Now more than ever, it is so important that we are supporting our local businesses through what has been and will continue to be a time of pivoting and unexpected shifts, within our businesses and lives. Hamilton is packed with inspiring local businesses and business owners, and we are thrilled to call this resilient community HOME. 

We have put together a list of some of our favourites here at Ambitious Realty (it was very hard to narrow it down when there are SO many incredible businesses in Hamilton!) in the hopes of inspiring you to get out into your community when you’re doing your holiday shopping. Should you be able to, kindly consider shopping small and one of these amazing local shops this holiday season.

Vintage Charm

162 Locke Street South, Hamilton Ontario. 

https://vintagecharmhome.com/

Vintage Charm, who recently moved onto Locke Street has become a Hamilton favourite over the past few years selling beautifully repurposed vintage furniture pieces, both locally sourced and Fair Trade/ethically sourced home goods, as well as DIY project supplies like chalk paint and hardware. For the Holiday season they have a stunning collection of Christmas ornaments available. 

Shopping available both in store + 24/7 online with shipping available across Canada.

The Local Life on Locke

218 Locke Street South, Hamilton Ontario

https://www.instagram.com/thelocallife.on.locke/?hl=en

The Local Life on Locke is a beautiful shop featuring locally made products as well as small batch soaps. They are making shopping local easy this holiday season with over 60 local makers all in one place!

Shop in store + through their Instagram page.

Citizen Kid

188 Locke Street South, Hamilton Ontario

https://citizenkid.ca/

Citizen Kid, located on Locke Street, is a neighbourhood toy store offering a unique shopping alternative to those looking for natural toys of quality, integrity, and lasting value. 

Shopping is available in store with curbside pick up available any time the store is open, as well as 24/7 online.

Epic Books

226 Locke Street South AND 177 Sherman Ave North, Hamilton Ontario

https://epicbooks.ca/

Epic Books is an independent bookstore located both on Locke Street and Sherman Avenue. Their website contains extensive staff recommendations and Holiday picks for both books and gifts. Don’t see what you’re looking for in store or online? No worries! Kindly contact them and they will look into a special order for you. Gift cards are also available for the book lover in your life who prefers to make their own selections!

Shopping is available in store and online offering curbside pickup AND free local delivery on orders over $25.00.

Play With Clay

198 Locke Street South, Hamilton Ontario

https://playwithclay.ca/

Play with Clay is an interactive drop-in pottery studio where guests of all ages can indulge in pottery painting, clay hand-building & wheel throwing. As well as drop-in pottery projects they also offer more structured Adult-Workshops, Kids Camps and 8wk Pottery Classes.

The instructors have years of experience teaching many different hand-building, wheel throwing & glazing techniques to make your pottery project a success.

Enjoy your pottery and clay crafts from the comfort of your own home! Pick up in Studio or call for delivery/order options! Gifts cards also available. 

Studio 205

205 King St East, Hamilton Ontario

https://www.studio205hamilton.ca/

Studio 205 features handmade goods by Canadian artists and crafting workshops, topped off with a quaint cafe. They currently have a stunning selection of gifts as well as a dried floral bar where you can choose your dried blooms yourself, or have assistance putting together the perfect bouquet!

Shopping available in store + online

Luv La Vie

287 King Street East, Hamilton Ontario

https://www.instagram.com/luvlaviecuratedcollections/

Luv La Vie is a woman's lifestyle boutique featuring a curated collection of fashion apparel, fine jewellery, skincare & original local art. Whether shopping for yourself or someone on your list you won't want to leave here empty handed!

Shopping available in store. 

BlackBird Studios

123 James Street North, Hamilton Ontario

https://www.blackbirdstudios.ca/

Blackbird Studios is a Canadian Designer Label, based out of Hamilton, Ontario. Designers Kerry Wade and Lynn Bebee have been part of Canada's burgeoning fashion, arts and culture scene for the past 2 decades. Their Made in Canada brand is showcased in their boutique on James Street North. 

Shop the breathtaking collection both in store + online. Free shopping within Canada when you spend $150.00.

Pretty Grit 

128 James Street North, Hamilton Ontario

https://prettygrit.ca/

Pretty Grit offers a unique collection of modern design pieces, locally made goods, prints and textiles, as well as the odd vintage find - all purposeful, memorable, and a little bit playful. From designed-focused flatware that turns a meal into an experience, to pillows that bring a pop of life to a favourite room, this shop is filled to the brick-walled brim with eclectic inspiration. They even offer entire collections for the tiny humans and furry friends on your list!

Shop by Appointment (W, Th, F) + Online 

Bar Sazerac

278 James Street North, Hamilton 

http://www.barsazerac.ca/

Bar Sazerac is Hamilton’s premier cocktail bar. The expertise of the owners and bartenders shows through the carefully crafted cocktail selection found on the menu. Bar Sazerac has also created a seasonal collection of take home cocktail kits which include all of the ingredients you will need to make these amazing beverages from home!

Contact Bar Sazerac for current cocktail kit selection. 

Crown Point Candles 

http://www.crownpointcandles.com/

Founded in the Crown Point neighbourhood of Hamilton, Crown Point candles are made with a gorgeous blend of coconut and soy wax and scented with pure essential oils. That's it. No fake fragrances. No harmful waxes. Just pure goodness!

Available at the Mustard Seed Co-op + online.