Right in the heart of Cambridge, Ontario lies this sparkling gem of a store: The Sharing Squirrel! Whether you’re preparing for your little one’s arrival, navigating through that first year, or transitioning into the adventure known as toddlerhood, this trendy shop has you covered.
Upscale Resale for Bump to Baby and Beyond
The Sharing Squirrel offers a perfectly curated selection of new and used products, but perhaps is most well know for it’s incredible selection of previously-loved clothing and baby gear for expecting mamas, babies and toddlers. The friendly and knowledgeable staff carefully select and purchase these items from families who have outgrown them. All resale items are chosen based on condition, need, and style in order to offer customers the highest quality at prices growing families can afford.
Within the store is The Sharing Squirrel’s newest project, The Nesting Squirrel. This area of the shop caters to expecting mamas with a wide selection of fashionable, upscale resale maternity clothing for every occasion. And the best part?! You can actually try on the clothing!!
More than Clothing
Not only does this shop offer a variety of clothing for young families, but it is full of baby gear such as strollers and baby carriers, as well as, accessories, toys, books and more! Beyond resale items is an array of stylish, sustainable baby and toddler products, many of which are Canadian- and local artisan-made.
The store itself is full of great finds and the calm and clean atmosphere of the store is worth the drive, but for those who need or prefer online shopping, the Squirrel’s website is full of new and used items waiting for you to discover. The team works hard to upload clothing items frequently, and pack up and send off purchased items as quick as possible.
The Squirrels
Behind every great local business is someone who is working their little tail off; Laura is the incredible boss babe behind The Sharing Squirrel! Despite endless roadblocks, her and her husband, Peter, persevered and made their idea come to life. (You can read their full story here.)
Laura and Peter are two of the kindest people I know, the type of people who would do anything for someone in need, and I’m so happy that our paths crossed. Laura has supported my small business in countless ways, and I am so grateful that we had the chance to work together and continue to be the type of friends who can go without talking for months and then message each other out of the blue to check in and vent about life.
Laura and Peter have three handsome little boys, Benjamin, Hudson, and Finnley. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of photographing their wonderful family and have loved watching the boys’ unique personalities blossom. These adventurous tiny humans are the inspiration and motivation behind this growing “mom and pop shop.”
The Sharing Squirrel’s fantastic and dedicated team also deserves a warm mention. Chataleine is the beautiful soul running the store alongside Laura. They make a great team and are almost always together when I pop in to visit and shop. All of the Squirrel employees are welcoming, kind and helpful, and are always working hard behind the “Buy Counter,” preparing items for the racks and online shopping, keeping the store stocked and tidy, fulfilling online orders, and of course, having a bit of fun.
Small Business, Big Heart
As mentioned, Laura has a big heart; she is always thinking of what she can do to help beyond the offerings of the store itself. Prior to the pandemic, The Squirrel hosted events right in the store, all catering to mamas. Info nights, DIY events, and mini classes, if Laura saw a need or an opportunity to support another local entrepreneur, she fulfilled it. The store also often hosts affordable Photography Mini Sessions for holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas.
Laura is also very passionate about charity work. The Squirrel works as a Charity Partner with Mamas for Mamas, a specialized poverty relief agency and an all inclusive community for mothers and caregivers. When you sell your used items to the Squirrel, any unpurchased items can be left behind and donated to this organization.
The shop has also hosted Diaper Drives and fundraisers, including the Silent Heroes auction which included donations from over 80 local businesses and raised $8, 206 for Grand River Hospital’s Covid-19 Support and Readiness Fund.
The Sharing Squirrel also supports many other small businesses, and carries items in store and online made by over 20 different local vendors, all very talented in their crafts. Everything from handmade children’s clothing to wooden toys, natural baby teethers, knit booties and teddies, stylish hair accessories, and so much more. These artisan-crafted products make fantastic baby shower and first birthday gifts!!
Support Local
All in all, The Sharing Squirrel is a fantastic local business that pours its heart and soul into supporting local mamas and surrounding communities. Whether you are buying for you or your Little, or shopping for someone special, The Sharing Squirrel is a one-stop must-shop!
