Local gifts > last-minute Amazon panic. You heard it here first.

Nanaimo is stacked with independent shops, makers, artists, bakers, distillers, and creative geniuses turning everyday items into brag-worthy gifts. Whether you’re hunting down something handcrafted, locally sipped, artisan-made, or delightfully quirky, Nanaimo has you covered like butter on a warm cinnamon bun.

This year, skip the shipping drama and show some love to the people who make this city shine. From coast-inspired treats to wearable art and unforgettable experiences, our 2025 shopping list is your shortcut to becoming everyone’s favourite gift-giver.

Shopping from out of town? Many local shops ship, even the tiny ones without full online stores. A quick message, email, or DM goes a long way.

And yes, we know there are way more incredible makers than we can list here. Consider this your starting point. A treasure map to gifts that actually mean something.

For the Foodies, Snackers & “Just One More Bite” Crowd

Nanaimo basically tastes like joy. Here’s where to find it:

• Kinsu Chocolates
  • Little works of edible art. Fancy enough to impress, delicious enough to demolish.
• Cold Front Gelato
  • Made with Vancouver Island milk and cream, plus locally grown fruits, herbs, nuts, and artisan add-ins? We see you, Cold Front. And we’ll take two scoops… for research.
• Burnt Hoey Dessert Company
  • Locally crafted ice cream, homemade macaroons, gluten free and dairy free options? Say less, we want more.  Perfect for that friend whose love language is dessert.
• Bohdi’s Bakery
  • Bread. Pastries. Treats that mysteriously vanish by morning. Perfect for hosts, neighbours, and secret self-gifting.
• Arbutus Distillery
  • Award-winning spirits for the at-home mixologist who insists they “might start a cocktail Instagram.”
• Longwood Brewery & Brew Pub
  • Craft beer, local bites, and bottles that travel well in a holiday stocking.
• Wolf Brewing
  • European-style brews made for the beer snob you love too much to buy grocery-store six-packs for.
• White Sails Brewing
  • Island-inspired flavours, cozy vibes, and plenty to take home.
• Millstone Estate Winery
  • Small-batch, beautifully balanced wines for the classy one in the family — or the one who just likes wine.
• Big Bang Cider
  • A funky, fresh cider option bursting onto the scene.
• The Nanaimo Bar (obviously)
  • Send edible Nanaimo bars, Nanaimo bar cocktails, Nanaimo bar soap, Nanaimo bar earrings… The Trail has them all, and they all make excellent stocking stuffers.

Want food gifts shipped across Canada? Many of these shops are happy to mail the goodness (or at least a gift card!).

For the Artsy, the Creative & the One Who “Doesn’t Want Anything”

Spoiler: they want something handmade, unique, and from here.

• Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design
  • Traditional Coast Salish artistry meets modern couture. Wearable art you’ll want to frame.
• Nanaimo Art Gallery
  • Shop the gift store for locally made prints, jewellery, books, and tiny treasures. Or gift a studio course and spark a lifelong hobby. Bonus? Keep an eye out for their Winter Artisan Market in early December!
• Nanaimo Ceramic Arts
  • Handmade pottery, or give a class and let them make their own wobbly masterpiece.
• Artisans’ Studio
  • Metal, pottery, weaving, glass creations, traditional art practices. With over 40 local artists, you’re bound to find ‘the one’ here. 
• Port Theatre
  • Plays, musicals, concerts, and more! Memories last a little longer than socks.
• Nanaimo Theatre Group
  • Local theatre with big talent. A perfect date night gift.
• Gabriola Island’s Artisans
  • Studios, galleries, glasswork, woodwork, metalwork, photography… if someone can make it, Gabriola has it.
• The Vault Café & Upstairs Bazaar
  • Coffee + live music + cozy vibes = the easiest gift ever.

For the Adventurers, Thrill Seekers & Wild-Hearted Humans

Give them an experience they’ll talk about until next year’s dinner table.

• Rock City Cycles
  • Gear, bikes, island cycling royalty.
• Primary Skateboards
  • Boards, merch, wheels, and everything for the shredder in your life.
• Hub City Cycles Community Co-op
  • Non-profit bike shop, community vibes, repairs, gear, and good karma built in? Say no more. Helmets on. Wallets out.
• Alternative Groove
  • Camping gear, skate gear, disc golf, surf… if it happens outside, they’ve got it.
• Island Time Axe Throwing
  • Because nothing says “Happy Holidays” like throwing sharp objects with friends.
• WildPlay Nanaimo
  • Zip lines, aerial obstacles, bungee jumps. This year, give the gift of adrenaline.
• Vancouver Island Whale Watch
  • Whales > department store parking lots.

Locally Crafted Goods & Hand-Made Finds

When in doubt, go handcrafted. It never disappoints.

• Strong Nations
  • Books, educational gifts, and stunning Indigenous artwork and goods. A must-visit.
• Cultured Coast
  • Home goods, scents, clothing, stickers — all made by local creators.
• Artzi Stuff
  • Colourful, clever, a little quirky, and very Nanaimo.
• Island-ish
  • Island-made gifts, delicious treats, and coastal vibes in one perfect shop.
• Island Roots Farmers’ Market
  • Year-round market magic: jams, candles, crafts, art, baking, and surprises every visit.
• Gabriola Island’s Year-Round Markets
  • Wednesdays and Saturdays = your new favourite shopping ritual. Fresh food, local makers, and island vibes included.
• Holiday Markets
  • Nanaimo Fine Art Show – Nov.13-16 
  • Holiday Maker’s Market – Nov.15
  • Nu Veau Market – Nov. 22
  • Santa Brunch & Market – Dec. 6
  • Winter Weekend Holiday Market – Dec. 6–8

Shop Local, Shop Happy

Despite our best efforts, we can’t list every amazing maker in the Nanaimo Region, and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Wander, explore, pop into cozy storefronts, chat with artists, grab a coffee, buy something that smells like cedar, tastes like chocolate, or looks like it belongs in a gallery.

This year, give gifts that tell a story. A local story. Happy exploring, happy gifting, and happy holidays from Nanaimo.