Small independent businesses are the driving force in our local economy and contribute immensely to the vibrancy of our neighbourhoods. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre supports our local businesses year-round, and you too can show your appreciation by shopping local this holiday season.
It’s easy to support small businesses by buying gifts directly from the store, finding unique products at holiday markets and using BIA dollars to shop in main street commercial districts.
The 2023 Windsor Essex Holiday Gift Guide features locally crafted and curated products that would make a perfect gift for someone that you care about this holiday season. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is excited to once again sponsor the guide created by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, designed in partnership with the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre and the W.E. Made It Program.
5 Ways to bring holiday joy to small businesses
Small independent businesses are the driving force in our local economy and contribute immensely to the vibrancy of our neighbourhoods. We all play a part in their survival, especially during challenging economic times. Here are a few ways you can support small businesses in your community during the holiday season and beyond.
- Spread the word. Let others know about your favourite businesses by leaving a positive review or testimonial on their website, or like and share their content on social media. Word of mouth referrals are a great way to drum up support for small businesses.
- Commit to purchasing gifts locally. Attend local artisan fairs, shop at main street businesses or on their e-commerce websites. Not sure what to buy someone? Purchasing a gift card is a great way to ensure your loved ones can pick out a unique local product.
- Reach out. Connect with local independent businesses by subscribing to businesses’ social media, emails and newsletters. Keeping abreast of sales and new product offerings means you’re more likely to shop at those businesses.
- Order takeout. Ordering takeout from your favourite local restaurant or caterer is a great way to continue supporting food and beverage businesses. Third party delivery apps provide convenience but often charge high fees to restaurants, so consider ordering direct from the restaurant if you can.
- Discover unique experiences. Many businesses offer workshops and classes such as creative art studios, music lessons, cooking and nutrition lessons, fitness classes, and more. Participating in events and workshops helps you stay connected to these businesses and build a community around their services.
Looking for local gift ideas?
Good For You Gifts:
Avid Sensory Wellness MYB Lunch & Snack Bags $22 | Gruppo Nutrition JOE $70 | Pak’d Ltd. Build Your Pak’d Bundle $92| Purple Vixen Beauty Mini Spa Day $160 | Shred Shop Wellness Complex 10 Class Pass $210
Gifts For A Night Out:
Cured Craft Brewing Cured Classics Variety 24 Pack $85 | Funky Chow Kitchen Dinner for Two $100 Gift Card | Gladstone Commons Dinner for Two $250 Gift Card | Lot 10 Brewing Company Mixed 6 Pack of Craft Brews $19 | Sandwich Brewing Company White Bronco Craft Beer $3.25
Gifts For The Young At Heart:
Bliss Skate Shop Northside of the Map Waffle Knit Beanie $31 | Paper Heroes Comic Book Lounge Captain America Comic $15 | Pressure Drop Gonzo Camp Collar Shirt $100 | What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory Small Pouch 5 Pack $20 | Wolf & Rebel Pearl Face Sheet Mask $7
Gifts For The Cultured Ones:
519Culture A Canadian Breakfast Kit $85 | Beatnik Art Supplies Paint Your Own Earring Kit $5 | Biblioasis Biblioasis Fiction Club $100 | Culture Shock Bead Co. Small Face Roller $20 | Walkerville Mercantile Ltd. Bailey – “Tino” Fedora (black) $139
Hot Gifts For Your Hottie:
Cafe Amor & Art Gift Card | Halo Heats Spicy Red Pepper Hot Sauce $15 | JP Smitty Sauce Hot Sauce $12 | Kava Cafe & Bakery Sourdough Bread $8 | Mill Creek Candle Co. Dough Bowl 3 Wick Candle $55
Sweet Treats or Gifts For Your Sweet Tooth:
Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen Pie-Scription $55 | Cookie Bar 6 Pack Cookies Gift Pack $33 | Torus Doughnuts One Dozen Donuts $33 | Mary’s Mindful BakeHouse Cinnamon Rolls $12 | Soda Pop Bros. Soda Pop Brand Black Cherry Cola $2.50
Blast From The Past Gifts:
Brand Dead Boblo Island 70’s Ringer T-Shirt $25 | Eh Plus Vintage Gift Card | Pink Pisces Skinny Tumbler $23 | Scene52 Windsor-Essex County Pelee Island Playing Cards $18 | Wicker & Wardrobe Gift Card
Stylish Finds:
Bunch The Boyfriend Sock $19| FATE Buffalo Plaid Gloves $12 | Milana’s Menswear Saxx Snooze Pant $70 | Rain Fitness Yoga & Lifestyle Boutique B Mat Everyday Black $98 | Whiskeyjack Boutique Windsor Essex Things Print $25
Handmade Gifts:
Aloraflora Jewelry Mini Crystal Drop Earrings $28 | bex.design.co Crochet Change Purse $22 | Breeze Pottery Studio Avocado Dish $25 | My Weekend Is Booked Energize Gift Box $100 | Terra Green Gardens Lavender & Lemonade Whipped Body Butter $18
Stocking Stuffers:
The Good Life Gifts & Greetings Ella Crossbody $95 | Pure Pelee Hooded Sweatshirt $45 | Smashed Apple Trade Co. The Mighty Caesar Canadian Cocktail Mix $13| The Fruit Wagon Apple Cider Vinegar $8 | Tragic Fate Tragic Fortune T-Shirt $25
