 This gift giving guide is local to the West Kootenays, in British Columbia, Canada. A small collection of rural towns surrounded by mountain peaks, endless wilderness and cold waters. This holiday season I have pledged to try and only shop local to support as many small businesses as I can. Shopping local has a variety of benefits including helping the local economy and reducing fossil fuels because of reduction in time taken to ship the product to you. It can utilize less plastic and create more connections in the community to local artists, healers and businesses. This list includes many of my family and friends who have start a small business within the past few years. Here are a few of my favourite local businesses I hope you can support for the upcoming holidays. 1. Reiki with Kayla Interested in energy healing? Kayla is an old friend of mine who is now sharing her passion of healing through reiki sessions. She is located in Castlegar and is now offering gift cards to purchase. I went to a session a month or two ago. I fell in love with her treatment and the benefits I felt after the session! Check out her facebook page here. 2. Alix Parisotto Ceramics Although her studio is based in Kelowna, Alix is an original Fruitvale girl sharing her passion for art through pottery. The handmade mug I have from her is my favourite choice in the morning for matcha. Checkout her website for gifts here alixparisottoceramics.com/ 3. Briana's Designs My favourite service provided by Briana is the ability for her to print this "Kootenay Grown" design on any old piece of clothing you own, to promote sustainability and eco-friendly fashion. Briana's designs are original, creative and local to Nelson. I very much enjoy her handmade stickers and buttons, here is her shop www.etsy.com/ca/shop/BrianaDesignsShop 4. Art by Kimboho Kimberly is a Kootenay artist, sharing her love for nature and the outdoors through jewellery, prints, tshirts, mugs, water bottles and more. You will most likely see her at your local market but since they are closed this year, check out her etsy shop to support this lady! www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Artbykimboho 5. The Roasted Chickpea Have someone to buy for who loves plant-based nutrition? The Roasted Chickpea is your go-to meal-prep and recipe blogger whose meals can be found in local coffee shops and markets around the Kootenays. View her website here to pre-order your food or explore her discount codes with other Kootenay-based businesses www.theroastedchickpea.com/ 6. Alle Atkinson Know someone who could benefit from some time in the gym? This girl is your one-stop-shop for everything from spin and group fitness classes to Personal training and Kinesiology. You can find her at Elevate Training in Trail. Her email is alle@elevate-sport.ca and you can find her on Instagram at @trainwithalle 7. Mountain Nugget Chocolate Have a chocolate lover in the family? (You can always include yourself). Mountain Nugget Chocolate Shop in Rossland has everything you need from truffles to bars to ice cream, warm drinks and pastries. They are committed to making delicious tasting desserts and serving the Rossland community. You can order online now at www.mountainnugget.com/ or visit them in person. 8. The Nadi Tree  The Nadi Tree is an inclusive, energizing space for all types of physical activity including group fitness, spin classes, yoga and dance. The community here is inviting and encouraging, to help you or a friend to reach their goals. A gift card could be the perfect present for that special someone. Find their website here thenaditree.com/ 9. Sew Wired Artworks Interested in homemade, one of a kind jewellery? Sew Wired Artworks is based in Fruitvale, my hometown! She creates beautiful, unique pieces for you or your special person. You can view her newest pieces on Facebook here. 10. Crystal Lotus Yoga Shala  Another Fruitvale business, Crystal Lotus Yoga Shala is also a very inclusive space made for community healing in the heart of the village. The owner, Monse, is committed to bring yoga to all types of bodies no matter the age, ability, size or shape. You can buy class passes and find updates about the studio here. 11. Virtue Tea As a matcha lover myself, I will always recommend this brand from Nelson. With a variety of teas on their website, Virtue tea is unique, family-run and has amazing customer service. You can order tea online via virtuetea.ca/ and you can never go wrong with buying their ceremonial matcha! 12. Diesel's Designs Diesel's Designs, based out of Castlegar is the best shop for scrunchies, dog bandanas and more. This year, I bought Daisy and myself a scrunchy/bandana set for us to match on our daily walks. You can view her website here www.dieselsdesigns.com/ and feel free to ask about custom orders, she will make whatever you are looking for! 13. Last, but definitely not least, Fly Culture was created by another Kootenay original showing his love for the outdoors through a small online business. Know a man who needs some new flies for Christmas? This is the best place to find hand-tied, professional flies and gift cards. Find their website here flyculture.ca/ I hope you enjoyed learning about each of these small businesses. I feel they reflect the culture of the West Kootenays well and would love your support over the holidays. Cheers to supporting local! Enjoy the holidays. Thanks for reading!
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