We all know that one person who never gives us a clue about what they want for Christmas, leaving us to guess and stress over the perfect gift.
To help you avoid the holiday hassle, we’ve curated a list of unique local gift ideas that will add meaning and charm to your holiday shopping. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or coworker, we’ve got you covered!
You may recognize some from last year’s list, as well as some additional, newly added gems worth highlighting.
We’ve broken down the list into three categories: local stores, local artists and creators, local authors, and local restaurants, so you can easily find something special.
From must-have gift cards to unique items, there’s no shortage of options. At the very least, you’ll have a great place to start your search!
So, without further ado, here’s your go-to guide for local holiday shopping:
Local shops with neat finds:
Colage | Creative Locals Market
Colage is a unique and progressive locals market on lower Yates Street!
They feature more than 60 artists, creators, and dealers of beautiful things, and artists keep 100% of their sales.
Plus, they host workshops, seminars, presentations, open mics, and other events in their back studio, so there’s always something creative going on!
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- Where: 550 Yates Street
- When: Open seven days a week
- Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Doom City Records
If you ever find yourself in Duncan, this cozy and well-stocked record shop is a must-stop!
Find your favourites, discover old classics and expand your taste in music as you sift through—and go with plenty of time, as vinyl sifting is a slow art.
If you can’t make it in person, they sell online as well.
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- Where: 205-330 Duncan Street
- When:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cavity Curiosity Shop
Whether you’re a book nerd, a metal head, a second-hand enthusiast, or anything in between, the Cavity Curiosity Shop will have what you’re looking for!
Dig through loads of neat items and find the perfect gift for any odd ball or graphic t-shirt lover.
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- Where: 2514 Douglas Street
- When: Thursday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Shop Makers Victoria
What began as a small shop in Vancouver has spread across the province, empowering creators and small businesses!
Artisans are able to sell their product and receive 100% of the profits without cuts—so, you know that every purchase is going into the hands of the wonderful artist that made it.
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- Where: 909 Government Street
- When: Open seven days a week
- Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Luna Collective
Luna is a carefully curated store featuring all of the best vintage and handmade goods from over 100 different artists and small businesses.
You’re sure to find something unique and special!
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- Where: 1048 Fort Street
- When: Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Books & Shenanigans
Poke around Books & Shenanigans—an adorable used and new bookstore on Cook Street, right by Mocha House!
It’s the perfect stop for a dreary winter afternoon, and will keep you cozy and entertained for hours, should you choose.
Not only do they have a wide variety of books, they also sell little bits and bobs for gifts or decor, as well as puzzles!
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- Where: 347 Cook Street
- When: Thursday, November 28th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cheers Vintage Collective
Fulfill all of your classic vintage shopping dreams at Cheers Vintage Collective!
New-to-the-shop items are always coming in and cycling through, so don’t miss your chance to find something incredibly and unique for you or a loved one.
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- Where: 770 Yates Street
- When:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Good Vibe Space
They are passionate about creating a space that carries local art and imported goods that are unique and uplift your daily lives!
Working directly with artists and makers in the community, they give creative people the opportunity to create a platform to showcase their work, products, and art—so, you know you’re going to find something bubbly and super cool.
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- Where: 565 Johnson Street
- When: Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CREAM Life and Style
Step into the world of CREAM and immerse yourself in their whimsical haven.
This store is perfect for those seeking vintage-inspired homewares and all the necessary accoutrement to support your witchy rituals and wellness routines!
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- Where: 2000 Fernwood Road
- When: Open seven days a week
- Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Victoria Royals
This holiday season, you can purchase a variety of holiday bundles that score tickets to games, merch and delicious treats to enjoy while you watch the Victoria Royals play!
This includes the Family4Pack, consisting of four tickets, four hotdogs and one large popcorn—applicable to one of their many games during the Holidays (December 13th, 27th, 28th, 31st or January 3rd).
Another gift idea is the Holiday Combo Pack, which is great for last minute gifts or stocking stuffers! Two combo packs are offered:
- 4 Physical Game Vouchers (use at games of your choice) + Royals Toque
- 6 Physical Game Vouchers (use at games of your choice) + Royals Toque
Local artists and creators:
Phaest
Victoria digital artist, Meaghan Lovis (Phaest), has been experimenting with different artistic mediums since she was very young, and has now turned her drive to create into a growing business.
Just recently, she dropped a new line of products on her online store, featuring fun and expressive pieces on totes, shirts and sweaters, which you can check out Phaest’s shop here!
You’ll also find a variety of prints she draws in her spare time, inspired by Pagan and mythological-style artwork, where viewers will find a unique mix of whimsy, statement pieces and modern takes on ancient folklore and figures.
James Corbiere (Waabi Makoohns)
A groundbreaking educational tool and timely release, James Corbiere released an Indigenous educational board game right on time for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The game, titled “The Truth in Truth and Reconciliation Educational Board Game,” invites players aged 14-years-old and up to seek truths of Indigenous histories and experiences on Turtle Island, and to explore the realities of colonization and its impact.
You can play with two to nine players.
Moss & Mica
Handcrafted with passion and dedication, Victoria-based Moss & Mica pottery offers a variety of unique finds—perfect for any lover of the arts and outdoors.
Inspired by forest and marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, the designs feature up-cycled materials, pottery, precious metals, gemstones, mosses, lichens and locally foraged driftwood.
From tiny mushrooms to miniature elephants, these intricate projects are bound to bring smiles and joy to anyone that beholds them.
Aunty Collective
The Aunty Collective is an Indigenous hub of gender-diverse artists and creators from across Turtle Island!
Not only do they offer a wide variety of carefully crafted art, clothing, jewelry, blankets and more, they also offer workshops—providing an important space for Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+, women and youth to learn and create.
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Local authors for your bookworms:
Peggy by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison
When Rebecca Godfrey passed away from lung cancer in 2022, she left behind a remarkable unfinished novel in the hands of one of her closest friends, the critically acclaimed author and journalist Leslie Jamison.
The book followed the life of Peggy Guggenheim—a dazzling and legendary art collector and feminist icon, and is set in Venice in 1958.
Guggenheim’s journey is one of strength and growing into oneself to become a woman of fierce independence despite societal expectations.
Godfrey was born and raised on Vancouver Island, and was an award-winning novelist and journalist. Her published books include The Torn Skirt and Under the Bridge.
Four Fallen Eagles by Karen Whetung
Indigenous author, oral storyteller and mentor Karen Whetung is releasing a new children’s book titled, Four Fallen Eagles, and published by island-based Medicine Wheel Publishing.
Inspired by the students and communities Whetung has worked with, Four Fallen Eagles follows four eaglets who, in tumbling suddenly from their nests, must now journey across Turtle Island and rediscover where they belong.
This story contains great power in its prose, encapsulating a stunning metaphor for cultural assimilation and the desire to discover who we are in this world.
Plus, the illustrations by E. B. Sunflower add a brilliant vibrancy and depth to Whetung’s words.
Four Fallen Eagles is available in local bookstores and Toys R Us!
Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (a.k.a Steven Price)
Miro (a.k.a. Steven Price) is an award-winning Victoria-based author and poet. His novels include By Gaslight and Lampedusa, as well as a couple poetry books.
Bringer of Dust by J.M. Miro is the second book in the Talents Trilogy (the first being Ordinary Monsters) and has been a highly-anticipated release since the first book came out in late-May of this year.
The second book builds on the momentum captured in the first novel, in which Cairndale lies in ruins and Marlowe is missing.
Follow Charlie and the Talents as they realize there is even more at stake than they’d feared when a body that contains the corrupted dust of the drughr is discovered.
The Sinking of Souls by Jean Paetkau
Fierce in both literary accomplishment and personal strength, Victoria-based bestselling author and journalist Jean Paetkau released her second book earlier this year!
After a successful launch of her 2023 bestseller, Blood on the Breakwater, Paetkau’s second novel in the Breakwater Mystery series, The Sinking of Souls, touches on the true story of the sinking of S.S. Clallam in 1904 on its journey from Seattle to Victoria.
As described, returning protagonist Helene Unger is hunting a murderer who’s driven by secrets connected to the historic maritime tragedy that claimed the lives of all women and children on board.
You can purchase it online or at local bookstores across Victoria.
Local restaurants:
Shuck Taylor’s
Local oyster and seafood master, Jess Taylor, has been running his own catering business, the Wandering Mollusk for the past 9 years — operating at weddings, community events, places like Whistle Buoy Brewing, and more.
Now, he is excited to soon introduce everyone to his dream-turned-reality, Shuck Taylor’s — located at the former Shine Cafe location on the corner of Johnson and Blanshard Street!
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- Where: 1324 Blanshard Street
- When:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
L’Apéro Wine and Cheese Bistro
If you haven’t had the pleasure of eating at L’Apéro Wine and Cheese Bistro yet, you’re in for a treat!
It’s a French evening ritual that combines drinks, small plates and friends. As described, cheese and cured meats are usually key elements for a successful apéro, and the wine is an added bonus.
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- Where: 1028 Blanshard Street
- When: Open Wednesday to Sunday—hours vary
Smør Scandinavian Bakery
Smør Scandinavian Bakery is an artisan bakery that was initially launched in November 2022, when the founder Leah Hayward started selling Christmas cookies baked at home.
After serving at farmers markets across the Saanich Peninsula and receiving a lot of well-deserved recognition and praise, a permanent storefront opened in Sidney earlier this year!
The heart of the menu includes traditional Scandinavian baked goods such as rye breads, cardamom buns, heart-shaped waffles and authentic Danish pastries.
Smør also serves soups, open-faced sandwiches and true nordic-style coffee—which means brewed strong and served with a little cookie!
- Where: 2376 Bevan Avenue #104, Sidney
- When: Thursday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tourist Wine Bar
Tucked in the old Clarke & Co location, this chic wine bar is known to serve up some of the best burgers in Victoria and has become a late-night hotspot!
Join them for some good eats, delicious wine, and live sets.
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- Where: 1002 Blanshard Street
- When: Wednesday to Sunday—hours vary
Burger Crush
They strive to provide the perfect burger, fries, and shake meal without a menu full of bells and whistles.
The result is simple, unwaveringly consistent and delicious!
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- Where: 787 Fort Street
- When: Open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
