If there’s one thing Kamloops (Tk’emlúps) is in no shortage of, it’s badass women — and women business owners are no exception. But local businesses are struggling this year, and even the best entrepreneurs need an extra boost to compete with online retailers and big box stores in the coming months.
From knick-knacks to books to toys, we rounded up a selection of women-owned businesses in Kamloops where you can find gifts for everyone on your list this year.
The Pond Country Market
6231 Barnhartvale Rd.
Off the beaten path in Barnhartvale, The Pond Country Market is a charming rural retail experience offering dining, gifts, decor and a seasonal garden center. New owner Cheryl and the team have really made this hidden gem shine
They offer an eclectic variety of decor and gifts for the whole family including locally made artisanal sauces, baked goods, jewelry, and candles. You will also find kitchenware, winter woollies, soaps, stationery, candy and so much more.
Come for the shopping but stay for lunch! Depending on the season warm up by the fire or chill on the garden patio for a meal from their praised (& licensed) restaurant.
Andrena’s Book Company
1-910 Summit Dr.
In this reporter’s (admittedly biased) opinion, books are the perfect gift for any occasion; second-hand books doubly so! Never the same twice, used bookstores have a special kind of magic to them. You never know what treasures you will find.
Andrena’s is no exception. They offer a wide variety of pre-owned titles in good condition and are known for their stellar customer service. Already an eco-conscious choice, their buy-back program is a win for the circular economy by keeping titles circulating even longer.
I have never left unhappy, or empty-handed.
The Art We Are Cafe
246 Victoria St.
The Art We Are Cafe is a Kamloops favourite, and for good reason — they really are the epitome of local. Their website states the owners “do our utmost to source our needs from other local, or British Columbia based, businesses.”
“We shop for most of our daily produce at Fratellis across the street; during the summer we get the lettuce for our wraps from Deadman’s Valley Organic Farm; we brew Kicking Horse Organic Coffee from Invermere; dairy for our drinks, baking, and cooking comes from Blackwell Dairy Farm.”
The Art We Are also supports local artists by stocking their artwork and handmade goods. While waiting to pick up food, the giftware section begs to be browsed through. Whether you’re on the hunt for coffee mugs, soaps, art prints or jewelry, The Art We Are likely has a gift your loved one would adore.
Footprints Eco-store and Refillery
620 -1055 Hillside Dr.
No, we’re not suggesting you wrap some dryer sheets to put under the tree — unless that’s on someone’s wish list! Footprints Eco-store and Refillery, located on Hillside Drive, stocks a surprising number of gift-worthy items that are great for your loved ones and the planet.
Products at Footprints keep waste, especially plastic, to a minimum. Don’t let that fool you though, this isn’t your grandpa’s ecostore. Their personal care products are practical and luxurious, with options for all hair and skin types. All that, plus home sundries and everything you need for a squeaky clean abode, there is something for everyone.
If you are looking to introduce a loved one to sustainability this holiday then their gift certificates are a great option. Check out the refillery’s online storefront or head there in person to shop for some eco-conscious holiday gifts.
Far & Wide / The Botanical Scene
353 Victoria St. / 250 Victoria St.
These shops stock products from LGBTQ2S+, BIPOC and women-owned brands — all of which are gorgeous, high-quality and mindfully made.
Whether you’re looking for eclectic gifts and handmade goods or plants and accessories (or both!), these sister stores on Victoria Street cover all the bases.
Both locations are owned by a duo of women who chatted with The Wren reporter Kyra Grubb this week about supporting small businesses during the holidays. They encouraged Kamloopsians to get involved with nearby stores.
“Send people to buy gifts for you from local businesses. Share, promote and follow local businesses on socials. All of this goes a long way,” co-owner Brianne McDaniel says.
Lavender Lingerie
351 Victoria St.
Whether you’re buying something exciting for that special someone in your life, picking up cozy sleepwear and accessories for a loved one or getting yourself a gift, Lavender Lingerie has you covered.
The specialty boutique on Victoria Street specializes in bra fittings for bust sizes B to K, making it both size inclusive and welcoming. In addition to selling underwear, Lavender Lingerie also has robes, slippers and fuzzy socks that make great presents.
The family business is currently owned and operated by Danica Therrien. You can find Lavender Lingerie online with a wider range of products available in person.
Castles and Cottages
347 Victoria St.
Castles and Cottages is another women-owned business in Kamloops that curates products from high-quality brands and sells them in one place.
Clothing and accessories, self-care products, kitchenware and even cards are available at owner Rosie Jonasson’s Victoria Street storefront (and online). We’re pretty confident we could easily get lost in the store for at least an hour, if not three or four.
With a mix of cute items below $10 and more luxurious gifts, Castles and Cottages has a little bit of everything for your loved ones. Check out their website for more details.
Lys’s Thrift and Vintage
234 Victoria St.
Shopping for someone a bit more eco-conscious, or maybe who’s always on the hunt for a great vintage find? Lys’s Thrift and Vintage sells an eclectic mix of truly vintage items with high-quality thrifted clothes at its Victoria Street location.
With Kamloops solidly in winter’s icy grip, Lys’s is a great place to find a fashionable — but warm — pre-loved coat, or maybe a cozy sweater or two for a loved one.
Check out the shop’s Instagram page for more information about sales and new items, or visit them in-store to explore the collection.
Mainstreet Clothing Co.
221 Victoria St.
Opened in 1999, Mainstreet Clothing on Victoria Street is still going strong over 20 years later. The family business may be older than others, but it’s definitely kept up with the times.
The shop stocks men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from high-quality brands like Project Social, Jackson Rowe and Levi’s. It’s a perfect stop for the ultra-trendy fashionista in your life.
Crooked Crown
404 Victoria St.
According to the shop’s website, “fix another woman’s crown, without telling the world that it’s crooked” inspired the store’s name and women-supporting-women ethos when it was first founded.
With a focus on curating products from women-led businesses and Canadian brands, Crooked Crown stocks a mix of high-quality items perfect for gifting. The shop welcomed a new owner named Brianna Shelton in 2022 but hasn’t lost any of its original charm.
You can find beauty and wellness products, hats and apparel and housewares at the shop, which has a pretty big sales section if you’re looking for good deals.
Not to get too meta, but Crooked Crown has also curated its own gift guides for foodies, good hosts and the men in your life to make shopping even easier.
Tumbleweed Toys
1201 Summit Dr.
And who can forget the tiniest gift-receivers in your life? Tumbleweed Toys on Summit Drive sells gifts for children of all ages (yes, even adults) with a mix of classic and wacky toys and games.
Arts and crafts, books, dolls, dress-up, games, sensory toys, stuffed animals — they’ve got everything, plus gift cards if you’d rather let someone pick for themselves.
The store even stays open later starting Dec. 2 so you can get some after-work shopping done! Check out Tumbleweed Toys online or in-person.
Want to learn about some other local businesses worth shopping this holiday season? Check out our curated gift guide for Indigenous-owned businesses near Kamloops!
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