December is here and London has everything you need to support local and delight everyone on your gift list. We’re back again this year to share some of our favourite local spots and this year our list is bigger than ever before!
For the One Who is Hard to Buy For
Meet us at The Market at Western Fair District in the heart of Old East Village! They are open on Saturdays & Sundays. When we say this place has everything – we mean it! The vendors here offer locally made clothes, delicious food and treats, artisanal cheese for your holiday gathering, stunning art, books, records, jewellery and even something for your furry family members. https://themarketwfd.com/
Locally Made Marketplace has made it onto our list every year! They are the ultimate local-lover destination. This unique London shop is full of quality merchandise, handmade from local vendors. You can find something for anyone on your list. https://www.locallymademarketplace.ca/
Thoughtfull Gifts is a great choice for that person that is tricky to buy for. Our former team member, Jenny Baxter, curates thought-filled gift baskets on any budget. You can find examples of her brilliant creations on Instagram (@thoughtfull.gifts)
For the Health Enthusiast
Forge Fitness Studio – owned and operated by Personal Trainer, Mandy Rust – offers a semi-private studio in south London for your athletic loved one to train. They offer flexible monthly session packages and high-end equipment! Check them out on Instagram – @forge.fitnessstudio – to find out how you can share the gift of fitness with your loved one!
Kaizen Personal Training embodies continuous small changes resulting in major improvements. Whether your friends and family want to try a drop-in class, or a 10-session package at this gym in Byron, Kaizen has options for you. https://kaizenpersonaltraining.com/
Nuga Best Canada East offers holistic products that help your body heal itself. Their products use non-invasive patented technology to relieve pain in your body. The N5 Massage Bed, T20P Heating Mat or E5 Massager would make a great gift for anyone looking to relieve pain and discomfort. https://nugabestcanada.com/
For the Food Lover
Buzwump Bakery offers sweet treats! Shari graduated from Fanshawe College for Baking and Pastry Arts Management. No time for Christmas baking? Ask about her plate of delicious cookies and give a gift to yourself! Of course, there are pies, cakes for every occasion and custom orders available to gift your favourite people. You can find Buzwump Bakery every Saturday at Trail’s End. Other days you can call or email: https://buzwumpbakery.ca/
DoughEV is a new donut shop that opened in London this past summer. Support this budding small business by stopping in for a donut and coffee during your holiday shopping or grab a gift certificate for your favourite sweet-toothed friend. Visit them at 621 Dundas Street. https://doughev.com/
Mamasim offers both meal support and catering for holiday gatherings or any other occasion. Check out their Instagram for the most mouth-watering meal options! A Mamasim gift certificate is on some of our loved ones’ lists this year! https://mamasim.ca/
Oh Bombay! is one of our favourite new places to eat. Experience the flavour explosion of authentic Indian cuisine for yourself! Local owner, Aman welcomes you to dine-in for your holiday party, enjoy delicious catering options, or purchase a gift certificate. Located at 631 Commissioners Road East in London. https://www.ohbombay.ca/locations/london/
The Hot Sauce Co. is London’s very own high-quality hot sauce makers. They create small-batch hot sauces made with quality ingredients and bottled in-house. Check out their flavours here – https://thehotsauceco.com/
We also encourage you to support any local restaurant that you love! Celebrate the holidays by planning your gatherings, or pick up a gift certificate for your favourite foodie!
For the Book Lover
Good Apparel Co. has a brand-new line for book lovers! New designs featuring the “Coffee and Cats Book Club”, and sweaters that don “one more chapter” recently launched and are ready for purchase for your book-loving loved one – https://www.goodapparel.ca/
Support your favourite local author! Did you know that you can support your favourite local author – even by shopping at a bigger store like Indigo or Amazon? Pre-ordering their upcoming work, ordering their existing work, or requesting their books at your local library and small bookstores also supports them. London has some wonderful small bookstores like Attic Books or Bread & Roses Books for you to visit and a great deal of talented authors! Emily recently pre-ordered Londoner (and friend) Laura Bontje’s debut children’s book, Was It a Cat I Saw?
For the Movie Lover
Do you have a film lover in your life? Make a donation in their name to the Forest City Film Festival! They also offer a Film Society membership which offers great deals during the festival itself. https://fcff.ca/
London’s only marquee theatre – Hyland Cinema – recently spoke to CTV about the very real concerns they may have to close. Take your movie-lover for an experience gift. Pick a showtime and take them on a classic movie adventure! Want something to wrap and place under the tree? The Hyland also has a great gift shop and offers gift certificates as well.
Jumbo Video/Microplay is the locally owned epicentre for movie fanatics. You can find movies, board games, video games, and all sorts of cinematic collectibles all under one roof. Grab some fresh-made popcorn and a movie rental while you’re there! Located at 1080 Adelaide St. in London. https://jumbovideomicroplay.com/
For the One Who Could Use a Little Pampering
Is there someone on your list who loves a warm bath? Belle of the Bomb has an array of choices to turn every bath into heavenly relaxation. Shop online, or find these bath bombs and other body products at Duck & Dodo.
One of Karen’s favourite jewelry designers is Lori Schmidke of Klas squared. Her designs are unique, high quality and expertly made. Choose a stunning piece for your loved one or purchase one of their gift certificates to make the women in your life feel powerful and feminine. https://shop.klassquared.com/
Sandy Weatherhead is an RMT in nearby Komoka. She takes a human-centred approach to massage and is ready to relieve your loved one’s achy muscles. Check out her Facebook page for details on how to book.
Written by: Emily Leye & Karen Try