🎁 Top 5 Gifts from Local Makers You Didn’t Know You Needed

Support Local. Shop Joyfully.

At Joyful Home Gift Studio, we’re proud to showcase the talents of over 60 local artists, artisans, and food vendors—all right here in Northern Ontario. Our shop is filled with thoughtful, handcrafted items that make perfect gifts, even when you’re not looking for anything in particular.

 

Here are 5 incredible finds from local makers (including us!) you probably didn’t know you needed—but once you see them, you won’t be leaving without them!

1. Hand-Poured Wooden Wick Candles (Joyful Home)

Not your average candle! These are hand-poured right here in Lively using 100% soy wax and premium fragrance oils. The wooden wick crackles softly when lit, creating the perfect cozy vibe for nights in, self-care rituals, or a thoughtful “just because” gift.

🕯 Popular Picks: Cedar Sauna, Dark Roast Coffee, and Fresh Linen.

2. Locally-Made Gourmet Hot Sauces (Pepperaro)

Who knew hot sauce could be this pretty and this tasty? These small-batch sauces are made using locally-grown ingredients and bring the heat without overpowering the flavour. Perfect for BBQ lovers, foodies, or that friend who puts hot sauce on everything.

🌶 Secret Tip: They pair perfectly with charcuterie boards!

3. Mini Art Prints & Cards (Heirloom Island / Quarter Notes and Creations / Art & Anne)

Say goodbye to generic cards! These locally-designed, hand painted cards and art prints feature Northern Ontario landscapes and water colour beauties for special occasions. Frame one for a unique piece of wall art or pair a card with any gift from our shop for a personal touch.

🎨 Bonus: Make it an eco-friendly gift: keep the card to display as art. 

 

4. Handcrafted Soap Bars (Forage, Forest & Flowers)

Once you try these vegan, handmade soap bars, you’ll never go back to store-bought. They’re made with nourishing oils, botanicals, and earthy goodness—so they look beautiful and feel even better. Great for gift baskets, teachers, or treating yourself.

🛁 Best Scents: Cedarwood + Lavender + Orange Scents 

5. Small-Batch Jams & Preserves (Perogy Princess)

The kind of jam that tastes like your grandma made it. Delicious pickled carrots, beets and beans are also on the menu! These make a lovely hostess gift, a sweet thank-you, or the highlight of your next brunch.

🍓 Homemade jams and the perfect addition to scones, cheese, or straight from the spoon.

✨ The Joy of Shopping Local

Every time you shop at Joyful Home, you’re supporting real people in your community—artists, crafters, and families who pour love into everything they make.

Come visit us in Lively to explore even more unique finds you didn’t know you needed (but we promise you’ll be glad you found them).