Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth to visit, and we aren’t just biased – Lonely Planet has ranked Vancouver Island as one of the best regions in the world for years! If you’ve ever been here, you’ve undoubtedly fallen in love with our incredible cities and breathtaking nature. So, this holiday season, why not share your Island love with your loved ones? Whether they’ve been here or not, the artisans on this gorgeous island create incredible gifts that will impress everyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for smaller gifts that are easy to pack or want something with that wow-factor, we’ve got you covered! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you in our two-part list of local artisans that gives you lots of online purchasing and shipping options, plus the brick-and-mortar stores where you can find some of these incredible gifts. Buying from small Island businesses means that you can be sure everything you give this holiday season will be made with love.
Art
Located in Nanaimo, Jen Vissers of Little Wren Fibre Co. creates charismatic home decor from handspun yarn, recycled fabrics and eco printed ribbons to give a second, and stunning, life to these unwanted fabric scraps. With a keen eye for colour and texture combinations, Jenn’s unique three dimensional creations make a thoughtful and beautiful gift.
How to order: purchase a Little Wren creation on the Etsy shop and ship anywhere or choose local pickup in checkout for anyone staying in Nanaimo!
Right at the top of our beautiful Island in the little town of Port McNeill, photographer Jackie Hildering creates the most stunning under-water photographs that capture the majesty and dark, cold beauty of the north Pacific Ocean. This holiday you can give the gift of a glimpse of Vancouver Island’s incredible, diverse and breathtaking ocean.
How to order: go directly through the website and ship to anywhere in the world!
If you’re looking for something unique and custom made, take a peek at what Island Metal Arts has to offer! With a ready-to-purchase selection that includes monogrammed letters, colourful mermaids, Island cartography and fun sayings, plus an incredible team that is ready to take on any customized project, Island Metal Arts is a great place to find a gift with a wow-factor!
How to order: contact them directly for custom orders or order something from their catalogue right from their website. If you’re staying nearby in Victoria and are interested in visiting in person, contact them to set up an appointment to see their workshop in Colwood!
Jewelry
For classic and contemporary, high quality jewelry at incredible prices, you’ll want to shop at Sunday Jewelry Co. Located in Victoria and made with ethically sourced materials, Sunday offers 18 to 24 Karat gold plated jewelry where you can find pieces from unique, bold statement pieces to subtle, timeless classics and everything in between. Grab one of these beautiful pieces and support a local business that donates a portion of each profit to organizations that protect our beautiful Island.
How to order: shop online and choose a shipping method or local pick up if you’re staying at any EMR Victoria properties!
With a passion for the natural beauty of her home, Zoë of Umlaut Jewelry successfully captures the essence of the earth, sea and sky of Vancouver Island in her pieces. Whether you’re looking for something simple for everyday wear or bold pieces to make a statement, Umlaut has an incredible array of jewelry where you’re sure to find a little something special for someone special.
How to order: shop online directly through her website or you can find some of her jewelry at Cause & Effect Wellness in Courtney.
Coast Salish Jewelry
Another popular fashion on Vancouver Island is stunning Coast Salish jewelry. Ranging from small bracelets and subtle rings to wide bangles, large pendant earrings and necklaces, the local Coast Salish artists create beautiful hand carved jewelry in a range of materials from white and yellow gold to sterling silver and copper, the incredible array of designs is astonishing. Each piece is carefully crafted depicting one or more animals or supernatural figures from First Nations culture, each symbolizing an aspect of life, personal trait or world view that will personally resonate. If you’re hoping to shop for an item of Coast Salish jewelry, it’s important to ensure it’s authenticity and support First Nations artists.
 Spirits of the West Coast Gallery
Since 2006, Spirits of the West Coast Gallery has worked hard to create a space where customers can find incredible customer service and high-quality, authentic pieces, promote First Nations art and culture and most importantly to build lasting relationships with local First Nations artists who work in their traditional communities.
How to order: you can browse their collection of jewelry online and take advantage of the free shipping within Canada and the USA, or while you’re staying in the Comox Valley go into the gallery in Courtney and have a look around!
Judy Hill is a local spot that offers a wide selection of incredible Coast Salish jewelry made by local artists.
How to order: for custom orders and to inquire about current stock, you can contact Judy Hill through the website or pop into Duncan while you’re staying in the Cowichan Valley!
Artina’s, right in the heart of Victoria on historic Government St., has the world’s largest collection of handcrafted Canadian jewelry! With the work of hundreds of Canada’s most talented artists on display, with a focus on local First Nations works, it’s safe to say that Artina’s might just be your best bet for Coast Salish jewelry in Victoria. You can find pieces made from gold, silver, titanium, and other materials including two-tone pieces.
How to order: pop in while you’re wandering downtown Victoria or shop online from the comfort of your EMR Sidney Property and pick up downtown or ship your gift anywhere in the world!
