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Holiday Gift Guide
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Look Local’s Favourite Things – Holiday Gift Guide

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Fairhome Interiors

Sip hot cacao from a hand-painted Emma Bridgewater Mug, available in different patterns and colours.
Fairhome.ca
2289 Fairview Street, Burlington 

Lakeside Livin

An adorable addition to your holiday table. These festive salt and pepper shakers will bring out the holiday spirit in everyone.
Lakesidelivin.com
100 Bronte Road, Oakville

C’est Naturel

Sometimes a touch of texture is the best accessory. This soft, sophisticated cape will keep you wrapped in style (and warmth) all winter long.
Cestnaturel.store
3300 Fairview Street, Burlington

Core 1

Rock around the Christmas tree with Sonos, the ultimate wireless home sound system that fills your home with brilliant sound, room by room.
Core1.ca
249 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

Tundra leather

The perfect gift for someone special. Beautiful 100% leather toiletry bag, hand-made in Hamilton. 
Tundraleather.ca
313 King Street East, Hamilton

Bogart Home and Décor Consignment

Whether you’re looking for the perfect ring for the perfect person, or simply a unique accessory, designer Erin Tracy has something for every style.
Bogarthome.com
2448 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville

LL Bean

Luxuriously comfortable, these slippers are made of superior sheepskin to keep your feet warmer on chilly mornings.
Llbean.ca
Oakville Place, 240 Leighland Ave, Oakville

Creative Insight Pottery

Give the gift of experience. A romantic gesture or fun with a friend – let your creative side run wild with a pottery class.
Creativeinsightpottery.com
23 Main Street South, Waterdown

Goodnight Goodmorning

Slip into something a little more comfortable this holiday season. Cozy and stylish, these jammies are available at Goodnight Goodmorning
Goodnightgoodmorning.ca
100 Bronte Road, Oakville

Burlington Museum

Made in Burlington! The perfect way to announce your special news – an adorable, gender neutral, onesie.
Museumsofburlington.ca

Casual Gourmet

Show your kitchen some love with premium cookware for your holiday feast.
Casualgourmet.ca
1027 King St W, Hamilton

Laura Tedesco

Shine bright like a diamond with this 14k Rose Gold Diamond Ring with a Sorbet Sapphire. Custom designed by Laura Tedesco.
Lauratedesco.com
195 Locke St S #1, Hamilton

Graham & Brooks

It’s not the holiday season without holiday sweaters – even if it’s for your wine bottle.
Grahamandbrooks.com
43 Cootes Drive, Dundas

Tocca Finita

These beautiful earrings are exclusive to Tocca Finita. Available in silver, gold, or two-tone. Crafted by local Jewellery designer, Jenny Bird.
toccafinita.ca
315 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

Zahara’s Boutique

Make a statement with this stunning silk scarf. Truly one-of-a-kind with wool patterns felted in.
Zaharasboutique.com
321 Cornwall Rd, Oakville

Finger Print Jewellery by Mariel Pagliai

A perfect gift for family or friends.
Custom hand-made silver charms
to match your loved ones.
Marielpagliai.com

Town Square Gallery

Elegant, stylish, and whimsical – this bronze frog crafted by world renowned artist Tim Cotterill is the perfect addition to any art collection.
Townsquaregallery.com
94 George Street, Oakville

Rustic Daisy’s

For coffee, drinks, Champagne or cocktails – these tumblers are the perfect stocking stuffer for the mom on your list.
Rusticdaisys.ca
25 Main Street South, Waterdown

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Downtown Oakville’s 12 Days of Giveaways!

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Shop and win at Downtown Oakville’s 12 Days of Giveaways!

Christmas is coming early to Downtown Oakville! From December 5 to 16, the Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Area (BIA) will be surprising randomly selected shoppers by covering the cost of their entire purchase. During our 12 Days of Giveaways, we’ll be giving away a total of $10,000, plus additional giveaways of items from our Holiday Gift Guide. Come armed with your Christmas list and keep an eye out for Santa’s elves, as we’ll be roaming throughout the Downtown waiting to surprise you.

“Twelve Days of Giveaways is our way of saying thank you to this amazing community for supporting the businesses of Downtown Oakville throughout the Lakeshore Road Revitalization Project,” says Sharlene Plewman, Executive Director of the Downtown Oakville BIA. “We look forward to seeing you throughout the newly reopened Lakeshore Road over the holiday season.”

For more information please visit oakvilledowntown.com or our Facebook page facebook.com/downtownoakville.

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Burlington Made
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Our Burlington MADE Holiday Market Shopping List

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Are you headed to Burlington MADE this weekend? This Friday and Saturday, 60 talented artisans are gathering at McMaster’s Ron Joyce Centre for the third annual Burlington MADE Holiday Market. The semi-annual market is becoming known as one of the best curated markets in the region with an average vendor acceptance rate of 25%. In addition to handmade shopping, features of the event will include live music by Burlington artists Dan Taylor and Sarah Campbell Mills, children’s card-making provided by ActiveParents.ca, and a host of gourmet refreshment purveyors.

We intend to shop local as much as possible this holiday season, and discovering our region’s artisans is a fantastic way to score unique finds while encouraging our city’s economy. It also makes for great conversation at your office Secret Santa party.

Here are 10 items that are on our shopping list:

Concrete planter
Amy McCarthy Designs

Original print children’s outfit
Bebe Bird 

Wooden Nativity Set
Blythe House 1860 

Live Edge Beer Flight
Hop & Grain 

Wood and Metal Cufflinks
Nicole Gagnon Wooden Designs

Crystal Geode Air Plant Holder
Pine Flora 

Hand-cut Pendant
StrayStones 

Marshmallows
Sweet and Simple

Bubble Bath Bars 
:to bathe

Charcuterie Boards
The Woodsman’s Daughter

 

The Burlington MADE Holiday Craft Market runs Friday, November 29, from 6 to 9pm and Saturday, November 30, from 10am to 4pm. To find out more about the event, preview the full list of vendors, and purchase your tickets, visit www.burlingtonmade.com.

 

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Petit Pepper
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Meet The Maker – Petit Pepper – Brittney Pepper

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There’s no better time than the holiday shopping season to spread joy by supporting the small businesses around us. Our region is chock full of talented artisans with unique gifts and fantastic stories to tell. This month we’re taking a look behind the scenes at Petit Pepper, a brand of organic baby clothes handmade by nurse and mama Brittney Pepper.

How did you get started as a maker?

B  After my daughter was born, I looked for trendy, hard-wearing clothes that could be passed on to younger siblings and couldn’t find that level of quality. I started shopping around for adorable fabrics and Petit Pepper was born!

What does your workday look like as a maker and mom?

B  Things are ever-changing with a toddler—once upon a time, she played in the play pen while I worked, however now most of my sewing gets done during naptime or after bedtime.

What is your favourite item to make?

B Dresses! They’re the most time-consuming, but I can’t help imagining all the little ones that will be in them. I love seeing excited shoppers who notice all the finer details.

Where do you hope to see your business in a few years?

B  I truly believe in slow fashion and want to see more and more kids wearing Petit Pepper while out and about. We’ve had so many requests for adult clothes and accessories that we have big plans! And baby #2 arrives in May, which will mean another model at the Petit Pepper stand.

Meet Brittney at the Burlington MADE Holiday Market on November 29-30, along with 60 other artisans handpicked from across southern Ontario. She also offers a local pickup option at www.petitpepper.ca

Stephanie Finn is the founder and creative director of Burlington MADE handmade and foodie markets and a small business coach serving creative entrepreneurs at Stephanie Street Co. Find out more at www.burlingtonmade.com.

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Shop Local – Fall Fashion Finds

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Jeff’s Guy Shop

This cozy hoodie is perfect for date-night. Tailored to fit and luxuriously comfortable, this sweater pulls together an effortless look.

457 Brant St, Burlington
jeffsguyshop.com

L.L. Bean

Inspired by the traditional sweaters worn as a defence against the bone-chilling conditions at sea. This heavyweight sweater is made in Ireland with premium wool for outstanding warmth. The Katahdin Pom Hat is a cozy and colourful beanie featuring ‘sunrise over Katahdin’ logo.

240 Leighland Ave, Oakville
llbean.ca

C’est Naturel Boutique

Designed and made locally by C’est Naturel owner, Bemi, this outfit is lightweight, stylish and super versatile.

3300 Fairview Street – 6B, Burlington
cestnaturel.store

Joelle’s

Who doesn’t love a hoop? Handmade in Atlanta, France, Italy & other small studios around the globe  – these earrings from Machete are sustainable, modern, and hypo-allergenic. 

457 Brant St, Burlington
joelles.com

Posh Couture

You never know what you’re going to find at Posh Couture, with it’s rotating collection of luxury consignment clothing, purses, shoes, and jewelry. This funky Valentino purse is a perfect example!

372 Brant Street, Burlington
poshcouture.ca

Centro Garden

A good looking, functional market bag that packs down into nothing. Available in a variety of colours – pop by the store or buy online.

437 Brant St, Burlington
centrogarden.com

Styleyes Fashion Crate

Can’t decide what to wear to work? Subscribe to the Styleyes Fashion Crate and get a handpicked, curated box of clothes delivered to your home every quarter. Designed for the working professional, they take the time, stress and guesswork out of shopping.

styleyesfashioncrate.com

Zahara’s Boutique

The colourful Isle dress is made from soft, stretchy bamboo jersey material and pairs beautifully with a coat shawl.

321 Cornwall Rd, Oakville
zaharasboutique.com

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Meet The Maker – Laila’s Cheesecake Co.

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What makes for a perfect cheesecake? According to Laila Jazar, “it’s rich but not too heavy, melts in your mouth and creamy, and super flavourful. And I think our cheesecake nails it.”

Laila launched her business in December 2017 and her first market was the inaugural Burlington MADE. When her family first encouraged her to start
selling, she replied, “That’s silly. Who’s going to buy cheesecake from me?” and she’s now supplying Nordstrom. I caught up with her to find out how she got there.

How has Laila’s grown since 2017?

We’re on the verge of some huge moments and hiring has been the biggest progress. Wholesale customers are now reaching out to us, so we’ve gotten a lot of brand exposure in the last year.

What has been your biggest obstacle?

Learning to say no has been a huge challenge especially because if cheesecake makes people happy I want to give it to them!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully you’ll see our cheesecakes available all across Ontario. Ideally we would love to stay handmade, so we’re working on maintaining that quality but being more accessible. There’s a quality to small-batch, fresh-made products that really does make you want more.

What’s your favourite flavour?

Blueberry! That’s what started it all.

Catch the full video interview at burlingtonmade.com/blog

by Stephanie Finn

Stephanie Finn is the founder and creative director of Burlington MADE handmade and foodie markets, and a small business coach serving creative entrepreneurs at Stephanie Street Co. We’re excited to welcome Stephanie’s voice and her new features on local makers to Look Local Magazine.

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Shop Local – Keep It LIT – Lighting Trends

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House Warmings

Enjoy the Timpano Pendant in your home today! Seemingly forged by authentic blacksmithing techniques, the pendant features a rustic Black Charcoal finish on its aluminum dome body. Understated details give this simple piece a bold industrial aesthetic.

550 Speers Rd, Oakville
housewarmings.ca

Accents for living

Not your traditional antler chandelier. The combination of a neutral colour palette along with clear and tea stained crystals give this rustic chandelier a laid-back luxe vibe.

85 Navy St, Oakville
accentsforliving.ca

Joshua Creek Furniture

The perfect addition to your mid-century modern home, this brass exclusive lamp is a minimalist marvel with a circular, open design.

1029 Speers Rd, Oakville
joshuacreekfurniture.com

Anderson’s

Bubbles of light balance and balloon on these trumpets of cast metal. Opal-etched glass diffusers poise in balanced rows along a wheel of light, concealing warm, dimmable LED bulbs.   

686 Guelph Line, Burlington
andersonsinteriors.ca

Concept Lighting

This elegant polished nickel wall sconce features a crystal spheroid beneath the candle stick. Silk shades are great options for those looking to softly diffuse light in their spaces. On display at their Burlington location.

1515 North Service Rd, Burlington
conceptlighting.ca

Elm Ridge

Add a pop of colour with this striking Crew pendant. Chicly designed, the pressed glass globes are covered in a wire cage inspired by vintage maritime lighting. 

389 Barton St, Stoney Creek
elmridgelighting.com

Swiss Interiors

Cast a warm glow in your living room with an elegant floor lamp, available in a variety of modern styles.

217 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville
swissinteriors.com

Joshua Creek Furniture

The Elena table lamp exudes a modernist approach with a simple bold design. Each wood base is hand-crafted so sizes and shapes may vary.

1029 Speers Rd, Oakville
joshuacreekfurniture.com

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Now Open – New Local Businesses

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L.L. Bean

The first L.L.Bean retail store in Canada is now open at Oakville Place. The 13,000 square foot store opened August 23rd. Canadian fans of the iconic retailer will now have an additional way to experience this amazing heritage brand.

240 Leighland Avenue, Oakville
llbean.ca

Beertown

The name is pretty self-explanatory – this is the home of all things beer. A massive bar with an incredible selection of local craft beers, rotating taps, exposed ductwork, a great patio and a delicious food menu to go with it.

271 Cornwall Road, Oakville
beertown.ca

Bodega

Purveyors of high quality CBD products, Bodega have just opened their Downtown Burlington location. Offering a variety of CBD products in their gorgeous new store, their goal is to promote beauty and wellness through education and natural plant-based solutions. 

390 Pearl St. Unit B, Burlington
bodegawellness.com

Zeaberg

Designed in Edmonton and inspired by European and Israeli style, this new women’s clothing store is home to beautiful natural clothing that is both flattering and functional.

137 Lakeshore Rd East, Oakville
zeaberg.com

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Summer Markets
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Off To The Market We Go – Summer Handmade Markets

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Like daffodils in the spring, markets are a sure sign of summer. Growing in popularity due to a trend toward locally grown food and handmade items, you can get your hands on some artisanal goods at these wonderful summer markets: 

MKRSMRKT

Centro Garden
437 Brant Street, Burlington

Centro will also host a MKRSMRKT again this year, held on Friday, July 5th from 4 p.m. till 10 p.m. This is a free pop-up retail experience that allows local artisans to sell their wares in Downtown Burlington. Last year it included more than 30 makers in the areas of wood, metal, food, wine, leather, jewelry and paper. As Centro manager Jennifer Klassen said, “It’s a great community building experience and brings people together to celebrate local artisans.”

Centro Farm Market

Centro Garden  |  437 Brant Street, Burlington

The market runs every Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, starting on Mother’s Day until Thanksgiving weekend. Some vendors continue until the end of October.

Be sure to bring an extra-large basket when you visit the Centro Farmer’s Market in Downtown Burlington this summer. Located behind Centro Garden at 437 Brant Street, last year’s market was a huge success. It included more than 14 vendors including an assortment of artisans and farmers, and offered  homemade ice cream, lemonade, tea, baked goods, and fresh cut flowers. There were also goodies from local farms including fruit and preserves. 

Craftadian Made in Hamilton Market

McMaster Innovation Park
175 Longwood Road South #105, Hamilton

This market will be in full swing on Saturday, August 17th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McMaster Innovation Park. It is a gem for anyone looking for handmade goods as it includes over 70 designers, creators, and artists who all live in Canada and make their products here. The event also features live music, food, and more!

Burlington MADE Second Saturdays in the Square

Village Square
(Elizabeth and Pine St.), Burlington

June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14. 10am – 3pm Burlington MADE and Village Square are partnering this summer to bring you a monthly pop up market featuring some of the best makers in the GTA. Browse gourmet food and handmade goods for everyone in the family while wandering the quaint cobblestone alleys of historic Village Square, surrounded by independent coffee shops, cafes, and pubs. The market is rain or shine, pet-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and free to enter. www.burlingtonmade.com

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Shop Local: Shop from 60 Modern Makers at Burlington MADE This Saturday

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If you love to support local talent while having a great time, Burlington MADE is THE craft show to visit this weekend. With Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and end-of-year teachers’ gifts coming up fast, craft shows can be a great place to score unique, handmade gifts that go beyond the typical gift card, but they can also feel like a search for a needle in a haystack. That’s why Stephanie Finn—founder of Stephanie Street Events, The Makers’ Club, and the director of Burlington MADE—has spent the last two years curating some of the best makers in the GTA for her series of lively craft and foodie markets.

Christine W. Photography.
Christine W. Photography.

For the spring craft market, Stephanie received over 300 applications for just 60 handmade vendor spots. “Our jury spends hours reading every application,” she recalls, “searching for the makers who demonstrate exceptional innovation, creativity, and great taste. We’ve already done the hunting for you—every booth is beautiful. In fact, I’ve been been following some of these makers on social media for years, so I’m ridiculously honoured and excited that they’re participating!” She also curates shopping guides to make gift-giving even easier, especially for those who can get overwhelmed by the abundance of choice at one-day markets.

Christine W. Photography.
Christine W. Photography.
Christine W. Photography.

Burlington MADE is a whole family-friendly experience, with everything from coffee, tea and smoothies to get you started, to perogies and a food truck to keep you fueled. Local Burlington musicians Dan Taylor and Sarah Campbell Mills will be performing throughout the day, and kids can make yarn monsters in the kids’ craft tent run by the Art Gallery of Burlington. There’s even VIP Passes for those who like a pampered experience—those come with an express line at entry, coffee and a butter tart at the show, and a keepsake tote bag with gifts and exclusive discounts from vendors and local businesses. “Those go fast, though,” Stephanie warns, “so go to our website soon if you want one!”

Christine W. Photography.
Christine W. Photography.

So if you love to shop local and support creative entrepreneurs this spring, visit Burlington MADE and pick up some artisanal hot sauce, jewellery, children’s items, women’s clothing, men’s accessories, modern decor, wooden charcuterie boards and furniture, and so much more.

The Burlington MADE Spring Craft Market runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 4th, at the Ron Joyce Centre, 4350 South Service Road, Burlington. Entry is $5, free for children 12 and under. Parking is included with admission and the building is wheelchair-accessible. For more information, visit www.burlingtonmade.com.

Christine W. Photography.
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