9 Small Canadian Brands We Love

With Canada Day just around the corner, it’s always a good time to put our money where our mouth is. We’re all about shopping locally, in Toronto and beyond — and we’ve rounded up nine of our favourite Canadian brands to do just that. Peddling everything from comfy pyjamas to elegant home accessories, these Canuck brands are guaranteed to hit home — so you can support local without sacrificing style.

Atelier Guarin

This best-kept-secret fashion and lifestyle brand, created by Canadian designer Sebastian Taborda Guarin, produces custom handmade products from stylish clothing to apothecary products and modern home décor. With every new venture, Guarin combines his Canadian identity with his Columbian roots to give these products a mix of function and flair like no other.

Inkbox

Okay, now this one’s a little out there. if you’ve always been curious about tattoos but have a crippling fear of commitment, Inkbox’s semi-permanent tattoos have you covered (literally). Founded by brothers Tyler and Braden Handley in 2015, the company was born in Toronto Metropolitan University’s “Fashion Zone” – a place where students with new venture ideas receive resources to help get their foot in the door. A few years later, now with over 10,000 designs to choose from (and even a custom tattoo pen) you can rock some new ink that’s needle-free and only lasts up to a few weeks — guaranteed no regrets.

This is J

After having the pleasure of sampling one of This is J’s sets, we can confidently say that her soft-as-a-cloud bamboo pyjamas are worth every penny. Each PJ pattern is hand drawn and comes with its very own backstory, such as her “Tessa Flower” design, which was created with and named after her daughter. With each product — down to the 100% recyclable packaging —made and ethically produced in Canada, it’s hard to find a reason to spend your nights wearing anything else.

Umbra

This Toronto brand is beloved by everyone looking for modern home organizers and interior accessories at an extremely affordable price. From the all Canadian brand’s modest beginnings in 1979, selling only one style of window shades, Umbra has since blossomed into an interior decorating go-to for design lovers with a small budget. Find your everyday home decor go-to, from a discrete garbage can to a multi-use mirror, in their extensive collection.

Dom

When 2020 (and the ensuing pandemic) hit, Dom founders Sam & Adam found themselves unsatisfied with the hand sanitizer options on the market. In a world deeply affected by COVID-19 and health regulations, they wanted to create a product that would surpass the gloppy, sticky sanitizers of yore. Enter: Dom, an organic sanitizing spray made with gentle ingredients to protect dry skin. With a design-forward, minimal packaging, Dom is a refreshing option for anyone looking to elevate their hygiene game.

Melanie Auld

Vancouver’s Melanie Auld recently opened up shop on Toronto’s bustling Ossington Ave, where she offers permanent bracelet fittings as well as an array of jewelry from earrings to necklaces. Her fine and demi-fine pieces are made to be layered, and to last a lifetime — you can even book a consultation with a stylist at one of her brick-and-mortars, if you’re feeling like you can’t quite make the jump.

Tuck 

Ah, bedding — an underrated product that can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a waking nightmare. Expertly crafted and woven from a blend of organic cotton and sustainably grown botanicals, Tuck’s extra-soft linen promises a quality akin to well-worn t-shirts. With both a percale and a sateen blend available, there’s an option for every type of sleeper.

Potion House

The Cocktail Emporium’s multiple locations throughout the city have become beloved destinations for Toronto’s home bartenders. Their house line of shakers and barware, entitled Potion House, come in a variety of colours, materials and finishes — all at an accessible price point, for those who are just starting to dip their toes into the world of spirits.

F. Miller

Torontonian Fran Miller’s skincare line has grown exponentially since its launch in 2014 — these days, Miller’s products can be found in many of Toronto’s most fashion-forward shops. Her skincare and haircare oils are sustainably sourced and multi-use — designed to nourish the skin with only natural ingredients. And with their minimalist design and stunning packaging, they’re a seamless addition to any top shelf.

For more Canadian brands to shop, check out Where To Shop.