10 socially conscious Canadian gift ideas for a brighter Black Friday

Black Friday marks both the beginning of a season of unfettered consumerism and the start of a season of care and gratitude.  

In that spirit, we offer you 10 socially conscious gift ideas that are Canadian, support local economies, are thoughtfully created and create generative good in their communities.  

Anouk’s picks:

Anne Mulaire Leggings (Manitoba)

Leggings may sound boring, but they’re oh-so-useful.  Fleece-lined winter leggings, made in Winnipeg by Métis-owned designer Anne Mulaire, are a staple of my wardrobe. I’m on my fifth consecutive pair that I use to cycle to work, walk my dog, wear under dresses, and pretty much everything else. Pro tip: Definitely spring for the version with pockets! (Elisha’s note: They also have inclusive sizing up to 6xl!)

Cheekbone beauty (Ontario)

I was gifted Cheekbone beauty products at the Raven Outcome Finance Summit a few years ago and I still think this is the best conference package I have ever received. Lovely products, thoughtfully made and packaged (with refillable formats). Everything I have tried from this brand has been great, and I specifically encourage you to pick up one of their bundles that are currently on sale.

Lodge Soy Candles by Angela DeMontigney (Ontario)

Angela is a celebrated fashion designer, artist, and a Cree-Métis woman, someone I consider an elder due to her wisdom and kindness. I have bought these candles and been gifted them, and with names like Ceremony, Giving Thanks, and Matriarch, they have found a way into my routines and become part of my background life scents. 

Pika Layers (Ontario)

I’ve been trying to buy more Canadian and more eco-friendly products for my kids. It’s hard when the shops are full of cheaply made, cheaply priced, plentiful goods, so I’ve gone online. Pika Layers offers buttery-soft bamboo pyjamas and other goods that are good for the environment and for kids with sensory issues. I’ve been eying the twirly dresses! 

Therm Canada: Recycled Plastic Outerwear for Children (B.C.)

This is a hard one – outdoor clothing! I am a big believer that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. This is a core belief as a Vancouverite and now an Ottawan. (Elisha would like to note: She is in full agreement with this assessment.) Children need really good rain clothes and winter clothes. Therm delivers on both of these, with products from upcycled fabrics and a very cool Vancouver aesthetic. 

Majikkids: Fun activities and books for children (B.C.)

Calling themselves the “first-ever Fair Pay Publishing” company, Majikkids pays their artists half of the revenue they generate from book and subscription sales, and that model appears to be working. They have several offerings, but I especially like their Magical Bookstore, where you can listen to story previews and then buy their illustrated books. 

Elisha’s picks:

Roam, by Hillary Rosner, published by Patagonia (B.C.)

What if saving our home planet starts with giving other species space to roam? This beautiful and thoughtful book by Hillary Rosner not only outlines the problem but also offers solutions and hope – how humans can coexist with other species on this fractured planet and help stitch ecosystems back together. Bonus: Patagonia is known for its care in creating products that are sustainable, a philosophy that extends to its books made of 100 per cent recycled paper.

Peace by Chocolate (Nova Scotia)

If you haven’t had chocolate from this well-known Canadian chocolate manufacturer, you are in for a sublime treat. Launched in 2016 by a family of Syrian refugees, their fair-trade chocolate is inspired by both Canadian and Middle Eastern tastes and can be found in stores across the country, as well as online. I’m a sucker for plain milk chocolate, but for gifts, I’d recommend the Simply Peaceful five-bar line. 

Swedish Cloths by Eco Loco (Quebec)

A few years ago, I ditched paper towels for good (much to the chagrin of my family) and started using rags. Cut-up old cotton t-shirts are great, but they fray and don’t last much longer after being run through the washing machine. I was gifted these microfiber cloths from Eco Loco and I LOVE them. They’re highly absorbent, wash up wonderfully, and are made from cotton and cellulose fibres. Best part: When they finally die (which they haven’t yet), they’re fully compostable. The lemon ones are awfully cute.

Yukon Soaps Company (Yukon) 

I stumbled upon this company while shopping at The Forks in Winnipeg. Owned and operated by Indigenous makers, I bought their Yukon Wild Rose Soap, which has a very gentle fragrance. (One member of my family reacts strongly to scented products, and this was no bother for them.) Their products are handmade, use plants harvested from the northern boreal forest and each soap is shaped, rather adorably, like the territory it comes from. They have a giftable trio of soap bars that I’m going to be ordering for family members this year.

Editor’s note: Future of Good does not receive any kickbacks or payments from the links above. You can find our editorial ethics and standards here. 

Tell us this made you smarter | Contact us | Report error