Image via Complex Original
Finding the perfect gift for someone can be a challenge. But just as important as who you’re buying for is where you’re buying from. This season, avoid the basic presents from big box retailers by copping something with a little more personality and a lot more positive impact. We made a list of unique gifts from BIPOC-owned Canadian brands, and made sure to include something for everyone on your list. Because nothing is more in the spirit than socially conscious shopping, and everything on this list is the opposite of cheugy.
Studio Sylvia Sneaker Planters
Studio Syliva is an Asian- and woman-owned creative lifestyle brand in Toronto. Her products range from stickers, graphic prints sculptures to more. The sneaker planter is the perfect gift for the sneakerhead in your life.
$40, studiosylvia.ca
Aux God Music Battle Card Game
Who doesn’t love a card game? Black-owned business Aux God takes it to the next level with their Music Battle card game. It’s more than just sitting around with a bunch of cards; here you get to sing, rap, and dance your heart out. This gift is sure to be a party starter.
$24, auxgodgame.com
The Give & Grow Basketball Planter
Asian-owned brand the Give & Grow is a women0led initiative centered around growth. In theme with that, they have a collection of specially curated NBA planters. You can find them at Makeway, which is an unapologetically women-owned sneakers, streetwear, and “things” boutique. The basketball planter is a unique collector item for anyone with a green thumb and a love for streetwear inspired decor.
$85, shopmakeway.co
Vo Beauty Manuka Glow Mask
Toronto-based Asian-owned brand Vo Beauty was founded by a facialist, so when it comes to skin she knows what she’s doing. Our gift pick is their Manuka Glow mask from their dehydrated/dry skin collection. As the saying goes, treat yo’ self, or whoever you choose to buy this pampering little gift for. You can also purchase the mask at Makeway.
$43, shopmakeway.co
Orijin Dainty Evil Eye Chain
Nothing makes a more elegant gift than jewelry and Orijin nails that. The btand is BIPOC-owned and LGBTIQ+ inclusive as they design jewelry for everyone. The dainty evil eye chain has cultural significance and is known to ward off negative energy.
$170, orijingold.com
Benny Bing Print
Art prints are a great addition to take any space to the next level. Benny Bing is created and owned by Benny Bing, a Canadian artist of Nigerian descent. His prints are like no other and highlight contemporary art through his lens. The Ohso print would be a memorable gift for any art lover.
$300, bennybing.com
Mirasol Headwrap
Adidem Asterisks x Moya 'Gangbox': Volume One
Black-owned Canadian streetwear brand Adidem Asterisks tapped Toronto artist Moya ‘GangBox’ Garrison to create this children’s book featuring 10 original spot illustrations. A more original kids’ gift than yet another Dr. Seuss book.
$250, adidem.world
Yute Varsity Bomber
Yute is a brand created by youth to serve youth. The brand just worked with Fred VanVleet on his UGG Canada campaign. A portion of each sale goes towards youth organizations, initiates, and programs. This is a great way to support community and young people. The varsity bomber is a great layering piece for any closet.
$200, fortheyute.com
Curves Handmade CD Rug
Black-owned brand Curves, by Toronto’s Sean Brown, offers contemporary homeware. They have everything from bedding, shower curtains to stickers. Our pick for a gift is the CD rug, for which you can choose between some iconic albums like Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Outkast’s The Love Below.
$250, curvesbyseanbrown.com
Onquata Decorative Paddle
Onquata is owned by a Wendat mother-daughter duo. Their hand-painted paddles are inspired by First Nations culture and celebrate their roots. They have a large variety of paddles, each with its own significance and theme so you can pick the perfect one for a gift.
$90, onquata.com
The Ugly Twin Tracksuit
This brand is centered around empowerment and the name itself is a play on how we tend to compare ourselves to others. The Toronto-based brand has taken streetwear to the next level with positive messaging and clothing created to empower. The tracksuit is a perfect cozy fit for the cold season.
$130, theuglytwin.ca
Scrub & Butter Oat Scrub
Liryc Sound On Candles
Toronto-based Asian owned brand Liryc makes candles and sculptures like no other. A lot of their work is pop culture inspired, including the Sound On candles collection, which has CD-shaped candles including Drake’s iconic Take Care and Kanye’s Graduation.
$50, liryctheshop.com
Mumgry Pistachio Almond Butter
When it comes to snacks, what’s not to love? Black-owned Vancouver-based business Mumgry takes the guilt right out of snacking. Their nut butter is Beyoncé-approved (need we say more?) and a delicious treat for anyone on your gift list.
$20, mumgry.com
'Tropicon Islands' by Lexxicon
We all have a bookworm in our lives, and what better gift for them than a good read? Toronto Afropop artist Lexxicon just released an urban life fiction novel sure to whisk you away to another world. The book highlights music industry drama and what it takes it overcome it.
$25, amazon.ca
Shenative Tan Leather Fringe Earrings
AADHE Clothing Poet Sweatshirt
AADHE is a vibrant streetwear brand owned by a queer Canadian-Punjabi woman who wants people to be their authentic selves. The brand is the perfect blend between two cultures and is not just your typical street style. The Poet sweatshirt is a great pick for any literature lover.
$45, aadheclothing.com
The Alexander and Co Beard Oil
Mobilize Studio Dreams 1.0 Shirt
Mobilize merges streetwear with Indigenous culture to empower, educate, and elevate people to find their own identity. The upcycled clothing items each have their own significant meaning and are genderless. This shirt is for those who want to have more meaning to their clothing and a message with what they wear.
$98, mobilizewaskawewin.com
YFNA Caribou Feather Necklace
Yukon First Nations Arts highlights a variety of different products designed and created by First Nations artists. The website is perfect for selecting a truly one-of-a-kind gift as there’s something for everyone. The Caribou feather necklace with fox fur is our pick.
$155, yfnarts.ca