girl with shopping bags shopping local — Shop Local with me this Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means! It’s time to round up all of my local faves and put together the ultimate Simcoe County holiday gift guide for all of you. Back by (very) popular demand, I’ve decided to make this an annual feature on the blog (CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT LAST YEAR’S GUIDE) mostly, because I have so much fun putting together this list, and discovering new amazing small shops.

It has been so amazing to see the outpouring of support for small and local businesses this past year. It seems that everybody was trying to shop small, and support local as much as possible which really warms my heart, and the hearts of all the hardworking entrepreneurs pouring their blood sweat, and tears into their businesses. If you’re already in the habit of shopping small, or even if you’re going to try and make more of a conscious effort this year, here’s an extensive list of items broken down into different categories for EVERYONE on your Christmas list. I’ve even added a list for the men in your life this year because let’s face it, they don’t want another Christmas-themed novelty tie LOL.

The importance of supporting our local economy was more important than ever in the last 18 months, but some of us are still feeling the financial strain of the pandemic, and shopping 100 percent local isn’t always a feasible option. Although in a lot of cases, shopping local can actually be more cost-effective. But, here are just a few ways you can still support the “shop local” movement without spending a dime!

Top 3 non-financial ways to support local businesses this holiday season:

1. Pump them up on Social Media

Like, share, comment, and tag friends in the posts of your favourite local businesses to help them gain exposure online. Also, if you’re out and about, window shopping, or have purchased items from these places in the past, be sure to snap photos and share your favourite shops on your own social page. Every little bit of engagement and exposure helps and they appreciate it more than you know.

2. Review your favourite shops online

If you’ve had a great experience with a local business you’ve shopped at in the past – leave them an online review. Whether it be on Google, Facebook, or their website, leaving a glowing review will help that business build trust with any future customers. If writing isn’t your thing, just be sure to give your review in person, to friends, family members, hell – even complete strangers! There’s nothing wrong with taking the good ole fashion word-of-mouth approach.

3. Volunteer your time and specialized skillset

We’ve all seen the effects of COVID-19 and how it’s impacted our local businesses. If you notice that a small shop is struggling to stay afloat, maybe offer to volunteer your skillset where you think you can help. Whether it be helping to pack orders, tech/social, or website assistance, anything you can do to help these amazing entrepreneurs gain the traction to keep going strong.

The List

There were so many local shops in the Simcoe County and the surrounding area that I could have featured in this post. We have so many amazingly passionate entrepreneurs among us. A majority of the shops on this list are women-owned by the way, which is just that much more awesome. I’ve included many of last year’s favourites, along with a few new shops/makers as well, that I was thrilled to discover. These shops and makers have something for everybody. They offer unique one-of-a-kind items, some of which are even handmade, that will be the star of the show on Christmas morning.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Stay tuned for a local love holiday giveaway announcement later this week on my Instagram page and enter for your chance to WIN some of the amazing items on this list

Ok, I know what you’re thinking: “Natasha, shut up already and just give us the damn list!” – Say no more, let’s go shopping!

Home Decor & Kitchen Accessories

Simcoe County Kitchen Stores Local Gift Guide — Gift ideas for the kitchen queen in your life

1 Swan Apron l 2. Linen Napkins l 3. Cheese Knives l 4. Appetizer Plate Set l 5. Bees Wax Food Wrap & Bread Bag l 6. Optic Glassware Set l 7. Gelato Bowls l 8. Vintage Kitchen Scale l 9. Ceramic Mugs and Tumblers l 10. Charcuterie Serving Board

Home Decor in Simcoe County — Gift Ideas for the home decor diva in your life

1 Cross Planter l 2. Marble Coasters l 3. Custom Wood Shelving l 4. Choose Happy Wood Sign l 5. Tolfino Towel l 6. Frida Stained Glass Mirror l 7. Macrame Heart Wall Hanging l 8. Custom Door Mat l 9.Go For it Pool Print l 10. Oval Enamel Tray

Fashion & Accessories

Simcoe County Holiday Gift Guide — Holiday gifts for the fashionista in your life

1 Bike Shorts l 2. Neon Heart Vintage Crewneck l 3. Polymer Clay Earrings l 4. Blue Blocker Glasses l 5. Toque l 6. Be Kind To Your Mind Tee l 7. Oversized Canvas Tote Bag l 8. Stacked Bracelets l 9. Knit Mittens l 10. Tie Dye Dad Hat

Self-Care & Wellness

Simcoe County Beauty Companies — ideas for the self-care sister in your life

1 Coconut Rose Milk Bath l 2. Body Scrub l 3. Hermit Self-Care Products l 4. Zo Skincare Exfoliating Polish & Complexion Clearing Mask l 5. Wood Wick Essential Oil Candle l 6. Lavender Soap l 7. Cavana Ridge Spa Gift Card l 8. Magnetic Lash Kit l 9. The Peace Gift Set

Food & Beverage

Simcoe County Food Gift Guide — Gift ideas for the foodie in your life

1. Diffuser Tea Pot and Loose Leaf Tea l 2. Cinnamon Spice Butter Rum Coffee l 3. Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Set l 4. Wine & Gourmet Cheese Tasting Box l 5. Apple Wine & Cider l 6. Hot Chocolate Bombs & Gourmet Cupcakes l 7. Chocolate Truffles l 8. Maple Roasted Almonds & Almond Nut Butter l 9. Greece Recipe For Olive Oil Cookbook

Gifts for your Guy

We may love the men in our lives, but let’s face it, we HATE buying gifts for them. Let me clarify: we hate buying them gifts that THEY actually want, we love buying them clothes and the things that we think they should have LOL.

Girl in a faux fur jacket and faux leather leggings leaning against a brick wall holding shopping bags — shhh…most of these gifts are for myself.

For The Manscaper

For The Active Adventurer

For The Kitchen King

For The Small Batch Stud

For The Fashionable Fellow

For The Music Man

For The Sports Fan

Simcoe County Holiday Gift Ideas for men — Gift ideas for the guy in your life

1 Craft Beer Mixed Pack l 2. Golf Simulator Experience l 3. Oakley Ski Goggles l 4. Yeti Travel Tumbler l 5. Portable Propane Grill l 6. Guitar Strings & Picks l 7. Beard Balm l 8. Dented Prop Club T-shirt l 9. Unique Hot Sauce l 10. Facial Toner & Moisture Hair Conditioner l 11. Lake Simcoe Art Print

There are SO many more local businesses that I could have included this year, feel free to drop any local shops/makers in the comment section below if you don’t see them on this particular list, I love discovering your faves as well!

Happy Christmas Shopping,

Barrie Lifestyle Blog - Shesallnat - Natasha Halikas

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One Comment Add yours

Bath Lab says:

November 29, 2021 at 9:59 pm

Love this post! Thank you for including us and supporting local! ❤

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