The Island Crafted Locally Handmade Holiday Gift Guide is back for 2023, and it’s a great way to help you support Island locals this holiday season. This article is filled with unique products, all handmade on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.
All of the makers from our Island Crafted online business directory were invited to submit their favourite products to showcase here. From stocking stuffers and smaller gifts priced below $25, to elaborate handcrafted creations valued into the hundreds, you are bound to find the perfect gift you need in this unique shopping guide.
Who are you hunting for? The parents or inlaws? Your sibling, bestie, or your little kiddo? Your child’s teacher or your favourite delivery person? We hope that this gift guide helps you find exactly what you’re looking for! Happy shopping, and thank you for choosing to support your local Vancouver Island small businesses this holiday season. And please give this post a share to help support these talented local Island creatives, and comment with your favourite find!
Check back often as new products are added throughout the season.
*** Please note: this gift guide is very image heavy, and as such, it may take a little longer to load. Please be patient. ***
FAQ’s
“I need more details on the product!”
Full details on all local products showcased in the galleries below are listed in the second part of this gift guide. Click on the maker’s name under each image to jump to the details section on that specific maker.
“How do I order?”
The maker’s full Island Crafted profile page can be opened by clicking the “View full business listing” link in the list view in the second part of this local gift guide. The business’s profile page will provide you with all the details you need to get in touch with them. Depending on the business, you may be able to purchase online through their website or Etsy shop, or you may have to message them directly to arrange your order. Many local creatives will also offer free local pickup, if you’re in their area be sure to connect with them directly! Several of these small Island businesses will also be appearing in markets throughout the holiday season; these market appearances will also be listed on their profile page.
“How do I use this guide?“
The makers listed on the Island Crafted website were asked to submit their favourite products to showcase in this local gift guide, one for each price range if they wished. This local gift guide is separated into two parts: the first part is a gallery view with all the products separated based on their price range, and the second part displays all the products from each maker and is categorized by geographical regions – Northern Vancouver Island, Central Vancouver Island, and Southern Vancouver Island/The Gulf Islands.
island made gift ideas – gallery view
Gift ideas under $25.00
Gift ideas under $50.00
Gift ideas under $75.00
Gift ideas over $75.00
island made gift ideas – list view
Full details from the products showcased above can be found in this section, and includes links to the product creator’s business profile.
Jump to: Northern Vancouver Island | Central Vancouver Island | Southern Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands
Northern Vancouver Island
Elevate’d Ware, Campbell River B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Hand stamped flatware & wood burning artist.
Hand stamped vintage flatware
Hand stamped vintage flatware, inspired by life, love, nature, bold conversations and bolder coffee.
Charcuterie Boards
Hand burned (pyrography) with a nature inspired design, and includes the added uniqueness of an authentic pulled cedar braided rope handle. The cedar braided ropes are the work of of two amazing First Nations Artists: Ken F. Cooper and Gina A. Hunt.
Natural Collection Stands, Campbell River, B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Woodworker creating instrument stands & displays.
Instrument Stands & Displays
Natural Collection Stands creates beautifully designed musical instrument stands and displays. The collection includes Wall Hangers, Floor Stands, Display Cabinets, and Performing Stools. Each piece is hand crafted from high quality hardwoods, Portuguese cork, and high end hardware.
The Marine Detective, Port McNeill, B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Underwater photographer, teacher, & whale researcher.
Find the Fish Book
This eye-spy style book is the “Where’s Waldo” of the fish world, and currently comes in three beautiful Volumes.
It is soft-cover and features pages of searches for fish of the northeast Pacific Ocean. $19.00
2024 Wild Calendar
The Marine Detective’s 2024 WILD calendar is aimed at raising awareness about (and positive action for) the beauty, mystery and fragility of life in the cold, dark NE Pacific Ocean. All images are from NE Vancouver Island, Canada. $26.50
Ocean Wildlife Photography
Jaw-dropping images of sea creatures and the underwater world around Norther Vancouver Island. Available to print on canvas or metal. Price varies
Central Vancouver Island
Amanda Key Designs, Nanaimo B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Graphic design artist creating vibrant stickers, pins, and calendars with her original art.
Please note that due to overwhelming demand, this artisan is only accepting online orders from from December 12-14. She is also appearing at several markets throughout the season.
2024 Desktop Calendar
This 2024 Desktop Calendar comes with a convenient easel stand, and is filled with Amanda Key’s beautiful whimsical artwork.
Aspen Blue, Nanaimo B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Fun & unique custom & stock doormats
Door Mats
Cute and affordable doormats printed with fun and hilarious quotes, to greet you and your guests at your front door. Custom orders available too! Made from coir – a natural resource made of coconut fibers. $48.00 for stock, $60 for custom.
Back 40 Designs, Comox Valley B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Knitter specializing in headwraps and Pom Toques.
Knit Twist Headbands
Great stocking stuffers for anyone!
Classic Line
Classic Line knit toques for the whole family, plus fingerless mitts and cozy scarves under $50. Custom orders are welcome, or choose from a selection of “ready to ship” items.
Luxe Line
Luxe Line merino wool toques and scarves for the ultimate in luxury and style. Under $75. Custom orders are welcome, or choose from a selection of “ready to ship” items.
Bread + Clutter, Nanaimo B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Award-Winning Author & illustrator creating children’s book.
Children’s Books
The Awkward + Awesome™ book series celebrates everyday heroes and many of the books focus on topics that may be difficult to discuss. Written and illustrated by Award-Winning Author Lindsay Ford. Fun to read for anyone from 1 to 100!
Single books are $19.99 each, 4 book Volume sets are $69.99, and the 10 book box set is $179.99. Written, illustrated, published, and printed on Vancouver Island, B.C.
Gots You Covered, Nanaimo B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Sewer and crocheter crafting cozy fleece blankets and bootie slippers.
Crocheted Items
These handmade crochet cozy slippers, cotton dishcloths, cotton scrubbies, and cute hand towels adorned with fun prints and quotes. All under $25.
Knotted Fleece Blankets
Cozy up in one of these fleece knotted blankets, available in a large assortment of fabrics including prints with your favourite sports team’s logo, or your favourite cartoon character! All under $75.
Kid-o’s, Nanaimo B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Sewer specializing in grow with me pants and beanies.
Beanies & Top Knot Hats
Cotton/lycra pom pom beanies and top knot hats in a variety of colours and adorable fabrics, for babies, toddlers, big kids, and adults! Sizes 3 mos. to adult. $25 each.
Baby/Toddler Shortalls & Overalls
Your little will be styling in these Knotted shortalls and overalls! Top quality cotton/lycra fabric. Sizes: 3-6 mos, 6-9 mos, 9-12 mos. $40.00
Pancake Pictures, Qualicum Beach, B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Mom-and-pop video production & photography company, crafting the narratives of islanders and beyond.
Taryn’s Cloth Creations, Nanaimo B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Sewer specializing in essential oil organizer cases and reusable bags.
Reusable Straw Bags
These handy reusable bags are great for cutting out plastic in your life! The Double sided reusable straw bag has two compartments to keep dirty and clean straws, utensils etc. separated. (under $20)
Essential oil organizer case
Taryn’s Essential Oil Organizer comes with a padded divider insert to keep essential oil bottles upright and organized. Fits up to 12 Essential Oil bottles. Available in several different styles. (under $50)
Triple Goddess Soapery, Nanaimo B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Small batch cold processed soaps and bath products featuring milk, clay, and hemp seed oil.
Soap & Bath products
A selection of locally inspired soap and bath products. Gentle luxury for your skin.
Yellow Deer Mustard, Qualicum Beach B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Small batch artisanal mustard maker, blended locally in small batches with their own spice mixes.
Artisanal Mustards
Artisanal mustard blends including Whisky Maple, Honey, Ol’ Yeller, Berbere, Creole, Curry, Dill Pickle, and Jalapeño Jerk!!! The perfect stocking stuffer or locally made hostess gift!
Southern Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands
Evercoast Handmade, Victoria B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Sewer specializing in large variety of custom reusable items and aprons.
Reusable Essentials
Reusable snack bags, unpaper towels, wet bags, reusable facial squares, beeswax wraps, and so much more, available in a wide variety of fun prints for both kids and adults alike. All under $25.00.
Custom kid’s aprons
The perfect accessory for your budding chef! Double sided, with a fun 100% cotton print on the front and a coordinating 100% cotton backing, neck strap and ties, these aprons are built to withstand continued use and washings. Available in different sizes with many different fabric options, including super colour-me printed fabrics! $25.00 – $30.00
I Am Blessed Mala Beads, Lake Cowichan B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Crystal, intention and reiki infused self-care & meditation products
Our self-care essentials
Crystal and reiki infused candles, sprays, and roll-ons. All under $25.00.
Bracelets and shirts
Mala Bracelets and shirts created for crystal and spiritual lovers. Under $50.
Selfcare clothing and Pocket/Car Malas
Selfcare clothing and pocket/car malas. All under $75.
I Used to be a Pallet, Victoria B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Woodworker creating the majority of his products from discarded pallet wood. Specializing in replica doll houses, replica ‘Little Lending Libraries’, & outdoor garden decor such as bird houses and lighthouses.
Holiday Ornaments
Adorable locally made wooden tree ornaments are the perfect little stocking stuffer, available in a variety of designs including Rudolf, The Grinch, snowpeople, and holiday balls.
Beer Pong Hoops
Add a little extra adult fun to your holiday festivities! Under $25.
Condiment Picnic Table
A fun way to keep all your condiments organized. Under $50.
Solar Lighthouse
A great gift for the ocean lover or gardener in your life, this wooden lighthouse glows at night thanks to its solar lamp.
Pathfinder Dog Adventures, Duncan B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Small batch dehydrated dog treats made from Vancouver Island raised beef and/or pork.
Small Holiday Gift Box
The Holiday Gift Box for the canine companion in your life! Small box contains 1 100 gram bag of farm fresh dehydrated doggy treats and 1 2oz Cowichan Valley Paw Wax Salve. ($20.00)
Large Holiday Gift Box
This Large Gift Box contains two 100 gram bags of treats and one 2oz Paw Wax Salve. ($30.00)
Sugar Sandwich Designs, Sooke B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Grow Along™ Babywear is growth-spurt friendly and helps take the guesswork out of choosing kids clothing for gifts. Long cuffs/waistbands, wide necks and stretchy fabrics make these items fit for longer.
Custom onezie
Island made gifts for the babes! 100% cotton baby onezie diaper shirt with vinyl design applied with commercial heat press for permanent imprint. $25.00
Baby Accessories
Island made gifts for the babes! Baby Accessories including topknot hats, teether toys and bandanas. Sold separately or together in a bundle. Available in many different adorable fabrics.
Graphic Fleece Hoodies
Growth-spurt-friendly features include wider neck, extra length in sleeve, and loose armhole. The fabric is cozy brushed sweat with 95% cotton and 5% Lycra. The unique design features a vinyl imprint applied with commercial heat press. Price varies depending on size, all under $55.00.
Waffle Knit & Legging bundle
Cozy up, baby! These Waffle Knit Grow Along shirts and pants come with a matching beanie.
Threading the Love, Cowichan Valley, B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Personalized embroidery services, specializing in customizing stuffies, clothing, and seasonal items.
Elf & Barbie accessories
Every Elf loves to be dressed for the occasion. Threading the Love carries a large line of sweaters, costumes and accessories for elves and barbies alike. Check out their website for our full line up. Under $25.00
Personalized and custom embroidered items
An amazing line up of over 80 stuffed animals, 30 lovies as well as stockings and adorable reading pillows. They love creating custom pieces so feel free to reach out if you have a specific request.
Two Drunk Witches, Victoria B.C.
View full business listing for details on how to purchase (click here)
Botanically-based facial skin care, body care and aromatherapy product maker
(Counter clockwise) Yuletide 100% Pure Essential Oil Blend, Sacred Serum, Naked Solstice Facial Serum with Vitamin C and Neroli, Holiday Spell 100% Pure Essential Oil Blend
Did you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments!
If you’re a lover of local products, and passionate about supporting local Island businesses, please help support these creative by giving this post a share on Facebook, Instagram, or talk about it with your peeps! We so appreciate each and every comment, click, and share! Happy Holidays from all of us here at Island Crafted, and thank you for supporting local.
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