The CBC Arts holiday gift guide: 2020 edition
Shop unique treats from Canadian artists and makers, from cozy sweatsuits to festive ceramic 'Blobs'
Sure, the holidays aren't going to be quite the same this year, and maybe you'll be exchanging gifts over Zoom instead of under an IRL tree. But the pandemic won't stop you from playing Santa, and if you're especially keen on supporting independent vendors this season, keep reading to find 30+ items from Canadian artists and makers — folks we've covered on CBC Arts. Fire up a few dozen browser tabs and get shopping!
- Read the 2022 CBC Arts Holiday Gift Guide
- Read the 2021 CBC Arts Holiday Gift Guide
- Read the 2019 CBC Arts Holiday Gift Guide
Things to wear
Cozy co-ords are a Christmas morning must. And if you're in #wfh-mode through 2021, this one's a gift with some serious staying power.
Boasty Brushstroke sweat set - NorBlack NorWhite, $328
Can't be bothered with a matching set? Pants are overrated, even those of the "sweat" variety. Available in three colours, consider this hoodie one-and-done dressing for their next video call.
Oversized hoodie - Jen Mann, $85
There's no bad weather, only bad clothes. Stay toasty this winter with a thermal layer that doubles as wearable art.
Thermal long-sleeve shirt - Diana Lynn Vandermeulen, $120
The best phrase to come out of 2020? Germy aerosols be damned, they'll be screaming out loud when they open this gift.
Scream inside your heart zip-up hoodie - Catfriendo, $44 (US)
The crew sock of champions. And Edmonton artist AJA Loudon has plenty of designs to choose from. (Remember to add a free colouring book to your order!)
Tiny Baby Piney socks - AJA Louden, $25
No guarantees or anything, but shovelling snow is probably more tolerable when you're wearing boots as zazzed-out as these.
Jordan Bennett Tamarack boots - Manitobah Mukluks, $349.99
Love the logo? This Toronto-based collective of Tibetan-Canadian artists has plenty of other merch available.
Bucket hat - The Snowlion Club, $28
Pieces of flair
It's the gift that shows you really care (about protecting yourself and others). So many masks: Sarah Anne Johnson art mask, $35 (US); Yano Ko "Pretty Prints" mask and matching drawstring bag (see website for prices); Margaret August Ch'inkwu mask, $34; Hayley Elsaesser Mouthy mask, $25. And, for the Landscape Artist of the Year Canada fans: Tom Thomson Autumn Woods mask, $24.95.
The bigger the hair (accessory), the closer to God. Shiny, super-sized scrunchies, made to order.
Shimma scrunchie - NorBlack NorWhite, $20
When life gives you lemons ... wear these extremely cheerful earrings.
Lemon earrings - Amanda McCavour, $50
Pretty and political. Shop limited-edition brass pins from the Toronto artist's jewelry collection, We the People.
Wilting Daisy pin - Kara Hamilton, $250 (US)
Technically, these bespoke and bedazzled headbands aren't Pimienta's handiwork — they're made by her mom, Rosario Paz. But the designs are inspired by the artist's latest album, Miss Colombia. This OOAK number is the "Miss Flores de Metal" ($50). More options available online.
Miss Colombia Coronas/Crowns - Lido Pimienta, $50 and up
What would Buffy do? (Buffy Sainte-Marie, that is.) Shop more designs from Mad Aunty (a.k.a. Joi T. Arcand) through Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto's online marketplace. The store goes live Nov. 26-29.
What Would Buffy Do? earrings - Mad Aunty, $105
The last nine months in pin form. Also available in (antiviral?) copper.
Cry Baby lapel pin - Lisa Vanin, $11.95
Know someone who started cycling because of the pandemic? They'll need a backpack.
Elapsed Time backpack - Margaret August, $65 (USD)
An adorable, portable reminder to support your local restaurants.
She Loves Takeout tote - Leeandra Cianci, $25
A slogan for the quarlife if ever there was one. Design by Halifax cartoonist Mollie Cronin, a.k.a. Art Brat Comics.
Too Old to Party, Too Young to Die tote - Art Brat Comics, $25
Things for around the house
Indoor hangs are out. Thankfully, these mugs are firepit-ready.
Butterfly enamelware mug - Hilary Jane, $32
A work of art ... for hanging art on the fridge.
Animal magnets - David Salazar, $35
A very good gift for someone with a very good boy.
Custom pet ceramic - Jieun June Kim ,$100
Seems Stirbyte's turned her London, Ont., studio into Santa's workshop. Find more festive ceramic "Blobs" like this lil dude on Etsy.
The Whovillian Blob - Daumante Stirbyte, $230
For the friend who can't make it home to Montreal for the holidays.
Schwartz's Deli beer glasses - Camille Charbonneau (for Bref), $10
Fun and games
Packed with Robert Munsch stories (plus professional instructions for costumes/props/lighting/you name it), this kit comes with everything you need to put on a show. Best suited for drama-club kids aged 4-10.
Play in a Box - Young People's Theatre, $49.50
Representation matters on the toy shelf, too. This line of huggable dolls is the latest creation from Montreal designer Danielle Murrell Cox.
Zuri & Dre plushies - Danielle Murrell Cox. $24.95
After binge-ing Landscape Artist of the Year Canada, they'll need something to pass the time. (Puzzling "en plein air" is probably not recommended.)
The Jack Pine 1,000 piece puzzle - McMichael Canadian Art Collection, $25
True, you could make your own. But this bottle of natural pigment comes ready-to-gift. (According to the Toronto Ink Company website, custom orders are available by request!)
Sumac ink - Toronto Ink Company, $20
Gift wrap, cards and other finishing touches
Which witch on your list have you missed?
2021 lunar calendar - Natalie Very B, $20
They'll definitely want to save the paper.
Kaleidoscope Explosion gift wrap - Lacy Barry, €5 ($7.74)
Printed on cotton fabric, this reusable gift wrap is as green as it is gorgeous.
Furoshiki - Kendra Yee (via Kid Icarus), $45
This PDF booklet is stuffed with projects and patterns that are ready to print. Gift it — or use it yourself. Lots of cute ideas for gift boxes, gift tags, cards, etc.
Origata Foldin' Kit - Miss Cloudy, $7
With so many of us spending the holidays apart, the simple tradition of keeping in touch has some extra special heft this year. Send your "season's greetings" with handmade cards by Canadian makers. (Pictured above: cards by Molly Margaret, $6 each)
Scatterbee, $6
Emily Taylor, $6
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