This holiday season, make your gift-giving experience extra special by supporting local brands and businesses! With so many amazing small businesses out there, we've made it a little easier for you to choose by curating our top picks of remarkable companies and unique gift ideas that are sure to bring joy to your friends and family.
From dance classes to handmade jewellery, artisan-made candles and exceptional spirits, these diverse local gems offer something for everyone, making your gift not only memorable but also a symbol and much appreciated dose of support for the hard-working small businesses and vibrant communities around you.
Keep reading below for 14 of our favourite picks for this holiday season...
1. Dance your way into the New Year with Passion & Performance Dance Studio:
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Gift the joy of dance and community through Passion and Performance (P&P) Dance Studio!
It's no secret that this is our teams top pick for a place to have some fun, blow off steam, explore movement and get in to our bodies year-round.
A gift card for dance classes at P&P is the perfect present for anyone who loves to move or is looking to join a diverse, inclusive and FUN community!!
With an amazing selection of top-quality instructors and a wide variety of available styles and class types - from hip hop to heels, drag to tap, contemporary to burlesque, stretch and strength and so much more - P&P is an adult-only dance studio inclusive of all skill levels and ages 19-70+.
So whether you've never stepped foot in a dance studio, danced as a kid and let it go as an adult or have been dancing for years, there is something for everyone at our beautiful studio in Mount Pleasant.
What makes it even more special? Add a little extra sparkle to your year by jumping on the opportunity to perform in professionally produced shows at incredible venues like the historic Vogue Theatre and gorgeous South Hall.
Consider this pick for the dance enthusiast in your life, someone who could use a little more fun in their weekly routine or anyone looking to pick up a new, active hobby.
Plus, did you know our 3,300 sq. ft. studio space is available for rent for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, corporate events and more? Stay tuned for more information about this space or inquire today by emailing hello@emmcreativearts.com
2. Elevate Your Workout Game with Sweat Matterz:
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For the yoga or fitness enthusiast in your life, Sweat Matterz provides an array of exceptional yoga mats and workout gear.
Check out their patent-pending 'Know Where You Are' yoga mat designed to improve posture and alignment.
Not just for yoga! We love it also for pilates, HIIT, barre, Stretch & Strength and any other workout that requires a sturdy, comfy mat to move on!
What's more?! All their yoga mats are created from natural materials and are naturally anti-slip, anti-microbial and eco-friendly! No towel needed!
This thoughtful gift is perfect for someone who loves staying active and values the quality and sustainability of their workout accessories.
3. Unique Handmade Jewelry Made by Nattie:
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For those who love statement jewellery and unique accessories, Made by Nattie offers a selection of stunning, handmade pieces inspired by travels, heritage, art, and fashion.
Dare to be different with these one-of-a-kind jewellery items that are bound to make a statement. One of our favourites are the 'Morana Earrings' (pictured on the right)!
Check out their online shop to find the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the art of adorning themselves with distinctive, handcrafted treasures made right here in Vancouver!
4. The Art of Self-Care with Just the Tip YVR:
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We all need some pampering from time to time, put your hands in the hands of the best at Just the Tip!
With a gift card to Just the Tip YVR, you can treat a loved one to a manicure of their choice, from Russian Manicures to gel extensions and hand spas.
Get the perfect set of artistic, gorgeous nails by an extremely talented local artist and some quality time for self-care!
Make sure to book early if you want to get your tips sparkling before the holidays! Check out their work on Instagram!
5. Raise a Glass for Positive Change with Squirrel Friendz:
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Based in Vancouver, BC, Squirrel Friendz goes beyond crafting exceptional spirits.
With a commitment to giving back to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, every sip supports a movement dedicated to creating positive change.
Gift your loved ones a smooth and great-tasting bottle of Squirrel Friendz Vodka,
and support this incredible local business that combines great taste, passion, and inclusivity.
6. Crafted Cocktails for Busy Lives by Black Fly Booze:
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Know someone who adores cocktails but is too busy to craft them from scratch?
Black Fly Booze Cocktails might be the perfect solution. With real juices, real cane sugar (no high fructose corn syrup), and real Canadian vodka or Mexican tequila, these cocktails are both unique and delicious.
Impress your holiday party with a selection of real quality, real taste beverages that are also gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and come in green sustainable packaging.
Available at most BC Liquor Stores - search here for your favourite flavour!
7. Quality Time and Craft Beer at Container Brewing:
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Container Brewing offers not just fantastic craft beer but also the gift of quality time.
Treat your loved ones to an evening in the cozy Container Brewing space and explore a variety of delicious brews.
With open mics every Sunday and mouthwatering eggplant or chicken parmesan sandwiches by the Burdy Foodtruck from Wednesday to Saturday, it's an experience that's hard to resist.
8. Scents that Tell Stories with Vancouver Waxlings:
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Margot, known as the "Queen of Scents," creates original-scented candles that capture the essence of memories and experiences.
With over 75 unique scents, Margot's passion for scents and memories shines through in her creations. Her scents are inspired by product scents from bakeries, restaurants, and various companies, allowing you to relive your favourite moments through scent.
This holiday season, consider gifting a piece of nostalgia with Vancouver Waxlings' scented candles.
Check out the 2023 Holiday collection and find them at our mini holiday market at the Candy Cane Cabaret on December 2nd!
9. Unwrap Indigenous Wellness with Sisters Sage:
Gift the essence of Indigenous wellness with Sisters Sage.
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From smokeless smudge sprays bringing the calming aura of traditional smudging to artisan soaps and bath bombs delivering a sensory journey, each product is a
cultural celebration.
Share the gift of Indigenous culture, tradition, and well-being—unwrapping positivity and stories with every purchase.
10. Quiet Luxury & Fragrance That Transforms with BE LARIS Perfume Oils:
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Elevate their senses with the transformative experience of BE LARIS Canada's perfume oils.
More than just scents, these oils aim to unlock hidden strengths and kindle a renewed love for life.
Each perfume oil that was painstakingly prepared has a greater purpose: To push boundaries and transport you to a realm where our fragrances become catalysts for unlocking hidden strengths and igniting a renewed love for life.
Ultimately, they aspire for their perfume oils to make you feel at ease in your own skin and remind you that you are more powerful than you think.
Give a gift that not only smells amazing but also helps people feel confident and powerful - check out their wide variety of delectable scents and get a free sample with every full-sized fragrance purchase!
11. Create Memories that will last a lifetime with Kaaran Singh:
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These are the moments we want to remember, so lock them in beautifully with a professional photoshoot with the ultra-talented Kaaran Singh!
From personal portraits, to pets, products and gorgeous artistic experiments, K is keen on telling stories through the images he creates. As a portrait photographer, his goal is to make everyone be aware of who they are and be comfortable in their own skin.
As our chosen photographer for our latest #GETMELTED sessions, we can vouch for K's professionalism, talent, artistic eye and calm, comfortable demeanour in any photoshoot circumstance.
Check out some of his work on Instagram and Book your #GETMELTED shoot before January 1st to get 25% off any session booking!
12. Faux Fur Eleganza with C/C Chic:
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Infuse glamour into winter wardrobes with elegant fur cuffs from C/C Chic.
Handmade with high-quality faux fur and lined, these stylish accessories are available in a dozen different colours and patterns.
At $50 a pair, they are a unique and thoughtful gift for the fashionista in your life.
Email to order at ccchampagne@telus.net and find them at our mini holiday market at the Candy Cane Cabaret on December 2nd!
13. The Perfect Stocking Stuffers - Stickers by Crystal Chan:
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Add a touch of personality to your belongings with waterproof die-cut vinyl stickers designed by Crystal Chan.
From holographic to glow-in-the-dark, these stickers offer a whimsical and affordable way to customize laptops, water bottles, helmets, and more.
Check out Crystals awesome work on Instagram and find them at our mini holiday market sharing our EMM Apparel booth at the Candy Cane Cabaret on December 2nd!
14. Last but certainly not least - unleash your Creativity, Authenticity & Passion with EMM Apparel:
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Elevate your gift-giving game with EMM Apparel's stunning range of unique wearable art.
From activewear to cozy crewnecks, hoodies and even home and office ware, EMM has something for everyone.
Each piece features original and unique artwork designed right here in Vancouver!
Explore the vibrant Midnight, Living and Dusk Colourways across the collection, adding an extra pop of colour to your loved one's wardrobe.
Gift the joy of wearable art with EMM Apparel this holiday season! - Get 10% all apparel orders off by subscribing to our newsletter!
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This holiday season, go beyond the usual and make your gifts truly special by supporting local businesses and brands.
From the rhythm of dance to the sparkle of unique jewellery, the smooth taste of local spirits, self-care, quality craft beer, and top-notch workout gear, these gift ideas promise to bring joy to your loved ones and shine a light on the local communities that make your city unique.
Give the gift of support, quality, and a dash of creativity this holiday season by purchasing from small businesses and makers. 💖
Written by EMM Creative Arts Co. - 11.23.2023
EMM Creative Arts Co. (c)
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