Personally: Local Gift Guide
It’s hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner! If you’ve followed along with our blog for the last few year, you know we love to showcase some of our favourite local shops. We’ve each picked our favourite place to check everyone off your list.
Shannon
I know that shopping online is really where it’s at for a lot of people but I love to experience touching the actual products before I buy them. I love supporting local shops and building connections with the staff. Often times, I get great deals as well as special selections tailored to my taste and style. They typically carry or bring in items from local artisans so timelines for orders can be quicker than other shops. Hampton Home Living has so much to choose from and the store is beautifully laid out. They carry a wide variety of home accessories, giftware, small house plants and super cute plant pots, as well as a large selection of clothing and shoes. I love the collections that this store curates and I usually walk out of the door with a small trinket or gift for a friend, as well as a treat or something beautiful to wear for me.
Nav
Looking for a cute shop filled with local goodies? I have the perfect place for you! Maison Pretty Living, a local shop in Coquitlam BC. A small store inspired by elegance, simplicity and minimalism. They carry a variety of handmade items; from selfcare to kitchen accessories and anything else in between. For the holiday season they’ve brought in ornaments, ribbons and beautifully scent eucalyptus wreaths.
Victoria
Christmas is right around the corner and what better way to show your love for your friends and family than to gift them a beautiful floral boutique. Who doesn’t love a hand tied bouquet of fresh blooms? Floralista flower studio located in Fort Langley, is my absolute favorite floralist and gift shop! They not only create the most beautiful floral arrangements for any occasion, but they have the cutest collection of hand-selected gifts; like cards, holiday ornaments, candles, jewelry, and more! Their shop is so calming and welcoming that you’ll feel like leaving with everything. You can tell each arrangement is meticulously thought out and unique to each client. The designers are the sweetest and most down to earth and welcoming people.
Taylor
My love language is gift giving! I whole-heartedly appreciate a gift that someone has put thought and effort into to personalize for me. I used to tell my friends that they could pick a rock from the ground, and as long as they genuinely thought I would enjoy it, I would cherish it forever. So, when I discovered that this lovely flower shop in Vancouver also offers DIY perfume making classes, I knew that this was the perfect gift. At Aromatears you’re able to play around with an abundance of different scents to compose your own hand-crafted perfume! They offer elegant bottles, as well as decorative florals and organics to put inside your perfume bottle, to add that aesthetic touch. These personalized perfumes make incredible gifts for moms, grandmas, sisters, friends, and significant others; I definitely wouldn’t limit this gift idea exclusively to the women in your life either!
Cheryl
This year has flown by so quickly, it’s hard to believe how close to the holidays we are… time to get shopping! Having children who live in the city, I find myself out and about in Vancouver discovering delightful new shops through their Christmas wish lists. Last year, a newfound favourite was “Old Faithful” in Gastown. You walk into a calm, clean, organized environment, with friendly, helpful staff…it felt like a sanctuary during the Christmas rush. A couple items that have caught my eye are the Stage ST-3500 (is a seamless toolbox made from a single sheet of steel), and a beautifully crafted carafe (because I believe every nightstand should have one, especially if your cat likes to drink from any open water vessel). With many of their items being made in Japan you are guaranteed to find something truly unique. Enjoy the season, and happy shopping!
Lindsey
I have a weakness for any small shop carrying locally sourced items, but to narrow it down strictly for gift giving I would have to suggest The Book Man in Chilliwack (maybe a bit of a drive for some, but it’s worth it!). The Book Man carry new and used books as well as locally made candles, teas and prefect little keepsakes for, for lack of a better word, those more nerd inclined in your life. Even if you can’t check everyone off your list here, the cats roaming the store make holiday shopping a little more enjoyable.
Becky
One of the things I find difficult about shopping locally is figuring out where to look. Especially with young children, shopping must be online, or a one stop shop. That’s why my recommendation is a newer store that opened in Guildford mall called Makers. It’s a single shop with a collective of local small businesses that craft artisan, handmade items. It’s become one of my favourite places to go when I'm in search of the perfect gift. There are already 7 locations across the lower mainland, and another in Victoria. This market vibe shop makes locally-made shopping super convenient.
Supporting local shops is huge for all of us here. As a small business ourselves, we want to thank you all for your support too! We love creating dream homes and are so thankful to be able to do what we do.
Do you have a local shop that’s a go-to for the holiday season? We would love to hear about! Check out our Instagram to share what shop is your favourite.
Happy Thursday!
