In lieu of endless gift guides, I thought I would keep them to a minimal and go another route by highlighting some really loved businesses that are small or one-man shows, women owned and run, backed by moms or maybe even local to your community (country). During a time of excessive big box marketing, it’s easy to feel as if some of these smaller but no less significant businesses get “lost in the sauce” if you will.
I’m hoping to avoid the blogger thing of telling you what you “need” to buy in effort to make a dollar, and instead sharing what I genuinely believe to better places to do the buying you’re inevitably going to do anyways.
I’m hoping to avoid the blogger thing of telling you what you “need” to buy in effort to make a dollar, and instead sharing what I genuinely believe to better places to do the buying you’re inevitably going to do anyways.
Scrapping my original post about gift suggestions for children, I’m sharing my favourite boutique destinations for any and all times of the year. I also have a post coming soon with some of our favourite independent children’s brands that are worth checking out or maybe even carried at some of the following shops, so stay tuned.
Probably one of my favourite shops! Tara, the shop owner, has a serious eye for curating the finest pieces from near and far. Carrying a handful of globally loved lines, sustainable brands and lesser seen pieces, this is a total go-to for unique but trendy children’s apparel and accessories. It’s also Canadian based so great for local shipping and good on the American dollar. Some of our favourites there include: Beau Hudson, Maed For Mini, Rylee & Cru and Os & Oakes.
Another of my favourites, with a fresh and hip vibe. Also carrying a variety of well curated brands, Minted Method is an American based boutique for all things trendy – including toys and accessories like Hazel Village, Gautier Studios, Little Sapling Toys (all of which I love) and even a selection of trending adult brands like Brunette The Label (big fan of).
If you’re a Toronto locale, this is one you can stop in yourself. Roncesvalles – get on out there. Offering a different selection of items, I know they strive heavily to source a majority of their stock from women-made brands. And if that’s not awesome? I don’t know what is.
This is a newer of my picks, but I love it because it carries brands we were already rocking in our household and then some. With a definite modern feel, their functional selections are more than ideal for you monochrome loving moms like myself. Or if you’re shopping for the mom who hates colour and totally clueless on what to buy her or the little one? You’re welcome.
This is the spot for all things nifty. Do people still say that? No? Anyways. Talk about cool and innovative products that not only satisfy littles but also make parenting a bit easier. From soothers that never touch the ground from Doodle & Co. to the product of all dinnerware products, the coveted line from EZPZ (tried, true, and totally loved in our household) they have a thoughtfully curated selection of products that are unique and functional.
This one is a mom and dad team, tell me that's not super cute. I love a family run business and this happens to be another close to home, located in Montreal (Canada). I know I can always find something both modern and mineral here from brands we already love and support as well, but let me tell you about their accessories, home decor, and tableware. Seriously, the best. My faith was restored that I didn't have to live tacky because of kids.
This is both a boutique and an independent label. The store carries a number of really awesome brands (did you know they’re organic oriented?) but their clothing is their own in house brand, which is by the way, quality beyond compare. All organic and made right here in North America, you can buy any piece of their own or carried brands and rest comfortably that you’ve chosen something made responsibly. We have and love these bath toys, always get stopped by their unique book and toys, and can’t get enough of the Mini Mioche basics. This is one worth grabbing a coffee and strolling on by one of two locations, if you’re in or from Toronto. The set up and window displays are always a treat, and did I mention the Distillery location has a play nook for the kids? Oh, yes. Drink that coffee in piece mama.
A friendly reminder that your dollar often goes further (back into your economy or into the pocket of your very peers) and is valued more when you shop small/support local. To small business owners, you are someone – not just an order number. And given it’s supposed to be the thought that count, it’s worth considering a gift with a little more thought, consciousness, and maybe uniqueness.
What He's Wearing:
Shirt: Kidult & Co., carried at Tiny Trendsetters.
Leggings: (super out of my norm) are Beau Loves, carried at The Mini Life.
Backpack (his mini and my full sized diaper bag): Fawn Design.
What He's Wearing:
Shirt: Kidult & Co., carried at Tiny Trendsetters.
Leggings: (super out of my norm) are Beau Loves, carried at The Mini Life.
Backpack (his mini and my full sized diaper bag): Fawn Design.
* This post is not sponsored, in collaboration, or income affiliated with any of the above mentioned brands. They are merely businesses we generally appreciate and shop on our own, that I wanted to both share and support.
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