This year, I asked some of you what’s on your holiday wishlist and some of the answers were too good not to share. From thoughtful, locally made gifts to practical pieces, tasty local coffee roasts and BOOKS, your wishlists were full of personality, purpose, and joy.
There’s something special about giving (and receiving!) gifts that tell a story, whether it’s a handcrafted piece from a local maker or a unique experience that supports a small business. Not only does it make your gift more meaningful, but shopping local is also one of the best ways to keep our communities thriving through the holidays and beyond.
So if you’re still making your list (and checking it twice), let this be your cozy little guide to intentional, feel-good gifting, straight from the locals who know where the best goodies are found.
Andrea Barr, Host of the All Figured Out Podcast, Career & Life Coach for Parents
On my holiday wishlist is The Solara Necklace from Pamela Card Jewelry. It’s a piece that radiates quiet power, drawing on the sun’s symbolism of transformation, endurance, and luminous strength. I love how it reclaims light as a reflection of womanhood and the steady power that doesn’t announce itself, but illuminates everything it touches.
Vanessa Bucceri, Brand & Web Designer, Founder of Vanessa Bucceri Creative
On my holiday wishlist is Scribbly – a gentle writing program that’s mailed to you every month. There are 24 beautifully illustrated issues. Gifts available in 1 month, 3 month or 6 month subscriptions.
Michele Mateus, Portrait Photographer, Artist, Multi-Hyphenated Creative, Writer, Speaker And Activist Mateus Studios
On my holiday wishlist is anything from Harlow! I love their skincare, smells so good, is clean, local and woman owned! What’s not to love! Also,as a big music lover I have a few records I am dreaming of and my fav place to get them is: Red Cat or Painted Lady Records
Tami Wong, founder of Hair Loss Pride
On my holiday wishlist is the Everything Ponte Pant And Cali Crochet Sweater from Lav & Kush. The ponte pant is everything a working mom wants: machine washable, smoothing , and wrinkle resistant while still looking stylish! The Cali Crochet Sweater is super soft and easy to dress up or down!
Kelly McKenzie, Author of Never, Never,Hardly Ever
On my holiday wishlist is a basket created by the talented gal at Willow Ave. My sister-in-law purchased a berry basket for my daughter on the Sunshine Coast art crawl. It’s brilliant – sturdy, solid and unique. Catherine weaves foraged willow into practical pieces of art.
Rachel Quinn, Event Producer and founder of Quintesssential Events
On my holiday wishlist are some flowers from Heaneys Flowers and anything from House of Jewels. Heaneys is female and Irish owned and is a wonderful choice for beautifully crafted floral arrangements and elegant table pieces that’d be lovely in your home for Christmas or special occasions. House of Jewels is a long-loved, female-owned West End gem with a beautifully curated selection of jewellery, seasonal clothing, and perfect little gifts for the holidays.
Todd Mitchell, Founder of sooogood.ca and CHOMP Cookie Shop
On my holiday wishlist is some locally brewed Raven Coffee. Raven’s rich, full-bodied flavour puts the big chains to shame. Pairs perfectly with my CHOMP chewy Ginger Spice Cookies.
Colleen Foy, Skincare Specialist and founder of The Werx
On my holiday wishlist is Di Morelli Vitamin C Serum. This Canadian-made serum is formulated with highly stabilized Vitamin C, to brighten and even out your complexion. Packed with antioxidants, it boosts collagen production, which leaves skin firmer, and protects against free radical damage.
Leah Yard, owner of Leah Yard Designs and host of the Voted Least Likely Podcast
On my holiday wishlist is a recording pod from Bureau. After recording a live podcast episode with Jenna Herbut at Conscious Lab, I’m dreaming of a soundproof booth. These office pods are an amazing solution for recording. It would certainly be an upgrade from the cardboard box I’ve used in the past 😉
Hope Mikal, CEO/Founder of Unicorn Marketing Co.
On my holiday wishlist is 14k Pearl Huggies from LanaBetty. I love simple, beautiful designs (and treating myself with gorgeous locally made brands!) I will wear these cute capsule pieces every single day.
Rob Trendiak, Photographer and founder of Rob Trendiak Photography
On my holiday wishlist is Alai Coffee. It’s not only well roasted and some of the best black drip coffee in the city, it’s run by two amazing humans from a community that is not typically known for coffee.
Nadine Stille, Life & Career Coach for Moms, Mom of Two, Book Lover and founder of Nadine Stille Coaching & Consulting
On my holiday wishlist is a gift card to Perfect Match Bookshop to stock up on “No Shelf Control” apparel and the latest romance reads. I spend my days coaching and cheering on moms to go after what they truly want and create their own happily-ever-afters, so of course my wish – a gift card to Vancouver’s first romance-only bookstore is pure self-care magic for the romance-obsessed me who can’t resist a great story and loves watching protagonists beat the odds and thrive.
Kirsty Ryan, Freelance Creative and Founder of Rhymes with Thirsty
On my holiday wishlist is a perfume making workshop from Aromatica Parfums in New Westminster. I love fragrances and would love the chance to make my own signature scent. I’ll definitely make it pink. And maybe glittery.
Christina Florencio, founder of REVIVAL, Ciao Bella and Urban Tree Products.
On my holiday wishlist is a Bee By The Sea Lip Balm Gift Set. They’re made with a luxurious blend of organic ingredients, beeswax and sea buckthorn, perfect to keep lips smooth and hydrated all winter long. I’d also throw in some Fraktals buttercrunch with Belgian chocolate from Gatté Treats. They are so delicious. Great for gifting or eating yourself!
