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Stuck for holiday gift ideas? Shop local this festive season to find one-of-a-kind presents from fun toys to unique handmade gifts, and even experiences and events you can enjoy with your loved ones.
Holiday treats for your little elves
Make the holidays unforgettable with a family outing to an illuminated winter wonderland and plenty of presents under the tree.
Wildlights at BC Wildlife Park
Who’s the brightest light in your life? Take them to Wildlights at the BC Wildlife Park, where one million twinkling lights fill the park with festive spirit between December 9, 2022 to January 2, 2023, from 4-9pm nightly (excluding Christmas Day). Treat the kids to a fun celebration with Santa, Mrs Claus, and his elves at the Discovery Centre between December 10-23 from 5-8pm. Catch Uncle Chris the Clown on select dates, check out the Home Hardware Family Farm (nightly 5.30-8.30pm), and ride the Wildlife Express Train every night from 5-9pm ($1). Come along on December 9 (4-9pm for a sensory-friendly evening with no music.
Lights are turned on from 5pm each night and last admission is 8.30pm.
Tumbleweed Toys
Shop for toys for the kids, and kids at heart, at the newly expanded Tumbleweed Toys, which now carries even more puzzles and games for all ages. Choose from a range of fave games – from classic nostalgic ones to new strategy games, puzzles up to 18,000 pieces, and even adult party options. Check out the giant wall of LEGO, and stock up on exotic candy, while you take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic gifts like lava lamps, kaleidoscopes, and Rubik's cubes for older generations, or pick up an educational wooden toy for young ones. This year, LEGO sets look likely to be top of Santa’s list, with his elves also stocking up on Playmobil sets, board games, Jellycat plush toys, candy, PlasmaCars, and Globber scooters. Little scientists and engineers will love a Rock Tumbler, Gravitrax marble run, or SIKU line of die cast vehicles. Top stocking stuffers include Needoh squishy toys, all sorts of fidgets, Canadian-made colour change hot chocolate packs, and nostalgic candy; yum!
Creative cultural gifts for artsy pals
Pick up a zero waste present in the form of passes for plays, or locally made gifts that focus on supporting artists and are made with sustainable production techniques.
Western Canada Theatre Flex Passes
Give the gift of live theatre with tickets to the fantastically festive It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (running from November 24 to December 10 at the Sagebrush) or let them choose their own adventure with Western Canada Theatre 2022 Holiday Flex Passes, which are available until December 31. A perfect stocking stuffer for theatre lovers, a WCT Holiday Flex 2 pass includes two passes to any WCT productions from January – May 2023, so you can bring a friend to a show, make it a date night, or see two different shows in WCT’s season. A great gift for people interested in the rest of WCT’s 22/23 Sagebrush Series, the WCT Flex Pass 3 offers savings on tickets for the final three Sagebrush shows (BOOM X, Hurry Hard, Grease) – or any combination of three shows in the season from January to May 2023.
Kamloops Art Gallery gifts
Be inspired with a gift from the Kamloops Art Gallery, from beautiful Indigenous silver and copper carved jewelry to colourful Canadian-made toques and distinctive letter-pressed holiday cards and decorations. Here you’ll find that special gift created by diverse makers from Kamloops, Canada, and around the world. And, of course, they have a wide range of art supplies, fountain pens, and watercolours for the budding artist in your life.
Festive feasts for foodie friends
Gather your friends and family for a festive feast to celebrate the season with influences from all over the world, from a traditional British Christmas dinner to a Chinese inspired menu to bring you all together over good food.
Masons Kitchen + Bar
Get the party started with a Christmas themed menu for groups that can be plated or set up as a buffet to get stuck into while you celebrate, British-style, at Masons Kitchen + Bar’s lodge. Choose from prawn cocktail or crispy butternut squash spinach salad to start, followed by roast turkey, beef, or house smoked ham with mash and roast potatoes, roast parsnips, seasonal veggies, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy (or a veggie lasagne option), finished off with Christmas pudding and brandy sauce ($38.95, plus GST + 18% grat).
Moon Wok
It’s not the holidays unless you’re stuffed! Choose from a set menu for two to 10 people to get a taste of Chinese cuisine in Kamloops at Moon Wok. Tasty options include spring rolls, beef with mixed vegetables, special fried rice, and a choice of entrees. The North Shore Moon Wok will be open 3-8pm on Christmas Day and you can book ahead to eat in, or order to go for a party at home!
However you celebrate, there’s plenty to see and do during the holiday season here in Kamloops. Check out these ideas for fun things to do this winter or take the family for a snowy adventure on local hills. Looking for more gift ideas? Try these local brands that support women and sport in the community.
