Great Minds Shop Alike - Small Biz Gift Ideas With Brain Spaghetti Podcast

Get your headphones ready, your girl got asked to be a guest on a podcast!!

I recently sat down with the lovely Rebecca of Brain Spaghetti; a podcast about social justice, supporting inclusive communities, finding common ground, and a safe space for learning. We had a great chat about my work as a content creator, what inspires me, and why supporting Canadian entrepreneurs is so important. We even debate the age old question, “Is Ottawa Boring"?” (spoiler alert: hell no is isn’t!).

In the episode, we play a game of gift recommendations for a number of personas from Grandparents to co-workers, & everyone in-between. And they’re all from Canadian, Ontario, & Ottawa shops!
Though I shared a few recommendations on the pod, I wanted to share the full list of locally-made gifts I prepared for the podcast. Consider this exclusive content just for you, my dear reader! Now you can support local while you check off EVERY person on your shopping list!

• For Grandma – Cup of Te Gift Set
This is a Black woman-owned business from Toronto that specializes in organic tea. They carry lots of great gifting options, including an Immunity Warrior Set that would be very useful during cold & flu season! Plus $1 from each sale is donated to Canadian mental health initiatives.

• For Grandpa –A Gift Box From Maker House Co.
This Hintonburg shop carries everything Canadian made, and their holiday gift boxes are a great way to support a bunch of small businesses in one shot. I personally like the Winter Survival Gift Box because it comes with some cozy winter accessories & yummy hot chocolate mix. Or you can make your own gift box to make it extra special.

• For a Child (under 5) – Anything from WoodWood Toys.
They’re a Toronto online boutique that specializes in wooden toys. I personally love their CandyLabs Car selection, they’re a big hit in our house.
*Don’t forget, you can use code DOLLANDDYE to get 15% off your order of $20 or more!

• For a Friend – A Postcard Chocolate Bar from Alicja Confections.
I have a handful of friends that live in different cities than me, so I love to send them these bars for just about any occasion. You can even add postage to your order, so they’ll mail it anywhere in Canada for you!

• For Dad – Hot Sauces from Chilly Chiles
This hot local shop carries lots of spicy condiments for the heat-seeker in your life. They carry most (if not all) of the sauces from the Youtube series Hot Ones, so you can play along if you dare!

• For Mom – Macrame Art from Josie & Park
Owner Annisa is a dear friend of mine who makes beautiful plant & wall hangers. The story of her business is heavy and beautiful, and the way she honours her grief through her work is so special.

• For a Teacher – Blusaffron Shower Diffusers
I know bathbombs are a common relaxation gift, but not everyone has a tub! Blusaffron from Quebec has these great shower diffusers to make your bathroom into something like the steam room at Spa Nordik.

• For a Sister – Gldn Grl Jewelry
This online boutique carries new & preloved vintage pieces that are gold-filled, rhodium plated, or sterling silver. There’s some really beautiful minimalist designs that are great for everyday wear & stacking. They are passionate about raising awareness towards women’s health, and have committed to donating $5 from every sale to The Endometriosis Network of Canada.

• For a Brother – Preserves from Fuckin’ Delcious Creations
This Ottawa sister duo makes preserves, pickles & seasonings. But what sets them apart is the hilariously naughty product names like Rub n' Tug BBQ Spice & Pucker-Butt Marmalade. And yes, they truly are fuckin’ delicious.

• For a Co-worker – Wabanaki Maple Syrup Bundle
Wabanaki Maple is an indigenous-woman owned brand from Tobique First Nation. They make barrel-aged maple syrup, so they’re infused with the rich flavours of whiskey and bourbon. Top off your pancakes with a drizzle, or add some to your morning cuppa joe for a sweet kick!

• For a Spouse – BushBalm Gift Set
There’s no shame in a little maintenance! We all have body hair, and everyone has different grooming preferences. I love this line, my husband loves their products, & they’re Ottawa-based!

Thanks again to Rebecca for having me on the Brain Spaghetti podcast! Make sure to check out their social media on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok.

Thanks for tuning in & shopping small!