This year more than ever, supporting local is full of meaning and impact.
As you think about what to give to your family and friends this holiday season, consider shopping with locally-based brands to give back to those businesses that help our communities in so many ways.
We’ve partnered with some amazing Vancouver brands — from beloved favourites to new small businesses — to highlight this season’s best local gifts to give for a Very Vancouver holiday.
HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO.
Birds of Herschel Collection. Photo: Herschel Supply Co.
Highly sought after and in popular demand by customers, premium accessories brand Herschel Supply Co. has re-released their most iconic print just in time for your holiday shopping.
The “Birds of Herschel” collection has been brought back from the archives and revived in celebration of Herschel’s 10-year anniversary.
The story behind the design carries a significant personal meaning, as the print features birds from the town of Herschel in Saskatchewan, where three generations of the company’s founders’ families grew up.
The collection is available in three colorways across a variety of iconic Herschel styles, including the Herschel Little America™ backpack, the Heritage backpack, and the Novel duffle.
For those looking for a special splurge for a special someone, Herschel has partnered with Modernica to produce a limited-edition fiberglass Side Shell Eiffel Chair for the collection.
Check out the entire “Birds of Herschel” collection at herschel.ca.
LO JEWELRY
Luna Dangles. Photo: LO Jewelry.
No matter what type of jewelry you’re looking to give, you’ll be able to find a beautiful and unique piece from LO Jewelry.
Launched just this year in Vancouver, this women-owned business specializes in handmade clay jewelry — with some products including recycled jewelry pieces for added sustainable value. This collection of wearable art features stunning stud earrings, dazzling dangle earrings, and more. Custom jewelry orders are also available if you want to give a truly one-of-a-kind gift this Christmas.
The woman behind the creations is jeweler Laura (a.k.a. LO), who is a full-time nurse in Vancouver. On her days off, she spends her time making jewelry for her cherished small business.
LO’s passion is working with those who struggle with their mental health. For that reason, a percentage of the proceeds from LO Jewelry sales will go towards supporting various mental health organizations in B.C. and across Canada.
Visit lojewelry.online and see their Instagram page.
CAP SHIELD
Photo: CapShield.
Give the gift of safety this year!
Cap Shield is a local Vancouver company producing 100% reusable, recyclable, and easy to sanitize face shields. Approved by Health Canada, these face shields are perfect for an added layer of protection, and a clear choice for your PPE in your COVID-19 safety plan.
These crystal clear face shields easily attach to the brim of your favourite ball cap or visor with 3 simple clips for a lightweight solution that can be worn all day long. Both adults’ packs and kids’ packs are available.
You will also feel good knowing that a portion of the dollars you spend on a Cap Shield will go towards donating 10 Cap Shields (for every 100 sold) to non-profit and charity organizations across Canada in need of PPE.
For more info, visit capshield.ca.
HOOCHY BOOCH
Kombucha Starter Kit. Photo: Hoochy Booch.
Healthy guts make happy humans, and Hoochy Booch is on a mission to spread health and wellness through their high quality and outrageously delicious Kombucha.
Brewed here in Vancouver, every ingredient in Hoochy Booch’s sweet-tarty bubbly tea is vegan, natural, gluten-free, and ethical. Their Kombucha comes in a variety of distinct flavours, such as their original “gateway booch” Bellini, the ultra-healing Turmeric Tonic, and the seasonal brew Cran-Baby.
The Hoochy Booch Kombucha Starter Kit makes for an awesome gift for those who are into DIY at-home brewing.
It can be intimidating to brew a batch of Kombucha on your own, but their starter kits include all that you need. Each kit contains a glass mason jar with a breathable lid for fermenting, healthy, made-with-love SCOBY, packages of organic black tea and cane sugar, and a bottle and lid. Hoochy Booch even offers a 21 day follow up program to support first-timers through their first brewing experience.
For more info, visit hoochybooch.com.
PORCHLIGHT PRESS
Photo: Porchlight Press.
There’s something about delivering greeting cards that adds a special touch to the holidays — and Porchlight Press is dedicated to preserving the art and wonder of handwritten letters.
Locally owned and operated in East Vancouver, Porchlight Press is a printing and design studio that offers a wide selection of handmade, letterpress-printed greeting cards and tags for all occasions. Whether you want a fun, cute card or one with a splash of beautiful shiny foil, they’re guaranteed to have the perfect Christmas greeting card in their collection.
They also have a line of gifts for under the tree too — such as notebooks, postcard sets, desk calendars, coasters, and other printed goodies — for the friend who loves all things stationery.
If you’re looking for customized options, Porchlight offers full service design and letterpress printing services. From custom coasters and packaging to invitations and business cards, no job is too big or too small.
For more info, visit porchlightpress.com and see their Instagram page.
PRINCE OF WHALES
Photo: Prince of Whales.
Gift the gift of adventure this holiday season!
Prince of Whales offers amazing whale watching and marine wildlife sighting adventures for the whole family on B.C.’s largest and socially safest whale watching boats.
Departing from the Vancouver Adventure Centre on Granville Island, outdoor explorers experience the majesty of the Salish Sea and its wildlife, from orcas surfacing in unison to bald eagles soaring in the skies above. While onboard a luxury catamaran, guests will enjoy the beautiful and breathtaking coastal waters of the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound in search of orcas, humpback whales and wildlife galore. Onboard naturalists bring the animals’ stories to life, ensuring the trip is as educational as it is adventurous.
Whale watching is a quintessential B.C. experience that makes you appreciate your local backyard even more, making it a great gift for your recipient to look forward to next spring.
In a limited time offer, Vancouver Adventure tour gift certificates are now on sale for only $129 (regularly priced at $175). For more info, visit princeofwhales.com.
