As a solopreneur running my own business, I know the importance of support from other small businesses, especially those that are woman owned. So here’s a curated list of some great stuff and local Toronto companies that I love and urge you to support with your holiday shopping. Also feel free to add any businesses that you like in the comments.
- Gail, Head of Monkey Business
For your active life: Run Little Monkey, of course.
My fave shirt: the original purple long sleeve RLM logo shirt but who can choose? It’s like getting a hug all day, according to our customers, so get one of each.
For the chocolate lover: Xauxa
Only three ingredients in each bar delivers pure chocolate heaven. Also, it’s a super food, so runners this chocolate will give you super powers.
For the dog lover: Canine Social Company, 1872 Danforth Ave.
They have fab daycare and grooming as well as an incredible assort of high quality food, accessories and toys for your furry pals. My boy Mr. Bingley spends a day or two there every week and we're all better for it! Curbside pickup and virtual shopping now at this brick-and-mortar store.
For tea lover: Pippins Tea Company, 2098 Queen St. E.
Some of the best tea blends in the city. Ask for the Kenya Milima, a very heady and dense black tea. Also beautiful tea ware and delicious shortbread cookies from the UK. Online ordering and curbside pickup is also available from this brick-and-mortar store.
For your inner goddess: Old’s Cool General Store, 250 Westlake Ave.
A decidedly untraditional mom-and-mom corner store with a mission of community building. Get essentials like milk and eggs, fresh brewed fair-trade coffee and also local handmade goods. Last time, picked up funky tree ornaments and books about women & empowerment.
For the book lover: Queen Books 914 Queen St. E.
Absolutely great selection of books that you can buy online for curbside pickup or delivery. But they’re also offering a fantastic personal shopping option where they’ll consult with you and then come back with customized, expert recommendations.
For the art lover: Secret Planet Print Shop, 698 Coxwell Ave.
I love pretty much everything Jackie makes in her print shop but I love women in space the most! And dogs in space. And cats in space. Buy online or pick up curbside from this East End gem.
For the beauty queens: Tiara Shower Cap
Made from recycled plastic bottles, this reversible shower cap is designed to maintain your hairstyle in the shower and be used over and over again. My mom loves it!
For the those who love to cook: Cooks Who Feed
Working with an NGO in India and a number of well-known chefs, each apron is handcrafted from natural fabrics. And for every apron you purchase, 100 nutritious meals are provided for people in need.
If you love your boobs: Love & Nudes
Beautiful bras for every skin tone with a woman-owned end-to-end supply chain. Girl power all the way!
For the kiddies: Q for Quinn
You know I love cute graphics and apparel that’s soft on the skin. Q for Quinn’s got gorgeous organic cotton socks, pjs, and undies for kids.
This is fantastic! A couple businesses to add: Body Positive Fitness for joyful movement without diet culture, and Modern Rascals for fun, gender neutral kids clothes & toys.
Omg! This is sooo awesome! Thank you for doing this! So awesome!
This is amazing. You have included a number of my fav women-owned businesses and I’m preparing to jump in and shop :) Thanks for doing this!
Hi Gail, love this gift guide so amazing! I am going to look up some of those women-owned businesses. Thanks for the awesome tips.
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