It’s that time of year again; the memes and reminders are swirling like snowflakes on the air, reminding you of the importance of shopping local. Shop local. Shop Indigenous. Shop Independent. When you purchase from a small business owner you are doing more than spilling a drop into the corporate bucket; often you are putting food on the table of a family, paying an electric bill, or helping bringing family members home for the holidays. At Sapling & Flint, we decided to take some of the guess work out for you, and found some great stocking stuffers that are $40 bucks and under, so you can support Indigenous-owned AND have a holiday season that isn’t breaking the bank. So with no further ado, here are some of what we found: 

  

Born in the North

Because us Native American twins have to look out for each other!! Born In the North is the brain child of Toronto-based multidisciplinary Mi’kmaq artists and twin brothers Christopher & Gregory Mitchell.The brothers are currently making waves designing contemporary urban clothing, accessories, patches and prints. We are particularly loving this Turtle Island Toque for just $20 bucks (CAD$)

 

 

 

Sequoia Soaps

An Indigenous women-owned body care brand located in Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. Not only is a TON of their selection under our $40 spending limit (in fact the price range is $10-12 on a majority of their products!!), if you spend $75 the shipping is entirely free!! At exactly $40 (CAD$), we are certain you are going to love this Four Medicines 4-soap gift set. With all 5-star reviews, this soaps set was practically designed with your stocking stuffing plans in mind!!

 

 

 

Birch Bark Coffee Company

Because who doesn’t want coffee on Christmas morning?? What better stocking stuffer than satisfying your loved one’s java fix with organic, fair trade, Central American Indigenous-grown coffee that provides clean drinking water to First Nations homes in need across Canada? There are currently 153 First Nations communities in Canada that are living under boil water advisories with no end to the crisis in sight. Birch Bark Coffee Company is a Canadian First Nations-owned brand that seeks to end the crisis; with each bag purchased a percentage is going to support the installation of a certified water purification unit in a First Nations’ home in need. At $15.99, the Summer Solstice roast is a personal favourite of Dakota’s and is always her recommendation when people ask what’s the best blend. But don’t take her word for it; BBCC has 6 amazing blends to choose from, in both ground and whole bean selections!!

 

 

 

Culture Shock Jewelry

Culture Shock Jewelry is an Indigenous owned and family operated our handcrafted business, with pieces created by four generations of James Bay Cree women in one family. Much of their products are under $40 (CAD$), and with their recent feature in Vanity Fair UK, you better get shopping quick if you don’t want to miss out!! Check out this chic Metis Infinity Sliding Bracelet that is sure to match a wide range of outfits.

   

 

 

Le’Ana Asher Art

Anishnaabe artist Le’Ana Asher hails from the L’Anse Indian Reservation, and makes Chicago, Illinois her home. Asher  describes her art as “contemporary realism” as her oil paintings explore Indigenous subjects in their traditional regalia often with a modern flare; like a young boy dancer wearing Spiderman leggings! Her online art shop has beautiful 8x10 matted prints that are ready-to-frame. At $40 (US$), this print of the “Aunt Becky” oil painting by LeAna Asher is sure to be a keepsake for your loved one this holiday season:

 

 

Sapling & Flint

Okay, so our final selection HAS to be our own products!! Along with the high quality sterling silver & gold jewellery we produce, we have beautiful artful accessories that are sure to be the focus of your holiday clothing ensemble. At Sapling & Flint, we create “conversation pieces that share the story of Turtle Island” and with our Equinox & Sweet Defender clutches and their inspired stories, your accessories are sure to be the talk of the party!! Our fabrics are milled and printed locally, keeping our manufacturing on Mohawk Territory!!