This holiday season, shoppers looking for sustainable gift options will have plenty to choose from in Kelowna, with numerous local businesses working to support people and the planet. From stocking stuffers to high-end items, we’ve rounded up gift ideas for everyone on your list—you may even find a little something for yourself, too!
For the Arts and Culture Lover
From Warhol to Banksy, a past exhibit at the Kelowna Art Gallery.
- Authentic Indigenous art and craft pieces from Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique or Syilx Trail Gift Store and Gallery.
- An original piece of artwork, like View from Knox by Sarah Lewke, Down the Lake by Cynthia Gunsinger, or Good Adventure by Sara Gagnon
- A membership to the Kelowna Art Gallery.
- Tickets to see the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra or a Ballet Kelowna performance.
- A night out to take in live theatre at Kelowna Actors Studio, New Vintage Theatre, or Rotary Centre for the Arts.
For the Beauty Maven
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
- Body Butter or Hand & Body Salve from Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm, packaged in 100% biodegradable and microplastic-free Sulapac containers.
- Plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars from The High-End Hippie—every two bars purchased plants a tree.
- A 60-minute signature consultation at The Green Vanity, which carries a variety of sustainable beauty brands and focuses on cosmetics and beauty waste management.
- Green beauty products from Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery, which is owned by Kelowna local, Allisha Heidt, who completed her post-graduate studies in sustainability planning at UBC Okanagan.
- Honey Soap & Lotion Set from Meadow Vista Honey Wines, a five-and-a-half acre farm in East Kelowna with 150 bee hives.
For the Eco-Conscious Fashionista
Grey Hearts Denim. Credit: Danika Lee Photography
- Tangled Fireweed & Feathers jewellery—which is handmade by Indigenous artist, Greta Reid—from Textile Apparel.
- Vintage Men’s Wear pieces, like band t-shirts, from Grey Hearts Denim.
- A unique vintage or consignment piece from Cannery Vintage, frock & fellow, Lost Together, or Stone Fox Vintage.
- Sustainable laundry products from Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery.
- Handcrafted fine jewellery made in Kelowna by Scenic Route Jewellery.
For the Foodie
CedarCreek Estate Winery. Credit: Darren Hull Studios
- A Maple charcuterie board, engraved with Okanagan, Living the Good Life, from Republic West.
- Edible Adventures small-batch, Indian spice blends from The Paisley Notebook—a percentage of sales is donated to anti-racism organizations.
- Upcycled fabric or organic cotton produce and snack bags from The Market Bags.
- Gift cards for one of Kelowna’s local farm-to-table restaurants.
- Something (or many things) from the Food + Drink section of the Love for Kelowna online shop.
For the Little Ones
Credit: Matt Ferguson Photography
- Timeless children’s apparel from eco-friendly brands at lolo and spence.
- Children's books celebrating diverse stories—talk to the folks at Mosaic Books for recommendations from their vast selection.
- High-quality consignment pieces from Oh Baby! Consignment Co—1% of all profit is donated to Mamas for Mamas’ Kelowna branch.
- A pair of handcrafted wool baby booties from locally-owned Kozi Knitz.
- A plastic-free bear stuffy, directly supporting Oceanwise and the Vancouver Aquarium.
For the Outdoorsy Adventurer
Credit: Meghan Reading
- A handmade, upcycled hoodie or pullover from Green Bean Reloved.
- Reusable drinkware for camping, hiking, or day-to-day urban adventures.
- A Love for Kelowna backpack made from 100% recycled water bottles.
- The Rogerie's cutlery case, made from 100% recycled plastic—includes stainless steel cutlery and a reusable napkin.
- Sustainable food storage solutions from Fill Kelowna.
For the Gift Giver
We can't forget about all the little extras you might need as the person giving gifts. Ever Present Gifting has an assortment of handmade, reusable gift bags, to cut down on paper waste. The Kelowna Visitor Centre carries Christmas greeting cards from local artists, while The Rogerie makes snowflake ornaments from recycled fridges, which can be the perfect wrapping accessory (or something fun for your own tree!).
If you're still on the hunt for stocking stuffers, here are some additional shops and seasonal markets where you can find goods from local creators, including some of those mentioned throughout this post:
- Karmyc Bazaar
- Funktional
- The Artful Hand
- Rutland Winter Light Up, November 27, 2022
- Craft Culture Holiday Market, December 2–4, 2022
- Downtown Kelowna Winter Market, December 3, 2022
Visit Tourism Kelowna's online calendar of events for more holiday markets taking place in the coming weeks.