(not your kids, not your spouse, JUST. YOU.)
Every year I do a gift guide and I include gift ideas for kids, for babies, for men …NOT THIS YEAR, LADIES. THIS YEAR IT’S ALL ABOUT US. Because all we do is plan, and shop, and wrap, and dedicate WEEKS to making holiday dreams come true for other people, without ever thinking about ourselves. Well this handy gift guide will force you to think about yourself and either TREAT YOURSELF to something special, get a girlfriend something she’ll love, or pass a link along to a person who might otherwise buy you socks that say “SUPER MOM“.
So without further ado, here are 10 things I LOVE from small businesses I ADMIRE!
NICE PACK
hellonicepack.com
I never thought I’d be a fanny pack mom… then I got a “Nice Pack” from The Particulars and I don’t know how I EVER LIVED WITHOUT IT. I am SO devoted to my nice pack – which comes in 10 colors and can be customized with your name or initials. I got custom Nice Pack’s as holiday gifts for my friends and colleagues this year! So, I hope they aren’t reading this!
A gift from ME to YOU – use code 20OFF to get 20% OFF!
KIKI KREME
kikikreme.com
Ok, I am slightly biased because this small, black-owned business happens to be run by one of my best friends. She makes every jar of Kiki Kreme organic body butter by hand and I think she puts MAGIC IN IT. I use it as a body lotion on me and baby Romi and everyone who tries it becomes obsessed (including my husband who steals mine on the regular and my Mother-in-Law who now orders jars monthly). Now available in CANADA and …with a discount code JUST FOR US!
Use JESSI20 to get 20% off!
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DRYGOODS
animalhusbandrydrygoods.com
I discovered this small business at the Toronto One of a Kind show and bought my first ‘Essential Tote‘. It has become just that for me: ESSENTIAL. Big enough for my computer, my kids’ snacks, my change of clothes, my wipes and diapers, it is my take-everything-with-me-everywhere bag. Plus, this bag is INDESTRUCTIBLE. I’ve taken it on tour, on airplanes, to the zoo, the park… I’m sorry to sound like my mother, but THEY DON’T MAKE BAGS LIKE THIS ANYMORE – they are such high quality, handmade by Donna Wilson in Port Hope, Ontario and they will last a lifetime.
ELA HANDBAGS
us.elahandbags.com
For something a little less ‘practical everyday‘ and more ‘oh sh*t! Mama’s stepping out tonight!‘ I LOVE Ela Handbags – a small Canadian brand that makes vegan leather bags and accessories. I have the collab she did with Sasha Exeter in black pebble. I love that it’s cute and ‘dainty’ but still has room for the random assortment of objects I ALWAYS THROW IN MY BAG (snacks, ipad, sweater, overstuffed wallet, chapstick, hairspray, stolen Halloween candy from my child, etc.).’
Use code JESSI20 to get 20% OFF!
MIFA & CO.
mifaandco.com
Mifa & Co. is a 100% natural body-care brand from my hometown of Vancouver, BC. I am OBSESSED with EVERYTHING they make, but the Eucalyptus Mood Mist is my MUST-HAVE, CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT, TOOK IT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR ROMI’S BIRTH item. It comes in a few of their Holiday Essentials Sets, which make amazing gifts! Last year I gifted my entire team sets from Mifa & Co. I love this company (and my team) THAT MUCH!
Use code JESSI15 to get 15% OFF!
JENNY BIRD
jenny-bird.com
I LIVE in Jenny Bird jewelry. My post-covid fashion rule is, keep the clothes simple and the jewels PLENTIFUL. I literally throw gold chains on with everything – it creates the illusion of effort without actual effort and it makes even the simplest outfit look chic. I love everything Jenny makes, but currently highest in my rotation are the Bo Choker, Bo Bracelet and Tome Hoops. Oh and GLASSES! Now she makes SUNGLASSES (and you DM me about mine EVERY DAY).
Use code JESSI20 to get 20% OFF!
LEFT ON FRIDAY
leftonfriday.com
I know it’s probably snowing where you are, but we can still DREAM of SUMMER right? LOF makes my go-to swimwear and now they have sweatshirts, bike shorts, beach cover-ups and more. Plus, the co-founder is my childhood BFF so she hooked us up with a PROMO CODE!
Use code TAKEOFF to get $50 OFF purchases of $150+
TONIC LIVING
tonicliving.com
A few years ago, a colleague (Hi Steven Sabados!) got me a throw for Christmas that I STILL USE to this day on my sofa and it is one of the most beautiful gifts I’ve ever received. So, I’m stealing his idea and suggesting you give (or get) a throw (or pillow) from Canadian Company Tonic Living! My entire house (my bedroom, Romi’s nursery, kitchen nook, guest house, etc…) is filled with gorgeous pillows and throws from Tonic Living. Their pieces are beautiful, high quality and surprisingly affordable!
HYMNOLOGIE
hymnologie.com
I got a gift certificate to a spa and I NEVER USED IT and then I LOST IT. If your life is as chaotic as mine, Hymnologie products are the closest you’ll get to a spa. This Canadian company has created skincare products that actually have that relaxing, intoxicating spa-smell and the packaging is STUNNING. I love the melts and the bundles would make an incredible gift for anyone who needs to bring the spa-experience HOME.
Use code JESSIC15 to get 15% OFF!
…and now for the COOKBOOKS (yes, I said COOKBOOKS like, for cooking):
LITTLE CRITICS
by Joanna Fox
I DON’T COOK. But this book is SO CUTE it’s making me want to cook! It is a compilation of recipes for KIDS by Canadian Chefs that you’ll want to eat. And the great pictures of vintage toys and food has made my BOYS WANT TO COOK. The other day we made “Candy Sangria” from this book – sure, it’s a beverage and it involved no cooking, but I swear I’ll actually cook with this book someday and you will too!
DON’T WORRY JUST COOK
by Bonnie Stern and Anna Rupert
I know – WHO AM I sharing all these cookbooks on this list?! This is Canadian cooking ICON Bonnie Stern’s new book. It is simple, beautiful and will make the PERFECT gift for your mom or mother in law. It may or may not be what MY MOTHER is getting this year, luckily she still doesn’t know how to find the ‘link in my bio’ so she won’t be reading this. Bon Appetite!