Buying gifts gets tricky when you’ve got a mix of people to shop for. A box of chocolates might work for a coworker, while someone in the family would love something handmade. If you’re looking for gifts made in Canada, we’ve got ideas for different people on your list.
How can you tell if a gift is really made in Canada?
Read the whole label. A maple leaf, red colours or a Canadian-sounding name don’t tell you where something was made. Look for a written claim.
For gifts like clothing or home goods, a “Made in Canada” label doesn’t mean every part comes from Canada. The Competition Bureau has rules about how much of the work must happen here, and brands should make it clear when they use imported materials.
Food labels work a little differently. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency allows “Made in Canada” when the food’s final major processing happens in Canada, even if some ingredients come from elsewhere. Look for wording like “Made in Canada from imported ingredients.”
Which Canadian-made gifts suit each person on your list?
Think about what they actually enjoy, whether it’s good food, something for their home or a hobby they spend time on. That should help you narrow things down.
What can you bring a host or a coworker?
Bring a small food or home gift that suits most people. Maple syrup is a familiar Canadian gift, and so is a small jar of preserves or a hand-poured candle. Check the best-before date on anything edible before you buy it.
For made-in-Canada chocolate, there’s Purdys Chocolatier, a family-owned Canadian chocolatier founded in 1907. Its chocolates are crafted in Vancouver, Canada, and made with sustainable cocoa.
Chocolate lovers might enjoy Purdys Hedgehogs, with their creamy hazelnut gianduja filling and milk chocolate shell. For someone who loves maple, the Maple Leaf Lolly or Canadian Maple Bar could be a good choice.
What Canadian-made gifts are good for family members?
For someone who loves knitting, Briggs & Little makes wool yarn at its mill in New Brunswick. A hand-thrown mug would be lovely for a family member who enjoys their morning coffee.
Roots makes leather bags at its Toronto factory, though some use Italian leather, so check the label if Canadian-made materials matter to you.
Art can make a more personal gift, especially when you know someone’s taste. You could buy directly from a Canadian artist or an Indigenous-owned shop.
Which Canadian-made gifts will kids love?
Wooden toys, puzzles and board games are worth exploring, especially if you’re looking for something kids can play with again and again. Just check the recommended age range before choosing.
The Toy Maker of Lunenburg has been making wooden toys and games in its Nova Scotia workshop since 1979. Its pieces are designed, built and finished there, although some parts, including wheels and pegs, are shipped in.
How do you choose a gift for a friend or relative far away?
Choose something light and unbreakable that travels well, especially if you’re sending it across the country. Loose-leaf tea, wool socks and printed tea towels are all great gifts.
Westholme Tea Company grows tea in British Columbia’s Cowichan Valley, so a pouch of its Canadian-grown tea is a good pick for a tea lover.
Is there a good gift for a tight budget?
You don’t have to spend much to find something thoughtful. A locally made bar of soap, a small jar of honey or a set of illustrated greeting cards can all make lovely gifts, especially with a handwritten note.
For something a little different, Sequoia makes soaps and candles on Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec. Its Sweetgrass Soap contains a small blade of real sweetgrass in every bar.
When should you order holiday gifts so they arrive on time?
If you’re buying from different Canadian makers, don’t assume they’ll all have the same holiday shipping deadlines. Some may need more time to prepare your order, especially during the busy season.
- Check the seller’s shipping deadline for your recipient’s postal code.
- See where the gift ships from, since a Canadian-made product won’t necessarily ship from Canada.
- Check delivery costs before ordering, including whether there’s a minimum spend for free shipping.
- Allow extra time for deliveries to other provinces, especially during the busy holiday season.
Canada Post also has holiday shipping deadlines that depend on the service and destination. Check its latest dates if you’re mailing gifts yourself. Try ordering in early December so you have time to sort out any delivery delays or address mistakes before the holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘Product of Canada’ the same as ‘Made in Canada’?
No, “Product of Canada” means more Canadian content. For food, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the processing and labour are Canadian, along with a significant share of the ingredients. For non-food gifts, the Competition Bureau looks for at least 98% of production costs to come from Canada, with the final major manufacturing step also taking place here.
Does a maple leaf on the label mean a gift is Canadian?
Not always. The Competition Bureau warns that red colours or a maple leaf don’t necessarily mean a product is Canadian, while the Canadian Food Inspection Agency gives the same warning about maple leaves on food. Go by a written claim such as “Made in Canada” or “Product of Canada,” and ask the maker if you’re unsure.
How do you put together one gift from several Canadian makers?
You could pair locally roasted coffee with handmade ceramics, or Canadian-made chocolate with a small batch of specialty tea. Mixing products from different makers is a nice way to introduce someone to a few Canadian favourites, especially when the gifts reflect their tastes.