Some of our favourite Canadian Small businesses
It’s small business month and the holidays (from Thanksgiving to Halloween and Christmas) are right around the corner, so it’s really the perfect time to talk about our favourite local small businesses!
Keep reading to discover some great small businesses that are Canadian made!
Quest XO Chocolate
If, like us, you love chocolate you need to check out Quest XO Chocolate! There are so many delicious creations, like Gingerbread Bark, ice cream bars, fun hot cocoa bombs, and more! There’s something for every chocoholic like us – even those who opt for plant-based treats! You can get Quest XO Chocolate online or at their Toronto store in Liberty Village!
Side note: Candace is obsessed with their Crack Bark…
Create A Treat
From Halloween House Cookie Kits to Gingerbread Houses and more, Create A Treat has something for every season and holiday. Pick up a kit and make it with your significant other, your family, or your friends. Hey, why not invite several friends or family members over and make it a decorating contest this Halloween or Christmas! Keep an eye out at your local grocery store and pick up a kit!
It can get messy, but it’s so worth it in the end!
Strodes BBQ and Deli
When you’re Canadian, does BBQ season really ever end? I’m sure we all know someone (like my previous neighbour) who’s gone outside even in the middle of Canadian winter to BBQ, right?! So, the next time you’re craving some BBQ, stop into this BBQ and Deli in Brantford for fresh local meats, everything you need for your next BBQ, or even to grab lunch! The great thing is, you’ll likely catch the owner Brian serving up the most delicious cuts of meat. You’ll have a hard time deciding what to get because it all looks incredible. And you’ll leave with a huge side of personality, feeling like you’re part of the family.
Bro Dough
Adults probably told you as a child not to eat raw cookie dough but it just smelled and tasted so good! Even as adults we want to lick the spoon after making a batch of cookies but we also don’t want the inevitable stomach ache. Luckily, Bro Dough is cookie dough that’s meant to be eaten raw! Whether you want a post-exercise treat or a little snack while you catch up on your favourite show, Bro Dough is the perfect snack! Not only is it edible cookie dough, it’s also packed with protein and it’s 100% plant-based! Visit their website to order or find a store location near you!
X’s and Oliver
X’s and Oliver’s sells accessories for dogs and their humans... that’s right you can even find matching accessories for you and your pup! I recently discovered X’s and Oliver at a local market and I had to pick up a few cute accessories! I love that their accessories are homemade, their dog bandanas are reversible, and they have a great selection of prints! X's and Oliver is owned by Sam and Kayla, two young sisters from Barrie. We love seeing young people, particularly women, becoming entrepreneurs! Visit their website to check out their online shop or check them out on Instagram (where they often post about upcoming markets).
P.S. They also have a super cute model – their pup Oliver!
Mr. C's Freeze Dried Treats
What can we say? We really love snacks – and this pick is perfect for the candy lovers! From freeze dried sour skittles (a favourite in my home), to gummy worms, fruit, and more – they have lots of delicious choices. I even used Tazo tea and Mr C’s freeze-dried strawberries to make my own take on the Starbucks Refreshers (and it was delicious). If you’re in the Simcoe County area you can find often find Mr.C’s Freeze Dried Treats at local markets but you can also visit their website to arrange a pick-up or delivery!
Tilted Barn Pet Company
I had to mention this one because my pup absolutely LOVES their treats! She can be across the yard but once she smells or sees the treat in my hand, she is RUNNING to wherever I am! I love that they are made in Canada.
Gems and Juniper
If you know the SongBird team, you know we love accessories, and Gems and Juniper sells beautiful dainty pieces that are perfect for every day or special occasions – and they’re made here in Canada! What I really love about Gems and Juniper (besides these reasons) is that they also specialize in making some pretty unique and special pieces... The Memorial Ash jewelry they create is truly something special, they’re a beautiful and meaningful way to keep a loved one's ashes with you. The owner, Tiffany, also offers keepsake pieces made with breast milk. Both the Memorial Ash and Milk jewelry are created in such a way that they look like gorgeous stones. If you know me personally, you know I lost my cat this year, after 18 wonderful years, and I’ve actually been mulling over which piece to get as they’d all be a beautiful piece to remember her by. Check out the Gems and Juniper website to view all their offerings.
The Grand Order of Divine Sweets
For fandom inspired cakes, cookies, chocolates, and more, The Grand Order of Divine Sweets (AKA The GOoDS) is THE place to go. If you love sweets and if you're also a self-proclaimed geek, nerd, or fanboy/fangirl, they have something for everyone. From designer chocolate shoes inspired by your favourite characters to truffles that let you devour a galaxy, Star Trek cookies, super detailed Star Wars chocolates, butter beer, and anything else you can imagine… It will be hard to walk out of there with only one thing. From anime, to horror, to fantasy, and more - there's something for everyone! Master Designer Sam Lapointe doesn’t seem to have any limits on what she can create!
Not only can you visit them in person, but you can also pick up your treats online!
Do you have a favourite local small business? Let us know!