Holidays Made with Love: Small Businesses to Support on Vancouver Island Part II: Bath, Books, Clothing and More!

Part two is here! In this list we’ve rounded up the best local handmade gifts from bath and body products, eco-friendly kitchen accessories, gift boxes, handmade clothing and more! Each of these Vancouver Island businesses are all about strengthening their community, creating a more sustainable world and showcasing the beauty of this incredible Island. Shop online or in-person when available and give gifts that are made with love!

Bath and Body

RavenSong Soap and Candle 

Born and raised on Haida Gwaii, owner and operator Valerie, whose Haida name Slin-ga_a_Jaad means “creative girl”, has a passion for bringing parts of her home and culture to the world through soapmaking. With distinctive colours, incredible textures and unique Vancouver Island scents, RavenSong has taken the soap making world by storm winning national and international soapmaking awards. 

How to order: straight from ravensongsoap.com or stop in the shop at Willow Point in Campbell River.

Rebel Earth Soap Company

This tiny Parksville based business really takes the cake (or soap) when it comes to small batch, handmade soaps. Made with high-quality ingredients that are sourced as locally as possible as often as possible, this little local business is a great place to grab great treats for all your loved ones! 

How to order: Check out their Facebook page to see what soaps are ready to be picked up, place your order and arrange shipping or pickup at 606 Morison Avenue in Parksville! 

Food, Pottery and Kitchen

Vancouver Island Gift Box

While Frazer, founder of Vancouver Island Gift Box may have been raised on the Island, it wasn’t until he left it that he realized what a truly remarkable place it is. With endless outdoor activities, incredible agriculture, food, wine and a thriving artisan community, Vancouver Island might be small, but it’s got a big personality. The Vancouver Island gift boxes are packed with goodies from Vancouver Island to give to the people you love. Whether you want to introduce them to a taste of Island life or if they’re as much a fan as you are, these boxes make a perfect, thoughtful gift this holiday. 

How to order: go online and choose one of the pre-built boxes or build your own and ship to anywhere in North America for free with a purchase of a premium box! 

Evercoast Handmade

If you’re looking for high-quality, sustainable kitchen fabrics and accessories that are fun and functional, this is the place to shop! From trendy beeswax food wrap and reusable snack bags, to aprons and reusable paper towels, Evercoast handmakes all the latest in reusable kitchen fabrics right here on Vancouver Island. 

How to order: get one of their ready-made items from their online shop, contact them to place a custom order and choose shipping or local Victoria pickup for anyone staying in an EMR Victoria properties. For anyone staying in the Comox Valley, you can head into Little Village Store in Cumberland and pick up a few pieces in person!

FaeGarten Clay

Based in Nanaimo, owner and operator of FaeGarten Clay, Brenda Schnell uses the wild and imperfect beauty of nature to inspire her one-of-a-kind pottery. Without the use of a potter’s wheel, Brenda creates pieces that have their own unique, beautiful asymmetry and charm. You can find mugs, tea bag holders, vases and whimsical decor all with a distinct West Coast flair. 

How to order: go to FaeCarten’s Etsy shop or find them in-person at Neck of the Woods in Ladysmith, Island-ish in Nanaimo, Sea Thrift Artisan Boutique near Parksville, and The Tea Emporium in Victoria.

Books 

Bread + Clutter

If you’re looking for amazing children’s books, look no further. Vancouver Island author and illustrator of Bread + Clutter Books, Lindsay Ford, is revolutionizing the way we think of the world, the people in it and how we can talk to our kids about it. Her children’s books are all about changing the world we live in just by celebrating differences with every turn of the page. The series allows kids to approach difficult conversations like mental health, aging and gender norms and how being weird is wonderful. 

How to order: shop directly through the website! 

Clothing

Modern Mini’s Apparel

This amazing online shop is owned and operated by “slay-at-home-Mom” Jessica who fills her days with four kiddos and her nights running her clothing company. This Nanaimo based company is positively packed with fun clothing, mugs, hats and more for everyone on your list. 

How to order: shop online to grab some incredible gifts! 

Cowichan Knitting

If you’ve walked around anywhere on Vancouver Island you’ve probably seen more than one person wearing a Cowichan sweater. They’re distinctive in the natural palette of grey, brown, cream and black and mirrored, geometric animal design. Cowichan knitters also make touques, socks, slippers and scarves all with the same palette and distinct designs. These items are all handmade using skills and traditions passed down through generations with all-natural fibers making them incredibly warm, water resistant and durable. In fact, many sweaters are passed down through families on Vancouver Island (I have one from my father), a testament to their longevity. In recent years, these items have seen a rise in popularity as a younger generation adopted them to both ward off the winter chill and as a fashion choice for everyday wear. Many global clothing brands have made their own versions of the Cowichan sweater, but there’s nothing quite like the quality and sentiment of a genuine article of Cowichan knitting. So if you’re looking for a Cowichan sweater, consider purchasing from one of these vendors who have personal relationships with the artisans who make these incredible items. 

Judy Hill Gallery

In heritage downtown Duncan you will find the Judy Hill Gallery, a space that ensures that the works of the Pacific Northwest First Nations artists are displayed as what they are: art. If you’re looking for an authentic Cowichan Sweater, this long-standing, little gallery in the Cowichan Valley is a great place to start. 

How to order: with worldwide shipping available, simply use her website to contact her about purchasing options.

Jennifer George 

There’s no doubt that the best way to purchase an item of Cowichan knitting is directly from the knitter themselves. Jennifer ‘Jenny’ George learned how to knit by watching her mother, helping wash, dry and card the wool to get it ready for spinning. Today, Jennifer is thankfully able to outsource much of the time consuming work of washing, drying and carding but she still insists on choosing only the highest quality raw wool and spinning it herself. Buying something from Jennifer means that you can give the gift of wearable art. 

How to order: you can browse her knitting on her website and contact her directly for ordering. 

Cowichan Trading 

For over 50 years, Cowichan Trading on the corner of Johnson St. and Government St. has been supplying Victoria with a large selection of authentic First Nations art, clothing, jewelry, baskets and more! Buying everything in stock directly from the artists themselves ensures that when you purchase an item of Cowichan knitting, you’re getting an authentic piece and helping to support local artisans! 
How to order: shop online or head to one of the downtown Victoria locations to have a look around! 

Book an EMR Vacation Today!

Holidays Made With Love: Small Businesses to Support on Vancouver Island Part I – Wall Art and Jewelry

Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth to visit, and we aren’t just biased – Lonely Planet has ranked Vancouver Island as one of the best regions in the world for years! If you’ve ever been here, you’ve undoubtedly fallen in love with our incredible cities and breathtaking nature. So, this holiday season, why not share your Island love with your loved ones? Whether they’ve been here or not, the artisans on this gorgeous island create incredible gifts that will impress everyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for smaller gifts that are easy to pack or want something with that wow-factor, we’ve got you covered! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you in our two-part list of local artisans that gives you lots of online purchasing and shipping options, plus the brick-and-mortar stores where you can find some of these incredible gifts. Buying from small Island businesses means that you can be sure everything you give this holiday season will be made with love.

Art

Little Wren Fibre Co. 

Located in Nanaimo, Jen Vissers of Little Wren Fibre Co. creates charismatic home decor from handspun yarn, recycled fabrics and eco printed ribbons to give a second, and stunning, life to these unwanted fabric scraps. With a keen eye for colour and texture combinations, Jenn’s unique three dimensional creations make a thoughtful and beautiful gift. 

How to order: purchase a Little Wren creation on the Etsy shop and ship anywhere or choose local pickup in checkout for anyone staying in Nanaimo!  

The Marine Detective 

Right at the top of our beautiful Island in the little town of Port McNeill, photographer Jackie Hildering creates the most stunning under-water photographs that capture the majesty and dark, cold beauty of the north Pacific Ocean. This holiday you can give the gift of a glimpse of Vancouver Island’s incredible, diverse and breathtaking ocean. 

How to order: go directly through the website and ship to anywhere in the world!

Island Metal Arts

If you’re looking for something unique and custom made, take a peek at what Island Metal Arts has to offer! With a ready-to-purchase selection that includes monogrammed letters, colourful mermaids, Island cartography and fun sayings, plus an incredible team that is ready to take on any customized project, Island Metal Arts is a great place to find a gift with a wow-factor! 

How to order: contact them directly for custom orders or order something from their catalogue right from their website. If you’re staying nearby in Victoria and are interested in visiting in person, contact them to set up an appointment to see their workshop in Colwood! 

Jewelry

Sunday Jewelry Co.

For classic and contemporary, high quality jewelry at incredible prices, you’ll want to shop at Sunday Jewelry Co. Located in Victoria and made with ethically sourced materials, Sunday offers 18 to 24 Karat gold plated jewelry where you can find pieces from unique, bold statement pieces to subtle, timeless classics and everything in between. Grab one of these beautiful pieces and support a local business that donates a portion of each profit to organizations that protect our beautiful Island. 

How to order: shop online and choose a shipping method or local pick up if you’re staying at any EMR Victoria properties!  

Umlaut Jewelry 

With a passion for the natural beauty of her home, Zoë of Umlaut Jewelry successfully captures the essence of the earth, sea and sky of Vancouver Island in her pieces. Whether you’re looking for something simple for everyday wear or bold pieces to make a statement, Umlaut has an incredible array of jewelry where you’re sure to find a little something special for someone special. 

How to order: shop online directly through her website or you can find some of her jewelry at Cause & Effect Wellness in Courtney.

Coast Salish Jewelry 

Another popular fashion on Vancouver Island is stunning Coast Salish jewelry. Ranging from small bracelets and subtle rings to wide bangles, large pendant earrings and necklaces, the local Coast Salish artists create beautiful hand carved jewelry in a range of materials from white and yellow gold to sterling silver and copper, the incredible array of designs is astonishing. Each piece is carefully crafted depicting one or more animals or supernatural figures from First Nations culture, each symbolizing an aspect of life, personal trait or world view that will personally resonate. If you’re hoping to shop for an item of Coast Salish jewelry, it’s important to ensure it’s authenticity and support First Nations artists. 

 Spirits of the West Coast Gallery

Since 2006, Spirits of the West Coast Gallery has worked hard to create a space where customers can find incredible customer service and high-quality, authentic pieces, promote First Nations art and culture and most importantly to build lasting relationships with local First Nations artists who work in their traditional communities. 

How to order: you can browse their collection of jewelry online and take advantage of the free shipping within Canada and the USA, or while you’re staying in the Comox Valley go into the gallery in Courtney and have a look around! 

Judy Hill Gallery

Judy Hill is a local spot that offers a wide selection of incredible Coast Salish jewelry made by local artists. 

How to order: for custom orders and to inquire about current stock, you can contact Judy Hill through the website or pop into Duncan while you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley! 

Artina’s Jewelry 

Artina’s, right in the heart of Victoria on historic Government St., has the world’s largest collection of handcrafted Canadian jewelry! With the work of hundreds of Canada’s most talented artists on display, with a focus on local First Nations works, it’s safe to say that Artina’s might just be your best bet for Coast Salish jewelry in Victoria. You can find pieces made from gold, silver, titanium, and other materials including two-tone pieces. 
How to order: pop in while you’re wandering downtown Victoria or shop online from the comfort of your EMR Sidney Property and pick up downtown or ship your gift anywhere in the world!

Book Your EMR Vacation Today!

Cold Hands, Warm Heart: How to Give Back this Holiday Season

For many of us, the holidays are a cherished time of year where we gather with friends and family, enjoy good food and walk through streets draped with boughs of evergreens and twinkling lights to shop for gifts to give the people we love. For many others, the holidays are hard, a time fraught with insecurities of food, housing or finances – but you can help! There are lots of ways to celebrate the season while supporting local charities that help vulnerable citizens get the support they need. No matter where you’re staying, whether it’s in Sooke or right downtown Victoria, we’ve made a list of the best ways to support local charities and organizations that are fun and celebratory! Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what this holiday is really about?

Holiday Hamper 

If there’s one thing that we can all agree on is that kids are cuckoo for Christmas. However, there are many children whose families aren’t able to meet the expectations of the season and that’s where CFAX Santas Anonymous comes in. This incredible organization provides families with presents for each child in the household, three bags of non-perishable food and a $75 grocery gift card so that their caregivers can purchase perishable items to ensure that over the Christmas break, children have healthy meals. No matter where you are, you can help this incredible cause and donate a gift for a child or help a family in need with a food hamper! Simply log in from any EMR property, buy a food hamper or visit the virtual tree of wishes page and follow the three easy steps to help ensure that every child can wake up on Christmas morning to gifts under their tree.

 Festival of Trees at The Bay Center

For almost three decades Pacific Center has hosted the Festival of Trees and the large shopping mall downtown Victoria, turns into an indoor forest of decorated trees. This beloved, annual event has over fifty one-of-a-kind trees on each level of the mall. From comedic to ornamental, abstract to traditional there is a tree that’ll stand out for everyone! So while you’re visiting Victoria and admiring the high ceilings dripping with twinkling lights, enjoying the excellent holiday shopping and soaking up the atmosphere, make sure you participate in a holiday tradition that supports children’s mental health programs through the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

13th Annual Gingerbread Showcase 

If you love baking shows and want to see what our local bakers and culinary experts can do with the spicy, seasonal confectionery, this is a must see event! The event is set to display some incredible works with the 2021 theme of The Future of Home which aims to imagine how we can make a smaller impact on our planet. For those staying right downtown Victoria, you can browse the displays, vote for your favourite and make a donation. All donations go to support Habitat for Humanity which helps mobilize volunteers and community partners to build simple, decent, affordable housing for lower income families in the Greater Victoria Region. This annual tradition is celebrating 13 amazing years so head over to the lobby of the lovely Parkside Hotel & Spa and the other three partner locations until January 2nd to take a peek! 

The IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive 

This year, the organizers of the Truck Light Convoy are pleased to welcome the crew back for another parade to ring in the holiday season! Beginning at 5:45 on December 4th at Ogden Point, the parade will follow Dallas road, go through Oak Bay, then double back and head west to downtown. It’ll then make its way north into the heart of Langford near Western Speedway. It’s a beloved tradition and a perfect way to get in the spirit and donate to the local food drives. There will be donation spots along the route but if you prefer, you can always make a donation online to support these vital organizations. Love the idea but don’t want to stand in the cold? This year, the organization will have a live stream to ensure that those who can’t be there in person, can be there in spirit. 

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Movie Nights

For many years, the Oak Bay Beach hotel has hosted holiday movie nights in their incredible David Foster Foundation Theater and this year, they’re back with bells on! Simply purchase your tickets to the movie of your choice here and you’ll be treated to complimentary parking, freshly popped popcorn, holiday sweets and bottled water for your evening. This is a perfect evening whether you’re staying in Sidney or right in Victoria for some holiday fun! A portion of each ticket sale is donated to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation who help raise funds for medical equipment, special projects, education and research at all the hospitals in the Greater Victoria Area.

Book an EMR Vacation Today!