Shop Local: Unique Abbotsford Gift Ideas

Although this year will look a little bit different, we are still grateful for all that we have to celebrate. This year, more than ever, it is important to shop locally for your holiday gifts. Finding the perfect gift doesn’t have to mean long drives into the city, braving large crowds at the mall, or impersonal items ordered online. In Abbotsford you can find unique gifts that are handmade and homegrown by local creators and sold at small local shops. Feel good this festive season knowing you are supporting local and giving cool gifts that your friends and family are sure to love!

Gifts that Help the Planet

Beeswax Wraps from Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery
Everyone can use beeswax wraps, an alternative to plastic food wrap, which makes it an excellent stocking stuffer. Campbell’s Gold sells premade wraps in different sizes and patterns, or you can purchase the supplies to make your own! This could be a great activity for someone spending more time indoors and you’ll feel good knowing you are giving a gift that is saving excess plastic from landfills. Check them out on Instagram for other great gift ideas or give them a call at 604-856-2125 for more info on beeswax wraps!

(Photo by Robyn Bessenger for Campbell’s Gold)

Packaging Free Bath and Body Products from Bureaux Modern Mercantile
Bureaux carries a large selection of apothecary items that are both packaging free and sustainably packaged. Think shampoo and conditioner bars, resuable cotton pads, jars of fragrant bath salts, candles, essential oil diffusers and much more. Items that are free of excess packaging are better for the environment, saving tons of excess waste from heading to landfills. Shop online or visit them in person in Historic Downtown Abbotsford.

(Photo by Robyn Bessenger)

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

VSSL Camp Supplies
Born from a need for a faster and more reliable way to prepare, organize, carry and access crucial camp gear, the VSSL Camp Supply Kit is the world’s most versatile outdoor adventure kit. Perfectly stocked with over 70 pieces of essential outdoor gear, it’s the multi-tool of camp lights, and they make the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. Even better? VSSL is assembled here in Abbotsford! Partnered with Communitas; a not-for-profit that serves young people with special needs, VSSL gets carefully assembled by some of the exceptional young people that are a part of the program. You can purchase VSSL products from their website.

(Photo by VSSL)

For the Foodie

Kitchenware from Yes Chef
At Yes Chef in Historic Downtown they believe that everyone is a chef and that cooking should be a fun and positive experience. A local favourite, Yes Chef sells every kitchen gadget that an aspiring chef could need, including locally made dishware and popular brands such as Smeg and Le Creuset. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a beginner looking to learn some basic kitchen skills or a master chef, you’ll find something at Yes Chef. Shop in store or online, with free shipping within Canada!

(Photo by Yes Chef)

Gift Baskets from Local Food Supply
Abbotsford’s newest grocery shopping experience, Local Food Supply, is making it easy to support local and give back this holiday season. Purchase gift baskets full of locally sourced food and beverages, like the ‘Best of BC Sip + Snack Basket’ or the ‘Brew + Chew Gift Basket’, perfect for any foodie. You can also buy curated meal ingredient bundles, pre-made dinners, or a la carte items for pick up or delivery. While you’re ordering check out their Dare to Give Local campaign in partnership with Archway Community Services for a way to give back.

(Photo by Local Food Supply)

For the Person Who Has Everything

Chocolates from ChocolaTas
Known as the chocolate lovers “must have” chocolate, Master Chocolatier Wim Tas has a unique talent for finding the perfect balance of flavour and texture that creates exquisite chocolates. With intriguing flavours such as chai masala, whiskey & pear, and much more, these are not your average box of Pot of Gold. Stop by their store on Peardonville Road, or shop online!

(Photo by ChocolaTas)

Spirits from New Wave Distilling
The latest venture from the owners and winemakers of Ripples Winery, New Wave Distilling is made in East Abbotsford and inspired by the mountains and forests that surround the Fraser Valley.
Family owned, produced and bottled; New Wave’s spirits make use of the blueberry distillate left over from the blueberry wine making process at Ripples. Their beautiful bottles make a wonderful and unique present for any cocktail connoisseur. Purchase in person at 3387 Tolmie Road or visit their website!

(Photo by New Wave Distilling)

Rare Books and Records
Hemingway’s Books & Records in Abbotsford is home to an extensive array of new and used books and records, including rare releases. Their two level store in Historic Downtown features a main floor with fully stocked book shelves, and a lower level of well categorized records. Trust us: you can spend hours in this store! Stop by to peruse the shelves, or call them to see if they have a specific title or album you’re looking for.

(Photo by Hemingway’s)

For the Kids

Candy from Clayburn Village Store
Take a step back in time this holiday season at the Clayburn Village Store! This heritage building and teahouse is home to a wide variety of specialty food items and gifts imported from all over Europe and North America. The perfect place to find a one of a kind gift or something special for holiday entertaining.

Treat the young and young at heart in your life to some unique candy this holiday season! Clayburn Village Store carries over 800 different varieties of international, nostalgic and specialty candy that the owners’ source from trips to Europe each year. Have a Harry Potter fan in your life? They sell lots of cool Harry Potter themed candy too! Check out their store at 34810 Clayburn Road, open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

(Photo by Tourism Abbotsford)