Shop Local for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and that means it's time for all thing festive--like shopping for everyone on your list!

This year, I tried to keep my shopping local so I could help support businesses in Ottawa that have struggled during the pandemic with numerous lockdowns. I was on Daytime Ottawa to talk about some great gift ideas from local businesses, and you can watch the entire segment here to get some great ideas for shopping local this season.

Here are some great shopping ideas for those on your list this season:

Beauty

Check out Blush and Rose Beauty Bar, where you can pick up a gift card for a facial, pedicure, or manicure. This new salon in Ottawa's south end is so cute, and the service is excellent. I was lucky to enjoy a pedicure over the holidays, complete a glass of bubbly. You can also stock up on great Aveda products, candles, beauty essentials, and more.

In need of a massage? Check out Innes Massage Therapy in Ottawa's east end for excellent service, in a tranquil, clean, and lovely environment. You can also buy gift cards to gift to those who need some TLC, as well as at-home spa products, like bath salts, bath bombs, and more.

Fashion

Manhattan West Boutique is a stylish boutique in Ottawa's Westboro neighborhood where you can stock up on your seasonal wardrobe--from sweaters to pleather pants and coats (like Mackage) this boutique carries it all, including accessories, boots, and jewelry. I love the many festive styles available at this store, and it's a great place to shop for the fashionable people on your shopping list.

Entertaining

No party is complete without some delicious tequila and I love Cada Dia Tequila--a premium crafted tequila created by a local Ottawa couple, and made in Mexico. You can find this tequila at your local LCBO.

A great gift for the host is a kit from Wine Bar from Afar. You can receive a charcuterie box and a bottle of wine to gift. They also have DIY drink kits, from Bar From Afar--always a great option for people who love special cocktails!

Jewelry

Rose Gold Jewelry sells beautiful fine gold jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. I love the wide variety of pieces Rose Garden Jewelry sells, like their evil eye pieces. The delicate designs are beautiful and can be worn for any occasion, and make a great gift to give this holiday season.

Happy holiday shopping--I hope you find some local inspiration!

Comments

The Complete 2016 Holiday Gift Guide (Plus A Giveaway!)

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and yet, it's also the most stressful time of the year for some people. While I love to shop, I know many people don't find pleasure in walking through the mall in December, looking for the perfect gifts to give the people on their list. I've put together a holiday gift guide that'll help narrow down the choices of what to give the people you love this holiday season—from luxurious gifts like a getaway to The Hazelton Hotel to books and skin care products, there is definitely something here for everyone on your list. Luxury gifts The Hazelton Hotel: I love to travel, and I love gifts that have to do with travel. Even if it's a staycation, or a weekend getaway, I can't think of a better gift to give someone you love. I had the pleasure of staying at The Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville, Toronto, and I think this is a perfect gift to give. You can unwind and re-connect in the luxurious rooms and suites, enjoy the

Escape to Chicago: Where to Stay, Dine, and Shop

I had the great pleasure of once again joining Choose Chicago on a press trip to experience the vibrant city of Chicago. Chicago was recently voted the Best Big City in America and as usual, Chicago was a dream, and I can't wait to return. (To read more about all the fun things to do in Chicago if you're planning a trip to the Windy City for your next holiday escape, you can read my article in Canadian Geographic Travel ). Here are a few highlights that'll help you plan your next Chicago trip with ease--how to get there, where to stay, where to dine, and what to do: Porter Airlines Travelling during the pandemic can be challenging, but my flight with Porter Airlines made the experience smooth, comfortable, and safe. I had all the necessary documents with me (proof of vaccination and rapid test for entry to the USA) and Porter took care of the rest--I was met with excellent service checking in, and in-flight (we loved our flight attendant so much!) along with tasty snack

The Hazelton Hotel Voted Number Three Best Hotel In Canada

Every trip to Toronto is made even more memorable for me when I stay at The Hazelton Hotel, located right in the heart of luxurious Yorkville. I've had the pleasure of staying at the Hazelton Hotel many times over the last several years, and with each visit, I fall in love with the hotel even more. The Hazelton Hotel is most definitely a perfect escape for a couple looking for a romantic getaway and it's also perfect for a best friends weekend trip, a work retreat, or simply, any visit to Toronto. The Hazelton is "Canada's first and only Forbes five-star independent luxury boutique hotel" and though it's considered a boutique hotel because it only has 77 (very spacious) rooms and suites, it feels very grand and luxurious. The hotel is constantly ranked the #1 hotel in Toronto on TripAdvisor (five years and counting!) and was just voted the N umber Three Best Hotel in Canada Conde Nast Traveller's 2022 Readers' Choice Awards. I have to agree, becaus

Loulou's views

Search This Blog