14 Sweet Lunar New Year Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands
Lunar New Year is coming up on February 17, and for the first time in six decades, it’s the Year of the Fire Horse, which is said to bring optimism, opportunity and change. While a slew of LNY-specific products are hitting store shelves right around now, they’re not always made by Asian-owned brands. The good news? Canada has many Asian-owned brands and artists to shop—whether it’s for Lunar New Year or any time of year. Here are some of our favourites.
Raychoo Studios Enamel Pins, $10 each
From rice cookers to Haw Flakes, these enamel pins designed by Rachel Au—a Toronto-based architect by day and designer by night—are incredibly cute.
Inks By Wynn Derpy Tiger Kpop Demon Hunters Sticker, $6
Toronto-based artist Wynn Yau makes adorable stickers and keychains for the KPop Demon Hunters stans in your life.
Three Ships Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Ultra-Hydrating Cream, $50
Former roommates Connie Lo and Laura Thompson co-founded Three Ships in their Toronto apartment. The Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Ultra-Hydrating Cream is non-greasy but ultra-moisturizing, perfect for dry winter skin.
I’ll Know it When I See It Red Pockets, various designs, $10 for two
Vancouver-based friends Cassie and Christine design apparel, art prints and these cheeky takes on the traditional red envelopes given out during Lunar New Year.
Silk & Snow Turkish Towels in Moby, from $24
Founded in 2017 by Albert Chow and Kenneth Mo, Silk & Snow is a Chatelaine favourite for its flax sheets and super comfy mattresses and couches. These chic Turkish towels are made from 100% Egyptian cotton and are available in three sizes as well as a face cloth.
AI-Co Park Dark Caramel bag, $230
This Toronto-based family-run business—founded by a mother and three daughters—produces its impeccably stylish handbags in Korea.
Jewels & Aces The One & Only Earring Set $284
We love this ear cuff and chain combo—which gives the appearance of a helix piercing—by Toronto-based designer Grace Wong, who left a 15-year career in accounting to launch her jewellery line, Jewels & Aces.
Hello Darling Full Heart Organza Headband $65
These fanciful headbands from Winnipeg-based designer Miriam Delos Santos are a guaranteed dopamine booster.
Madlove Creative Sunny Side Up Art Print, from $12
Chatelaine contributor Carmen Jabier is the illustrator behind Madlove Creative, which sells playful stickers, stationary, prints and more. This optimistic print, perfect for a kitchen, is available in three sizes.
Stephanie Cheng Dim Sum Tea Towel, $25
Give your favourite dim sumer lover this 100% cotton tea towel from Toronto-based illustrator Stephanie Cheng, whose work has also been featured on band posters for the likes of Lizzo, Radiohead and Childish Gambino.
Secret Planet Cut Eye T-Shirt, $34
Toronto studio Secret Planet sells their own designs (like the hand-screen printed T-shirt shown above) as well as items from other indie artists, including stationary, stickers and apparel.
Vessi Courtside Classic in Off-White, $96 (on sale!)
These lightweight, breathable and waterproof sneakers are designed in Canada by Vancouver-based Vessi, founded by Mikaella Go, Tony Yu and Andy Wang.
Kay Tran Eyewear Aiden Sunglasses in Truffle, $225
Designed for people with low nose bridges and/or fuller cheeks, these chocolatey brown sunglasses by Winnipeg-based Kay Tran are both classic and modern, and are available with standard or prescription lenses.
Monos Carry-On Suitcase in Rose Quartz, $295
Team Chatelaine loves Vancouver-based Monos! Most recently, the Monos hard-shell carry-on saved our food editor’s laptop from imminent disaster!
