In modern society, we understand that gender identity is complex and beautifully nuanced. While this blog is positioned as a “Gift Guide for Women,” we’ve aimed to include items that resonate with a variety of femme or femme-presenting individuals in your life. For inclusivity, we’ve also created a companion guide for all the masc on your list. We’ve chosen to use gendered language in these guides to maximize their reach, making it easier for shoppers to find and support local businesses using familiar terms. We hope these guides help you find the perfect gifts for everyone you care about!
The Okanagan is showing up for the girls this year! We’ve got cozy, we’ve got scrumptious, and don’t even get me started on the accessories! Mmm, Drooling!
With this locally sourced gift list from small businesses in Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, and beyond, every femme will get something special. Mom? Covered! Wife? Covered! Someone with femme interests? Yep, we have something for them as well. The Okanagan has been blessed with artisans, crafters, roasters, and bakers with vast talents. Whatever your woman wants, we’ve got it.
So, without further ado, here are 20+ gift-buying ideas from over 60 Okanagan small businesses!
Locally Made Christmas Decor & Host Gifts
We all know that it’s the women who make our homes beautiful and festive. Help her out this year with locally handmade wreaths from Florabella or Passionate Blooms. They have a wide selection of wreaths, centrepieces, and bouquets for Christmas decorations and gifts!
Want to take a stab at creating your own (although you can also purchase gorgeous pre-made options from these businesses as well…) check out Creative Floral Co. and Happy Occasions workshops at Yew Street Food Hall in Kamloops, or Lavender and Lace and Burnett’s Florists & Gifts in Kelowna at various wineries hosting holiday decor-making events.
Gifts For Caffeine Fiends: Locally Roasted Coffee or Small-Batch Tea Blends
What does she do first thing every morning? Coffee. What else? Nothing happens without the coffee, and since she has so much to do, you know, taking over the world and all, doesn’t she deserve the best?
Of course, she does; for that, you will want to hit up Anarchy Coffee. They are small-batch roasters based in Kelowna. They take their time to ensure their coffee is just right and up to her standards.
Not a coffee girl, that’s fine; the Okanagan has something for everyone. If she prefers the calming aromas of a freshly brewed pot of tea, check out Tin Poppy Tea, a small-batch tea shop that’s mixing up beautiful blends in the Shuswap region.
Oh wait, does she like it a little sweeter? No problem! She will love the decadent aromas of freshly brewed chocolate tea from Seriously Chocolate Tea, and with blends like chocolate chai and chocolate orange, you should play it safe and get her a couple.
Handmade Ceramics For Those Who Need Something Unique
If she loves her hot drinks, you might make it a gift set with a new handmade mug from one of our many artisans who create one-of-a-kind pieces.
If she loves all things nature, saves bumble bees, and spends her time in the garden, she will love a hand-made mug from Eek Pottery.
If you think she would like something more cutesy with a seasonal flare, you should check out Love Co Ceramics. Add a little heart ornament, and you know you will be a winner on Christmas morning!
Both of these artists are on the local craft market circuit. Check their sites for details of where they will be this holiday season.
Candles & Smelly Things Perfect For Gifting
Give her the gift of light and warmth with seasonally inspired or locally themed fragrances by one of our local candle makers.
Fill her home with the crisp scent of freshly picked juniper berries, invigorating eucalyptus, white pine, and winter birch from Pinantan Lake Candle Co., which you can buy from Our Footprints Eco Store & Refillary in Kamloops, BC.
The eco-friendly soy candles from Cabin 41 Candles feature smells like forest therapy, pistachio cream, and ocean breeze. You can find them at markets in Clearwater & Kamloops and the Old Town Gift Shoppe.
If you are looking for quality, handcrafted soaps, soy candles, and bath bombs with a little extra colour, you should visit Rainbow Moments. Their products not only smell amazing, but they look like works of art.
If she is more into subtle beauty, the sleek and uniquely scented candles from the Foraged General Store might be more her style. Fill your home with the smells of Teakwood & Tobacco or Sweet Grapefruit as you settle down for the night.
In Kelowna, you will find the Okanagan Candle Co., which hand pours in small batches with 100% soy wax and natural cotton wicks and is scented with non-toxic fragrance oil blends or The Kelowna Candle Factory, which creates unique pieces out of soy or beeswax, with natural scents.
Last but not least, you can head over to Etsy and check out Moonytail Candles. Their candles are handcrafted with love and care, each piece is unique, with creative shapes and eye-catching designs that bring warmth and tranquillity to your space.
Handmade Jewelry The Shines
Every woman deserves something pretty just because, and no matter her style, the Okanagan has it. If she likes soft colours and dainty designs, she will love the handmade pieces from Oak Handmade Jewelry.
For the gold girlies, you will want to visit Lavender and Grace. Your bestie, mama, or sister would love a customized Love Bracelet!
For the Silver lovers, we have The Brass Mallet. Their hand-stamped jewelry and designs are inspired by nature and life’s adventures.
And for the one who walks around the market looking at all the stalls and whispers, “I could make that,” you can visit PJ’s Beads at the Sun Valley Mall in downtown Vernon, BC. They sell beads, jewelry findings, beading supplies, and jewelry tools. Load her up with all the supplies she needs to DIY her heart out!
Charcuterie Boards And Party Snacks
Does she love to host? Is she the party planner extraordinaire? Then, help her make her next special event memorable with a classy, hand-crafted Charcuterie Board. (That’s the big plate of meat and cheese that she made look so amazing that you almost don’t want to touch it.)
Get one customized with the family or business name from Kodiak Custom Engraving. They will carefully design each piece to meet your individual needs and tastes. She will feel so special.
Or does she love this valley as much as we do? Then she might love the Okanagan charcuterie paddle board from Republic West.
Or if she loves to host but is feeling a little overwhelmed, you can come in the hero with a custom-made-up board from one of our excellent delis like Perseval & Young Cheese Mongers in Kelowna, with their extensive selection of fine cheeses from across Canada and around the world. If you are in Kamloops, check out Chop n Block. This family-run business offers charcuterie, cheese, and pickle boards. If you are in Vernon, you can visit the Wedge Cheesery, which makes all sorts of board and gift boxes!
You Need A Sweet Little Treat
What should you get her? The Answer is Cookies. No, really. I mean, get her gourmet cookies from The Answers is Cookies, a small Kelowna-based baker who believes they really are the answers to all life’s questions!
Or get fancy with Karate Chocolate. They make decadent treats and specialty chocolate that will melt in your mouth. They might cause fights, though, so make sure you get a bar for every woman in the room.
Small-Batch Sauces For Dunkin’
If she likes a little food with her spice, I suggest stuffing one of these locally made hot sauces in her stocking. With fresh regional ingredients, they offer one-of-a-kind flavours for that one-of-a-kind spicy woman.
You should check out the long-time local Mum’s Hot Sauce if you are grilling steaks. It is a hybrid of gourmet BBQ sauce and hot sauce—you get flavour and spice all in one!
Try Taste of the Okanagan if you are looking for something extra to add to the homemade charcuterie board. They make gourmet small-batch, handcrafted artisan sauces, dressings, jellies, salsas, chutneys, and condiments using fresh, local ingredients from the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
If you’re looking for a straight-up hot sauce that she can add to everything, you’ll want to check out the unique flavours at Stroke the Fire Hot Sauce. Get seasonal with THE GRRINCH—rated 5/5 heat with green superhot peppers and smoked garlic; it is deliciously mean!
Snack-Time Stars All Locally Made
If you are buying for someone who is constantly experimenting and adding a little flavour, check out these specialty Spice blends or infused salts made by Country Cuisine Spices. They use only fresh, high-quality ingredients except for their Hemilaying seasoning salt—all their products are salt and preservative-free.
Along with your spices, you need some infused oils or vinegar. They will complete your kitchen. Check out Olive Us, which has oils infused with unique flavours like rosemary, chilli, or citrus.
On a sweeter note, the Okanagan also has a phenomenal selection of fruits and veggies that local cooks like Rad Jamz are turning into tasty jellies, jams, and relishes! These artisan spreads are created in West Kelowna and can be bought in shops across the Okanagan.
Kitchen Bits and Bobs
While discussing gifts from the kitchen, I want to throw in some linens and things – with a bonus tip she will love!
You can double down on your gift and make it eco-friendly by purchasing some handmade tea towels to wrap them in! WHAT! Yeah, that’s right! A gift in a gift. She will think you are so clever and you don’t have to tell her I gave you the idea! If you love it, check out the linens from Love of Linens or Far and Wide Kamloops!
Not a fan of cooking? Or she just doesn’t have the confidence in the kitchen, but she wants to learn something new? This is for the woman who buys all the ingredients mentioned above but doesn’t know what to do with them! Get her cooking classes at Lake House Kitchens! They have a jam-packed schedule with classes to teach you how to make everything from hand-rolled pasta to butter chicken!
Art Inspired By The Okanagan
If you are looking for something unique and beautiful for the art lover in your life, you need to see the fantastic prints created by Aragorn Arts. She creates acrylic and ink monoprints from trees – each an original! Most of the trees come from wildfire-burned forests on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc people.
Or if you are looking for something different and unique, inspired by our majestic valley, head over to The Vibe, Vernon’s Handmade Local Artisan Gallery. With their collection of artists, you are bound to find something she loves.
Give Her The Gift Of Luxury Relaxation
For the clean girls, we have some handmade soaps and body products that will leave them feeling pampered and happy. Keep it eco-friendly by shopping the selections at Chickpea Zero Waste, with brands like High-End Hippie and Earth Love or the Buck Naked Soap bars at Our Footprints.
If you want all-natural, botanical-based blends created with ancient Indigenous knowledge and traditions, visit Loakin Botanicals. Their special blends are designed to nurture not only your skin but also your spirit.
If all-natural is important, you can check out Om Natural at their Tiny Farm Store in Armstrong. They have a full selection of handmade and naturally sourced body products also packaged with recyclable materials. Her planet matters.
Want to create the perfect bath time experience? Look up Seaside Organics on Etsy. They make eco-friendly, sustainable, and organic handcrafted bath bombs with only the finest natural ingredients that are gentle on the environment and her skin.
If you want a wide selection, check out the self-care section at Birch Hill Studios. This Indigenous and female-owned shop curates quality Canadian products for the body and home. You will find everything from luxurious body butter and oils to bath balms and makeup—something for every girl.
Deck Her Out In Cozy Apparel
Everyone loves cozy clothes during the winter season, and once again, the BC doesn’t disappoint.
S and K Collective is a local Indigenous-female owned shop in Port Coquitlam that is turning out high levels of sass mixed with thought-provoking commentary on shit we all need to be more aware of here in BC. Full stop. Highly recommend getting any of the femme’s on your holiday list something for her shop.
If she is a proud Kamloops local, head to the Wild Cave Gift Shop and grab her a hoodie or torque to show her pride.
Shuswap locals, get over to Lake + Life Apparel. They have sweaters, T-shirts, and hats that look super cute and comfy with a dash of SHU pride.
4 Generations Creations aims to create cozy apparel and, more importantly, educate and raise awareness around Indigenous issues. The artist Ashley Michel created her clothing line to give her daughter and others like them representation in fashion while supporting and advocating for her community.
Last but not least, we have KALECO (formerly Shambhala Clothing). They are a locally owned, eco-lifestyle shop in downtown Vernon, BC’s heart. They have a great selection of Okanagan-inspired apparel and adorable accessories for her and the home.
A Little Sweetness From The Bees
Our bees here are busy buzzing around all spring and summer to bring you some amazing gift options for the honey lover in your life. You can get locally crafted jams, jellies, or honey in unique flavours at Arlos Honey Farm in Kelowna, Planet Bee in Kelowna or Armstrong, or Hiveology in stores across the Okanagan.
While we love them for their honey, we also use beeswax to make useful products like Reusable Beeswax Wraps, which can be used to wrap sandwiches and leftovers. They come in fun and cute designs and can be found at places like Kamloops Florist LTD or The Kind Hive.
Wine Drinkers
The Okanagan is a haven for wine lovers, with vineyards and wineries from tip to tip. If you are buying for someone who always brings her bottle, a handmade carrier might be the perfect gift, and we have options.
If she likes simplicity and needs some extra space, a fabric or canvas tote from The Market Bags or Arcadia Modern Home will be just the thing
If you want something more personalized to suit her style or commemorate her achievements, head to Enlight Designs. They engrave wine glasses (and other things!) She will think of you every time she pours a glass.
Celebrate Your Little Book Lover
For the readers in your life, there is always a long To Be Read List somewhere, and if you can get a hold of that, you can buy her adventures, romance, excitement, and new worlds.
If you are looking for something new and love supporting small indie bookshops, head over to Mosaic Books in Downtown Kelowna. They have a huge selection.
If you are in Kamloops, head to Andrena’s Book Company or Legends Used Books for top-quality, previously loved books. Yes, this is a great gift option!
If you are in the Vernon area, check out Expressions of Time for more used book options. You could probably bring her here, which would be a gift in itself, but you should buy her some books, too.
**Bonus Round: Stocking Stuffers **
Last but not least, you must remember to stuff her stocking.
haha.
Get some cute little embroidered keychains from The Pickled Stitches on Etsy to add some fun and whimsy.
Or, if you are looking for something with a natural tone, check out the wood engraved ornaments and accessories from Glow and Behold.
Finally deck out the fur-baby in her life with a bow from PawTown Bandanas which will win you a spot on Santa’s nice list for years to come guaranteed.
Have you found something yet?
This list is far from exhaustive because Okanagan has so many amazing artisans, crafters, makers, bakers and small businesses that you can always find something for everyone on your list while supporting locals.
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