This holiday season, skip the one-click carts and explore Vaughan’s creative side. Across the city, artisans, gourmet food makers and boutique retailers are crafting gifts with character – thoughtful finds that celebrate the joy of giving. Whether you’re shopping for a foodie, a fashionista or a homebody, here’s your guide to some of Vaughan’s most inspired local gifts.

Inside Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.), Shop Makers bring together more than 90 independent artisans from across the Greater Toronto Area. Browse hand-poured candles, natural soaps, cozy knits, jewellery and décor, each piece locally made and sold directly by its creator. What makes Makers special: every artisan keeps 100 per cent of their sales, so your purchase directly supports the person who made it. It’s a place where shopping small feels big.

Gift idea: Build a “made-in-Vaughan” bundle with a soy candle, artisan cards, and skincare minis.

For the chocolate lover, Succulent Chocolates and Sweets (501 Rowntree Dairy Rd. #3) crafts hand-painted bonbons and truffles that look as good as they taste. Each piece is made in-house using premium Belgian chocolate and festive flavours.

Gift idea: Their limited-edition Holiday Collection of 12 shimmering bonbons with hazelnut, caramel, and mulled-wine ganache.

Thornhill’s Eat Sum More (7700 Bathurst St. Unit 6) is famous for its South African specialties made in-house, including Boerewors (fresh sausages) and Droewors (dried sausages), imported snacks and chutneys. It’s the perfect stop for foodies who enjoy something unique.

Gift idea: A gourmet basket with droewors, Mrs. Balls chutney and a bar of peppermint crisp chocolate, perfect for the grill-master or snack lover.

What began as a holiday pop-up is now one of Vaughan’s favourite gourmet gift stops. Fruit of the Land (in Promenade Shopping Centre, 1 Promenade Cir.) curates award-winning specialty foods, farm-fresh preserves, kosher baskets and local Canadian delicacies, beautifully packaged for the season.

Gift idea: A “Niagara to Manhattan” tasting box featuring jams, mustards and maple butter paired with locally roasted coffee.

Now open in the heart of Kleinburg Village, Old Firehall Confectionery (10449 Islington Ave.) is a candy-lover’s dream. Known for its handmade truffles, sponge toffee, candy apples and whimsical holiday treats, their treats make for the perfect stocking stuffers or teacher gifts.

Gift idea: A ribbon-wrapped assortment of their award-winning truffles and festive bark.

If your list includes a few fashion lovers or home-décor enthusiasts, Vaughan’s local boutiques offer just as much inspiration, each with a bit of personality and plenty of holiday cheer. Here are a few to check out:

Born in Kleinburg, Ambiance Boutique (10489 Islington Ave.) is a lifestyle store offering a beautifully curated selection of fashion, home décor, stationery and giftware. It’s the kind of place where every item feels special and inspirational.

Gift idea: A velvet-bound journal, artisan mug or cozy throw paired with a handwritten note – timeless, thoughtful, and uniquely local.

For self-care lovers, The Wellness Studio by Cicco Aroma (411 Four Valley Dr. #39) invites guests to craft personalized aromatherapy blends and mindfulness rituals through do-it-yourself workshops. They turn wellness into a truly personal gift that’s good for the soul.

Gift idea: A Cicco Aroma workshop voucher for relaxation, handcrafted in Vaughan

SugarPlum Children’s Boutique (10462 Islington Ave.) is a hidden gem for anyone shopping for stylish little ones. Family-owned and proudly Canadian, it curates beautifully made children’s clothing, accessories and keepsakes that blend timeless design with playful detail. Whether you’re choosing a soft knit set for baby’s first holiday season or a twirl-ready dress for festive photos, every piece feels special enough to pass down to the next generation.

Gift idea: A classic holiday outfit or a handcrafted toy paired with a keepsake book — perfect for creating memories that last long after the wrapping papers gone.

From handmade truffles and boutique fashions to artisan décor and self-care workshops, Vaughan’s local stores make it easy to find gifts with heart. Each shop tells a story of craftsmanship, creativity and community, and that’s what makes every purchase mean a little more. This season, shop local, gift joyfully and celebrate the makers who help our city shine bright.

Explore more local shops and holiday happenings at VisitVaughan.ca.

As you explore all that Vaughan has to offer, don’t forget to tag us at #VisitVaughan and follow us on Instagram at @visitvaughan!