Shop Local, Gift Big: Why .CA Is Your Secret Weapon For Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, forget overseas shipping and start looking closer to home. The 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide from CIRA (the non-profit behind Canada’s .CA domain) is making it easier than ever to find meaningful gifts that are 100% Canadian-made. From artisanal treats to thoughtful keepsakes, each pick in the guide supports homegrown businesses—and helps shoppers feel good while giving great. We caught up with Jackie Lawrence, .CA Director of Marketing and Strategy, CIRA, to chat about this year’s guide, the growing shift toward shopping Canadian, and how to spot a local gem just by looking at its web address. —Noa Nichol

If you could describe the 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide in three emojis, which ones would you pick?

CIRA’s 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide features small businesses that are 100% Canadian. Plus, we have carefully selected gifts your mom (and the mom-figures in your life) will be sure to love, no matter her interest. 

What’s the most delightfully unexpected item you discovered while curating this year’s guide?

The Antique Glass Bottle Hummingbird Feeder from Halifax Seed Company was an eye-catching gift we had to include in this year’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide. It adds a striking vintage touch to any garden or porch and is perfect for outdoor use as the weather starts warming up. 

If you had to gift your own mom one thing from the .CA guide, what would you pick—and would she approve?

I would gift her the 4 Bag Mix and Match Coffee Pack from Neighbourhood Coffee. 

Everyone knows coffee is the go-to fuel of motherhood and this pack from specialty roaster, Neighbourhood Coffee, is extra special. Every bean is small-batch and artisan roasted, with bold flavours that celebrate Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods. This gift would definitely get my mom’s stamp of approval! 

In your opinion, what makes Canadian-made gifts just a little extra special (besides the maple syrup pride)?

Right now, Canadian pride is at an all-time high and there is a rapidly growing desire to buy local. That said, our love for supporting Canadian businesses has always been strong and we’ve long valued buying from and spotlighting entrepreneurs right here at home.

Outside of this, when shopping from local Canadian businesses with a .CA domain, you can shop easily knowing all businesses offer Canada-wide shipping and all prices are in CAD so there’s no surprises at checkout! For the past 4 years of this Gift Guide, we are proud to have put the spotlight on amazing brands that do just that!

If you were to invent a slogan for shopping .CA this Mother’s Day, what would it be?

 ‘With .CA, claim your spot as number-one child by spoiling your mom.’ Everyone deserves to know they are supporting a small business that is proudly Canadian!

Which product in the guide do you think screams “cool mom energy” the loudest?

The Alexis Weekender bag from Boes LTD definitely gives off cool mom energy. It’s stylish, smart-looking and has enough space for all her belongings whether she’s off to a well-earned getaway or a quick weekend trip to visit the grandkids. 

What’s one surprising fact about .CA websites that most Canadians don’t know but totally should?

One thing some people don’t know is that a .CA domain name means the business is 100% Canadian, because in order to register a .CA, you have to meet CIRA’s Canadian Presence Requirements.

Most importantly, a .CA domain builds trust with Canadian visitors – it signals a local and reliable presence and makes it easier for Canadians to connect directly with your brand.

And lastly, since CIRA is a non-profit, we give back to Canada by donating a portion of .CA sales proceeds through our Net Good program. We support projects, communities and policies that make the internet better for all Canadians and provide grants for community-led internet initiatives across the country.

In a showdown between a bouquet of flowers and a custom pet portrait from the guide—what wins your heart?

While a bouquet of flowers is a classic and very popular choice, a custom pet portrait from Paint my Pooch is a keepsake that will last forever and is sure to pull on your mom’s heartstrings. The portraits are printed on museum-grade, fine art paper and are a special way to always remember your furry friend. 

Do you secretly have a favorite Canadian gift category (cookies, candles, cozy socks…)? Spill it!

While there’s too many incredible gift categories to choose from, I would say my favourite is cookies. Every mom enjoys a little something sweet and the Gourmet Box of Cookies from Sweet Flour is proof you don’t need to overthink a gift to show mom you care. With a variety of yummy flavours from Red Velvet to Chocolate Rainbow, it’s the kind of gift I would secretly want!