This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Looking for something sweet to offer to a loved one while making responsible choices? It’s entirely possible. Here are some gift ideas that are both local and original.
The monarchs will thank you
Do you know milkweed? But yes, this native plant found on the side of trails, better known as “suckling pig” because of the whitish latex that sometimes leaks from it. It is true, unfortunately, that we see less and less of it, farmers having long considered it as a weed and having carefully tried to eradicate it. I say “unfortunately” because this plant plays an essential ecological role in the survival of the monarch butterfly, its caterpillar feeding exclusively on it! But milkweed is far from being a weed. Its silky fiber, produced from the tip of the seed, even has insulating properties, which the small company Lasclay decided to take advantage of to create vegan, responsible and local products, designed and manufactured in Quebec and exploiting its exceptional properties. . Scarves, mittens, neck warmers, headbands, but also insoles to slip into boots to spend the winter with warm feet. To try them is to adopt them ! The Quebec-based company also manufactures lunch boxes and cooler and insulated bags. She also offers milkweed seeds for sale to plant in the garden in spring to attract monarch butterflies and thus contribute to their repopulation. A great gift idea for all nature lovers! HR-G.
Good ideas from Weeds
Entering the Les Mauvaises Herbes boutique, whether on Saint-Hubert Street in Montreal or online, can give you a strong desire to treat yourself too. There are several gift suggestions, including incredible herbal teas, creams and ointments, as well as home products. Personal favorite for the starter guide to making soy candles. As I am a big consumer of candles, I now have fun creating them in my favorite mugs and in small mason jars. And it’s much shorter and less complex than you might think. This kit is perfect for getting started with the practice. The set includes everything you need to make two candles in reusable jars, in different fragrance options. For $39.99. CG
Local, fair trade and eco-responsible cosmetics
We know that offering cosmetics will definitely please some people. And while we’re at it, why not choose to offer a local, fair trade and eco-responsible product? Like Zorah biocosmetic products. Zorah’s story began in 2003, when the company’s founder, Mélissa Harvey, discovered argan oil during an international development internship in Morocco. Used for centuries, this oil is known to have antioxidant, moisturizing and healing properties. The entrepreneur wanted to help the shepherd women she had worked with to start their business by importing their argan oil. Today, Zorah still does business with these women from Morocco, and fair trade is at the heart of the Montreal company’s values. All cosmetic products are manufactured here with environmental concerns in mind, from start to finish. For the holiday season, gift sets are available, such as the Radiance Boost Routine set, which includes the Xfoliambre facial exfoliant, the Nyxe moisturizing mask and a mask application brush. For $89.
Looking for something for a man? There are Groom products, natural and made in Montreal too. Products for the beard, for shaving, for the body or for the hair, they can be offered separately or in a box. For example, there is the box cocooning Moodgie x Groom, sold exclusively online for the holidays, which features a set of three Groom products (deodorant, Forest body wash and purifying facial cleanser) as well as three Moodgie candles (Campfire, Cypress and White Pepper, and Teak and spices). For $98. CG
Conversational games, to get back to basics
What’s better than offering a good time? No need for confetti or trumpets here. The Meyeur game cards, created by a mother and her daughter in 2021, were designed to get back to the essential – the human – in the heart of the pandemic. Very simple, the four conversation games they offer, to families, friends and couples, can be played party Christmas, at a happy hour, at the chalet, during a road trip or on any other occasion, in twos or more. Designed and manufactured in Quebec, they contain 45 cards each, each card asking a question. “If you could make everyone follow one rule, what would it be? » “Who do you like to follow on social media right now, and why?” » “What is your favorite time of the year? » We therefore do not have questions here calling on general culture, but rather personal questions to fuel conversation and curiosity towards others. For $29. CG
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.