BC Business
This hyper-specific, B.C.-based holiday gift guide includes something for everyone in your family
Yes, it‘s holiday shopping time already. And as much as we‘re sure your friends and family would love another generic bath bomb or festive tie, we‘ve put together a list of non-basic gifts—all from companies based in B.C.
The Heirloom Quilt, from $350
Flax Home‘s cosy linens are ideal for rainy-day TV bingeing. Friends and founders Anna Heyd, Oana Papuc and Vivian McCormick launched in Vancouver in 2017, and they’ve recently expanded the bedding biz to include towels, bathrobes and kitchen accessories. The philanthropy side of the company adds some extra warmth, toothey donate a portion of their sales and all returns to the Atira Women’s Resource Society, which works to end violence against women.
Pili-Pili sauce, $9
Vancouverite Asha Wheeldon launched Kula Foods in 2018 and has since built a devoted community of folks who love her Afro-vegan eats. Her online marketplace offers heat-and-serve weekly meals, ready-made snacks from other local cooks and Kula’s own spicy plant-based stocking stuffers, like East African pepper sauce.
The Fisherman Toque, $95
Ecologyst‘s outdoor apparel is herefor the active and the eco-conscious—all of the company’s clothing is manufactured in North America, much of it in-house at its Victoria factory. Originally calling the business Sitka when it launched in 2002, founder Rene Gauthier rebranded in early 2019. Names may change, but the hardy clothing is here to stay (everything comes with a lifetime guarantee).
Knox slim wallet, $70
The least you can do is give him a long-lasting, locally made vessel for his piles of money. Kelowna-based leatherworker Erik Leif started selling his handmade wallets, card sleeves and belts in 2015. Leif Leather Goods is all about durability, both in products and in tools (one of his sewing machines is 100 years old). It’s bad luck to gift an empty wallet, so don’t forget to throw a Laurier in there.
Superbolt Natural Performance Organic Tea, $26 for 30 tea bags
Superbolt founder Elliott Graham spent five years living in Japan, steeped in tea culture. He dreamed up Superbolt tea as a healthier alternative to energy drinks (it’s zero-calorie, organic, vegan and sugar- and gluten-free). The Vancouver-based company promises all the energy you’d get from a cup of coffee, with no crash. Good for the gains.
Medium Oh Sh!t Kit, $59
All right, maybe that’s a brutal take, but isn’t honesty what friends are for? Event planner and Burnabarian Vineeta Minhas‘s Oh Sh!t Kits aren’t about censorship, anyway. This new company just launched in April with the aim of arming customers to expect the unexpected. The zippered bags come packed with oft-forgotten essentials like Advil, Band-Aids, floss, menstrual products, insect repellent and safety pins.
Soy Cute Pet Tag, $40
Sure, every day is Christmas when you don’t have to work or pay taxes, but it’s still fun for pets to get in on the holiday spirit. Vancouver-based Kissamo, launched by Laurel Murray in January 2020, makes laser-engraved acrylic pet tags in adorable designs—think planets, pies and nigiri—that don’t rust or jingle.
Dandelion + Calendula Spa Bar, $10
Since starting RavenSong Soap and Candle in 2015, Campbell River-based Valerie Lamirande has been stirring up artisan bath and body products true to her Haida heritage. Lamirande’s new store, which opened in September, covers both retail and production of the soaps, bath bombs, scrubs and lotions—but if you don’t find yourself in CR, you can buy online. Take a spa day; you deserve it.