Mid-November I was 100% full-steam ahead for Christmas lights, festivities and celebrations.
Somehow, it’s suddenly two weeks out and I have yet to begin any of my Christmas shopping.
If you’re like me and still in search of a few gifts for your loved ones, I have a list of some of my favourite local artists, creators, authors and craftspeople from Saskatchewan.
Disclaimer: I’m thankful to have worked with a few of these companies over the years and personally recommend each of their products. Saskatchewan truly has some talented makers! None of the mentions in my list are sponsored however a few may have affiliate links. These links help support my own small business at no additional cost to you.
OUTDOOR GEAR
WILD PRAIRIE DESIGNS
Owner: Kim Ducherer
Location: Neilburg, Saskatchewan
Chances are you’ve seen me wearing one of Wild Prairies Designs toques the last couple of years. They are some of my favourite slouchy, cozy and super-cute toques to wear. The best part is they have swappable fur poms in three different sizes so you can choose what size and colour to wear.
I’m also obsessed with Kim’s leather fur-trimmed mittens and can vouch for their warmth on cold winter days.
Shop Wild Prairie Designs collection here.
WILD ANGLE TEXTILES
Owner: Kara Deshaies
Location: Esterhazy, Saskatchewan
Kara from Wild Angle Textiles is a Home Economics and Visual Arts teacher and also a very talented maker.
Her prints and patterns are adorable and so cute on babies and young children but also for adults as well. (I’m such a huge fan of the prints she selects – so representative of Canadian outdoor culture). She crafts minky blankets, bibs, burping cloths, rompers, infinity scarves and slouchy toques. She also uses fur from local trappers for her toques.
LITTLE SHOP OF HAMMOCKS
Owner: James Jackson
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I’ve been following Little Shop of Hammocks for years on Instagram. He is a master in his craft of top quilts, under quilts and hammocks. James’ shop is a custom shop so he doesn’t stock pre-made items unless listed. Everything is handmade by him in the order it’s received so you might not have time to order anything for Christmas – but keep his products in mind for future gifts for friends and family who love the outdoors.
SOMETHING FROM NOTHING MITTENS
Owner: Karen Boldt
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
No two mittens are alike with Something From Nothing Mittens. Like Little Shop of Hammocks, I’ve been following Karen for years. She crafts felted wool mittens from recycled wool sweaters. It’s fun to not only see what she finds in second-hand stores but how she so expertly crafts them into beautiful and warm mittens.
BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
Did you know I love reading even more than I love travel?!
There are so many talented authors and publications sharing the best of Saskatchewan stories, culture and history.
Here are four of my favourite books and magazines published this past year.
FORGOTTEN SASKATCHEWAN
Author: Chris Attrell
Location: Shaunavon, Saskatchewan
One of my favourite Saskatchewan photographers, I was so excited when Chris Attrell’s book “Forgotten Saskatchewan” came out this fall.
He’s spent years capturing Saskatchewan’s rural history of iconic buildings that have long been abandoned. His images are haunting yet beautiful.
This book is a fantastic Saskatchewan keepsake for any coffee table.
Buy it here.
“H” IS FOR HOME – A SASKATCHEWAN ALPHABET
Author: Amber Antymniuk
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Amber is an educator, author and illustrator based in Saskatoon. This year she self-published a children’s book “‘H’ is for Home – A Saskatchewan Alphabet” that touches the nostalgic roots of those who grew up in the prairies. Her watercolour illustrations are simple yet poignant – which you can purchase separately if you’re looking to buy art for a loved one.
The book is a great buy for both young and old. Purchase it at Canadian bookstore McNally Robinson here.
PRAIRIES NORTH MAGAZINE
Owners: Rob and Amanda Soulodre
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Prairies North is one of the top magazines in the province sharing Saskatchewan stories by local writers and photographers. They also have welcomed me into their Farmhouse Family as a regular contributor of my own Saskatchewan adventures.
A subscription to their magazine is an affordable gift and one I give both my mom and grandma every year.
You can purchase an online subscription of four issues per year here.
110 NATURE HOT SPOTS IN MANITOBA AND SASKATCHEWAN
Author: Jenn Smith Nelson (Saskatchewan)
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
Nature is one of my favourite places to escape the digital world and reconnect again. Which is why I was excited to receive a copy of Jenn Smith Nelson and Doug O’Neill’s “110 Nature Hot Spots in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.”
I carried the book to Manitoba with me this past summer and crossed off a few of my favourite adventures in the province here at home. It’s a wonderful guidebook to gift to family and friends or keep on your own bookshelf.
Purchase Jenn’s book here.
FOR THE HOME
I admit I’d rather spend time outdoors than hang out at home or cook. But I will happily stand around awkwardly in the kitchen with my spatchy-spatch ready to stir something while someone else cooks for me! I only have two recommendations for this category, as I’m clearly not an expert, but these two companies are fantastic!
TURNING THE GRAIN
Owner: Matt Tumbach
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Matt Tumbach’s Turning the Grain woodwork is a stunning and wonderful gift for those who love to prepare tasty meals. Not only does Matt make cutting boards, coasters, and wooden bowl sets but he also crafts scoops, hand-turned wine stoppers and tie clips. He’ll even create a custom piece for you if you have something specific in mind.
Perhaps my favourite custom piece he’s created is a framed wooden soundwave of a daughter saying “I love you Mommy.”
TWIG AND STONE HANDMADE
Owner: Paige Surine
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
This is truly one-of-a-kind modern decor and I’m obsessed. Their Instagram account is particularly aesthetic! They craft planters and candle holders from concrete in a variety of neutral shades for really beautiful pieces that would suit any home.
CLOTHING
TRUE LEAF COLLECTION
**Currently on Mat Leave**
Owner: Ashley Prodahl
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I have been absolutely obsessed over Ashley Prodahl’s hand-made, reversible bathing suits. I tell everyone I know about them because I think it’s so amazing that’s she’s designing and sewing such practical and lovely swimwear (perfect for travel as a 2-for-1). Her prints are bright, floral and fun and you can mix and match your custom order or purchase ones she’s already made.
She’s also made beach bags and travel and coin pouches. I take them everywhere and use them for both toiletries and tech equipment. Plus, a portion of proceeds from each purchase goes towards animal shelters in Saskatchewan.
Shop her collection here.
SOCIAL MADE LOCAL
Owner: Tyler Babiy
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Social Made Local is a digital grassroots movement to encourage community and creativity amongst content creators and those looking to participate in some urban exploring. But it’s also a socially responsible apparel line that’s a perfect gift to help inspire the tech-savvy friends and family in your life to make content that creates a more loving and accepting world.
Check out Social Made Locals collection here.
FOOD & DRINK
I could include dozens of amazing growers and producers in this local food and drink listing. We are a plentiful province!
These three suggestions are ideal to add to stockings, include in gift baskets and perfect to bring along to holiday parties as a thank you. They also make it easy to avoid gifting people “stuff” if you’re more of a minimalist.
As a bonus – they’re all great bring-along’s for any hiking or canoe trip (handy tip: pour the wine into a bladder to make it easier to carry into the backcountry).
MEATCHOPS SNACKS CANADA
Owner: Chelsey Parkers
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Chelsey Parkers is a motorcycle-riding, beef jerky-making super-talented entrepreneur. Meatchops Leather Shop focuses on making prairie-bred, grass-feed beef jerky as well as creating custom leather goods.
Her jerky is perfect to take on hiking or canoe trips as well as stash in your car for after-work or post-school hunger pains. It makes the perfect gift for the commuter, the kids or the outdoorsy one in your family.
Purchase some yummy jerky here.
WOLF WILLOW WINERY
Owner: Family-Owned
Location: near Outlook, Saskatchewan
I have two recommendations for a Christmas present – purchase the experience of glamping at Camp Wolf Willow and enjoy some Wolf Willow Wine while there. Or bring a bottle of Wolf Willow’s prairie fruit wines with you to the in-laws Christmas meal. They have haskap, cherry, rhubarb and sweet mead.
You can purchase here or at a local liquor store.
BAR OVER 3H HONEY
Owner: Julie Ann and Kelly Howe
Location: near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
My first foray into specialty flavoured honey was with a small pot of Bar Over 3H’s cinnamon honey. It was a game-changer and honestly, now it’s hard to go back to regular honey. Julie-Anne also has unique flavours like licorice, pumpkin spice, lavender and cocoa honey. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer or great in a gift basket.
For prices, check out Julie Ann’s honey here.
JEWELRY
KR JEWELRY
Owner: Karen Robson
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Karen Robson’s uses brass soldered-link chains and gemstones to craft unique pieces that are perfect for layering – from necklaces to earrings and bracelets. The vibe of her jewelry is strong yet feminine with a touch of earthly whimsy. See her beautiful pieces on her Instagram.
I always love learning about new brands in the province – if you’re a maker, crafter or creator, feel free to shoot me a message and tell me about what you do! I’d love to feature you in a future article or list.
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