The storybook small towns of the Kootenays are home to creative artisans who are looking to help you with your 2022 gift giving. We’ve taken the legwork out of your gift buying this season by finding a selection of fabulous gifts from Nelson, Kimberley, Slocal and beyond.
And these aren’t the only small businesses in the area, find more inspiration and gift ideas by exploring the Kootenay Marketplace.
Popov Leather 
Gift Idea: Leather iPhone Case
Perfect for: Your Man About Town
Location: Nelson
There’s not many of us who can be too far from our phones. So why not help your loved ones look good while they use it. Made from a durable, full-grain leather that will patina over time, these hand sewn iPhone cases also have the Magsafe, wireless charging built in. Durable and smooth to the touch, they come with lifetime guarantee.
Lillie & Cohoe
Gift Idea: Vintage Brocade Headwrap
Perfect for: Fashionista Friend
Location: Nelson
Have your friend channel their inner Alicia Keys with this handmade brocade headwrap. Worn with the twist at the front, side or back and will add an element of style to any outfit.
Viva Cacao
Gift Idea: Small Holiday gift pack
Perfect for: Chocolate Lovers
Location: Slocan
This holiday chocolate basket contains all the favourites: Almond Butter Crunch, Cranberry Ginger, and more. This small-batch chocolatier specializes in dairy-free, refined sugar-free, organic chocolate. So it not only tastes good, it does good too.
Tumbled Earth
Gift Idea: Cairn Rock Necklace
Perfect for: Earth Loving Friend
Location: Kimberley
Made with naturally tumbled stones from the Kootenay River, this necklace is inspired by the stacked stones so often found along the banks of the river. Tumbled Earth’s aim is to connect people to the natural world with their jewellery, as well as adding a little bling to any outfit.
True North Distilleries Ltd.
Gift Idea: Djinneh Elderberry Gin
Perfect for: Seasonal Mixologist
Location: Qualicum Beach
‘Tis the season to party with friends. If you have a friend who is an aspiring mixologist, check out the Craft Distillery Industry in Qualicaum Beach. Their Djinneh Elderberry Gin brings a tangy, tart taste to any gin cocktail.
Yahk Soap & Candle Company
Gift Idea: Peach Bellini Gift Box
Perfect for: Pampered Pal
Location: Yahk
These beautiful soap and bath bomb sets, in scents like Peach Bellini, brings a touch of class to those bath loving friends in your life. Handmade in Yahk, BC, with goats milk, almond oil and essential oils, these products will leave them feeling soothed and pampered.
Katherine Russell Glass Art
Gift Idea: Stamped Soap Dish: Wheatfields
Perfect for: Homemaker Friend
Location: Elkford
Give that friend from Saskatchewan a taste of home, with these wheatfield stamped soap dishes. Handcrafted first from clay and then moulded in glass, these dishes will bring a touch of colour to any bathroom.
Cartolina
Gift Idea: Cavallini Vintage Puzzles
Perfect for: Cottage Visitors
Location: Nelson
With vintage prints from the Cavallini Archives, these 1,000 piece puzzles offer both entertainment and an education in nature. From mushrooms to oceans, birds to bikes, there’s a print for everyone.
