Holiday Gift Guide 2024 - Made In Ontario

It's back! The 2024 edition is here. I have curated a list of 5 small businesses to shop from this year. All of these small shops handcraft their products. From one of a kind dog accessories and market bags, to cute crochet animals. Plus, beautifully scented soy wax candles, whimsical needle felt and more, please check out the following businesses.

Dog Bandanas and Bows, Market Bags, Embroidery & More

5 Local Businesses to Shop from this Holiday Season

Crystal's Points

Crystal Larocque - Sewist & Embroiderer

For Crystal Larocque, sewing and embroidery began as a personal journey—one that she’s shared with her community every step of the way. Through exploring and learning, she discovered her passion for creating unique, handmade products. Whether it’s custom dog accessories for the local pups or thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for weddings and birthdays, Crystal pours her heart into every creation.

What truly sets her apart is her commitment to safety. Her dog accessories, like bows and bandanas, are designed with pets in mind—crafted to come loose if snagged, ensuring your dog stays safe while looking stylish. This care stems from her love for animals and the importance she places on their well-being.

Living in Oakville with her dog  Chief, Crystal finds inspiration in her surroundings and the joy she gets from perfecting her craft. Whether it’s sewing or embroidery, she thrives on learning and repetition, continually challenging herself to master new techniques.

When you visit her Instagram, you’ll find not only her finished products but also the behind-the-scenes process. She’s passionate about sharing her journey with others, especially beginners, and creating a community that grows and learns together.

As Featured: 
Dog Bandanas, Small Jewelry Pouch, hand embroidered designs & kits with how-to instructions, tote bags (large and small), small clutch bags, and dog bow ties. 

Website launching end of Fall! In the meantime, visit her on Instagram!

Crystal's Points

Crochet by Nour

Cooper the Chicken

Nour is the creator behind CrochetByNour, a business she launched in 2020 after years of honing her craft. She first picked up crocheting at the age of 10, making scarves and blankets for loved ones. What began as a hobby has now grown into a passion-driven small business. 

CrochetByNour is dedicated to creating unique, handmade pieces that tell a story. From soft plushies to custom accessories, Nour infuses her love for crochet into every stitch. For her, crochet is not just a craft—it’s a way to connect with others and share meaningful, handmade creations.

Crochet by Nour

13WICKS Candle CO.

O'Christmas Tree Soy Wax Candle

​Stacey started candle-making as a hobby during the pandemic in 2021. That hobby quickly turned into a passion, so she decided to share her passion with others and formed a small business.

All of her candles are made with 100% soy wax with no additives or dyes. She hand-pours each candle in small batches and only uses premium fragrance oils. She offers her candles in over 30 fragrances and has seasonal scents which are perfect for gift-giving or using in your own home. Whether it be a candle in a jar, wooden bowl, or tealight, all packaging is either reusable or recyclable making it better for the environment.

13Wicks Candle Co.

Spirit of Wool

Needle Felt Gnomes

Sandra is a lover of whimsical, folk and rustic arts and crafts & all things Christmas. After seeing felted items in Iceland in 2014,  an interest became a passion and her first creation was born in 2018.

Each 3D wool sculpture she makes is unique. Sandra finds that the spirit of wool often determines her creations outcome. Many hours go into creating each handmade piece - she finds this to be a meditative calming time.  

​Visit her on Facebook and Instagram!

Spirit of Wool

Clay Tulips By C

Vintage Floral Silver Pendant Necklace

Cheryl designs casual, earthy jewellery made of eco-friendly recycled silver. Using the medium silver metal clay, she creates jewellery that is meant to be worn and enjoyed every day. 

Her jewellery making began as a hobby when her youngest child started school full-time and turned into a small business in 2015.

Her designs are inspired by nature and created from natural elements and textures.  Her work features unique and individually crafted fine silver pendant necklaces, botanical earrings, gemstone bracelets and rings. 

Clay Tulips by C

A big thank you to all of these small businesses. When shopping this holiday season, please consider shopping small!

All the best for this festive season,
Cheryl🎄