A Holiday Gift Guide to the Southern Gulf Islands
When you support Southern Gulf Island businesses, you infuse life and creativity into our communities which helps keep them the vibrant and unique places we love. As a place of refuge, restoration, adventure, and creativity, the islands all share a free and artistic spirit that’s represented by our artisans, artists, food producers, and entrepreneurs. That’s why, with so many unique products and services, it’s easy to find something special. From food to pottery and apparel to wellness, this gift guide can inspire ideas for everyone on your list.
Culinary
The islands are lucky to be home to an abundance of local growers, bakers, chefs, and makers who showcase the region’s best flavours. Whether it’s gluten free treats like those from Laughing Daughters, or delicious handmade jams from Salt Spring Kitchen Co., there are many ways to indulge in the island terroir this season.
Foodie gift ideas:
- Build a cheese basket with Salt Spring Island Cheese
- Select an assortment of truffles from local chocolatiers Pender Chocolates, Galiano Chocolate, or Salt Spring Chocolate
- Gift a craft beer experience to Mayne Island Brewing Co. or Salt Spring Brewing Co.
- Spice up your home cooking with Monsoon Coast spice blends, Salt Spring Island Sea Salt, Salt Spring Island Artisan Vinegar
- Pour your new favourite beverage with spirits from Salt Spring Shine, Sweetwater Distilling, or Bee Wild Distillery
- Get cozy with a warm drink, try tea from The Loose Leaf Tea & Papery or beans from Salt Spring Coffee
- Create your own tasting flight with wine from Sage Hayward Vineyards, Garry Oaks Estate Winery, Kutatas Wines, Vivezza Vineyard and Sea Star Vineyards or cider from Salt Spring Wild Cider, Ciderworks, and Twin Island Cider
Wellness
After a busy holiday season, everyone needs a little R&R: rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. While a trip through Solace Organic Spa’s hydrotherapy circuit is always a great idea, we see wellness as creating the space to heal and to inspire. Sometimes it’s a ceremony with the Tea Mistress, other times it’s one of the many other wonderful wellness activities on the Islands. Here are more ideas to help your loved ones reconnect with themselves.
Self-care gift ideas:
- Make a long hot bath more exciting with Saltspring Soapworks, Nomads Essentials, Island Soap Co., or Galiano Island Soap Works
- Let your inner light shine with a portrait by Stasia Garraway, a tintype by Folklore Studio, or a session with Hannah Spray Photography, Nancy Angermeyer Photography, or Rachel Lenkowski Photography
- Kickstart healthy habits with Moonshine Mama’s elixirs
- Find the perfect retreat at Stowel Lake Farm or Salt Spring Centre of Yoga
- Get into aromatherapy with lavender goods from Lavender and Black or Sacred Mountain Lavender
- Nurture your mind and your soul with a subscription to FOLKLIFE magazine
- Indulge in an outdoor thermal spa experience at Arbutus View Thermal Spa
Local Wares
Island artistry is born out of our compelling surroundings and the different perspectives our lifestyle brings. Whether a painting, wood-turned bowl, weaving, pottery, basket, or jewellery, there is a one-of-a-kind item waiting for you in the Southern Gulf Islands.
Island made gift ideas:
- Peruse the variety of artists represented at The Pottery, Waterfront Gallery, and EnVision
- Find beautiful pottery at Mayne Island Clay Works, Grouchy Crab Pottery, or Cedar Grove Gallery
- Adorn someone with jewellery from Raven & Gold, Seaglass Beach Jewelry, or Water’s Edge Silver
- Choose a statement piece from Dara Woodworks, Thuja Wood Art or Gulf Island Cribbage
- Stay cozy all season long with weaving from SAORI Salt Spring or rugs by Darsi
- Choose ecofriendly scents from Salt Spring Island Candle Co. or The Cove Candle Co.
Sustainability
Living in the Southern Gulf Islands means taking our stewardship of these sensitive ecosystems to heart. We invite you to share our values and consider planet-friendly gifts from our eclectic second-hand stores.
Values-based gift ideas:
- Choose from carefully curated clothing and accessories from Bohemia Consignment and Axe & Reel
- Support thrift stores that fund a cause: Lady Minto Thrift Shop and Transitions Thrift Store
- Explore local treasure troves: Nu To Yu, Mayne Island Thrift Shop, Kozy’s Kloset
