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Shop Local, Shop Handmade!

Tired of buying the same old things? Uninspired by the mundane? Not looking forward to plodding through your Christmas shopping?

Why not buy handmade, and support your local artisans this holiday season?

Give your loved ones a beautiful, inspiring, unique and handcrafted gift! Whether you're after traditional crafts or edgier, more modern designs, there's something for everyone in Ottawa's creative community. Clothing, artwork, accessories, jewelry and more are all on offer from Ottawa's most innovative artisans.

Handmade Christmas Gift

"Buying handmade is very thoughtful on many accounts: it is good for the environment, it supports local artists, and it truly comes from the heart."
– Jennifer, Ottawa artisan, myjennywren.com

Places to buy handmade & locally-designed gifts in Ottawa:

The Workshop Boutique: Showcasing the work of talented artisans from our community and beyond, with a huge variety of handmade items including clothing, purses, fashion accessories, home decor, stationery, gifts and much more.
Eclection: A unique women's shop carrying a variety of locally handmade jewelry and accessories, dedicated to showcasing the work of Canadian artists and designers.
Planet Botanix: Committed to promoting a green ethic, you'll find a selection of handmade gifts and jewelry here as well as earth-friendly health and body products.
St. Elmo's Fire: A quirky boutique showcasing the finest in hand-crafted media. A beautiful selection of unique arts and crafts and spirited, original decor. (Grand opening Nov. 29th)
Sassy Bead Company: Choose from a selection of handmade beaded jewelry or learn how to make your own pieces by attending a crafting workshop.
Ladyfest Ottawa Craft Sale: "Not your Grandma's craft sale!" Handmade with a fiery DIY spirit, the finds include handmade purses and accessories, silk-screened t-shirts and underwear, guitar straps and photography.

(Don't forget to check out our Bazaar listings in the Events calendar to find news about local craft sales and festive handmade holiday goods! You can also add your own events to our listings for free!)

Handmade Christmas Gift

"Supporting the local handmade movement is so important because it helps keep things out of sweatshops and you know where it's coming from. You can be assured that your item was made with love."
– Redd, Ottawa artisan, DameNamedRedd.com
Find Ottawa's crafters online!

Ottawa's artisans have a strong presence at online handcraft emporium Etsy, where many local crafters have been listing their work for sale and spreading their creativity the whole world wide. See what whimsical things they've been creating lately, grab a gift for a loved one, and don't forget to snag a piece for yourself!

Here are a few of our favourite Ottawa-based Etsy shops:

3rdlife: Beautiful accessories made from recycled materials.
monkeypowered: Unique, quirky prints of works by Ottawa artists
myjennywren: Edgy, stylish, handmade bags and fashion accessories
reddhynes: Handcrafted cosmetics and fashion accessories.
ScatterJoy: Quirky, fun accessories for the offbeat fashionista
SilverLotus: Costume accessories, beaded jewelry, pins, plushies and more
squishyfish: One-of-a-kind plush critters chock-full of personality
tangente: Flirty, stylish women's clothing for ladies with true flair
TheEnvelopePlease: Lovely eco-friendly and repurposed paper products
titaniumhip: Sock creatures, cuddly monsters and soft toys
wispofwhimsy: Handcrafted home decor accents, ornaments and more
See more items from Ottawa crafters by visiting the Ottawa Etsy Team page

"As an artisan I enjoy supporting others who create. I find handmade items to be more meaningful and interesting, and I can avoid the big box stores and mass production."
– Rebecca, Ottawa artisan, 3rdlife.ca

I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org

Support your local artisans!

Take the Handmade Pledge at buyhandmade.org and pick up a button like this one to display on your website or blog. This holiday season, why not give the gift of handmade to your loved ones and to the arts community in your neighbourhood.

"Buying a beautiful, unique gift is only half the joy - the other half comes from knowing that it was made in your community!"
– Bridget, The Workshop Boutique, Ottawa handmade retailer

Did we miss somebody we really should have listed? Let us know where else you find local, handmade goodness for the holidays and all year long. Contact us !