White Elephant is a delicately curated handmade and vintage shop in lovely Hamilton, Ontario. We carry jewelry, accessories, art prints, paper goods and so much more from local and international artists. Our shop is also stocked with unique vintage decor and the prettiest vintage clothing that we hand source ourselves from wherever the road takes us. If you’re looking for a present for your girlfriend, we’re absolutely your best bet. If you’re looking for something beautiful for yourself, we’ve got you covered there too.
We believe in sustainability and promoting good design. We enjoy giving our found treasures a second life, and also enjoy providing our city with handcrafted wares. We truly believe that handmade is made with love. We love our shop, we love our city, we love our artists, and we love you. Please stop by sometime and take home something that you love.
Check out our blog Love It A Lot for day-to-day shop adventures.
About Us
White Elephant is run by Hollie Pocsai and Jane LaBatte. We opened our online shop in 2007 because our apartments were overflowing from all of our various collections. After one year in the online world, we decided it was time to open our own bricks and mortar shop. In 2008 the White Elephant bricks and mortar store opened up on James Street North, and we don’t plan to look back any time soon.
Jane and Hollie met 14 years ago when they sat beside each other in Grade 9 math class. Instead of learning about fractions, Jane asked questions about the hearts Hollie doodled all over her notebook and an instant bond was formed.
Our partnership works well, and we almost always agree on everything that goes into the shop. Shopping for vintage pieces with us is a little freaky: let us loose in a warehouse and we will come back holding exactly the same thing. We look for quality vintage pieces that are unique and stylish. Our shop is a reflection of our own tastes and personal styles.
Hollie likes old cameras, delicate handkerchiefs, mid-century Canadiana souvenirs and Queen Elizabeth II Coronation tins. She found that lunar globe she was always on the lookout for. Jane collects milk glass, Kathie Winkle dishes, Audubon bird prints, and vintage military photos. She also was able to acquire an aluminum Christmas tree, the biggest item on her vintage wishlist.
Together, we enjoy CAPS LOCK, the ocean floor, farming, David Suzuki, and Phyllis Dillar.
A small selection of artists you’ll find in store
Jenna Rose
Shoot From The Hip
Dear Edna
Oh My Cavalier
In God We Trust
Brooklyn Rehab
Tree & Kimball
Amy Belanger
Lee Meszaros
Snoozer Loser
Kid Icarus
Hand & Shadow
Tryst
Bespoke Uprising