Mitch Winton | Kootenay Rockies Tourism

Made in Kimberley: 13 Uber Local Gifts to Grab this Holiday Season and Beyond

This holiday season, we’re keeping gift-giving as local as possible. We all know there are plenty of special shops here in Kimberley, but did you know that many of them showcase the talented creators of our community, too? Holiday shopping this year means choosing items that are produced right here in Kimberley, and celebrating the great finds that support our artisans as much as possible. Read on for all of our favourite made-in-Kimberley picks. It doesn’t get any more local than this.

Edibles

For the foodies on your list, nothing hits the spot quite like our more mouthwatering mementos. Here in Kimberley, we’re lucky to have many local producers and foodies who curate some of the tastiest treats around. We dare you not to stock up on the entire list.

  1. Grow Cake & Chocolate

    Decadent, delicious, and downright delightful, Grow Cake & Chocolate is in the business of keeping our community sweet. Their creatively flavoured chocolate bars and boxes of assorted bonbons and truffles make for perfect stocking stuffers, great gifts for favourite neighbours, or inventive options for Santa’s midnight snack.

  2. La Lune Candy Shoppe

    La Lune Candy Shoppe is a treasure trove for all your favourite nostalgic sweets, chocolates and caramels. Though you can find beloved brands here, like Mike & Ike and Whirly Pop, we suggest you fill your boots with their homemade creations, too. We love their smooth fudge, their indulgent caramel pecan clusters, and their tasty salted caramels.

  1. OU Olive Oils

    OU prides themselves on carrying fantastic products from small, family-run businesses, while also curating their own hand-crafted and nutritious kitchen staples. Their olive oils and vinegars are infused in-house to create unique flavour combinations that beautifully elevate home-cooking. Pro tip: their build-your-own 6-packs of flavoured vinegars and oils are one of our favourite holiday gifts to grab. Foodies in your life will love these.

  1. The Shed Hot Sauce

    Those who like it hot, love this hot sauce. Branded as being “Not Overly Hot,” The Shed’s signature dipping sauce is a perfect blend of vinegar and chipotle, with a mustard-bite and a healthy pinch of chilli pepper kick. Good on wings, pizza, sandwiches, and more, there’s a reason this condiment has a cult following here in Kimberley.

  1. Coffee

    Here in Kimberley, we’re lucky to have two great coffee roasters who help to keep us bright-eyed and happily caffeinated. North Star Roasting Co. proudly boasts their “Damn Good Coffee” with blends that pay homage to some of our favourite Kimberley corners. They can be found in-store at Sprout Health Market or Stoke Market. Kickturn Coffee Roasters has a popular brick and mortar store in downtown Kimberley, which offers handmade goodies, great beverages, and the perfect environment for laid-back conversation alongside their yummy coffees. Grab a bag of Rosa or Lady’s Leg there, and thank us later.


  2. Meat Matters

    Meat Matters is a grocery and butcher shop supplying the best mix of quality, ethical, local, and affordable meats and cooking staples. If you’ve got a loved one on your list who follows the Carnivore Diet, or just someone looking to up their protein and appreciate some Kimberley-cured goods, head into Meat Matters and stock up on their homemade jerky and pepperoni sticks. These goods are great!

Arts, Crafts & Fashion

Some of the most unique Kimberley finds also happen to be the most beautiful. With local artisans, artists, and fashionistas in spades here, there are plenty of hand-crafted treasures and makers' merchandise to spark creativity in the artistic folks on your list.

  1. Moody Bee Lip Balms

    If your favourite, local lip balm also happens to come in recyclable packaging, is made of natural and high-quality ingredients, and is never tested on animals, you likely have a great lip balm on your hands. For us, nothing beats Moody Bee Beeswax Lip Balms. Stop by their brick and mortar store in our downtown Platzl to collect their many seasonal flavours and evergreen staples, then check out all of the other great hand-made products in store, too.


  2. Jewelry

    A stroll through the Platzl confirms one thing: the makers in this town sure know how to make some stunning jewelry. Whether you’re looking for whimsical adornments, eye-catching earrings, or delicate designs, there’s a hand-crafted piece for you. We love perusing the goods at Tumbled Earth Jewelry & Boutique, then making our way to Arrow and Axe General Store to delve into the Ginger Jar pieces there. Hint: our seasonal Markets are also great opportunities to grab some unique jewelry from our creative artisans.


  3. Chupacabra Collective

    Found on Wallinger Avenue, Chupacabra Collective offers handmade and vintage slow-fashion, using “99% old stuff.” For fashionistas who like to stand out in the crowd while lessening their environmental footprint, this is the place to peruse. We love their unique designs and flair for fashion, and know you will too.


  4. Ceramics

    If you’re anything like us, you can never have too many cozy coffee mugs, hand-crafted earthenware, or handsomely-glazed dinner plates. It just so happens, Kimberley’s got all of that and more. We love perusing the goods in our downtown Platzl at Dirt Light Shadow, cruising down to our Marysville neighbourhood to stock up on ceramics at The Craft Shop of Marysville, then heading online to grab more local, small batch creations at Vessels of Earth and Stars. Looking for more? Check out the talented Kimberley Clay Collective at Centre 64: this is a group of potters who create beautiful products, while also hosting workshops and community ceramics sales throughout the year.


  5. Healing Hollow Candles

    Known for their aromatic essential oils, Healing Hollow Essential Oil Co. has added candle-maker to their resume, and we couldn’t be more delighted. These candles are infused with their expertly-crafted essential oil blends, and are created to burn long and clean while smelling divine. Bonus: each candle comes with a charm or trinket, and for every 25 you collect, you get a free candle in return.


  6. Big Magic Design Custom Clothing

    Smack-dab in the heart of our Platzl, Big Magic believes in good fitting and great feeling apparel. Their direct-to-garment printing allows for high resolution, full colour prints at the press of a button, and that translates to unique, custom clothing for the fashionistas on your list. Stop by to choose a ready-made design, pick a favourite shirt, then let the printing magic begin.


  7. Mountain Grass Gallery & Bistro

    Mountain Grass Gallery & Bistro is a unique gallery focused on carrying the finest in artisanal Canadian glass, and beautiful functional art. Be sure to ask which of their items come from local makers (hint: there are a lot to choose from), then pick your favourites and get ready to tickle the artistic folks in your life.
Bonus: Don’t forget to give the gift of a quintessential Kimberley experience this holiday season. We love snagging gift certificates from experience providers like Kamu Sauna, Black Dog Cycle & Ski, Bootleg Bike Co., or the Kimberley Alpine Resort.

Looking for more? We hear there are plenty of Holiday Markets popping up, as well as extra opportunities to shop during the holiday season. Our suggestion? Wander around town, don’t forget to branch out into our Marysville neighbourhood, keep an eye on our Events page, and, when in doubt, keep it made-in-Kimberley.

@TourismKimberley

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