If we asked you to imagine the start of the holiday season in Toronto, you'd likely envision crowds at the Eaton Centre, shoppers lined up around the block on Queen Street, and a lot of rushing around. But this year, the holidays — like everything else in 2020 — are set to look very different from what we're used to. We've had to say goodbye to flashy parties and big events. Instead, the focus is on gathering with loved ones, appreciating what you have, and supporting those around you — including local businesses. Many small businesses across the city have been forced to close or remain semi-operational, especially with this second lockdown. By shopping local this holiday season, we support our economy, make a responsible choice for the environment, and help the countless small shops that keep our neighbourhoods vibrant and beautiful stay open. Interac has always been an ally of small- and medium-size local businesses and they believe in spending meaningfully. To embrace the spirit of coming together this season, here are 11 Toronto businesses that you can support as you check off your holiday gift list this year. From custom-made jewellery to cocktail kits to coffee subscriptions, these thoughtful gifts beat any present bought from a big box store. 1. Anice Jewellery Address: Shop online and get it delivered or do curbside pickup at 102 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4 Why You Need To Go: Anice is an Etsy-lover's paradise. Upcycled crystal earrings, custom healing bracelets, personalized necklaces and more await you at this online and retail custom jewellery boutique. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift (on a budget!) that will wow anyone on your holiday list and slays the accessory game, head to Anice. This little slice of heaven on Ossington has everything from personalized jewellery to online jewellery workshops to gift cards. View this post on Instagram Our life sized jewellery box (otherwise known as “Jewel Town”, “Sparkle Town”, “Love Town”) is ✨O P E N✨ IRL at 102 Ossington for all your jewellery needs — daily essentials, custom on the spot last minute gifts and allllll the special occasions. That being said, your safety, health, and piece of mind is of UTMOST importance to us — convenience too!!! To make your life and shopping easy breezy, we have all of our custom jewellery services available online and VIRTUALLY for you right from the comfort of home via FaceTime or Zoom. ✨Virtual Custom-on-the-Spot - you choose the parts and we design together + build before your eyes! ✨Virtual fine jewellery consults covering engagement, wedding bands, and just because! ✨Virtual Old Treasures. New Love. consults to assess and redesign your old treasures, family heirlooms and sentimental pieces! ✨Virtual online DIY #jewelfromhome workshops for jewel therapy and a new challenge! ✨And of course ONLINE Jewel Town has ready made essentials for quick and easy purchase for shipping or in store pickup. The Jewel Porch is also available for porch pickup if that feels better! 🔗 LINK IN BIO for all of the above! Our goal is to make your jewel experience as seamless and sparkly as possible and we can’t thank you enough for your patience, business and LOVE during this time. We are committed to continuing to get better and do you proud. 💎💛 you more than words can say. LOVE ALWAYS - The Jewel Squad A post shared by ANICE (@anicejewellery) on Oct 5, 2020 at 3:36pm PDT Website 2. Dynasty Plant Shop Address: Shop online and get it delivered or do curbside pickup at 1086 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON M6J 1H8 or 1250 Dupont St., Toronto, ON M6H 2A4 Why You Need To Go: We all have friends and family who are impossible to shop for. This year, instead of settling on something random and hoping for the best, offer them something useful that keeps on giving (and one they'll actually appreciate): a gorgeous plant. Toronto-based Dynasty Gardens is a botanical boutique that specializes in unusual and high-quality tropical plants, cactus, and ceramics for any space. They have items ranging from small snake plants to statement-making fiddle-leaf fig trees and everything in between. View this post on Instagram Fall fashion but tropical accessories #sweaterweather #fall #ootd #fashion #fallfashion #sweater #autumn #style #fashionblogger #photography #cozy #instagood #photooftheday #styleblogger #travel #liketkit #nature #sweaters #streetstyle #fallvibes #outfitoftheday #winter #fallstyle #october #styleinspo #fashionista #casualstyle #instafashion #leaves #plantshoptoronto A post shared by Dynasty Plants (@dynastyplantshop) on Oct 22, 2019 at 2:23pm PDT Website 3. Downtown Winery Address: Shop in-store or online for delivery; you can also place your order over the phone for curbside pickup at 30 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7 Why You Need To Go: With a special license allowing them to import wines worldwide, family-operated Downtown Winery is the perfect place to shop for the vino aficionado on your list. They import them in bulk, bottling and packaging them here right in their own facilities. This urban winery also does their own blending and ageing with the help of a winemaker. With over 28 wines to choose from including affordable merlot, sweet rosé, Canadian iced dessert wine, and even custom baskets (just tell them your budget and they'll whip up something wonderful), you'll be walking away with a gift you know will impress — and they may just become your favourite local wine shop in the process too. View this post on Instagram #TGIF today is presented by our newest wines released this week! 2 exotic gems from Mendoza, our Tempranillo and Cab Merlot. AND of course the much promised dry Rosé...IN BOTTLE finally. The Tempranillo and Rosé are both going on the draft system today so stop by for a glass and see whatcha think! Happy Friday All 😎 #newwines #winerelease #winebytheglass #tempranillo #cabmerlot #argentina #finallyfridays😎 A post shared by Downtown Winery (@downtown_winery) on Aug 21, 2020 at 10:28am PDT Website 4. Cocktail Emporium Address: Shop online for delivery or curbside pickup at 972 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON M6J 1H1 Why You Need To Go: Toronto's only one-stop-shop for all things bar is the spot to shop for cocktail enthusiasts. You’ll find everything you need to stock a brand-new bar cart, from mixes and tonics to bitters and all types of glassware and accessories. Get your sister-in-law a matte rose gold cocktail shaker, your dad a whiskey dictionary, and your BFF an at-home margarita kit you both can enjoy. Warning: you'll spend hours browsing here, and you'll probably come out with a few things for yourself too. View this post on Instagram 💐Get that home bar blooming with our Spring Collection! . . . 🌷15% off storewide ➡️DrinkAtHome15 🌱25% off Potion House bar tools & glassware ➡️Potion25 🌼Free shipping ➡️orders over $100 in Canada #CocktailEmporium #SpringCollection #dillons #sobrii #seedlip #bitters #nonalcoholic #gin #ginlover #happyhour #retroglassware #lavender #StayHome #craftcocktails #shoplocal A post shared by Cocktail Emporium (@cocktailemporium) on Apr 1, 2020 at 4:16pm PDT Website 5. Yogaspace Address: Online classes available or in-studio at 148 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON M6J 2Z5 (once they become available again) Why You Need To Go: Let's be real, we all need a little R&R after the year we've just had, so why not give the gift of yoga this holiday season? Yogaspace, a popular yoga studio on Ossington, offers inclusive online classes for every yogi from beginner to advanced. Yogaspace has single, 5-, 10-, and 20-class passes that can be used on an as-needed basis for a whole year. Daily classes include a choice of Vinyasa, Hatha, Pilates, and specialty classes. View this post on Instagram Introduction to Online Yoga... Online... with Fiona Walker October 20 – November 10 Tuesdays, 7 – 8pm 4 weeks – $80 Yoga is all about bringing balance to your body, your mind and your spirit. It has the potential to be both healing and fun. A good yoga teacher knows how to create a safe space where everyone in the class feels seen, heard and has their individual needs attended to, making yoga practice accessible to anyone. But practicing yoga online is new and unknown and it can be intimidating for folks. Join veteran yoga teacher, Fiona Walker for an Introduction to Yoga Online. In this 4 week workshop, Fiona creates a sense of community on the zoom platform where absolute beginners and students interested in sharpening their skills can ask questions and get the individual assistance they need to feel confident practicing yoga online. She slows it down, she breaks it down and she guides folks through the fundamentals at a fun and easy pace. You will learn fundamental alignment principles and modifications for all the foundational postures and sun salutations, how to master the breath, and how to listen for key verbal cues. Each week she builds on the previous week with tons of individual attention and lots of time for questions and individual assistance. Once you have completed this workshop you will feel confident attending Online yoga classes with Fiona or any teacher who catches your fancy. A post shared by Yogaspace...Toronto’s Yoga Hub (@yogaspaceto) on Oct 13, 2020 at 2:22pm PDT Website 6. Blondie's Pizza Address: Pickup or delivery at 88 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4; 1555 Dundas St. E. Toronto, ON M4L 1K9; 199 Bay St., Toronto, ON J4Y 0K7 Why You Need To Go: Struggling for present inspo? Give something you know everyone will love: pizza. Toronto's instantly recognizable pink pizza brand boasts some of the city's most delicious pies with catchy names like Dra...Drake Was Here and Regina, The Mean One. Their gift cards make the perfect stocking stuffer for even the pickiest of gift receivers. View this post on Instagram we’re all indoor cats now 🐈 A post shared by KATE (@kohutkate) on Oct 28, 2020 at 4:11pm PDT Website 7. Likely General Address: Shop online for delivery or curbside pickup at 389 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, ON M6R 2N1 Why You Need To Go: The owners of Likely General set out to create an inclusive space where anyone and everyone could find something they loved. From apothecary goods and tarot cards to ceramics and handmade soaps, Likely General stocks tons of artist-focused goods that suit anyone on your gift list. The store is open on Roncesvalles Avenue, but they still offer curbside pickup and delivery. View this post on Instagram A favourite corner of the shop. Beautiful framed silk, velour and felt pieces by Penny Lebo, cobalt hand blown glasses by Sirius Glassworks, stained glass moon phase by Penumbra, hand loomed tapestries by Alec Sutherland, ceramic eye incense holders by Rush Home ceramics. Come by and say hi! Here til 6pm! . . . #shopsmall #torontoartists #handmade #supportartists #empathyempowers A post shared by Likely General (@likelygeneral) on Jul 16, 2020 at 11:14am PDT Website 8. Balzac's Coffee Roasters Address: Shop online for delivery (8 total locations including 1 Trinity St., Toronto, ON M5A 1G3; 43 Hanna Ave. #123, Toronto, ON M6K 1X1; 122 Bond St., Toronto, ON M5B 1E9) Why You Need To Go: Do you have a coffee aficionado on your list? What about a tea-lover? Balzac's Coffee Roasters' seemingly endless supply of coffee-related paraphernalia includes mugs, brewers, posters, apparel, and even weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and bi-monthly subscriptions. Order online and get your gifts delivered straight to your friend's house. E-gift cards are also available. View this post on Instagram Our much loved Fairtrade organic Winter Blend is finally back! ❄️ With notes of sweet plum and dark chocolate, this warming coffee is perfect for those cold days while your nose is in a book – or any other for that matter. Click the link in bio to buy now! A post shared by Balzac's Coffee Roasters 💛 (@balzacscoffee) on Nov 1, 2020 at 9:02am PST Website 9. Logan & Finley Address: Shop online for delivery or curbside pickup at 670 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON M6J 1E5 Why You Need To Go: Looking for sustainable, eco-friendly products that are just as gorgeous as they are useful? That's Logan & Finley's entire M.O. They sell thoughtfully chosen, well-designed, ethically sourced products like clothing, skincare, candles, household items, and more. The best part? More than 20 of the brands they feature are based right here in Toronto! View this post on Instagram Dear Julie . I know your bathroom is torn apart right now due to the leaking pipes, but maybe you could just avert your glance and enjoy this Calming Bath Kit! . Love Julie . Did you know that you can send a response to your order confirmation and we will hand write a card with your message for the recipient? This kit is very soothing for someone who has a bathtub and likes a lovely bath ritual. It can ship with or without your choice of Turkish Towel. I vote with & for gifting it to yourself if needed! 📷 @stefanienakamura A post shared by Logan & Finley (@loganandfinley) on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:31pm PDT Website 10. Bellwoods Brewery Address: Shop online for delivery or pickup at 124 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON M6J 2Z5 or 20 Hafis Rd, North York, ON M6M 2V6 Why You Need To Go: Anyone familiar with Ossington's Bellwoods Brewery will know that the indoor/outdoor dining space was bustling every day of the week before the pandemic. To keep up with safety regulations, both shop locations offer delivery or pickup. You can find different products from local wineries, distilleries, farmers, and artists. View this post on Instagram Welcome to the Bellwoods Market! The Market will be open 7 days a week from 11:00am to 9:00pm as a convenient and safe outdoor retail space for our local customers. Here are a few things you can expect to find at The Market… A great selection of take-away food, made to order from our kitchen. 🍟 Produce boxes, picnic bags, fresh cut flowers, and other great gift ideas. 🧺 Some of our favourite products from local wineries, distilleries, farmers, artists and more. 🍎🍇 🥃 A small selection of Bellwoods bottles from our cellar. 🍾 Bellwoods artwork, apparel and glassware. 🎨🧢 We will be posting regularly about The Market on our @bellwoodsbrewpub account. So give that account a follow and be sure to pop by next time you’re in the area. A post shared by Bellwoods Brewery (@bellwoodsbeer) on Jun 15, 2020 at 9:49am PDT Website 11. Good Neighbour Address: Shop online for delivery or curbside pickup at 935 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON M4M 1J6 Why You Need To Go: This lifestyle/fashion store with a curated selection of clothing, footwear, gifts, and accessories is the ultimate place to browse for gifts. The team over at Good Neighbour has taken an ordinary house and turned it into a mecca of high-quality, handpicked products from home goods to fashion and everything in between. Don't be surprised if you end up checking off everyone on your holiday gift list! View this post on Instagram What’s cookin? Our pantry is fully stocked with so many tasty goodies you won’t know where to start 😍 #pantry #foodie #terroni #shoplocal A post shared by Good Neighbour (@goodnbr) on Oct 27, 2020 at 6:34am PDT Website Once you're finally able to shop in-store again, rest assured that you can stay safe as you purchase with contactless payments like Interac Debit and Interac e-Transfer. Interac makes it easy to use your own money to shop locally. So, no matter if you choose curbside pickup or delivery, purchase online classes, or even buy a gift card, you can safely support local this holiday season and help the places that you love to stay open. To learn more about how Interac can help you stay safe while you shop local this holiday season, visit their website.