Shop Local Ottawa: Awesome Gift Ideas Under $25

This post has been updated in 2023 and some items were removed due to cost increases from inflation. Sometimes with a gift budget limit, it can be harder to think of a thoughtful gift! Gift exchanges, like Secret Santa parties at Christmas, pop up and you’re stuck looking for gift ideas under $25. You’re looking to find something awesome that won’t break the bank. Look no further! I’ve put together this ultimate list of gift ideas under $25 that also supports local and Canadian businesses.

There are extensive lists floating around the internet for shopping guides, Christmas gift guides, and everything in between. I’ve worked on rounding up a few local stores in Ottawa based on various interests and to offer some unique gift ideas under $25. From the plant mom/dad, to date nights with your significant other and everything in between, I’ve got you covered. Scroll to the very bottom if you’re a last minute shopper and need a quick gift!

While affiliate links help creators and bloggers generate an income, none of the links in this post are affiliate. All suggestions are just to provide you with some information to help you shop this holiday season. Click away!

Read more: Support Local: Ultimate Ottawa Christmas Gift Guide

For the Scent Lover

Consider buying candles from a local candle maker, a diffuser and/or essential oils. If they’re crafty, why not purchase a candle making kit with essential oils for them to make themselves? Some local candle companies include:

1. Lavendertree.co sells beautiful 4 oz candles for $14 each. I love the amber jars.
2. terra20 and Essentially You Oils sell essential oils, for your giftee that loves their diffuser.
3. Courtney’s Aroma in Russell sells holiday (and other) scented candles.

For the Plant Mom/Dad

Consider buying a new house plant, plant pots, plant accessories (like a mister or macrame holder) or a plant stand for your loved one! ZZ plants and peace lilies are super easy to care for plants and would be great for a newbie plant parent! Not all plants are safe for your kitties and puppies so do a quick online check if you don’t know. (However, my childhood dog once ate an entire 5 ft cactus and lived a full life after, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.)

1. Pick up a plant from Plant and Curio, Scrim’s Florist on Elgin or Rosalind’s Garden Blooms (grown right here in Ottawa). Succulents are a great little gift and typically cost less than $10 each. ZZ plants are my favourite and you can also typically find some for less than $25.
2. ForgetBKnot sells handmade macrame and fibre art to hold your plants. Her macrame plant hangers start at $15.

For the One who Needs Self Care

Consider buying your friend, partner or family member some spa items to help them relax after the stressful holiday season! Here are some Ottawa stores that offer an amazing selection of scented, vegan, unscented and natural skincare products.

1. twenty20 Skincare has 100% natural skincare products made with handcrafted Shea Butter from Ghana. I personally love the lip balm and body butter. The body butter comes in bigger jars that are over $25, but she also has small tins for $12.
2. Afiya Beauty is a beauty brand created by two friends who use sustainably sourced 100% pure ingredients in all their products. Their Coffee Infused Under Eye Serum, Detox Clay Mask and Oat and Lavender Cleansing Powder are all under $25.
3. Try these natural bath bombs ($8.50 each) from terra20.
4. Purple Urchin is an environmental-conscious and sustainable brand in Ottawa. Gift their Coffee Scrub ($23.99).

For the Alcohol Drinker

Beer: Breweries have to pay a premium, or produce a certain volume of beer to sell in the LCBO or Beer Store. Cut the middle man and pay the brewery directly by going in store. Plus, you’ll be able to talk to the owners and ask questions about likes/dislikes to pick the perfect beer for your giftee.

Wine: Wineries also have to pay a premium, or have to produce a certain volume of wine to sell in the LCBO. I don’t think I’ve met a single vineyard owner who wasn’t passionate about their wine and they’ll have great recommendations for your loved one’s palette. There are only a few wineries around Ottawa. However, you can typically purchase from a Canadian winery directly if they offer Canada wide shipping.

Here are some gift ideas under $25:
1. Put together your own cocktail gift basket to make drinks at home. A Gin Fizz is a classic: Try a local gin, homemade rosemary simple syrup in a mason jar, lemons, soda water and hopefully they have egg whites at home.
2. Whiskey, tea and a teacup for a Hot Toddy kit.
3. Create a variety pack with local beer from Nita Beer Company, Kichesippi Beer Company, or Flora Hall Brewery).
4. A bottle of wine from KIN Vineyards.
5. Make a caesar kit with this sea salt and spicy dill pickles from Maker House, a bottle of clamato juice and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Vintage glassware from Bar from Afar for cocktails or browse thrift stores for unique glassware/beer steins, etc.
7. A coaster set to protect your table, from Boogie and Birdie.

For the Tea and Coffee Drinkers

Inspiring Olivia has an extensive tea and coffee list to pick a tea or coffee from a local brewer. You can also consider unique gifts like this “whiskey” footed teacup (Cocktail Emporium in Toronto), or tea accessories from Milk & Honey in Kanata.

For the Bookworm

Used book stores are a great way to support local. Unique gifts include book ends, a bookmark, personalized wine glass markers for your book club, fun socks or support a local author like Justin Joschko. Local book stores in Ottawa:
1. Black Squirrel Books on Bank Street
2. Octopus Books in the Glebe
3. Books on Beechwood
4. Books & Nooks (online)

Other book themed gift ideas include: this book ornament from Boogie and Birde, a spoon bookmark from Maker House, or a books tote from Books & Nooks.

For the Bedazzled

Earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, oh my! Some small jewellery businesses to find gift ideas under $25 include:
1. Magpie Jewelry. They have a variety of studs under $25.
2. Birch Jewellery (handmade accessories designed and made in Ottawa). Check out these Ottawa studs for $25!
3. Grab a pair of polymer clay earrings from B. Inspired Designs.
4. Support a local Indigenous artist and pick up a pair of fringe earrings!

For the Crafter

Pick up craft supplies from Beaded Dreams in Ottawa. (Their mission is to support indigenous artists and to keep this beautiful culture alive.)
Fabrications for fabric, knitting/crochet supplies, sewing needs etc. They also have “Learn to Sew” blog posts.

For the Health and Fitness Guru

Yoga tune up balls are great for regulars at the gym. They help work out tough spots in your back, legs and even the bottom of your feet.

1. Yoga equipment from PranaShanti Yoga. I use my yoga blocks and yoga tune up balls ALL the time. I also just discovered Yoga Knee Pads and while the Lululemon ones are $50, you might be able to find some under $25.
2. Grab your giftee a fitness class! Groupon is a great place to search for local classes. Studio X offers a 1-week unlimited pass for $25. Fitmama offers drop-in classes for $20.

For the Eco-Friendly Shopper

I’m loving the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and eliminating single use plastics or one use items that end up in landfills. Here are some amazing products from local stores:

1. These reusable “towels” from Cheerfully Made in Almonte (the towels are from BC). They are machine washable and can replace up to 40 paper towels!
2. Reusable bamboo “cotton pads” that I swear by from Zero Waste Mvmt (in Winnipeg).
3. Abeego beeswax wraps from Kitchenalia.
4. Support a business by searching this directory from Good Choice Initiative.

For the Adventurer

There are an unbelievable amount of local adventure activities to do in Ottawa. Some fun ideas to plan/book a date night/grab a gift certificate for a future experience include:
1. Snowshoe under the stars in Gatineau Park (you can bring your own snowshoes or rent them at the visitors centre)
2. Grab a Girl Gone Good hiking guide for hikes around Ottawa.
3. Book a spot at the Ninja Warrior Course at Altitude Gym in Kanata.

Read more: 25+ Unique and Fun Ottawa Date Ideas for the Year

For the New Home Owner

There is a plethora of things to buy for a new home owner, but these are some of my favourite items under $25 from local creators.

1. A print of a watercolour painting from Clark & Bell. The childhood ones are wonderful!
2. Pick something up from Boogie + Birdie, like this Ontario Heart Map, a cocktail cordial, or a new hand towel.
3. Pick up a new frame from Zone Ottawa, and a print from Wildberry Studio or purchase a photo from a local artist!
4. A mini landscape art piece from Ottawa Artisans.
5. Wonky serving bowls from Treasures in Clay.
6. Pot holder/trivets from Ana’s Crochet Ship.

For the the Last Minute Shopper

Some markets and local stores to browse for gift ideas under $25:
1. Check out Workshop Boutique in the Byward Market for awesome homemade items from local people.
2. Cheerfully Made in Almonte is your one stop shop for homemade goodies. Pick up a few things to create your own holiday gift basket or fill a stocking.
3. Hummingbird Chocolate who makes their chocolate bars with cacao directly from farmers so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
4. Create a “Year of Date Ideas” in Ottawa with my post here or a stay at home date idea here.
5. Find a collection of Ottawa creators at Ottawa Artisans.