The smell of crisp pine, spiced eggnog beverages, and freshly baked cookies can only mean one thing: the holidays are here. Although this year will look a little bit different, we are still grateful for all that we have to celebrate. This year, more than ever, it is important to shop locally for your holiday gifts.

Luckily, The Fraser Valley has no shortage of incredibly talented artisans, unique boutiques, delicious handcrafted food items, and much more. We’ve put together your ultimate holiday inspiration guide, all of our favourite things that you can find in our communities, with online shopping, curbside pick up, and socially distanced in-person shopping options available. Remember, now is the time for us to stay local and support local businesses with just your immediate household or bubble, so keep reading to find just what you were looking for!

For the Home

Looking for the perfect something for the host or hostess in your life? Or perhaps the extra time spent at home has you wanting to spruce up your own space. The Fraser Valley is home to a number of fabulous locally owned home decor stores, with something for every taste, style and budget. 

In Chilliwack, visit Rococo Home Decor (either in person or browse their online catalogue!) for an eclectic collection of regular and Christmas decor that can’t be found anywhere else.

The Christmas obsessed in your life will love Glenda’s Christmas Cottage in Abbotsford! The quaint shop, which is celebrating its 32nd year in business, is home to unique and collectible ornaments and more.

Langley’s Kizmit Gift Gallery offers a collection of original gift ideas that have been created by Canadian (featuring British Columbian) artists and artisans. Their spacious gallery-style setting encourages customers to explore the world of ceramics, paintings/mixed media, wood, glasswork, jewelry, fibre arts, and more.

If vintage is more your style, Copper Reata Home Decor and Vintage Finds in Langley carries a variety of antique and vintage refinished furniture, home decor items, gifts and local artisan products.

The Garden House, located in Popkum, has a lovely selection of home decor, gifts, and gardening supplies. Visit their own version of Santa’s Workshop to find the perfect things for all the special people on your list.

Rest & Relaxation

We all know someone who could use a little extra relaxation in 2020 so we rounded up our favourite gifts for a little tranquility.

Nothing says relaxation like the scent of lavender. Harrison Lavender is a family owned and operated a small-scale farm with over 1,100 lavender plants. Check them out for artisan bath bombs, homemade teas, dried lavender bouquets, hand distilled essential oils and more.

Give the gift of the ultimate relaxation experience at Luna Float in Chilliwack. This First Nations owned business is offering some great holiday promos, including a first time floater pack for $150. Purchase in store or online.

Bureaux Modern Mercantile is a modern general store located in Abbotsford. They have an extensive apothecary section both in store and online which features locally made bath and body products, sustainable and minimal packaging items, and essential oils and diffusers. 

Chilliwack’s Rustic Soap Co. is a small local shop that is currently taking online orders. Specializing in bath and body products that are good for your skin and help to soothe conditions such as eczema without the use of harsh chemicals. Products and gift sets are available in a variety of natural scents or fragrance-free.

Inspiring Art

The holidays are the perfect time to show support for all of our local artists and artisans.

Canwest Art Gallery is located just steps from the lake in picturesque Harrison Hot Springs. Indulge your senses for a few moments or a few hours while you peruse world class art, and take something home for the perfect gift. 

Located in Hope, Heaven N Earth Native Art Gallery and Cultural Studio carries only local hand made products directly from the artist, supporting the First Nations Art Community. You can find authentic handmade cedar and birch bark jewelry, beaded jewelry, baskets, masks, Spirit Bear Coffee, handmade clothing, cedar root dream catchers and so much more!

Beadifferent in Hope carries extraordinary jewelry, beading supplies, carvings, and other unique gifts. They also stock a large selection of handmade soap that is crafted locally in Hope. Check them out in store or online and be inspired!

The Stó∶lō Gift Shop is a First Nations store in Chilliwack that specializes in local, one of a kind, authentic indigenous arts, crafts & giftware. They always have new items so be sure to stop by the store or check out their website.

For the Person Who Has Everything

Finding a gift for the person who has it all can be tricky, but we’ve picked out some things that we guarantee will surprise and delight!

Hemingway’s Books & Records in Abbotsford is home to an extensive array of new and used books and records, including rare releases. Stop by to peruse the shelves, or call them to see if they have a specific title or album you’re looking for.

Mission’s Happy Homesteader is great for someone looking for a new hobby, you can find everything you need to begin beekeeping. You’ll find all the essentials including hives, protective clothing, beekeeping classes, and of course bees! Not only a great hobby, it’s great for the environment, too.

Kensington Prairie Farm is home to 78 Huacaya Alpacas in Langley. In addition to breeding, raising and showing alpacas, they also sell a variety of high-quality Canadian made and imported alpaca products (sweaters, scarfs, and much more) in their on-farm boutique and online store.

Blue Dandelion Gifts and Collectables, with locations in Harrison and Agassiz, is a gift shop featuring a large variety of locally sourced gift ideas including children’s games and toys, womens clothing, and souvenir items. Check out their locally made essential oils and jewelry crafted from local Fraser Valley artists.

A cool stop in Mission, Trendy or What Knot is the best place to purchase your trendy yarns and patterns, from beginner scarfs to intricate sweaters. There are two other businesses at this location, The LoomRoom makes and sells the unique Mission Tartan and Turtlebeads Studio offers handcrafted glass-based jewelry.

Teddy bears are born as a new form of art at Bearga Gallery in Langley; where they present Artist teddy bears that are made with Mohair & Alpaca. The Bearga Gallery is home to beautiful, handmade, collectable Teddy Bears from all over the world!

Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC. But now is the time for us to stay local and support local businesses with just your immediate household or bubble. Let’s each do our part now, so we can explore BC again, soon. We’re all in this together.