Work It Social Holiday Gift Guide
Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again, the one where we’re making a list and checking it twice to make sure we don’t miss anyone's gift! Whether you’re stuck on where to start or just need a few extra special items to round off the list, we’ve compiled some awesome local picks. As a Toronto-based social media agency, we’re always looking to support local as much as possible and hope you’ll join us on this quest this holiday season! Are you ready to get shopping? * Prices are in CDN unless otherwise marked
FOR THE NATURAL BEAUTY LOVER
Island Joy is luxurious body care that harnesses the essence of the Caribbean. A collection of premium sugar scrubs handcrafted in small batches using nature’s finest ingredients and infused with the exotic scents of the tropics.
A fan favourite! The Antiguan Honey Sugar Scrub is a popular choice for the holidays. with the warmth of its scent transporting you to somewhere different ($39.00, net wt. 8 Fl. oz | 240 mL)
Looking for a little extra something something to round off the list for your favourite beauty lover? The Cuban Lip Scrub makes an excellent stocking stuffer ($20.00, net wt. 1 FL. Oz | 30 mL)
FOR THE FASHIONISTA WHO LOVES TO GLAM IT UP WITH MEANING
tinyelephant jewelry was founded in 2015 and is based in Toronto, Ontario. Originally created to inspire sisterhood, love, and positivity between women of all ages and lifestyles, tinyelephant jewelry has since expanded to include a line of jewelry for men. Our creations are designed thoughtfully and passionately. All our unique, handcrafted pieces reflect both the meaning behind the stones and metals used in them, as well as the people for whom they are created —you!
Black Onyx enhances one's self-control, while stimulating the power of wise decision-making. It helps to banish grief, and encourage happiness and good fortune. Lava Stone is a form of volcanic rock, which helps to provide strength and stability through difficult times. It is useful in dissipating anger, while creating greater understanding and providing guidance. Hematite enhances one’s self-esteem while stimulating concentration and focus. It is useful in aiding protection and grounding proprieties. All of them come together in this one powerful and beautiful stack ($40.00)
Jade represents love, purity and serenity while increasing one’s harmony. It also helps clear the heart chakra. White Howlite allows one to find comfort in oneself. It helps to release attachments and old emotional pain. Pyrite is a powerful protection stone, which also enhances memory ($45.00)
FOR THE TRENDSETTER WHO LIKES TO KEEP IT CLASSIC WITH THE PACK
Ever wish for a bag that you could take on your bike, then go from the office to the gym, out to dinner? This is the perfect piece ($315.00)
This is the perfect everyday piece from biking around the city, to carrying all of your necessities throughout the day! Each backpack is handmade in house in Toronto, Canada. The backpack features one small pocket at the front for your keys or cellphone! These bags are made to be durable, and are waterproofed in their finishing process ($250.00)
FOR THE ONE WHO IS ONE OF A KIND, JUST LIKE THEIR DECOR
House of Ansley is a Toronto-based company specializing in ready-made furniture and custom refinishing services. We bring furniture back to life by cleaning, prepping, doing minor repairs, painting and upgrading hardware. Our collection of home accessories is a thoughtfully curated mix of handmade products from local artists in both urban and rural regions of Canada.
A dainty console table that is perfect for narrow or small spaces. This console can be used as an entrance table, TV stand, vanity and more. Best of all, the console can be customized to better suit your aesthetic! Pick the colour and size and House of Ansley will make your vision come to life ($150.00)
Carefully hand-crafted from solid wood sourced in Northern Ontario, these serving boards are a great addition to any kitchen. Measuring 10.5 " x 10.75" x 10.75" and is made of cherry wood with reclaimed leather strap, each board is completely unique and cannot be replicated. The grain and look might vary between pieces – but that’s what makes it an original! ($45.00)
FOR THAT PERSON WHO LOVES TO PAWN STOREBOUGHT BAKED GOODS OFF AS THEIR OWN..
Hey Dolly Pies is a baking business started out of Carly McGrath's love for baking and sharing it with the people close to her. While Hey Dolly Pies specializes in (you guessed it!) homemade pies, there are also other baked goods available. The goal is to share what her grandmother did with her: to bring the feeling of family and warmth to everyone's holiday dinner table. Delivery for small fee and pick up available. All orders can be gift wrapped upon request.
Each pie is packed full with your choice of filling and stored in a keepsake, eco-friendly glass pie plate. Whether order baked and ready to eat or frozen, they've been baked with love with recipes that are tried and tested to perfection. Gluten-free and vegan crust options available ($18.00-$30.00)
This crisp and often sweet, but sometimes savoury biscuit is a great coffee or tea dunker. Your order comes with loaves of biscotti, about 18-24 pieces. Dipped in icing, rolled in candy cane, covered in chocolate, plain.. the options are limitless (starting at $15.00)
For The Artisan in All Of Us
Inspired by this creed, Eman founded Meraki Design House as an e-boutique platform connecting collectors and aficionados to the artisans, thereby fostering and nurturing intimate relationships.
Blending pragmatic Eastern comfort with authentic Western aesthetics, every item has a unique story. Meraki carefully cultivates skilled artisans globally to deliver the highest quality products. Each item is the culmination of hundreds of hours of trial and error; frustration, and ultimately triumph. You are buying a piece infused with the artist’s soul – their Meraki.
Ajrak is a traditional woodblock print originating from South Asia. Commonly used as a gift to pay respect to others - we've put our spin on it by exploring the non traditional ajrak colors and creating a brand new product with it. Our Ajrak flats are not only exquisite but also some of the most comfortable shoes you can own! There is no left or right shoe as the leather molds to your feet to make the pair unique to you ($85.00)
This beautiful Hand Beaded Collar Necklace was created in Ecuador by the women of the indigenous Saraguro people. The beading tradition has passed through generations, however, it is their creativity that allows them to continuously craft unique patterns symbolizing the Indigenous culture. This particular piece has taken up to 7 hours of beading time ($79.00)
FOR THE ACTIVIST WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO TAKE A STAND
Not Opium was a brand born from the feeling of being misunderstood. The disconnect between who you know you are and who they say you are. Humans attempt to define and put labels on everything; an easy way to organize and simplify what and who a person is. These are generally born from assumptions, stereotypes and that person's past experiences. Not Opium is a brand that strives to see past what or who people say you are and listens to you. We see you. Who are you?
Because nothing makes you look cuter than repping consent! ($35.99, various colours) Not Your Pal Sweatshirt
Tell 'em without talking with this super comfortable and warm sweatshirt that is bound to keep you warm in the colder months. A pre-shrunk, classic fit sweater that's made with air-jet spun yarn for a soft feel ($35.99, various colours)
FOR SOMEONE PASSIONATE ABOUT PURCHASING FAIR TRADE, ETHICALLY SOURCED GOODS
Cambio Market is a curated collection of thoughtful, responsible goods that empower artisans in the Philippines and around the world. We are rooted in the principles of fair trade, ethical sourcing, and supporting small and local businesses. Meaning "change" in Spanish, the word Cambio embodies our mission: change how business ids done, and help others live an empowered, socially conscious lifestyle. Empowerment is You.
Made in Philippines to provide sustainable livelihood to indigenous artisans and craft bagmakers in the Philippines ($86.00USD)
Made in India to empower women rescued from sex trafficking ($27.00USD)
FOR THAT PERSON THAT WORSHIPS WINE WEDNESDAY (ERR.. EVERYDAY?)
New World Wine Tours provides boutique wine experiences from Toronto to Niagara and Prince Edward County. We also specialize in food and sake tourism in Toronto. Everything we do on a day-to-day basis is small scale and an intimate approach to tourism informed by local expertise. We are, however, happy to host groups of international visitors, businessmen and private events.
Raise a glass and celebrate the new year with us in Niagara! A national treasure, ice wine is a sweet and floral libation, complex in both flavour and creation. As you explore a variety of wineries, your experience is crafted by a certified W3-SET sommelier who will customize gourmet food, ice wine, and still wine pairings to your tastes and curiosities.
This all-inclusive day trip to Niagara includes transportation to and from Toronto, ice wine tastings, still wine tastings, food pairings, and a gourmet lunch. Tours run for private and small groups (email for Work It Social discount)
Nestled among the cobbled streets of Toronto historic Distillery District is a rare find: the first sake brewery in Canada! Discover the area’s pioneering, bootlegging past and get up close and personal with the distillation process. Enjoy gourmet drinking chocolate, many varieties of sake and delicious Japanese bar snacks (email for Work It Social discount)
FOR THE GAL WHO IS ALWAYS ASKING “DO YOU HAVE AN EXTRA..” (HINT: SHE WON’T LOSE THESE!)
Are you tired of hair ties that break, crease and rip your hair? Ponytail Mail is here to put an end to this nonsense. Our handmade ribbon hair ties are made in Canada, won't crease or rip your hair, and look way cuter than conventional hair ties. Win!
One, 3 and 6 months subscription. 10 hair ties (surprise colours, but you can definitely let us know what your favourites are), sent every (or every other) month! Ships for free in Canada. (Starting at $20.00)
The perfect way to add a little holiday cheer & sparkle to your hair (or wrist) this season! ($13.00)
FOR SOMEONE WHO LOVES TO MAKE A BIG STATEMENT
The idea for Badge started after constantly seeing millennials in Toronto wearing the same outfits in every social setting. Everyone is just simply blending in! We're on a mission for people to stop looking like everyone else. Two people can both be wearing a casual white t-shirt, but if one has a pin or a patch on it that says a little something about them, suddenly that basic white tee isn't so basic anymore. Adding a touch of yourself is what will help differentiate you from everyone else.
Because after a year like 2017, who doesn’t feel like they need to spread a little cheer everywhere in 2018? ($10.00)
This iron on/glue on patch can embellish any of your favourite items with something a little different. What an awesome way to show your personality! ($10.00)
FOR THE ONE THAT ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING TO SAY, BUT NEVER KNOWS HOW TO SAY IT
Situationally accurate greeting cards for business and personal use. Just say it...they can take it. Sometimes you need a card to tell someone how you feel, but the right card just doesn't exist. That's where Gruff comes to save the day! We create socially accurate greeting cards for any occasion, personal or professional.
Struggling to find the right card to express yourself? Gruff Greetings has made one perfect for any occasion! ($4.75 per card, bulk orders available in 6 or 12, PROMO CODE: 15% off with HOLIDAYGRUFF)
You had a rough day. We get it. So does your team. They just need to be reminded you know you came in a little hot. ($4.75 per card, bulk orders available in 6 or 12, PROMO CODE: 15% off with HOLIDAYGRUFF)
FOR THE LADY IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS ETHICALLY STYLISH
Eco-friendly, handmade knit-wear.
This super soft, oversized knit scarf is made with 90% ethically sourced alpaca wool and 10% bamboo. Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic so you’ll never feel itchy bundling up in this blanket scarf! ($149.00)
Pretty in Pink is the perfect addition to the chic woman’s wardrobe. This one-of-a-kind headband is made with high-quality, ethically sourced alpaca wool to keep even the coldest woman warm this winter. To make things warmer, this headband is lined with 100% cotton! ($65.00)
For The Little (Or Big Kid!) In Your Life
Action Potential Lab is Toronto’s first laboratory dedicated to merging science and art. It is here where the teachings of both fields interact and exchange by way of classes, workshops, birthday parties, lecture series and various community outreach programs.
Fling small objects across your room as Leonado da Vinci intended. This kit brings his sketches into reality. Everything you need to build is included: Precut wood pieces and easy to follow instructions ($45.00)
A great gift for the person with a big warm heart! A chance to grow a fun polymer one ($13.00)