The holiday season is upon us, and each year I become more thoughtful about the gifts I give. I want to support local businesses whose values align with ours and I want to share sustainable and eco products that I love. While I also want to be a part of the shift moving away from consumer gifts towards more experience gifts like passes to Science World, a promise for a bowling, movie or swimming date, I also appreciate certain consumer goods that are eco, local, sustainable and/or made with heart.
I’ve put together a list (not exhaustive by any means) of gifts that fit that bill.
First on my list is my favourite accessory to turn any mason jar into a smoothie drinking jar, water bottle, take away coffee or tea mug, or drinkable soup vessel. Cuppow is amazing. Just pop it on a mason jar, fill it with your beverage of choice, and you’re off running. It’s easy to clean, fabulous for travel, and best of all, it doesn’t retain any coffee smell, so you can easily switch it from coffee, to tea, to smoothies. You can pick them up online or at my local favourite retailer Pomme Natural Market.
Another fabulous product that is on my own personal wish list is Abeego. These brilliant eco products keep food fresh without the need for plastic wrap. Their story is also so sweet and charming. I love reading about the real people behind these fabulous companies. These people are doing it right! You can pick them up online or again at Pomme Natural Market if you’re local.
Next on my list is loose leaf organic tea from my favourite local tea shop Soko Artisan Teas in Port Moody. They have so many amazing blends to choose from as well as the classics like Earl Grey, Jasmine, Green and Peppermint. The family behind this company are as kind as you can imagine, and I love to stock up on my favourites when I pop in for a visit (Turmeric & Ginger and Sweet Dreams are high up on my list).
Next up is a perfect pairing with Soko Artisan Teas (and available there as well). The wonderful, reusable Libre Tea Glasses. Featuring a glass interior and durable poly exterior, it is thermal hot and cold, break-resistant, and easy to clean. Pick it up at Soko, online or again at Pomme Natural Market. Each time we choose to reuse, we are making a commitment to reducing waste in the environment.
We were lucky enough to meet Jody from Studio Sparkes at the Refresh Market in Squamish last month. She is the sweetest, and makes the most beautiful handcrafted jewellry. You can tell a whole lot of love goes into her work. I left with fabulous earrings that are my new favourite. Shop online or check out the local (to her) shops that carry her goods.
Now for some booze… :) We met the gentlemen from Son’s of Vancouver in the summer at the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market. We quickly became friends (um, vodka and amaretto samples anyone??) and now they are our go-to for local and fabulous spirits. Their Amaretto on ice is the perfect end of day drink to wind down with. Find them online and ask where you can get their goods locally to you!
If you’re looking for a one stop holiday shop, head over to the carefully and lovingly curated Second Nature Eco Boutique. I found this lovely East Vancouver shop a year ago from a recommendation from a friend. Elizabeth, the lovely shop owner has since begun carrying our Sola Skincare goods, and she has an amazing assortment of local and sustainable gifts for anyone you can imagine. You’re definitely supporting local when you shop at Second Nature. 
And of course, a Holiday Gift Guide from us wouldn’t be complete without some Sola Skincare recommendations. We’ve got some lovely gift bundles available for the holidays. Our Sola Sampler Set is a great introduction to all of our goods, and our small Coconut Deodorant makes the perfect stocking stuffer. For dry winter skin check out our Soft Skin Balm. Find us at the Coquitlam Christmas Farmers Market on December 12, from 9-4. You can also purchase online, or from Pomme Natural Market.
Happy Holidays!
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