An Intentional Holiday Gift Guide for a More Meaningful Season (2025)

Thoughtful gifts from local businesses, creatives, and makers we love.

If you’re craving gifts that feel good to give (and even better to receive), this intentional holiday gift guide is for you. Instead of scrambling for last-minute ideas or getting lost in the big-box shuffle, here’s a curated list of thoughtful gifts from small businesses, creatives, and service providers I personally love — including many of my past clients.

Every pick supports real people, real families, and real passion-filled businesses. So pour a hot drink, get cozy, and browse this year’s most intentional finds.

For the Senses

Cozy treats for anyone craving a little comfort + calm.

Tempestra Apothecary Gift Card

Give the gift of ritual and sensory calm with handcrafted botanical products.
https://www.instagram.com/tempestra.apothecary/

Aromacare — Shower Mist + Lumen Face Oil

Perfect for the friend who values a grounding morning or nighttime routine.
https://aromacare.ca/

Mapleton Acres — Soy Candle & Bath Soak

Thoughtfully made, beautifully scented, and perfect for unwinding.
https://mapletonacres.com/

Snackwell Club Granola

Small-batch granola for the foodie, wellness lover, or brunch-obsessed.
https://www.instagram.com/snackwellclub/

For Experiences

Memory-making moments for the people who’d rather do than get more stuff.

Pick-Your-Own Flowers at Mapleton Acres

A wholesome, joy-filled experience for the flower lover.
https://mapletonacres.com/

Serenity Birth Studio — Prenatal & Mom/Baby Classes

Support, community, and learning for new and expectant parents.
https://serenitybirthstudio.com/

Breathwork & Sound Healing with Tuned In With Tiffany

A grounding session for anyone needing rest and reconnection.
https://tunedinwithtiffany.com/

Workshops & Art Classes at MacLaren Art Centre

A creative, meaningful gift for anyone craving more art and expression.
https://maclarenart.com/

Ice Skating at Friday Harbour

A fun outing for families or couples who love winter magic.
https://www.fridayharbour.com/

Tickets to TMMB Live 2026

A powerful experience for entrepreneurs and community builders. Use code MONARCH for $40 off
https://thismothermeansbusiness.com/

Vetta Spa Gift Card

Nordic spa bliss for the person who needs a peaceful reset.
https://www.vettaspa.com/
For the Littles

Sweet finds for tiny humans and their big imaginations.

Sensory Play Toys from Serenity Baby Studio + Shop

Beautiful, engaging toys that support development and play.

https://serenitybirthstudio.com/

Fun Finds at Hey Bootsy + Blueberry Moon (Downtown Barrie)

Curated toys, books, and gifts that kids genuinely love.

https://www.instagram.com/shopheybootsy
https://www.instagram.com/shopblueberrymoon/

Green + Flora

Cozy clothing, thoughtful toys, and beautifully curated children’s essentials.
https://greenandflora.com/

For the Parents

Picks for the parents who never put themselves on the list.

Papier Custom Family Recipes Book

A sentimental keepsake for families who love cooking + memory-making.
https://www.papier.com/ca/family-favourites-50936

Scandinave Spa Gift Card

A relaxing, well-earned break for any parent.
https://scandinave.com/blue-mountain/

Skylight Frame

A beautiful way to display family memories (especially for grandparents).
https://www.skylightframe.com/

Local Wine Club Subscription

A monthly treat delivered right to their door.

For the Entrepreneur

Gifts that support their next season of growth.

Social Strategy Session with J Walsh Social Co.

Support for business owners wanting clarity, visibility, and momentum.
https://jwalshsocial.co/

Showit Website Template by Monarch Design Co.

For the entrepreneur ready for a polished website without the long build time.
http://themonarchdesign.co/showit-template-shop

Bedside Business Plan

Daily planning made simple and intentional.
Indigo.ca

Apple AirPods

A practical staple for calls, focus time, and content creation.

https://www.apple.com

Mini Mic for Reels + TikToks

For the entrepreneur finally ready to show up on video.
Amazon

Visual Desk Timer

Perfect for productivity, time-blocking, and staying on track.
Amazon

Photoshoot with a Local Photographer

Support a local creative while gifting your entrepreneur friend elevated visuals.
Recommended photographers:
– Brandyn Hollands (Simcoe County) → https://brandynhphoto.com/
– Lucy Tran (Burlington + GTA — family, product, brand) https://www.instagram.com/lucytranphotography/
– Susy Robson (Niagara + West GTA + Toronto) https://www.susyrobson.com/
– Leah Smith Branding (Durham Region + East GTA) https://leahsmithbranding.com/
– Megan Butchard Photography (Burlington + West GTA) https://meganbutchardphotography.com/

DIY Bookkeeper Spreadsheet by Anora Weste

A simple, effective system for staying on top of finances.
https://anoraweste.com/

For Self Care and Support

Gifts that nurture, refill, and remind them to slow down.

Impower Wellness Gift Card — Elora

Holistic care and supportive treatments.
https://impowerwellness.ca/

Origin Integrated Health Gift Card

A great pick for anyone ready to prioritize their wellbeing.
https://originbarrie.com/

Whipped Tallow Butter from Earths Pearl

A clean, nourishing skincare favourite.
https://www.instagram.com/earthspearlll/

Colour Analysis + Personal Styling with Jo MacIntosh

A confidence-boosting, feel-good experience.
https://www.jomacintosh.com/

MaidPro Gift Card

The gift every busy household will appreciate.
https://www.maidpro.com/barrie/

Why Shop Small This Season?

Choosing intentional gifts means supporting people who pour creativity, time, and heart into their work. It keeps money in your community, helps small businesses grow, and creates gifts that actually get used and loved.

Whether you’re looking for something calming, something local, something creative, or something that supports your favourite entrepreneur — I hope this gift guide helps you find something meaningful.

Save + Share This Gift Guide

Sharing this list helps support every business featured here.
Bookmark the guide, send it to a friend, or keep it handy for your holiday list.

Have another small business I should highlight next year? Tell me- I love discovering new makers and creatives!