Seems you folks love local! 20,000 of you entered my first #613giftguide (congrats to winner Tania W), and so far over 15,000 of you have entered my second one. Seems only right to reward you with a third!
This final 2016 gift guide is HYPER local, even more so than my previous two if that's possible. I've rounded up a whole whack of handcrafted gift ideas from the Freewheeling Craft Pop-Up located at 432 1/2 Preston Street and you are gonna LOVE EM. And of course, one of you is gonna win 'em all too.
Let's hop to it!
AlICJA CONFECTIONS chocolate, $8
Alicja Confections started as a hobby after Alicia left her job at a chocolate shop in Winnipeg and got a "big girl" job. The first product she created was chocolate bonbons and boy did she under-estimate the demand for funky gourmet chocolate bars in Winnipeg! She's since moved to Ottawa where we're all too happy to have her.
Whether you're shopping for stocking stuffers, teachers, or your favourite foodie, Alicja's mouthwatering flavours make fore memorable gifts. Pick up about Cereal & Milk, Indigo Berry, or matcha green tea?
ties & things bowties, $25+
Ties & Things is a local business creating some of the most funky and beautiful patterned bow ties you've ever seen. They make both pre-tied and self-tie versions that'll keep any guy on your list looking fresh and dapper. Grab one for $25 or pick up a holiday 3-pack for $60!
ChoBHI scarves, various $
Chobhi was born out of a vision between two best friends who wanted to create ethical fashion, and empower female artisans. Through photography they capture forms and patterns found in nature then transform them into wearable art using eco-friendly fabric that's handcrafted by women. I'm a huge fan of their Dahlia scarf below, $99. It's the perfect gift for your mom or bestie.
Sadie & June Ottawa MAP, $20
Local sweetie Kendall (one of my favourite people!) and her hubby Steve started Sadie & June right here in Ottawa in May of 2015. Travel has always been a big part of their lives so they started making hand embroidered maps to remember their many travels. Soon after, friends and family were placing orders, and they've now shipped their adorable all over the world.
Treat your favourite local to an Ottawa map, or pick choose from a variety of other cities and countries.
CLAY PIGEON DESIGN KITTY BOWL, $25
Lots of us have a crazy cat lady on our shopping list (hands up!) and boy do I have the perfect gift idea. Treat them to one of Clay Pigeon Design's handcrafted kitty bowls for just $25! She can use it to display all her favourite kitty trinkets
chalkboard chIque decanter set, $35
Chalkboard Chique is a lovely local business that makes just the cutest gift ideas, and best of all, you can personalize each and every one of them! Shopping for a wine lover? Give a decanter set that includes a decanter and two wine glasses, both dipped in chalkboard paint. Super cute and just $35!
Mini geeks kids pants, $38
Shopping for some kiddos? Buying kids clothing can be a gamble because they grow so quickly -- it can be hard to guess the right size. So grab a pair of Mini Geeks Grow-With-Me pants instead! They're $38 and have smart little design features that will grow right along with the little one wearing them.
nature imprint platter, $38
Nature Imprint makes unique handmade ceramics made from real plant imprints. Their designs are simple, beautiful, and just a little rustic. Grab this pretty platter for $38.
on the rocks originals, from $25
On the Rocks Originals is a local Ottawa brand making jewellery and accessories for guys and gals. Shop her pretty druzy earrings for $15 each, or grab a leather embossed tie pin for $22.50. Made with love in the 613!
down east mittens, $40
Local biz Down East (guess which coast they're originally from ;) makes mittens for women, men, and littles from up cycled materials. I dare you to find a cozier pair! Treat your sis to this pretty pair for $40.
tangente infinity scarf, $25
I'm a firm believer that great gifts don't have to cost a lot, and this gorgeous infinity scarf by Tangente is proof of that. Pick it up for just $25! Visit the pop-up shop to check out the full range of colours and understated prints.
Top Shelf preserves, various $
Sara Pishva at Top Shelf Preserves is da bomb. She constantly thinks up delicious flavour combos that leave me wanting THEM ALL. Think Blueberry & Gin Jam, Rhubarb Raisin Chutney, Red Pepper Jelly, and my current fave: Whiskey Orange Marmalade. Drop by the pop-up shop and treat your favourite foodie!
eco equitable duffle bag, $39
EcoEquitable is a social enterprise founded in Ottawa in 2002 to empower immigrant and under-employed women to join the labour market through sewing. Their flagship line is Flagbarer: unisex accessories that made from recycled flags. My top gift pick is their Flagbarer Duffle for $39: it's both practical and unique. Each bag is one of a kind!
ode to august 613 tee, $25
I adore Ottawa brand Ode to August. They make proud 613 apparel for women, men, and littles, like their Six One Three unisex baseball tees. Stuff the stockings of your local lovin' guys and gals!
Cardamom & Cloves spices, various $
Local brand Cardamom & Cloves is well known among Ottawa foodies, and my hubby and I use their incredible spices, rubs, and blends just about every day. Give a 6-month spice subscription for just $47 and it will arrive complete with new recipe ideas each month!
the sweetest digs goodies, various $
The Sweetest Digs is an Ottawa-based biz that carries the cutest coffee mugs, pencil cases, art prints, and pillows - all designed to inspire and create beautiful, happy, and sweet, spaces. If you are a decor loving, blog-reading, DIY'ing girlboss, you'll love their collection.
wild things jewelry & Decor, Various $
Wild Things Jewelry and Decor creates colourful nature-inspired pieces that everyone on your list is sure to love. Their glass wildflower lockets are their signature, which are uniquely designed and contain locally sourced wildflowers. Grab one for $40 at the pop-up shop!
mega christmas giveaway, ROUND 3
You knew this was coming: another of you lucky ducks is going to win EVERYTHING in my newest gift guide! That's nearly $1000 in hyper local prizes. The contest closes December 19, 2016 at 11:59pm and I'll announce the lucky winner on December 20, 2016.
The winner will take home a whopping 17 prizes:
Assortment of Alicja Confections chocolate
Ties + Things set of 3 bowties
Chobhi Dahlia scarf
Sadie & June Ottawa heart map
Clay Pigeon Designs kitty bowl
Chalkboard Chique decanter set
Mini Geeks grow-with-me pants
Nature Imprint platter
On the Rocks Originals: 2 pairs of earrings and one tie bar
Down East upcycled mittens
Tangente infinity scarf
Top Shelf Preserves Whiskey Orange Marmalade
Eco Equitable Flagbearer duffle bag
Ode to August Six One Three tee
Cardamom & Cloves 6-month spice subscription
The Sweetest Digs pillow, art prints, mug, and pencil case
Wild Things Jewelry & Decor necklace
You MUST be a local resident of the greater Ottawa/Gatineau area to be eligible!
Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below and all entry actions are optional. You'll get 5 points per action so the more you do, the better your chances of winning! That means you *do not* have to complete all the actions to enter, but the more you do the better your odds. Best of luck and Merry Christmas!
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