Shop Local This Christmas! 50 gift ideas under $50, from Sechelt, B.C.

Green Living

Dec. 5

Written By

Here on the Sunshine Coast, residents are often tempted to make the expensive trek to the Vancouver, via ferry, or even hop the border, to do their Christmas shopping. Although I'm guilty of this too, I'm not entirely sure why we do it. It's certainly not convenience. To save money? That's hard to believe when the travel cost alone will set you back at least $100. Selection? After visiting the majority of the small businesses in Sechelt this week, I find that impossible to believe. There are hundreds of wonderful gift ideas, under $50, right in your own backyard. Perhaps we just need a break from our small town once in a while. Whatever the reason, what many may not internalize, is that by traveling to the city to do our shopping, we're taking money away from our local, economy and it's members, in which we depend on.The independently owned and unique shops, scattered throughout Sechelt, B.C., are much more than pretty window displays. Step inside, and you'll find hard-working, tax-paying, members of the community, who are creating jobs and working hard to support their families. This impressive selection of shops are conveniently located within a 7 minute walking vicinity, and literally have something for everyone - I know this to be very true because I've spend the last few days visiting almost every one them.This week, I've been stepping out of my comfort zone, and onto the streets of "downtown" Sechelt. I bundled my daughter in a snow-suit, mittens and touque, plunked her in the stroller, and with camera and notepad in hand, we made our way from shop to shop, on our Shop-Local, Christmas, quest. 10592670_735822413137606_5759031422990646708_n I spoke with many friendly and grateful business owners and employees (and a couple not-so-friendly, unfortunately) about the importance of shopping local, and we shared ideas about the perfect gift item under $50! I found and photographed, SO many, awesome, gifts!This Christmas, for certain, my family will be shopping local, and I'm impressed to see how many others are doing the same! Social media is littered with pictures (like the one on the right) and "Shop Local" campaigns. Community members are urged to get involved, and can use the hashtag #shoplocalscbc, on Facebook, to showcase their local goods and services!I hope that the you can find something that sparks your interest in the pictures that I've provided, but if nothing else, I hope it gives you an idea of the variety of goods that these local, shops provide. This beautiful community deserves your support.I've done all of the leg work, and now I'm excited to share over 50 gifts under $50! Support shopping local in your community this holidays!Note: If I didn't visit your business, it was nothing personal, merely a shortage of time. As I mentioned before, I had a two-year old with me, and she eventually had had enough.

50 Under $50 in Sechelt B.C.

Flo's Professional Body Piercing Studio & Modern Hippie Housewife Products

Naturally, I started my journey here, at my mom's piercing studio, where I also sell my products :) Tucked away in a lane off of Wharf Street, you'll find a funky, little shop with brightly painted walls, and an equally colourful owner. Flo does professional body piercing, and uses the highest quality jewelry and techniques. Here, you'll find a huge selection of body jewelry, my Modern Hippie products, and make-up brushes, sold by Tanya Plows Make Up Artistry. Belly Button Jewelry All Modern Hippie Housewife Products and gift baskets are under $50! Everything I sell is made with sustainable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic ingredients which include hand-crafted soap, 4 for $20, lip balms, lotions, essential oils, sugar scrubs, and many more skin care products. Make-up brushes

The Oracle

At The Oracle, you’ll discover unique gifts, beautiful home decor, meaningful jewelry, freedom-wear fashions, original and limited edition art, a vast assortment of journals, motivating books, a multitude of incense, kid’s stuff and a myriad of cards, decks and eclectic, interesting items.I absolutely love these pastel skulls, buddha statues, and Wish Lanterns. Pastel Skulls & Buddha and Wish Lanterns

Off The Edge Bike Shop

Off The Edge Bike Shop has some great deals this month, and gifts for the cyclists your family - 2 for 1 helmets and gloves! Check out their great selection of kids helmets for $48, each (2 for 1). Such a great gift for your kiddos. 2 for 1 Gloves 2 for 1 Kids Helmets

Three Dog Bakery

Three Dog Bakery has great gift ideas for your pets, or stocking stuffers for the pet-owner in your family! Personalized stocking-cookies and bones for under $5, tons of toys to choose from, all under $25, and a variety of breed-specific ornaments! Tons of toys under $25 Fresh baked dog treats all under $5

Palmero's

At Palmero's you're bound to find something for the women your family. They carry shoes, boots, and Berkinstocks, travel bags, stunning jewelry, and more. Most recently in stock is this one-of-a-kind jewelry by Ayalabar. Ayalabar Jewelry starts at $45 Hats, scarves and gloves.

The Slipper Factory

If you live on the Sunshine Coast, then you most likely know of the Slipper Factory, on Cowrie St., which specializes in sheep skin slippers, and has been in business for 35 years! What I didn't know, though, was their incredible selection of newborn and kids slippers, which range from $30-$35. Such a great gift for the little ones on your list! They also have a large selection of adult sizes. Locally made sheepskin slippers, newborn - age 5, $30-$35

Kiss Home Decor

Kiss Home Decor is a stunning store. I covered a lot of Christmas-shopping-ground there last year. There are many gifts under $50, but a great gift, that caught my eye, were these lovely, stainless steel, salad spoons, and the large selection of cloth napkins and place settings. Gifts galore Stainless Steel serving spoons $45, and a large selection of table settings.

Lucy's

Lucy's always has a large, and ever-changing stock of the latest fashion trends, and is one of the few clothing stores around where you'll find something for everyone! Lucy's also carries a wide variety of baby and kids shoes. Oh ya, and they also stock Modern Hippie Housewife products ;)[one-half-first] Men's Leather Belts under $50 [/one-half-first][one-half] Hunter Boot Socks $25 - $34 (If you have Hunter Boots, you must have these) [/one-half]

Fresh From The Coast

At Fresh From The Coast, aka Fresh, you can find gifts made by local, artisans. It really doesn't get better than this if you want to support local this Christmas. Beeswax Candles (the only candles I buy) $1.50 - $38 La Petite Souris Chocolate, Made in Gibsons

Trail Bay Sports

Head in to Trail Bay Sports and talk to the knowledgeable and charismatic Josh, who'll answer any questions you may have about sports equipment, shoes, merino wool clothing etc. etc. etc. What is menino wool? It's wool from the merino sheep, and the specific brand that they carry, Icebreaker Merino, is sustainably sourced and chosen based on animal welfare, land management and wool quality. Trail Bay Sports carries a great selection of Icebreaker clothing, for men and women. It's awesome, check it out![one-half-first] Foam Roller - necessary for the athlete in your family. [/one-half-first][one-half] Morano Wool Socks - they have a large selection of these socks and other Morano wool clothing. [/one-half]

Red Fish

A stunning home decor store. I fell in love with all of the nautical, home-accessories, many of which I've added to my wish-list.[one-half-first] Fish serving dishes $9 [/one-half-first][one-half] Nautical Home Accessories [/one-half]

Pastimes

Pastimes carries toys for all ages...even adult-children ;) They have a large variety of sustainable and eco-friendly toys, like the Hape brand shown below, which the owners are very knowledgeable about! Head here before any big-box toy store! Hape Toys - Sustainable and Eco-friendly Toys

Tail Wind Books

This bookstore has books has something for all, and the friendly owner is always willing to help. Check some of my favorites, pictured below! The BEST DIY/Craft books, written by locals, Christina and John. In my opinion, Whitewater Cookbooks are the best series EVER! And on the left, another fabulous, book by a local author.

Blissful Yoga

Blissful Yoga is owned by my beautiful friend, Georgia, a talented yogi, and business woman. Her practice has changed my view on yoga, and my husband and I love her classes. Keep your eyes open for rare yoga retreats, and partner yoga! And she also sells my products :)December Specials:

$100 (inc tax) Ignite Your Yoga Practice - 45 minute private class to get you comfortable in a studio setting & introduce you to yoga + a 5 class pass so you can continue your yoga journey),
$99 + tax Path to Peace - one 90 minute float at Float Sechelt + a 5 class pass
Advent Calendar! Amazing, daily prizes all month - all you have to do is nourish yourself with a yoga class for a chance to win!

[one-half-first] Blissful Yoga Gift Certificates Available

[/one-half-first][one-half] Yoga mats $45, Chip Foam Blocks $19, Silk Eye Pillow $21

[/one-half]

Not Too Shabby

Not Too Shabby is an adorable Home Decor/Furniture Repair/Interior Design store, with the friendliest of owners, located beside the Lighthouse Pub on Wharf St. Specials this month: spend over $50 and receive 10% off! Hours are Wednesday - Sunday, 12-5.[one-half-first] Happy Fat Buddha $24

[/one-half-first][one-half] Anchor $49 [/one-half]

Blue Magnolia

In Blue Magnolia you'll find high-end women's fashion, and equally lovely staff. Check out their bamboo tank-tops (not pictured), which I'm slowly collecting :) A great gift for ladies of all ages: Lacey Bralette from Free People $45

East 4th Vintage

I'm surprised that I'd never been in this store before now! I was greeted with a "Welcome, come one in!" and imediately impressed by the vintage decor. The owner is young, friendly, and knows her stuff - a lovely, local entrepreneur.[one-half-first] Vintage, and local artisan made, home decor.

[/one-half-first][one-half] Stunning 50's Carnival Glass decanter set, mint condition - $50 This set is so classy and ideal for the holidays! [/one-half]

Red Line Shoes

Red Line Shoes has a beautiful, rustic decor, and great selection of shoes, specifically, Sketchers! They will be hosting a Customer Appreciation night, in celebration of their two years in business, on December 13th, with sales up to 20% off![one-half-first] Regular priced shoes starting at $50

[/one-half-first][one-half] Sketchers Boots! [/one-half]

Reflections Bed & Bath Collections

Refections Bed & Bath carries organic cotton, and bamboo, sheet and duvet cover sets, along with all of your bedroom and bathroom decor needs! They also carry a large selection of robes, shower curtains, throw pillows, bath products and more. Definitely check our Reflections, on Cowrie, before heading to a big box store to buy your bath and bedroom accessories. Throws starting at $30 Organic cotton duvet cover (not under $50, but it's so lovely I had to share.)

Good Stuff Health Food Store

So many great, goodies in Good Stuff Health Food Store, on Cowrie, and at very affordable prices! This Christmas, they're making up a variety of gift baskets ranging $25-$50, ideal for the healthy-foodie in your family.[one-half-first] Bamboo kitchen equipment, made locally by Sarelly.

[/one-half-first][one-half] Organic cacoa powder and cacao nibs makes for the best hot chocolate! [/one-half]

Boudoir

Boudoir carries a wide range of women's clothing, and other gifts, for under $50. You'll find trendy, casual, day-wear, and your New Years Eve outfit, all under one roof. Definitely check out Boudoir for the fasionista in your family![one-half-first] Scarves, candles and gift certificates!

[/one-half-first][one-half] Trendy, cozy sweaters. [/one-half]

All For Pets

All For Pets literally has it all for your pets, and the staff is fabulous. For Christmas, they're making up gift baskets starting at $1.99 and up to $49.99, or build your own basket![one-half-first] All For Pets on Cowrie!

[/one-half-first][one-half] Gift baskets for your furry children. [/one-half]

Fossello's

You'll always find the latest, high-end fashion trends, in clothing and shoes, at Fossello's, on Cowrie -- from casual, to out-on-the-town-with-the-ladies wear. This year, put fleece lined leggings on your Christmas list! Fleece lined leggings $30!

Sound Attraction

If you're looking for your electronics, specifically TV's, head into Sound Attraction and talk to Mike. He's a super nice guy, and has extremely competitive prices! Don't head to big-box, electronic stores until you talk to Mike![one-half-first] Headphones starting at $14.99

[/one-half-first][one-half] Yamaha Pro 300 headphones, 50% off until Christmas! [/one-half]

Sunshine Coast Nursery

Last, but not least, Sunshine Coast Nursery, located in Roberts Creek. Although it's not in Sechelt, I ran into the lovely owner on my journey, and she asked if she could be included - how could I resist! Beautiful, custom made wreaths - $45

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed browsing! Even if you didn't see anything that caught your eye, I urge you to spend an afternoon cruising around the streets of Sechelt, or your local community, because I guarantee that you will find something! More then anything, I hope this article opened your mind up to what this town offers.If we don't support our local businesses, then they'll slowly dissapear, leaving the empty store fronts which can frequently be seen along Cowrie and Wharf Street. That's bad news for everyone - tourism, and a growing economy. Who's going to want to live in a ghost town? The younger population will be running for the hills, and with an aging population, that's not cool.I grew up here, I love this community, all (most) of it's members, and I want to see it continue to grow and prosper. If you want to see it succeed, too, then you need to support it's local businesses, plain and simple.