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The supply chain is disrupted, small businesses are struggling. What better reason to shop local and give back to your community this holiday season?

Edmonton parents, I had the chance to discover many great vendors at the Merry Little Market over the last weekend. Let me introduce or reintroduce you to seven local businesses that caught my attention and have a lot of amazing and unique products to offer, from toys to baby clothing, home decor, illustrated goods and floral arrangements.

For the little ones

1. Jack and Sully Co.

Jack and Sully Co.’s 3D printed, open-ended toys won my heart about a year ago. Their beautiful and creative designs not only appeal to the little ones, but they’re also appreciated by adults for their great aesthetics and simplicity. I particularly love the fact that they’re made from biodegradable, renewable, plant-based resources. The story behind the toys and the business is inspiring—I’ll tell you more in a future blog post. (Hint: subscribe to my mailing list to be notified when it’s published!)

Your kids are bound to love their animals, whimsical rainbows, stacking trees, stackable gems and detailed play dough cutters. They can play with them in water, slime, mud, sand and more.

Jack and Sully Co.’s online store is currently closed but you can find most of their products at The Makers Keep in Sherwood Park.

The Makers Keep
112-2755 Broadmoor Blvd
Sherwood Park

2. Little Hill

Little Hill is a super cute baby and children’s clothing line that was started by Edmonton fashion designer Ang Hill after the birth of her son Dax. All Little Hill creations are inspired by Dax and the lack of modern and neutral baby clothes for boys in Edmonton. Little Hill uses colour palettes that are gentle on the eyes and their fabrics are gentle on the skin, as most fabrics are extra soft and made from eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo.

The Little Hill collection includes:

• Bamboo grow with me joggers, made to be worn for a couple years as the waist band and cuffs extend
• Beanies
• Onesies
• T-shirts
• Headbands
• Cardigans
• Mommy and me clothing
• Wooden monthly milestone markers, perfect to capture your baby’s first year
• Welcome Little One greeting cards

You can find Little Hill products at The Fourth Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Southgate Centre in Edmonton until until January 31, 2022 or on their online store.

3. Wild & Free Handmade

Wild & Free Handmade is based out of Camrose and creates essential baby clothes like sweatshirts, bandana bibs, bonnets, headbands, pants, baby scratch mittens, etc. The items are so cute I wish I had a baby again!

Everything is handmade in small batches with organic and sustainable fabrics.

Visit Wild & Free Handmade’s on Etsy and follow her Instagram account for updates on product drops.

For kids and parents

4. Clara Cecilia Design

If you’re looking for hand illustrated Christmas cards to send to loved ones, Christmas gift labels, notepads, affirmation cards or cute illustrated posters, Clara Cecilia Design has beautiful art for you. I love her affirmation alphabet poster and cards. They’re perfect to teach kids and remind parents of 26 important concepts like A for Authentic, B for Brave, C for Creative…

Check out her Etsy store or find her products at The Makers Keep in Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park or other local stores.

For your home

5. Pampas Gal

Pampas Gal sells pampas grass in different colours and sizes. This gorgeous, fluffy ornamental grass is widely used in home decor. Simply put a few stems in a nice vase to add a modern, calming and serene touch to your home or office.

Pampas Gal’s online store also offers dried florals and palm leaves, bouquets and arrangements, as well as vases.

Don’t miss the Buy 1 Get 1 50% off sitewide sale. Place your orders before December 15th to ensure the timely arrival of gifts.

pampasgal.com

6. Brick House Goods

Do you want to add a vintage or exotic touch to your modern home? Brick House Goods loves products with a good story behind them—and so do I! Think of antique dough bowls, bread boards and other found goods from Turkey that were used for 80 to 100 years! The online store is also filled with candles, pitchers, soap dispensers, olive oil bottles, hand towels, blankets, rugs, essential oils, handmade masks…

Brick House Goods is on a mission to reduce our impact on the environment one household at a time. They’re trying to move from fast fashion in home decor to lasting, quality goods. Their products are sourced to support the local economy and small businesses.

You can order online and pick up for free if you’re in the Edmonton area, or get complimentary shipping on orders over $149.

7. TwinFlower Studio

Are you looking for one-of-a-kind, seasonal floral designs to add a festive feel to your home, front porch or dinner table? Or maybe you want to surprise and please a loved one with a beautiful bouquet? Visit TwinFlower Studio to discover an inspiring festive collection.

This weekend, you can even create your own beautiful Yuletide Centrepiece during a virtual workshop hosted by TwinFlower Studio. It’s this Saturday, December 11th at 3pm and you can sign up right here.

For your family and your home

8. Marie-Pierre Photography

Okay, I lied when I said I’d introduce you to seven businesses!

The truth is, there were seven from the Merry Little Market. But there’s another Edmonton local business I’d love you to encourage this holiday season: mine!

If you’re not familiar with Marie-Pierre Photography, my philosophy is quite simple. I photograph your family’s real-life story in all its glory, with its flaws, beauty and unpredictability. You get unique and impactful art for your home. Art that will subconsciously boost your kids’ self-esteem and bring you all closer together.

This holiday season, Marie-Pierre Photography gift cards are the perfect gift for someone who has it all or doesn’t need anything. They’re a way to get closer to the documentary family photography session you’ve been dreaming about. They’re a way to treat yourself to an amazing family experience.

Purchase your Marie-Pierre Photography eGift Card in my online store or call me to order a printed version!