Nicole Leclair

The Great Kimberley Gift Guide: Unique Finds & Local Mementos for Everyone on Your List

This holiday season, we’re keeping it local. With so many great shops and talented creators in the community, holiday shopping couldn’t be simpler or more special this year. From toys and games to upscale kitchenware, custom apparel options, and handcrafted jewellery, our many shops offer artisanal items to suit your unique tastes and please the pickiest people on your list. Stay tuned for all of the favourite finds that we’re keeping on our Christmas wish-lists this holiday season.

While many of our shops can be found within the Platzl, be sure to widen your wander to check out some of the great merchants outside of our downtown core. We hear there are plenty of delicious, artisanal and unique finds in the south-Kimberley neighbourhood of Marysville as well.

For the Outdoor Enthusiasts

Adventure seekers, rejoice! The Platzl is the perfect place to load up on running gear, performance apparel, or basic outdoor supplies. Upgrade your gear with visits to our ski and bike shops, grab some guidebooks to help plan the next big adventure, and stock up on practical items for all of your functional needs along the way.

Items we’re eyeing:

  • Flylow bibs at Blackdog Ski & Cycle
  • Smith full face helmets from Bootleg Bike Co.
  • Made in Canada Purcell Beanies from Purcell Outdoors
  • Arcade Belts from Arrow & Axe General Store
  • Baseline Fleece for your furry friends from Kimberley Kritters Pet Store & Supplies

For Childlike Wonder

If you’re lucky enough to be a kid growing up or wintering in Kimberley, you’ve already hit the jackpot! That said, we’re big fans of cultivating as much childlike wonder during the holiday season as possible. Here’s to picking the perfect present for your cool, Kimberley kids.

Items we’re eyeing:

  • Cavallini & Co. Puzzles from Treehouse Toy Co.
  • Climbing Pass to Spirit Rock Climbing Gym
  • Snazaroo Face Paint Kit from Funk Haus Craft Lab
  • Unique cookbooks and kids' aprons from The Grater Good Kitchen Supply Co.
  • Nutty Caramel Popcorn from La Lune Candy Shoppe

For the Art Aficionado

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

Items we’re eyeing:

  • Glass Tree Ornaments from Mountain Grass Glass
  • Original Artwork from The Laundromat Art Gallery Kimberley
  • Stained Glass Window Hangings from The Craft Shop Marysville
  • Meeden Wooden 16” Tabletop Easel from Funk Haus Craft Lab
  • Espresso Yourself Cross Stitch Kit from The Knitty Gritty

For Fashionistas

While the average Kimberley local might get down in flannels and Blundstones most of the time, we do like to flex our fashion prowess here and there. From handsome homegoods, to suede shoes and pamper products, there’s a fashionable find with your name on it here.

Items we’re eyeing:

  • Flower Enamel Earrings from Tumbled Earth Jewelry & Boutique
  • La Rochere Glassware from The Bellwether Curated Home
  • Yahk Soap Co. Shaving Products from Sprout Health Market
  • Anian Wool Sweater from Fullfill Co.
  • Glerups Slip-Ons from Talaria Footwear & Adornment

For the Experience

Sometimes, the best gifts are less about the material goods you receive, and more about the experiences you have and the memories you make along the way. For those who love to give the gift of good times, this one’s for you!

Items we’re eyeing:

  • The Mobile Sauna Experience from Kamu Sauna
  • Fat Bike Rental from Black Dog Cycle & Ski, Kimberley Alpine Resort, or Bootleg Bike Co.
  • The RCR Rockies Card for the Kimberley Alpine Resort
  • 10 Class Yoga Pass from Kula Yoga and Sacred Space
  • Mani/Pedi from Sole to Soul Esthetics Studio
  • The Blushing Rose Facial from Spa2U

For the Foodies

While our gear and gifts are great, 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.

Items we’re eyeing:

  • Not-So-Hot Sauce from The Shed
  • The Build Your Own Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar 6-Pack from OU Olive Oils
  • Field Company Cast Irons from the Grater Good Kitchen Supply Co.
  • Hand Painted (and edible!) Christmas Globes from Grow Cake & Chocolate
  • A Gift Certificate to enjoy a meal out at Biscuit: A Place to Sup
  • SMAK DAB Beer Chipotle Gourmet Mustard from Meat Matters Butchery

For the Made-in-Kimberley Crowd

If you haven’t already filled your tote bags with enough local Kimberley goodies and gifts, we have a few more uber-local and community-minded ideas to add to the list. Stock up on cult-favourites like beeswax lip chap, grab something that awakens the senses at our local essential oil shop, or dive into the wise words of our local authors.

Items we’re eyeing:

  • Beeswax Lip Balm from Moody Bee
  • Espresso & Hazelnut chocolate bars from Grow Cake & Chocolate
  • Roasted-in-Kimberley coffee beans from Kickturn Coffee
  • Handcrafted Mugs from Little Big Studio and Gallery
  • Spirit of Kimberley essential oil blend from Healing Hollow Essential Oil Co.
  • Blue Sky Kingdom by Bruce Kirkby, found at Arrow & Axe General Store

In a community like Kimberley, new treasures can be found around every corner. This holiday season, the hardest part won’t be finding that special gift for a certain someone, but rather in narrowing down the wishlist and not stuffing your own stocking full to the brim. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays, Kimberley!

@TourismKimberley

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