It’s that time of year again—brightly decorated trees are popping up around town, ski resorts are opening for business and cheery music is playing in your favourite grocery store—the holiday season is fast approaching! Whether you’re looking for a simple way to express appreciation for your loved ones or shopping for a present that will make their jaw drop, there’s no better time than the winter holidays to give thoughtful gifts to the ones you love.
What’s even better than giving gifts? Supporting local businesses while you do it! If you need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with our official Kelowna holiday gift guide.
Don’t forget to enter our weekly contests by using the hashtag #ExploreKelownaToday on Instagram and win some epic local prizes!
Pick up the perfect bottle at a local winery
Have a wine lover in your life? Whether they love a heavy bodied red or a crisp and easy glass of white, you can find a bottle they’ll love at one of Kelowna’s renowned wineries.
Head over to Tantalus Wine to shop for Rieslings, Chardonnays & Pinot Noirs, or grab a bottle of something delicious and organic from Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Winery or Sperling Vineyards. Have someone on your list who loves wine and art? Check out the unique label designs at The Vibrant Vine! Or, support Indigenous winemaking by picking up a gift from Indigenous World Winery in Westbank.
Need some inspiration? Tour one of the five unique wine trails in our area and buy something from each!
Give a gift from a local shop or boutique
Kelowna is full of small clothing businesses for the fashion-lovers on your holiday list. Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves sustainable style, unique accessories or just needs the perfect everyday outfit to add to their wardrobe, local shops and boutiques like Textile Apparel, Stone Fox Clothing, MORGΛNE, Boheme Collective and Grey Hearts Denim have you covered.
If you have an art lover on your list, head to Art Lovers Gallery & Tours in the Delta Grand Hotel—home to all kinds of artwork, including the art collection of Doctor Suess!
And be sure to check out the District on Bernard for a variety of other clothing and accessory shops!
Treat someone you love to a trip up the mountain
Want to give the gift of quality time? Consider giving the gift of an unforgettable Okanagan winter experience you can enjoy together!
Buy day passes or a weekend getaway to Big White Ski Resort or Silver Star Mountain Resort for your friend, partner or family and explore winter wonderland together. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, both resorts offer unique winter activities including skating, snowshoeing, and tubing. You can even take that adventurous person on your list to try fat biking in the snow at Silver Star or on a horse-drawn carriage ride at Big White!
Find something for your favourite sweet tooth
There’s no better excuse than the holiday season to indulge on sweet treats! With so many artisan chocolate and pastry shops in Kelowna, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for that sweet tooth in your life!
For a box of speciality chocolates, check out Karat Chocolate and Pastry Boutique on Ellis Street, a local shop that offers handcrafted, made-in-the-Okanagan treats that your friends and family will love! Head to QB Gelato & Bakery in Landmark Village for a wide selection of sweet gift ideas. You can pick up a bottle of delicious maple syrup, a box of baked goodies or get your loved one a gift card so they can choose for themselves! Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate on Dilworth Drive is a great place to grab a box of chocolates or specialty French desserts--including a colourful selection of tasty macarons!
Book a spa day for someone special
Know someone who deserves a day of pampering? A pre-paid spa day could be the perfect holiday gift!
Book a service for your loved one in advance at Eldorado Resort to give them a high-quality spa experience at the waterfront Manteo location. Choose from a classic mani-pedi, a relaxing massage, and a variety of skincare treatments.
Not sure which service to book? You can head over to Beyond Wrapture, Spa at the Grand, O Spa Wellness Centre, or Crimson Hair Salon to purchase a gift card instead! With a large selection of aesthetic, skincare and spa treatments to pick from at each, you can give your loved one the opportunity to customize their spa day—what’s better than the gift of choice?
Need more ideas?
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, there is no shortage of fun and unique gift ideas at local markets and craft fairs!
The Centre Culturel Francophone’s annual Christmas Market is happening on November 27 this year, and you’ll definitely want to check it out if you’re looking for something crafty, edible or decorative to give to someone on your list.
The annual Craft Culture Holiday Market is a must-see local event! A one-stop-shop for unique holiday gifts and decor, this market is the perfect place to stop by if you’re still searching for that perfect present. After a year off, they’re back this season from December 3-5. Add it to your calendar so you don’t miss out!
For a holiday shopping experience that’s fun for the whole family, check out the Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market at Stuart Park on December 4. Grab some local products before you head out on the ice for a skate or get something tasty to eat or sip while you shop!
Want to win some awesome prizes? Keep reading!
Holiday shopping in Kelowna isn’t just a chore—it’s an experience! Whether you’re shopping at craft fairs, warming up at a winery or enjoying winter recreation, we want to see how you explore Kelowna this holiday season. Show us your favourite things to do by using the hashtag #ExploreKelownaToday to be entered to win weekly prizes!
Learn more and enter now!
