Well, the Christmas season has officially begun and that means many of us are shopping for gifts for loved ones. For those of us looking for unique, handcrafted gifts, all of the holiday markets have been cancelled due to COVID-19. As a Toronto-based influencer, I usually attend many of these holiday markets so of course, I am disappointed they are closed. But fortunately, many of these holiday markets have decided to create virtual holiday marketplaces where you can buy everything you would have been able to purchase in person. Read below to find out about some of the popular virtual holiday markets for Christmas 2020.
Pictured above from top left going clockwise:
Sweater – Blue Floral from Desserts and Skirts, $88, from One of a Kind Online
Handwoven Throw Pillow Covers, $40, from Buy Good. Feel Good Virtual Holiday Market
Christmas Carols 2019 Favourites Collection Card Set: 3 Pack from Krystal Zorzi Illustration, $17, from Holiday Fair in the Square Virtual Marketplace
Scenes from a COVID Christmas Tea Towel from Sa Boothroyd, $18, at One of a Kind Online
Buy Good. Feel Good. Virtual Holiday Market
From Dec. 1-15, 2020, you’ll be able to shop the Buy Good. Feel Good. Virtual Holiday Market for products from brands that are eco-friendly, zero waste, fairtrade, handmade and women-owned.
This new ethical and eco-friendly marketplace features brands that support sustainability and social justice, such as providing jobs for 10,000 African beekeepers and their communities to supporting endangered animal species to empowering Palestinian refugees in Jordan.
Some of the gifts you’ll find on their virtual marketplace include:
- cotton throw towel
- blown glass snowflake ornament
- reusable bowl covers
- cotton facial cleansing pads
- organic cotton onesie
- lapis pendants
- gingerbread house tea
- organic jersey dress.
Free shipping takes place on all weekends (Friday afternoon to Sunday midnight) in December.
One of a Kind Online 2020
I definitely miss attending the One of a Kind Christmas Show in Toronto this year, but this is the next best thing. You can shop the aisles online from A to Z just like you do at the show in person or simply search for the category of gifts you are looking for e.g. Apparel, Art, Home, Flavours, Baby & Kids, Accessories, Jewelry, Pets, Stationery, Stained Glass, Hats, etc. Below are some items that caught my eye:
- Affordable and stylish sweaters from Desserts and Skirts ($88)
- Hand Knit Chunky Yarn Cushions from Lucky Knit Shop ($60-$700)
- Pema 244 Necklace from Soma Mo, $170
- Whimsical and witty tea towels from Sa Boothroyd including a topical Scenes from a Covid Christmas tea towel, $18
- Mado’s Sauces are vegan, all-natural and mix sweet with heat. Ingredients include Scotch bonnets, papaya, coconut milk, spices and herbs, 4 jars for $30.
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Holiday Fair in the Square Virtual Marketplace
Holiday Fair in the Square is another popular Toronto Christmas market that is going virtual in 2020. This holiday market usually takes place at Nathan Phillips Square. You can feel good about purchasing online from Holiday Fair in the Square Virtual Marketplace as a small portion of the proceeds will go towards Epilepsy Toronto, which has been hosting Holiday Fair in the Square in Nathan Phillip’s Square since 2016.
Some of my favourite products available for purchase at Holiday Fair in the Square Virtual Marketplace include:
- Angel 7 Christmas Ornament from Wood ‘N’ Stuff, $30
- Cool Gel Pillow from Paarizaat International, $129
- Organic Body Butter from Let’s Craft It, $30. Scents include Eucalyptus; Citrus & Clove; and Lavender & Mint.
- North Star Amethyst Bracelet by Daria Day, $88
- Evergreen, Eucalyptus, Feather Wreath at Holiday Floral Market, $139
- Christmas Carols 2019 Favourites Collection Card Set: 3 Pack from Krystal Zorzi Illustration, $17
The Eco Lifestyle Market
The Eco Lifestyle Market, which usually takes place at The Great Hall on Queen Street West, is holding a Holiday Virtual Market from December 7-21, 2020. This virtual holiday market features eco-friendly, handcrafted, natural, sustainable and wellness brands. You’ll be able to shop for green living and lifestyle goods and services, including lifestyle products, gifts, green beauty products, baby gifts and organic and natural foods. This holiday marketplace brings together the best eco-living and natural vendors on one site.
I hope you enjoy shopping local from these Virtual Holiday Markets for Christmas 2020. You might be interested in reading “Where To Order Christmas Turkey Dinner in Toronto in 2020“.
The virus really pushed us to go digital eh? Well, looking at it, It seems it has its pros too! Lets enjoy this season first! happy holidays!
Virtual markets at the in events nowadays. It’s much safer and convenient and you still get the things that you need. These are great suggestions!
I love that these markets are offering another way for shoppers to still “attend” despite being closed over Christmas! It’s great to see people come together and adapt, as it proves that we truly can overcome anything as long as we have each other.
How timely… We all need a virtual market these days, with the current lockdown situation. Supporting local small businesses is also so important.
everything digital is not that bad really, at least for me. However I kinda miss the good old everything. marketplaces, events without masks, distancing and nerves. I hope next year will be all different
With all that is gong on at the moment these virtual markets are such a great way to go and a nice way to support local shops too xx
Honestly this year is no different for me, I hate going shopping this time of year. I much prefer online shopping to in person. Unless it’s clothing or shoes. So much more convenient to shop from my sofa!
I love that so many people are moving events like this online. In the past, I have purchased most of my holiday gifts from our local markets here. Obviously, this year, we can’t hold big events like that but I have still had the opportunity to shop many of these vendors virtually, supporting local small business owners where I can.
What a great idea to have a virtual market with such difficult times over Christmas! I love that so many events are moving online
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