Local Ottawa Women’s Sexual & Mental Wellness Holiday Gift Guide 2020
This year was definitely not what we all expected. We have all experienced the negative impacts of COVID — people have lost their loved ones, experienced employment and business issues, and faced mental challenges to name a few. The reality is that many of us will be unable to gather with our families and friends this year to celebrate the holidays like we normally do. More than ever, I think it’s important that we give gifts this season that support the local economy and encourage people to take care of themselves — whether that be emotionally, physically, or sexually. I’ve put together this gift guide featuring exclusively Canadian-made products that are sex and body positive and encourage women’s wellness and empowerment. All items can be purchased online or from local Ottawa vendors. This is also a budget friendly list as each product costs $50 or less. I hope you consider giving gifts that celebrate femininity and support pleasure and wellbeing this holiday season. These would also be beautiful gifts to give to yourself as an act of self-love ❤ Finally, if you have the financial means, please consider donating to Cornerstone Housing for Women, which provides emergency shelter and safe housing for women in Ottawa. Due to the pandemic, our community has experienced an increase in domestic violence and abuse against women and this is an unprecedented time to support survivors.
Wishing you all a safe and joyful December!
(1) Wild Thing Oil-Based Lube by Intamo Pleasurables ($29.95)
About the company: Intamo Pleasurables is a sexual self-care company that uses plant-based ingredients to produce product that facilitate sex that feels better. All Intamo products are made in Victoria B.C. Canada.
About the product: Promotes increased sexual desire, sensual contentedness. Contains anti-anxiety and mood boosting properties and offers relief from certain symptoms associated with menopause.
Where to buy: Venus Envy sex shop located at 226 Bank St., Ottawa, ON or online.
(2) Cross Thong by Calita Intimates ($28)
About the company: Calita Intimates is founded by a local Ottawa woman who focuses on creating intimate clothing for women that is sustainable, breathable, comfortable, but also flattering. All pieces are made in Canada.
About the product: This classic thong underwear is designed with a unique front cross and is elastic free with a smooth fold-over waistband. Made from 93% TENCOL Modal and 7% Spandex.
Where to buy: Online at the Calita Intimates shop.
(3) Essential Oil Roller by Floraa & Fauna ($13)
About the company: Floraa & Fauna is a small business that hand-makes all-natural products, run by two women in Squamish, British Columbia.
About the product: This roller aids in instant anxiety relief which can lead to an overall lessening of anxiety over time. Apply daily & when needed throughout the day to wrists, temples & behind the ears. Scents include frankincense, lavender, bergamot, and chamomile.
Where to buy: All Eco located at 857b Bank St., Ottawa, ON and online.
(4) 2021 Wild Womxn Calendar by Alisha Davidson ($28)
About the creator: Alisha Davidson is a feminist illustrator and maker based in Toronto, Canada.
About the product: This 11"x 17" calendar is printed using Risograph printing which has creates a uniquely lush appearance, and is bound by hand. The yearly moon phases are included as well as important dates to honour from the pagan calendar.
Where to buy: Victoire Boutique at 1282B Wellington St. West, Ottawa, ON or online.
(5) Naughty Geisha Gift Set by Shunga ($39.99)
About the company: Shunga began as a high end cosmetic company in 1988 in Montreal. In 2000, the founders began creating intimate cosmetic products for couples wishing to add variety and sensuality to their love making. All products are 100% manufactured in Canada.
About the product: This gift package offers a great mix of miniature products to encourage sexual exploration, including personal lubricant, clitoral enhancing gel, intensifying cream for lovers, G-spot arousal cream and a 10 speed vibrating bullet.
Where to buy: Wicked Wanda’s Adult Emporium located at 327 Bank St., Ottawa, ON or online.
(6) Deep Sleep Tea by Life Booster Tea ($11.99)
About the company: Life Booster Tea is an Ottawa based company whose mission is to bring the planet back to life through reforestation. All teas are ethically sourced and contain only specific, hand-picked ingredients that have been proven to produce results and make positive changes in people’s lives.
About the product: The 100% all-natural ingredients in this tea have been proven to calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and ensure for a deep, well-deserved sleep. Ingredients include: lemongrass, peppermint, chamomile, rosehip, valerian root, hibiscus, and cornflower petals.
Where to buy: Online at the Ottawa Artisan shop.
(7) Floral Ring Collar by Softcore Neurotica ($50)
About the company: Softcore Neurotica is the ultimate destination for local, handmade leather bondage gear. Owned an operated by a proud leatherdyke, they are best known for bold, bright colours (hand-dyed, of course!) and their recent collaboration with another local artist, Lucky Little Queer, to produce unique floral leather that you won’t find anywhere else.
About the product: This collar is a classic BDSM accessory, made from black cowhide leather and nickel-plated brass and steel. The black and white floral print is designed by local Ottawa artist Lucky Little Queer.
Where to buy: Online at the Softcore Neurotica or Lucky Little Queer shop.
(8) God is a Woman keychain by Grl Gng Creations ($17)
About the company: Grl Gng Creations was originally created in a small Northern Ontario city in the early summer of 2020 as a way to highlight other women and their beauty, a way to raise money for community resources and social justice issues, and a way to help provide monetary support for women who took on the brave task of bringing their abusers to justice.
About the product: Goddess bust keychains handmade made in Ottawa from resin and full of sparkles.
Where to buy: Online at the Freewheeling Craft virtual market, which runs until Thursday, December 24th.
(9) ‘home body’ by Rupi Kaur ($22)
About the author: Rupi Kaur is and Indian-born Canadian poet, artist, and performer. Rupi’s work touches on love, loss, trauma, healing, femininity, and migration
About the book: ‘home body’ is a collection of raw, honest conversations with oneself — reminding readers to fill up on love, acceptance, community, family, and embrace change. illustrated by the author, themes of nature and nurture, light and dark, rest here.
Where to buy: Octopus Books at 116 Third Avenue, Ottawa, ON or online.
(10) Tough Titties T-Shirt by Slow Dog Designs ($38.95)
About the company: Slow Dog Designs is a line created by a Toronto illustrator. All of the designs are originals drawn by her and hand printed in Toronto on good quality unisex apparel.
About the product: This ‘Tough Titties’ illustration is silk screened on black 100% cotton slim fit unisex t-shirts with pink ink.
Where to buy: Kindred Shop & Studio at 1243 Wellington St. West, Ottawa ON or online.
(11) Nude Ingrown Treatment Oil by Bushbalm ($34.50)
About the company: Bushbalm is a daily skincare and ingrown hair prevention product line, specifically, but not limited to, targeting the pubic area. Think bikini line, underarms, legs, and anywhere else you might get bumps or irritation from hair removal. The entire Bushbalm Team is located in the Ottawa, Canada area. The owners of Bushbalm hand package and ship every single order.
About the product: Nude oil prevents and sooths ingrown hairs, helps with bikini line redness, and softens skin and hair. It is fragrance free with only a slight tea tree scent. Other ingredients include jojoba, grapeseed and capiba oils.
Where to buy: Spa Junkie at 219 Laurier Ave, Ottawa, ON or at the online Bushbalm shop.
(12) Sublime Massage Oil by Planet Botanix ($16.95)
About the company: Planet Botanix is a local Ottawa natural care product company that uses no harmful toxins or hormone disruption ingredients (such as phthalates and parabens).
About the product: This massage oil is a blend of ylang ylang (claimed to be an aphrodisiac), black pepper and lime. It is suitable for both sexes and the essential oils in this blend are purported to bring cheerful and relief to sore muscles.
Where to buy: Planet Botanix located at 301 Bank St., Ottawa, ON and online.
(13) Feminist Tote Bag by Najeli Jewelry ($40)
About the company: Najeli Jewelry is founded by self-taught jewelry maker, Antonia, who recently collaborated with her partner, Joshua, and indigenous scholar and activist, to design a line of eco-friendly feminist and family apparel to celebrate the different ways of being in this world while challenging the prevalence of patriarchy.
About the product: The F Patriarchy tote is a fun spin on a pop culture design with a powerful message. It is eco-friendly made from 100% cotton, 100% made in Canada, and 100% sweatshop-free. Designed and silkscreen printed in Montreal in small batches.
Where to buy: Online at the Freewheeling Craft virtual market, which runs until Thursday, December 24th.
