As the holidays approach, I’m excited to share some of my favourite things—local products, fun things and tasty treats that I love – love to receive and love to give! This list highlights items all sourced from nearby businesses, designers and artisans who offer unique, high-quality creations. From handcrafted goods and delicious treats to innovative designs, wellness tools and things that spark joy – these picks are a celebration of local talent. I hope this list inspires you to give gifts this holiday season that feel meaningful, intentional and that support small businesses. There is so much our local community has to offer. If there’s anything this list is missing, please let me know – no doubt it will grow as I explore and shop my way to the end of the year!
WELLNESS/ BEAUTY THINGS
- Lavoh is a reusable facecloth that will change your life. It removes makeup and cleanses your skin using only water, no products required. They’re beautifully soft and stylish as well as sustainable.
- Loba is the smart pill and supplement organiser that lights up to ease the mental load of remembering to take pills. It fuses style, function and technology and looks great on the counter in any room.
- Aeryon Wellness makes the best supplements for women wanting to take control of their health and hormones.
- SONDR is an Okanagan-made, naturally derived, cruelty-free deodorant that actually works.
- Goodphyte is a line of digestive supplements designed to improve your overall health by optimising nutrition and digestion.
- Dear Lucy is the ultimate all-in-one powerhouse serum. The irresistible, silky texture provides instant deep hydration and a visible plumping effect while effectively combating dark spots and wrinkles over time.
- Nail Pallette is my go to for manicures, pedicures and good chats. It’s right in my neighbourhood and keeps my nails looking fresh and fab. Having my nails painted gives me a strange sense of confidence so I try to keep it up.
PRETTY THINGS
- Leah Yard Designs makes the beautiful earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings. Layer them on and feel fabulous in these quality, every day pieces.
- Garden Party Flowers is the best smelling florist with the most beautiful designs for gifts, retail, hospitality and events.
- Foxglove Collections has the best smelling candles I’ve ever smelt. They burn so beautifully and look so good on my desk and kitchen counter.
- Silver Feather is 100% Indigenous Women owned. Each jewellery creation has its own story with meaning drawn from Indigenous traditions that celebrate storytelling, craftsmanship, strength and beauty.
- Lav and Kush is buttery soft, sustainably made loungewear in easy to wear, trendy styles. I live in my lav and Kush pieces!
- Muddy Handmade Ceramics makes mugs, bowls and vases that are cute, classy, functional and delightfully Vancouver.
- Revival is my favourite curated vintage and sustainable fashion and gifts boutique. Located on Main Street it’s worth a visit for unique, one of a kind pieces and incredible customer service and styling.
TASTY THINGS
- Bak’d are simply the best cookies. Freshly baked, ooey, gooey and delicious in a variety of flavours these cookies are the perfect snack.
- Two Rivers Meats are the meat experts. This butcher has a unique selection of flavour profiles and products including a premium line of charcuterie. You can also dine in and enjoy a fab menu on site!
- Tall Shadow is my weekly (or more) go to for the best sourdough bread. The service is so friendly, the coffee and cookies are delicious. The sandwiches are incredible (my fave is the Slocan.) I love every visit to this bakery.
- Plain Jane is my local ice cream shop. With a soft serve style and fruit flavours that are not too sweet but perfectly sweet enough, this is a perfect after dinner or anytime treat.
- Bloom Natural Nutrition is the best best gift a new parent could receive with food bundles that nourish mamas from pregnancy and beyond with a holistic, whole foods approach. Bloom Bundles are a healthy meal delivery service with seasonal plant-forward foods to support postpartum mamas and their families.
- EcoBeans offers delicious, premium, artisan, organic coffee in fully compostable plant-based pods. Gotta love coffee that’s good for people and the planet.
- La Stella wine and winery are at the top of my list. I’ve never tried a bottle from this winery that I didn’t like. The Fortissimo (red) is my fave.
USEFUL THINGS
- Priority Mom Planner This 90-day planner is designed for moms to help prioritize the day, while making sure you stay on your priority list! Great sections for meal planning, staying hydrated with tips and quotes to inspire you.
- Revol Cares period protection undies are soft and effective during that time of the month. They provide ultimate comfort and freedom, while offering the peace of mind that comes with reliable leak protection.
- GOSO cookware is premium quality cookware you can use from the camp fire to the kitchen. The carbon steel non-stick, non-toxic pans have removable handles for use anywhere.
- Danica I love a cat print mug and the Jubilee line by Danica has lots of cute, playful prints to choose from across mugs, bowls plates and kitchen accessories.
FUN THINGS
- Let’s Not Sugarcoat It: Real, Raw, & Unfiltered Stories Without the BS! This anthology is just as the title suggests. It’s a collection of stories about overcoming challenges and dealing with what life throws at you. A great read!
- Apocalypse Child: Surviving Doomsday and the Search for Identity at the End of the World This is a book I haven’t stopped thinking about since finishing it. Carly Butler’s story of being raised under the threat of Y2K is interesting, shocking and heartwarming.
- Tough Titties This design shop by Emma Hands has super fun mugs, pins, stickers etc with feminist slogans. Her work supports breast cancer and how rad it is to have boobs.
- Vigilante Gifts It’s no secret I’m a Swiftie and love a good friendship bracelet. Vigilante gifts makes them best and does parties where you and your friends can make your own!
- Blind Sheep For a wacky wall and possibly unsettling Skull Baby to hang on your wall, Joe Sones is the man with the “bad art.”
KIDS THINGS
- The Local Bookshelf is a collaborative of local kids authors, including myself! Check out the book reviews for some great local stories from wonderful local authors.
- My Little baby clothes are high-quality, organic, eco-friendly and buttery soft. The gender neutral styles are comfortable and give babies room to wiggle and grow.
- Naetal Skincare goes on every bit of dry skin, cut or rash at our house. The Baby Butter is made with only eight ingredients and rich in Vitamin E making it soothing and nourishing.
- New Genes Maternity makes high-quality, versatile, stylish clothing and comfortable pieces for expecting mamas. From the bump and beyond these are clothes that will grow and adapt as new mamas do.
- Cushy Couch is a couch for play. Comfortable and stylish configurable pieces are made from high-quality, locally sourced materials. Let them build or get creative with this super fun, while still stylish furniture.
- Sunhouse Babysitting Agency gives the break every parent needs. With easy to book, qualified sitters this is a plan ahead or last minute life saver.
- Therm Kids makes outdoor gear that kids want to wear. It’s fun, it’s comfortable, and most important of all, it keeps your children warm and dry, whatever adventure they find.
