FILE PHOTO.

Image Credit: PEXELS

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in one way or another, and many local businesses have been struggling to stay afloat. 

If you want to support a small business in Kamloops and put your money back into the community, skip the corporations and check out this Christmas gift guide.

Beauty products, fashion and accessories

For handcrafted jewellery, bookmarks and accessories using resin, check out Worry Knot Art. Place orders online through their Facebook page.

Serenity Creative sells resin jewelery and ornaments, handmade soaps, candles, bath and body products. Place orders online through their Facebook page.

Wackers Edge and Leather Craft sells handmade rugged, rustic blades, axes and gear for bushcraft, hunting or re-enactors. Their retail location is on 1110 Chateau Street.

Rebel Local sells up-cycled, repurposed and restyled clothing. To order, contact them through Instagram here.

Crooked Pineapple makes customizable clothing for me and women, including t-shirts, sweaters and socks. To order, contact their Facebook page.

Magnolia Blossom Design sells second-hand and hand-made jewellery. To order, contact their Facebook page.

Natura Soap Company creates natural, handmade soaps, facial cleansers, hair treatments and more. To order online, click here. 

Ji Designs sells Indian and Ugandan jewellery, handbags, apparel, and home decor. To order, contact their Facebook page.

Lush Ocean is a home-based business selling soaps, body creams, bath salts, beard oil and more. To order, visit their website here.

Urban Gitxsan Boutique is owned by Kara-lianne Johnson, a Gitxsan indigenous artist. She makes handmade beaded earrings, knitted and crocheted items. Purchase her products through her Facebook page here.

4GenerationCreation sells authentic Indigenous items like stickers and clothing. Shop online here.

Desert Lilly Clothing sells children's and infant clothing and face masks. Order online here. 

For the home

Far & Wide has two retail locations. Their main store on 4 Avenue carries home decor, jewellery and accessories. Their pop-up on Victoria Street sells plants, pots and accessories. Their online store is not ready yet, but will be available in the future. 

Words on Wood creates custom hand-painted wooden signs. To order, contact their Facebook page.

Soul Stones sells jewelry, candles, soap, crystals, lamps, books, spiritual supplies and other items made by local artists. Their store is at 231 Seymour Street. 

Rustic Doxie creates Ornaments, signs, beer openers, lanterns and other personalized items. To order, contact their Facebook page.

Craft Kamloops Tumbler's & Tee's makes custom resin tumblers, as well as Christmas ornaments and stockings. To order, contact their Facebook page. 

Our Footprints is an eco friendly store with an assortment of everyday items, like household cleaning and kitchen items, skin care products, accessories and more. Order online here.

Owls & Oats  is a handmade crochet and sewing business that creates crocheted cat toys, some stuffed with locally grown catnip. To order click here.

Food and Drink

Buy a wine gift basket from Monte Creek Ranch, or a nacho basket from Fresh Is Best Salsa Co. For the beer drinker on your list, pick up a growler at your favourite local brewery. Or grab some fresh, local apple cider from the family-owned Woodward Cider Co. Pick up a case at their cidery on weekends, or find their products at these local retailers.

The chef in the family might enjoy some local products from 4 Oak Oil & Vinegar. Their store is at 1415 Hillside Drive. 

Sweet-tooths will love a selection of goodies from EAgourmet Chocolates and Macarons. Their store is at 103, 1295 12 Street. 

The newly opened Fresh St. Market in Aberdeen mall carries tons of baking made fresh in house, and lots of other locally made items. 

READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Kamloops's new Fresh St. Market isn't your typical grocery store

Markets

Although the COVID-19 pandemic shut down some of the usual holiday markets, many have moved online.

Check out some local businesses you can support through online markets here.

You can also find many products from the regions farmers, makers and artists through the online Kamloops Farmer's Market here.

We tried our best, but if we missed any local businesses in Kamloops in our guide, please list them in the comments below. 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Brie Welton or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2020