Penningtons – 50% off all Swimwear

Today only, May 19, 2012, save 50% off all swimwear at Penningtons!

Offer available in-stores and online.

Vote for Simply Frugal!

 

I don’t normally post contests here on the website, but this one involves Simply Frugal!  (and I’m not ashamed of some self promotion for the blog!  hehe)

webSaver.ca has just launched a new contest.  Show your support for SimplyFrugal.ca by voting for us as your favourite coupon blog, and enter for your chance to win a MacBook Air!

Head on over to the webSaver.ca Facebook page to vote!

We’d be totally honoured if you voted for Simply Frugal!  Send all your friends to vote and for a chance to win a great prize!

Contest ends May 31, 2012.

Plastic Bottles Become Solar Lights (video)

Wow, it’s amazing what you can do with empty plastic bottles!

Inspirational Quote – Be Thankful

It is not happy people who are thankful,  it is thankful people who are happy.

image from Pinterest.

Home Depot Canada – Wrap Up the Savings Event

Stop in at your local Home Depot to check out their Wrap Up the Savings Event!

You’ll find deals on decor, tools, kitchen & bath, flooring & storage and outdoor items!

Also, on Monday, November 28 only, they’re having an online only Cyber Monday event!

The 2011 Simply Frugal Holiday Gift Guide for the Eco-Conscious

Well, we’re at the end of the 2011 holiday gift guides today.  I sure hope they helped to give you new ideas and you found some new favourite Canadian stores!  I would like to encourage you to really consider purchasing from the companies I featured as I think you’ll find them boasting great customer service (and wonderful product)!  Not to mention, they gave out some fantastic coupon codes just for you!

Today I’ll be wrapping up the gift guides with the Holiday Gift Guide for the Eco-Conscious.  Perfect for those on your list that are taking steps to care for our planet or would like to make steps in that direction!

Lavish & LimeLavish & Lime – Lavish & Lime is a Vancouver-based eco boutique with non-toxic and eco-friendly alternatives that are healthier for you, your family and the planet too. Choose from hundreds of unusual gifts that are sure to ‘wow’ your nearest and dearest on Christmas day.  Their awesome glass water bottles are featured in Chatelaine magazine’s Holiday Gift Guide 2011!  The bottles are non-toxic, eco-conscious, virtually unbreakable and the funky protective silicone cover makes them look great. The dishwasher-safe glass means no steely after taste.  Use the coupon code SIMPLYFRUGAL to save 15% off your glass water bottle purchase through November 30, 2011.  Be sure to check out their Green Christmas Ideas page for great gift ideas!  Lavish & Lime is also generously giving one reader the chance to win a $25 gift certificate!

hotSACKSHotSACKS - Looking for some fun, fashionable and funky reusable shopping bags or produce bags?  The bags were created for those of you who want to do your part for the environment, but don’t want to be a walking billboard for your local grocery store.  You also may care about the environment, but don’t feel like advertising it to the world.    HotSACKS would love to give two Simply Frugal readers a set each of their meshy produce bags!  Meshy hotSACKS  are great for produce and other bulk items like wrapped candies.  Helps reduce the use of those thin, plastic bulk bags that you only use once!  I might also mention, I think these would make great stocking stufffers!

Bare Organics – Bare Organics is a Canadian manufacturer of quality organic skin care products using food grade organic ingredients. Karen “discovered that most “natural” and “organic” baby care products were actually filled with unsafe chemical ingredients. She needed something better so she started researching and testing her own recipes. Now, years later, Bare Organics offers head-to-toe skin care products for men, women, babies and children. Our goal is to help you to make safer skin care choices for you & your family.”  Use the coupon code SFC15 to save 15% off your entire purchase through December 31, 2011.  Bare Organics is generously giving one Simply Frugal reader a Winter Skin Kit worth $60!

With Heart – With Heart seeks the most original and interesting stuff made or designed with heart… hence the name!  With Heart, prides themselves on many eco-friendly business practices: purchase recycled/eco-friendly office & shipping products whenever possible, runs an online business which consumes less resources over all, use public transit to get around whenever possible, use recycled materials for packaging supplies & stuffing, seek out eco-minded artisans & products, follow the FOUR R’s :) Recycle, reuse, reduce, refuse! (Refusing things like plastic bags and using their own fabric ones, for example)  A number of the lines Ginger carries can be considered eco-friendly; particularly the Dolorous line and the Vapur folding water bottles.  Check them out!

Planet Forward - Planet Forward was started because they wanted to ignite positive change and make a legitimate difference.  They want to reinvent the environmentalist image to include the average city dweller, outdoor enthusiast and ideally incorporate all walks of life. We all have a part to play in helping move the planet toward sustainable solutions.  Find products such as water bottles, travel mugs, cleaning kits, clothing and accessories.  Everything on Planet Forward is currently 50% off!

Lunapads.com – “Lunapads International is a women-owned and operated mission-based business based in Vancouver, Canada. Our mission is to help individuals have healthier and more positive experiences of their menstrual cycles, and by extension, their bodies overall. Our team is made up of a passionate group of women who believe that using natural menstrual products is a creative and empowering way to honor and care for ourselves and the planet.”  Through November 30, 2011, Lunapads.com is offering free shipping on all orders!  Make sure to sign up for their monthly newsletter, you’ll get a coupon code for $5 off your $35 or more purchase.

Barley Sugar Creations – Barley Sugar Creations specializes in gift baskets filled with high-quality products assembled in a creative and highly customized fashion and delivered with an unparalleled focus on customer service.  The main reason I’m including Barley Sugar Creations is because they sell the awesome Soap Nuts!  Soap Nuts are a fantastic replacement for normal laundry detergent.  You can read all about soap nuts and their benefits here.

 

The 2011 Simply Frugal Holiday Gift Guide for Men

Who else finds men hard to shop for?  Between my husband who never wants anything, to other family members who have everything and also don’t want anything, it’s nearly impossible for me!  But I’ve managed to come up with a list of stores that are guaranteed to impress!  (I think?) 

Kelvintools - All Kevin wanted to do was hang a picture in his condo. He needed a hammer, measuring tape and level just to hang this picture. It dawned on him that he could build a house with these tools and he only needed to tap a small nail into the drywall…clearly it was overkill. And that’s when the idea hit…why not invent a modern urban tool for modern urban living. One tool that could tackle hundreds of everyday jobs, like hanging the picture, with ease.  Kelvin.23 was born.  The tool has 23 of the most commonly used tools and features in a compact, rugged, and stylish urban design.  Kevin and his Kelvin.23 were featured on Dragon’s Den as well as a recent Oprah magazine!  One lucky Simply Frugal reader is going to have the chance to win a Kelvin.23!

Reunion Island CoffeeReunion Island Coffee - Priding themselves on high quality coffee harvested from sustainable farms, Reunion Island just might be the place to get your coffee from now on!  Founder Peter Pesce’s, reputation is the result of over three decades of experience in sourcing, blending and roasting coffee for the high-end foodservice market.  Reunion Island has a new BUNN My Café Single Cup Coffee Maker that is a compact machine designed for simplicity, versatility and reliability, but most importantly, a cup quality that would make any barista proud! Reunion Island is giving away three coffee gift packs to three lucky readers!  Use coupon code frugalshipping to receive free shipping on your $19 or more order until December 11, 2011!

Polar stones – Home of the only Canadian made whiskey stones!  What are whiskey stones?  Whiskey Stones are cubes of solid soapstone that will chill your liquor without diluting it, unlike ice. Whiskey Stones are non-porous and thus odorless and tasteless. So, adding Whiskey Stones to your favorite beverage will chill the spirit without affecting its taste.  Not just for Whiskey… you can use Polar stones, in bourbon, rum, rye, tequila, vodka, and even wine or port.  Use the coupon code FRUGAL11 to save 10% off your order at the Polarstones Etsy shop! (Coupon code will not work at the other Polarstones website as Paypal is not coupon code friendly)  Polar stones would also like to give two Simply Frugal readers each a trial set (3 stones)!

Invest in the Markets is a resource for individuals to assist them with learning to invest wisely in the markets. With capital preservation as a primary commitment, Invest in the Markets assists investors minimize losses and maximize returns. Resources include a weekly newsletter, trading strategies, top stocks with entry and exit points detailed, and an interactive forum for collaboration. Registration is free… and the resources are invaluable.  Dr. Stock would like to offer four Simply Frugal readers a 1 month membership to his Weekend Investor Newsletter which is designed for Weekend Investors who are looking for investment education, stock buy and sell points, state of the market updates, and more!

The Source - I think it’s fairly safe to say men love electronics, right?  Shopping online at The Source is unique because they feature a deal of the day, have a clearance outlet, and special online sale prices.  You’ll find everything from computers, to GPS units, to TV’s at the Source.  The best part about shopping online is that you can receive free shipping if you ship your order to your local store!

The Home DepotThe Home Depot - Tools.  Enough said.  Well, I guess I could elaborate!  Home Depot is known as the home improvement destination.  Find all you could possibly want to build or renovate the home of your dreams!  Tools, flooring, drapery, paint, garden supplies, wood, lighting, bathroom fixtures, and appliances!   The Home Depot online also offers a daily Hammer Drop deal;  one product that has been drastically reduced for one day only.

Amazon.ca – I love Amazon.ca and so does my husband!  We’ve found some neat stuff on there at some amazing prices!   Shopping online at Amazon pretty much guarantees that they’re going to have what you want.  (Like an entire series of books that my husband can’t seem to find anywhere else!)  They don’t just have books though.  Find everything from music, to movies, to video games, to electronics.  Amazon.ca even has a sports and outdoor section that might satisfy the man on your list!

The Bay – The Bay has been offering online shopping for a little while now so I thought it would be a good store to add to the men’s gift guide.  They have quite a nice men’s section to shop through and quite often have great sales!  If you use your HBC MasterCard or HBC Credit Card and you will receive Free standard shipping at TheBay.com on a total purchase amount of $45 or more .

What are the stores or gifts on the lists of the men in your life this year?

The 2011 Simply Frugal Holiday Gift Guide for Children

Today for the Children’s Holiday gift guide, I’ve compiled a list of popular stores as well as some new-to-me, unique shops that have been emailed to me when I asked for businesses interested in participating in this event!  Enjoy and happy shopping!  Oh, and this is going to be a long list! 

Tiny Footprint Toys – At Tiny Footprint Toys, we passionately source toys that are eco-friendly and socially conscious.  We carry handmade toys from local artisans and top eco-brands such as Plan Toys, Grimm’s Spiel & Holz, HaPe, Phd Pocket Disc, Tegu and Peppa.  Shop online with the code “SIMPLY FRUGAL” (two words) until December 1, 2011 to receive 15% off your order and have your Christmas presents delivered to your door.  (Strider PREbike not included)  Tiny Footprint Toys would also love to give one Simply Frugal reader a $50 gift certificate!

ONS GearONS Gear - Home of the famous MITT-ONS!  Innovative mittens which stop snow from getting in, keeping hands warm and dry. Featuring a sleeve to the elbow and a zipper at the wrist for optional wearing of the mitt with or without the sleeve. These patent-pending MITT-ONS™ have been designed to stay on!  Perfect for our Canadian Winters!  The Mitts are a warm Thinsulate waterproof mitt and feature a soft fleece removable sleeve, an adjustable Velcro wrist for a snug fit, a grippy surface on palm, a  rip-resistant tip and a cotton thumb for runny noses.  Use the coupon code Snow10 to save 10% off your MITT-ONS purchase through November 20, 2011. ONS Gear is also giving away 1 pair of MITT-ONS to one lucky reader!

The InnoShop – The InnoShop is an extension of ONS Gear that features innovative and unique products invented by Parentpreneurs!  This year, The InnoShop would love to give a 2 pack of EZ SOX to one lucky reader!  The EX SOX help children pull on their socks with ease. Reinforced loops give little fingers a strong grip for pulling over their tiny toes. Cute animal faces act as a guide, showing which way is up.  Non-skid bottoms make EZ SOX safer on slippery surfaces.   With the coupon code InnoShop20, you’ll save 20% off your EZ SOX purchase through November 30, 2011!

Today I Ate a Rainbow - Today I Ate A Rainbow creates products that help parents set healthy eating habits by getting kids excited about eating fruits and veggies!  The Today I Ate A Rainbow kit comes with a fridge chart, 4 sets of tracking magnets, 4 achievement magnets, color coded shopping list and The Rainbow Bunch book.  Valued at $20.  Simply Frugal readers can get an additional 15% discount by entering the code KIT when purchasing a rainbow kit!  One reader is going to have the chance to win a Today I Ate a Rainbow Kit!

Name Trains – Name Trains features beautiful handcrafted wooden name trains available in whatever name you’d like!  The name trains make great gifts.  What child doesn’t like to see their name in something so permanent?  The trains are Thomas compatible as well!  If you desire to make a purchase, mention Simply Frugal, and with a train order you will get a free little car with your order, and any train order with a photo car will get a free key chain with the same photo on it!  NameTrains.ca would also love to give one reader a 5 letter name train with the Engine and Caboose! (additional letters are $4.00 each)

Little Jummy – Little Jummy is a new business started by Aleasha that features very cute handmade baby bandana bibs and burp cloths.   I think that these would make great gifts!  When Aleasha’s son started teething, she created the bandana bib that would work for soaking up the drool as well as look stylish.  As he’s gotten older, they work great for absorbing the mess caused from eating!  To place an order, simply visit Little Jummy on Facebook, pick out the fabric design you’d like (fabric name is under all the photos), then email [email protected] with your choices.  Bibs are $12.  Burp cloths are $15.  A matching bib and burp cloth set is $20.  Write the coupon code xmas2011 in your email order to save 20% off until December 11, 2011!  One Simply Frugal reader is going to win a bib and burp cloth set of their choice!

Temperate Textures – Custom Knitting Designs:  A great place for unique custom made hats for infants up to adults. These hats are great for everyday wear and for those perfect photo shoots! Choose your own colours and modern style. Hats styles are available for all four seasons so always remember to check in and see what’s new.   Use the coupon code ADULTHAT to save 10% off all adult hat orders.  Temperate Textures is also generously giving one Simply Frugal reader a chance to win a custom childs hat of their choice and size!

sweetbabydealz - sweetbabydealz.com is a brand new weekly deal site targeted towards  moms and babies.  A new deal will become available every Monday at 8am EST.  They promise to deliver quality, parent-recommended products at sweetly low prices, and as much as possible to support brands that are organic, natural, eco-friendly and made locally (in Canada!) with love; products and brands that we would only buy for their little ones and themselves.   sweet babydealz is also generously providing three separate giveaway prizes!  Three Envirosax bags, a Bebek bottle set, and a Lalabee Bathworks baby gift set!

Layla & Me Boutique – Layla & Me Boutique is another brand new shop on Etsy!  You’ll find some beautiful hair bands and hair clips for baby girls to ladies!  Keana’s two year old daughter is her inspiration for the shop. She loves making unique pieces for hair and enjoys creating flowers with different fabrics, whether it be vintage or store bought.   Layla & Me Boutique is giving one Simply Frugal reader the chance to win a hair clip from the shop!

Playpants- Playpants Modern Bloomers are proudly made in Vancouver, Canada with 100% certified organic cottons and recycled hemp.  Our designs are inspired by our own children to reflect the individuality, playfulness, and simplicity we strive for in our everyday lives. Cover your diaper and discover your style at playpants.caOne lucky reader is going to win a pair of “laundry day” playpants, which is their best selling denim bloomer with a modern frill and made with 100% Organic indigo denim.

ItsyBitsy Kids – Custom made tutus for the Princess in your life.  Christine started making tutus as a personal hobby for her little girl.  After posting pictures on facebook, she had custom orders from other mom’s also wanting tutus.  Providing excellent customer service, her tutus have been sold to all ages (including adults for Halloween and dance recitals), and for all different types of occasions (photo shoots, ballet and personal enjoyment).  Her end product is superior and her special touches are what girls love about their tutus!  I must say, that Christine is awesomely quick with email replies and her tutus are adorable!  One Simply Frugal reader is going to be lucky enough to win a custom tutu!  To place an order, simply email Christine with your special tutu requests.  Tutus range from $25 – $35 (shipping costs will be determined at the time of ordering).

Andrea’s Clips & More – Andrea creates some fabulous clips for mittens, pacifiers, nursing cover/bib clips, Sophie the Giraffe leashes and more, so you can end the frustration of forever lost or dropped items!  You can also find no slip hair clips and crochet hats and headbands!  Don’t tell my Sister in Law, but I’ll probably be getting my niece a Sophie leash for Christmas since my she lost her Sophie at the park last time they were visiting!  Use the coupon code SIMPLYFRUGAL11 to receive free shipping on your purchase of $10 or more through December 5, 2011. If you like, you can even shop online at her Etsy shop.  Andrea is giving one lucky reader a pair of mitten clips and a boys adjustable tie!

The 2011 Simply Frugal Holiday Gift Guide for Women

It’s time for the Holiday Gift Guide for Women!   This one was fun to put together, it was like putting together my ultimate wishlist!  In this gift guide I’ll be listing many Canadian stores that I really enjoy shopping at or simply browsing, either in-store or online.  Of course for this gift guide, I’ll have the links available for online shopping.  Nothing beats shopping for deals from the comfort of your own home!   I hope I have a great variety, that will help give you ideas for gifts!  (Or maybe your own wish list?)

Cheeky Cosmetics - 100% handmade, pure, all natural mineral cosmetics!  Sounds great right?  I can actually attest to the fact that Cheeky Cosmetics are fabulous!  I personally love my blush and eye shadows I own.  Cheeky Cosmetics has a large selection of mineral makeup, in a wide array of colours to choose from!  There are a ton of great customer testimonials for you to check out, if you’re not convinced you should try some Cheeky Cosmetics.  Chantal is also offering Simply Frugal readers a 10% discount.  Use coupon code SIMPLYFRUGAL .  Expires November 30, 2011.

Photobook Canada - Photobooks really are a great personal item to give away as gifts!  We made some up using our wedding photos to give away to our parents!  Photobook Canada specializes in creating beautiful personalized photobooks.  Choose from a large variety of styles and materials to make the perfect gift!  Photobook Canada is giving away a Medium Landscape Imagewrap Hardcover valued at $80 (CAD) to one lucky reader!  Be sure to take advantage of the 30% off discount + free shipping offer.  Use coupon code NOV30SHOP.  Expires November 30, 2011.

Well.ca – Canada’s largest online health & beauty store. You can pretty much find anything online at Well.ca!  My personal favourite is the Green & Natural section.  You’ll find the perfect gift for anyone on your list!  Find the products you need in their Personal, Skin Care, Green & Natural, Baby & Kids, Medicine Cabinet, House and Beauty sections!  Be sure to check out their fantastic Holiday Gift Shop!  Shipping is always free within Canada.  Well.ca would like to give one Simply Frugal reader a $25 gift certificate to spend on anything!

Gold Canyon Candles - Gold Canyon Candles has just celebrated its 5th year in Canada!  Gold Canyon is a party-plan candle business with consultants across  North America who provide The World’s Finest candles, candle scents, home décor and environmentally friendly home cleaning products.  I can practically smell all the lovely candles through the website!  Sharon, a wonderful consultant I’ve been working with would love to give one Simply Frugal reader a three-pack of auto fresheners in Ginger Lime scent!  Sharon highly recommends you get together with friends to place an order and split the shipping!  More than $150 in your cart, contact her to place it as a party and you qualify for the hostess benefits – free product and half off items!

Vintagerous - Did you know that Etsy also has stores that offer interesting and fun vintage finds?  Vintagerous is an Etsy store that sells vintage glassware.  Treasures include milk glass, Depression glass, mid-century glass, art glass, Pyrex and a lot more.  Come and discover vintage treasures that will remind you of the past with a smile.  Buying vintage is another form of recycling so you’re helping the environment too!  Vintagerous would love to offer shoppers 30% off with discount code SIMPLYFRUGAL2011!  Be sure to enter the Vintagerous giveaway for a white milk glass pedestal vase compote!

Chapters/Indigo - I love to wander around in our local Chapters store.  I travel between the bargain books, gifts, magazines and of course, Starbucks, occasionally!  Since my local Chapters is actually in the next city over, I enjoy the option of shopping online, especially with the free shipping on a $25 or more purchase!  They always have new sales happening online and if you’re stuck for book ideas, try Heather’s Picks (the CEO recommends her favourites) Through November 30, 2011, save $5 off your online order when you use the coupon code OLNOV11.

Old Navy Canada – I can always find a good deal it seems online at Old Navy.  Especially since they always seem to have coupon codes that can be used on regular priced items as well as sale items!  Take a look at their Holi-Deals featured on the main page at Old Navy.  I’m totally digging the $10 pajama bottoms.  Who doesn’t need new bottoms for Christmas? :) Update:  Yep, looks like they have a new coupon code!  Use CANTREAT at the checkout to save 25% off until November 16, 2011. (available for use at GAP and Banana Republic as well)

Blend Creations – Blend Creations features modern jewelerydesign in stainless steel, meaning it’s hypoallergenic!  “Blend Creations seemed like a fitting name for a contemporary jewelry line when husband & wife team Eric Jean-Louis and Vivian Cheng decided to partner in an artistic business venture. Together, graphic designer Eric, and industrial designer Vivian, combine their divergent design approaches to create a contemporary jewelry line that is clean and modern in aesthetic, yet also blends their respective cultures in East meeting West.” Like Blend Creations on Facebook to get a discount code for 15% off!  Try out one of their Sweet Surprises to see the quality at very low prices!

Tell me, what are you favourite Canadian stores to shop at for the women in your life?

The 2011 Simply Frugal Holiday Gift Guide for Etsy

Welcome to the second annual Simply Frugal Holiday Gift Guide!  With the gift guides (and giveaways!) I hope to help make your holiday shopping easier and more affordable by featuring many amazing Canadian companies!

I’m kicking of The 2011 Simply Frugal Holiday Gift Guide by featuring many of my favourite Canadian Etsy shops.  For those not in the know, Etsy is a place that allows users to buy and sell handmade & vintage items and craft supplies.  Etsy boasts over 170,000 shops that allow crafters to sell their goods to create a living for themselves.  You’ll find Etsy shops in all corners of the world!   In the gift guide below you’ll find a list of some of my favourite Canadian Etsy shops that I enjoy browsing or shopping from!  Enjoy!

 

Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths – Katie at Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths (located in Winnipeg) makes some absolutely gorgeous holiday yarn wreaths that I’m sure any of the Christmas lovers on your list would love to receive!  Not only does she make wreaths, but she also features beautiful felt brooches, yarn trees cupcake flags and gift certificates.  Katie would love to offer shoppers a 15% discount with the code SIMPLYFRUGAL.  Expires November 30, 2011.

Asil Designs -  Lisa creates beautiful and unique jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings and rings.  I know I would be so pleased to receive any of her pieces for Christmas this year!   Lisa would love to give Simply Frugal readers a 15% discount on their purchase and for every $50 spent you will receive a $10 gift certificate to Asil Designs…for future purchases!  Make sure to use the discount code FRUGAL15.  Expires November 30, 2011.

The Counting Sheep Company – Sarah, a busy Mom of three creates amazing 3-in-1 crib sheets.  The sheets are a great time and money saving tool for parents. They really take the place of three separate things…a waterproof mattress liner, a mattress pad and a sheet, all for less than the price of a mattress pad!  It also comes off and on the mattress super fast during late night changes.  Sarah is very generously giving one Simply Frugal reader a chance at winning one of her crib sheets!  Make sure to use the discount code Frugal15 to save 15% off your purchase at The Counting Sheep Company. Code expires December 25, 2011.

Milk and Cookies Canada – A favourite home decor shop from last year, Misty transforms designer fabric into gorgeous pillows for your home!  I’m finding it hard to choose one pillow cover that I love the most, there are so many wonderful fabrics to choose from!  Misty would also like to give one lucky winner a fabulous pillow cover of their choosing from Milk and Cookies Canada!   Be sure to use the discount code SIMPLYFRUGAL to save 10% off your entire purchase.  Code expires November 30, 2011.

birdAve - Okay, birdAve features some of the neatest hand drawn prints I’ve seen!  I love the black and white city skylines with the bright coloured backgrounds (as seen in the picture to the left).  There are cities from all around the world, including quite a few from Canada!  birdAve would love to give one print (of the winners choice or a refund if a purchase has already been made) to one Simply Frugal reader!  Be sure to use the discount code FRUGAL to save 15% off your Christmas shopping!

PureComfort - PureComfort Jewelry offers a collection of beautiful, handmade, authentic Baltic amber teething necklaces and other teething jewelry for babies and toddlers. For centuries throughout Europe, Baltic amber has been used for healing and wellbeing. When worn, the warmth from the body releases the amber’s natural oils into the skin, soothing the misery of teething aches (and other discomforts), offering a completely natural teething remedy. A matching necklace for moms can also be custom made on request!  Use discount code HOLIDAY15 at checkout to receive 15% off your entire order!  PureComfort would also love to give one Simply Frugal reader one sunshine lemon elastic anklet/bracelet!

Designs By Yo – “Showcasing my creativity began several years ago while designing costumes for community theater productions. I first began beading in earnest after designing the necklace Eliza wore to the ball in My Fair Lady, and I haven’t looked back. I am new to the Etsy community, and am looking forward to sharing my work, and hope to add some exciting pieces to your signature look. I love to create new pieces, so if you see something you like, but would like it better in another colour or style, I’d be happy to design a custom piece.”   Designs by Yo is generously giving away a set of glass pearl wrapped bracelets to one Simply Frugal reader!  Use the discount code SIMPLYFRUGAL to save 25% off your purchase through December 31, 2011.  Make sure to take advantage of the free gift wrapping if you’re sending a gift to someone at a different address!

SoarCreative - Titled “SoarCreative” so as not to limit the possibilities, Bonnie’s shop is simply an outlet to allow her to do what she loves.  She believes that there is a love and connection to handmade objects that will never be equaled in the mass produced items that fill our lives.  Bonnie features books, jewelry, textiles, and art that are created from found and rescued objects combined with other inspirations.   SoarCreative would also love to give one Simply Frugal reader a custom Monogram Cafe Cozy in their choice of colour, buttons and initial.  Use the discount code 2BFRUGAL to save 10% off your purchase through November 20, 2011.

Kendra’s Jewelry Shoppe – a shoppe full of unique polymer clay creations based in Regina, Saskatchewan!  Each item is hand made by Kendra who takes great pride in her work.  She has a cute selection of earrings, necklaces and zipper pulls!  Kendra would love to have one Simply frugal reader win any one item (of their choice) from her shoppe!  Use the discount code SIMPLY2011 to save 20% off your entire purchase.  Oh and shipping is free on all orders!

mateo &  tobiasmateo & tobias design modern and fun wall prints to decorate your living and work space.  From alphabet and number prints to birth announcements and inspirational art, each print can be customized in terms of color and personalization.  They also make wonderful gifts and keepsakes!  To get 10% off your purchase until November 30, 2011, just enter SIMPLYFRUGAL as a coupon code at checkout.  mateo & tobias would also love to give one Simply frugal reader a $30 gift certificate to the Etsy shop!

Decor and Crafts – Shoppers will find unique, one of a kind buntings made from children’s storybooks, paper garland made from children’s storybooks plus the odd vintage finds and vintage children’s books.  Decor and Crafts simply wants to put a smile on your face and to brighten a room with their one of a kind designs. Plus encourage you to create your own artwork with their unique finds and supplies.  Sherri would love to give one Simply frugal reader an Alice in Wonderland Paper Garland!  Make sure to use the discount code SIMPLYFRUGAL to save 15% off your purchase!

Being Jewellery - Jewellery that has a funky flare with a vintage feel.  Sherri features beautiful necklaces, rings and gorgeous hair pins that are totally worth checking out for yourself  or for those special women on your gift list this year.  Being Jewellery would love to give one Simply Fugal reader a set of three hairpins!  Use the discount code SIMPLYFRUGAL to save 15% off your purchase!

Ideas Company – “ideas company is (www.ideascompany.ca) a graphic and web design company.   Working all day with corporate clients, “creativity” isn’t always appreciated so we developed these posters, Quotables as a creative outlet for our silly side.  We love to come up with funny and/or inspirational sayings and Etsy is the perfect venue to share them with others.  Our hope is that our artwork puts a smile on your face.”  Ideas Company features motivational posters that can be purchased already printed out or can be ordered so that you can print them yourself.  Save 15% off your purchase with the discount code SIMPLYFRUGAL!

There you have it, a few of my favourite Canadian Etsy shops that I think are totally worth checking out.  I hope I’ve given you some ideas for gifts this year!  I should mention, in order to order something from one of the Etsy shops, you must become a member first (it’s free).  It’s basically like purchasing from anywhere else (address, name..etc) but you have to choose a user name and password.  Etsy never sends out junk mail.  I think the only emails you’ll get are the ones after you purchase something and one with your password and user name!  Stay tuned for all the Etsy giveaways, they’re up next!