“Have Yourself a Local Little Christmas”
As the holidays approach and Christmas lists begin to form, we recognize shopping will look a little different this year! Gatherings will be smaller and shopping will occur closer to home. Our goal is to encourage local shopping this holiday season, which is why we’re sharing some of our new and longtime favourite local shops and artisans in our Vancouver Island Holiday Shopping Guide!
We have partnered up with these amazing BC businesses to bring you 12 Days of Giveaways, so make sure you’re following along on the KC Custom Designs Instagram for a chance to win some beautiful items!
ARTISAIRE – Victoria
If you’re looking for the ultimate finishing touch to your holiday cards, adore gift wrapping, or have a stationery lover in your life, ARTISAIRE has the most beautiful products for taking your wrapping game and holiday cards to the next level. They offer pre-made wax seals (that have a sticker back for those of us less DIY inclined) as well as everything needed to make your own beautiful seals. Their engraved brass stamps are an elegant addition to any desk and come in a wide range of beautiful designs. You can also create customized stamps and wax seals!
Instagram: @artisaire | Website: artisaire.com
Wild & Free Organics – Victoria
Family owned and operated, Wild & Free Organics creates beautiful scents designed to bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your home. With items ranging from hand poured candles to linen sprays and lip balms, you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for the cozy lover on your list. Two of our favourite scents, especially around the holidays, are the Cinnamon and Sugar Candle and the Vanilla and Tangerine Room Spray.
Instagram: @wildandfreeorganicsltd | Website: wildandfreeorganics.com
The Knotted B – Victoria
The cutest little headband shop around! The knotted style has been a huge trend this year and we absolutely love the beautiful fabrics and colours The Knotted B uses in their handmade products. Inspired by trends from the 1950’s and Gossip Girl (who didn’t love Blair’s headbands), they make headbands, scrunchies, and children’s bows. Message them directly on Instagram or find them at the Handmade Village Craft Market on November 28th!
Instagram: @theknottedb | Website: theknottedb.com
Nature Bee Wraps – Victoria
Whether you’ve got an environment lover on your list or want to reduce your plastic use over the holidays, Nature Bee Wraps have you (and your baking) covered. Alongside their variety packs of wraps, they also have Swedish dishcloths, produce bags, and our favourite, the zero waste gift bundle! Their wraps are made from 100% cotton fabric and Vancouver Island sourced beeswax, pine tree resin and jojoba oil. Find them on Tiktok to see all the unique ways you can use their wraps!
Instagram: @naturebeewraps | TikTok: @naturebeegoods | Website: naturebeewraps.ca
Calabrese Photography – Victoria
Photo sessions are a wonderful gift for your family, newly engaged couples, or parents to be! We love using Calabrese Photography for our social media photos, however her personal sessions are equally as magical. Clare is such a dream to work with and captures the most precious moments!
Instagram: @calabrese.photos
Buttata Ceramics – Victoria
Michele has been creating stunning ceramics in Victoria for over 20 years. Her west coast inspired pieces would be a gorgeous addition to any home. A few of our favourite pieces include the Driftwood Glaze serving platter, the Open salad bowl in Cream Glaze and the Driftwood Glazed mug.
Instagram: @buttataceramics | Website: buttata.com
Karmen’s Cookies – Victoria
Just about too pretty to eat, these personalized cookies make a wonderful gift, treat, Christmas dinner dessert, and stocking or holiday card addition. Karmen is our go to gal for all of our cookie needs, we can attest they taste just as perfect as they look!
To order cookies, contact Karmen directly on Instagram: @karmenscookies
Picot Collective – Victoria
If you’re searching for the perfect gift bundle, look no further than Picot Collective. Pair their well-loved Honey Tobacco candle with the Community Cookbook for the home chef in your life, for the perfect gift. Not only does the Community Cookbook have beautiful recipes, but 100% of the proceeds go to your choice of, the Victoria Women’s Transition House, Indigenous Harm Reduction Team, SNIWWOC, or Our Place Society.
Instagram: @picotcollective | Website: picotcollective.com
The Green Kiss – Victoria
Green Kiss has been a staple on our vanity for many years. The Green Kiss team hand picks each item to ensure it will not only take care of your skin (they carry the most natural, ethical, and synthetic chemical-free products available), but will make you feel beautiful as well. From face masks to eyeshadow, their wide range of products is sure to have the perfect gift of any size!
Instagram: @thegreenkiss | Website: thegreenkiss.com
The Cozy Wall – Victoria
If you love prayer beads and Scandinavian décor, you need to check out The Cozy Wall. Each piece is handmade in Victoria and fully customizable to your own preference. This holiday season they have come out with a line of ornaments and garland that are the perfect addition to any tree or gift box! The Cozy Wall is also offering free delivery within Victoria at this time if you are wanting to keep your holiday shopping contactless!
Instagram: @thecozywall | Etsy: etsy.com/ca/shop/thecozywallshop
Whitewood Cottage – Victoria
Whitewood Cottage is the go-to destination for farmhouse Christmas décor. We cannot get enough of their beautiful esthetic! This season, they are offering customized gift baskets and décor kits, perfect for a one stop shop during this busy season! Give the ultimate gift of a décor box subscription – four seasonal boxes including 6-7 hand-picked items, with a savings of up to $120.
Instagram: @whitewoodcottageco | Website: whitewoodcottage.com
West Coast Wraps – Victoria
Much like how you can never do too much to help the environment, you can never have too many West Coast Wraps! West Coast Wraps is another personal favourite of ours, we especially adore their west coast inspired prints. Each wrap is made from 100% cotton and Vancouver Island sourced wax!
Instagram: @westcoastwaxwraps | Website: westcoastwaxwraps.com
Blend Vintage – Cobble Hill
Looking for a gift for the DIY lover? Blend is your treasure chest. Located in Cobble Hill, their shop includes re-loved furniture, vintage home décor, lifestyle goods, and all the supplies needed to refinish furniture. We love to use the Milk Paint to add a farmhouse vibe to any item!
Instagram: @blend_creative_vintage
Superior Farms – Lantzville
Superior Farms is one of our favourite places to stop when we head up island! Searching for a gift for your green thumbed friend? This is the place for you. The Garden Center located on the property has just about everything you need to keep your garden thriving! If you prefer to give experiences over items, they host fabulous workshops year-round. The Christmas wreath and centrepiece workshops are booking up fast, but there are still a few spots left!
Instagram: @superior_farms | Website: superiorfarmsbc.ca
Wild Wood Creative – Nanoose Bay
We absolutely love the Wild Wood Creatives custom wooden signs. These stunning signs would make the perfect gift for any nursery, home, or business owner! While orders are being taken for January, we suggest giving a gift card or sketch of the personalized gift – trust us, it is well worth the wait.
Instagram: @wild.wood.creative | Website: wildwood-creative.com
Covet – Qualicum
While on your island holiday shopping trip, Covet is a must stop for your on the hunt for a good fashion find. Their shop includes handpicked local and sustainable brands, as well as familiar favourites such as Matt & Nat and Paper Label. Covet is known for their wide range of rain boots; a perfect item to pick up before taking a winter walk along the beach! Shopping local boutiques is a wonderful way to not only support your community, but to also support sustainable fashion.
Instagram: @covetinqualicum | Website: covetinqualicum.com
States of Summer – Courtenay
If you’re searching for the ultimate lifestyle boutique, look no further than States of Summer. Finishing up your Christmas list is effortless at this trendy boutique. They carry brands such as Smash + Tess and CAM. We especially love their cozy sweaters, instagram-worthy hats and unique home accessories!
Instagram: @statesofsummer | Website: statesofsummer.com
Esther Bead Co. – Maple Ridge
This is one of our three mainland bonus selections that we just had to include in our gift guide. While not located on the island, Esther Bead Co. designs stunning hand-crafted jewelry and is offering free shipping throughout the holiday season! Their pieces are both timeless and elegant, and utilize local Canadian materials. Some of our favourites include The Abigail hoops and The Julia + Claudia Set pictured above.
Instagram: @estherbead.co | Website: estherbeadco.godaddysites.com
The Hazel Collection – Kamloops
The Hazel Collection is the second mainland bonus selection. If you’ve followed us on instagram for long, you know we love a beautiful sign with inspiring words; The Hazel Collection is our favourite place to shop modern farmhouse signs. There is no gift more thoughtful than sharing a quote that is near to your heart with someone you love.
Instagram: @thehazelcollection
Studio on Tenth – Salmon Arm
Studio on Tenth is our final mainland bonus selection – their delicate French linen prints were just too precious to not include. But don’t worry, if you won’t be heading to Salmon Arm over the holidays, you can find them on Etsy! Each item is hand printed and designed by the mother daughter duo, Andrea and Emma. Our idea of the perfect gift from Studio on Tenth? Giving a tea towel personalized with a handwritten family recipe or your favourite holiday quote!
Instagram: @studioontenth | Etsy: etsy.com/ca/shop/studioontenth
Happy Local Shopping!
We hope this guide inspires you to shop and support local this holiday season! Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
XoXo,
The KC Custom Designs Team
KC Custom Designs 
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