What to Ask When Shopping Local for the Holidays

The holiday time-line surprises me every year. One week I’m buying Halloween candy, and the next sending out the group-text “Send me your Christmas lists!”.

If you’re planning to shop local this year, good call. You get to support people who actually make things here, not warehouses somewhere else (<cough> Am@z0n). But small businesses don’t run like big-box stores, and that’s exactly why it helps to ask a few smart questions before you buy.

Here’s what to ask (and why it matters):

1. “When do I need to order by?” Makers work in small batches, not stockrooms. We’re talking limited supplies, hand-finished details, and sometimes (like in my case) a one-person team doing everything from soldering to shipping. Ask about deadlines early, especially if it’s a gift that needs to be mailed.

2. “Do you do local pickup?” Many Ottawa businesses offer porch or studio pickup — quick, no shipping fees, and no waiting for the mail to cooperate. Plus, there’s something nice about picking up a piece directly from the person who made it (just, please don’t trip!).

3. “Can I personalize it?” This is where local shines. Engraved initials, a birthstone added, a scent swapped — these small details make a gift feel thought-out. Just keep in mind: custom work usually takes extra time, so don’t ask on December 22 please.

4. “What’s your return or exchange policy?” Every small business handles returns differently. Some do exchanges, some offer credit, some are final sale. It’s not about being strict — it’s about logistics. Asking up front saves both of you stress later.

5. “Do you offer gift wrapping?” A lot of makers love presentation as much as product. Some wrap gifts beautifully with recyclable paper or linen pouches. Some even go out to Michaels to find cute, brand-matching ribbon. It’s worth asking — one less thing on your to-do list.

6. “Where do your materials come from?” If you care about quality, this is a great question. You’ll hear stories about reclaimed wood, Canadian-mined gemstones, or small-batch skincare ingredients from local farms. That transparency is part of what you’re paying for — and what makes local gifts feel meaningful.

7. “Are you at any holiday markets?” Ottawa’s market season is packed — from 613flea at Lansdowne to local pop-ups in coffee shops and galleries. If your favourite maker will be there, it’s a great way to see their work in person (and maybe find a few more gifts while you’re at it).

Shopping local isn’t about doing the “right thing.” It’s about knowing the face behind the brand, where your money goes, and the story behind what you’re giving. Ask questions. Makers love when you care enough to.

For handcrafted jewelry, made right here in Ottawa, go to Flourish + Flame Jewelry.