6 Local Gift Ideas you’ll Love

June 04, 2020

When you’re buying a gift for someone, you’re not just acquiring an object. An item they’ll love or an experience they’ll cherish in years to come are gestures that show that special person that you’re thinking about them. Gifts are a way of keeping in touch with them and bringing a little happiness to their day, wherever they may be. Here in Victoria, these local businesses have everything and more to get you inspired in finding that perfect gift. From food platters, exquisite pre-made meals, to customised baskets full of local goodies, you will love these creative, thoughtful, and appetizing gift ideas. You could surprise a loved one with a self-care package, an impromptu picnic, or with something that is proudly made in Victoria.

As you’re looking for ideas for that special someone or occasion, you’re supporting the city you love by eating, drinking, and shopping local.

Alana Catlin’s The Dancing Ruby

If you want to commemorate a special date or treat a loved one to a fun evening, look no further—The Dancing Ruby has everything you need to organise a wonderful event effortlessly. Alana is the expert planner behind these locally sourced, eco-conscious gift and picnic baskets. She specialises in putting together the perfect package to create a memorable experience for all kinds of occasions—anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, date nights, holidays, and more.

You can support your favourite Vancouver Island businesses by putting together one of these baskets with your choice of goodies or by choosing one that best suits your event.

For more details, contact Alana via email at [email protected]@thedancingruby

The Farmer’s Daughter

Spoil your friends to a decadent evening of well-sourced artisan cheese and quality wine selection from Victoria’s favourite fromagerie and wine bar. The Farmer’s Daughter offers curated boxes and food platters that can be the perfect gift for gatherings like birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations, where an excellent wine and savoury cheese are great companions. You can choose from their Italian, Spanish, and French selections or pick a curated basket for an impromptu picnic or fondue party.

If you’re not exactly sure what you want, you can opt for a customised basket—you only need to set your price and they will pick the rest for you! There is so much to choose from that you can’t go wrong with what you pick. Check out their menu and order online from their website.

Oscar and Libby’s

Named after the owners’ cats, Oscar and Libby, this charming Victoria shop brings you the cutest, wackiest, most eclectic gift ideas in the city. Beautiful puzzles, offbeat candles, quirky board games, all things cat-related, hot sauces, you name it. Oscar and Libby’s has a wide selection of upbeat and unique items that will make for unforgettable and fun present ideas for your friends and family. Lucky for us, our favourite local store has just launched a brand-new online store. They are currently offering free local delivery on orders of over $25 or pick up from their Fort Street location.

Munro’s Books

There’s a big chance you have a bookworm in your life, so why not surprise them with a little something from one of Victoria’s largest independent bookstores? From bestsellers, bargains, to staff favourites and recommended, Munro’s Books owns a plethora of great reads to choose from. Moreover, the staff is always suggesting gift ideas for all occasions, including tote bags, mugs, gift cards, puzzles, journals, socks, and everything else your favourite reader would love in addition to the company of a good book. While they just reopened their store, they still encourage online orders and are still offering a limited $8-dollar flat rate for Greater Victoria.

Nourish Kitchen & Cafe

What better surprise than sending someone a delicious and beautiful gourmet breakfast that they can enjoy from the comfort of their own home? Victoria’s Nourish Kitchen & Café offers meal bundles with all the provisions you’ll need to recreate their exquisite and all-natural dishes for your gatherings. All take-away meals are readily prepped, so you only need to warm them up and dig in! Anything from their selection of breakfast, brunch, desserts, and drinks make the perfect gift if you’re thinking of organising an outdoors brunch or a dinner at home. They also offer fresh, local organic ingredients that would make lovely additions in anyone’s kitchen pantry. Visit their website to check the availability of their menu and to order online.

Very Good Butchers

Summer is finally here, so it’s time to treat your family and friends to a whole new level of barbecue parting. As West Coast Canada’s first plant-based butchery, The Very Good Butchers are proud of their handcrafted, locally sourced vegan meats. They offer great plant-based eating that’s flavourful, approachable, and nutritious. Browse through their butcher, charcuterie, and cheese boxes for delicious meats and provisions that will be perfect for your summer gatherings. You can surprise someone with an impromptu barbecue fest or just treat yourself to a fun summer grilling.