share that with our children.

xo