The Okanagan is well known for all things wine, but it is also home to a whole host of small businesses waiting to help you solve your holiday gift search.
We have scoured the BC Marketplace for a selection of fabulous gifts from Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, Merritt and the surrounding area. Helping you put smiles on your loved ones faces, and dollars in the local community.
But remember these aren’t the only small businesses in the area, for more inspiration try exploring the Okanagan Marketplace.
Artemex
Gift Idea: Talavera Pozolero Bowl
Perfect for: Holiday Hosts
Location: West Kelowna
Have a friend who loves to host? These handmade bowls, with their striking colours and designs, are the perfect gift. Sourced from local artisans in Mexico, they are both attractive and practical, being lead free, and safe to put in the dishwasher and microwave.
Western Rope Creations
Gift Idea: Rodeo Rope Basket
Perfect for: Horse Lovers and Interior Designers
Location: Kamloops
These handmade baskets, made from recycled rodeo ropes, are a cool and unique addition to any room. Have a family member that has their own rope? Western Rope Creations can make a custom basket with it too. Handmade by melting the ropes together, it will create a lasting memory and keepsake.
Knotted Words
Gift Idea: Custom Wood Signs
Perfect for: Sentimentalists
Location: Vernon
Have a quirky saying that means something to a friend, or an anniversary to mark? These handmade custom signs and charcuterie boards are the perfect way to tell someone you love them.
BC Brine
Gift Idea: Gourmet Craft Pickles
Perfect for: Pickle Lovers
Location: Vernon
Beans, Jalapenos, Celery, Carrots, you name it, there’s a pickle of it, at BC Brine. From seed to brine, this small batch pickling company has the tasty treats you need for that stocking stuffer.
Home For The Harvest 
Gift Idea: Vegetable Garden Plans
Perfect for: Aspiring Gardeners
Location: Kelowna
These detailed week-by-week growing guides are perfect for the aspiring gardener in your life. Instead of spending money on seeds that won’t grow, this guide will tell them which seeds to grow where, with a pre-planned map and care instructions.
Okanagan Soap
Gift Idea: Shower Steamers
Perfect for: Spa Lovers
Location: Kelowna
Made with traditional, eco-friendly ingredients these shower steamers and soaps will make your loved ones not only smell good, but feel good too. Their shower steamers are a great way to start the day, releasing essential oil aroma into the air and uplifting their spirits.
The Canadian Barley Tea Company
Gift Idea: 24 Days of Tea
Perfect for: Tea Enthusiasts
Location: Salmon Arm
The gift of tea is the gift of comfort and taste. Mo’mugi tea is made with roasted barley, organically grown in the Shuswap. Inspired by Japanese mugicha, is great alternative to traditional tea, and is caffeine, sugar, calorie, and gluten free
Ravens Reads
Gift Idea: Reading Subscription Box
Perfect for: Book Lovers
Location: Kamloops
Whether you choose a one-off box, a monthly subscription, Raven Reads is a great way to support indigenous businesses and give a unique gift. Each box includes a book, a letter from the author, a printed insert about an aspect of Indigenous culture, and two or three giftware items.
