We’re here to help you find ways to support local!
With the holiday season around the corner in the midst of a global pandemic, the Gabriola Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to keep supporting local businesses as they start to think about Christmas purchases. Many (perhaps all) of our annual in-person craft fairs have been cancelled and local artisans are taking their wares online. Additionally, many brick and mortar businesses may be feeling the effects of less people shopping in person this year. Our Tourism businesses are also looking for your support to get through these challenging times. Consider buying the gift of experience! You can contact local accommodators, restaurants, and activities to gift to family for when it is safe to come back and visit us! We’ve compiled a list of ways you can shop for those handmade and locally sourced goods here:
Do you have someone on your list who prefers to pick out their own gift? Click the image above to visit Gabriola’s page on Island COMEBACK where you can shop for local Gift Certificates. This will come in super handy for any last minute shoppers – upon purchase, your gift card is emailed directly to the recipient! Check back often as new businesses and organizations are signing up daily.
Homebased and Handmade on Gabriola is a Facebook group where you can connect with local makers as they share what they are up to and what they have available. Seriously, click on over and scroll through the many amazing posts so far! Artists, crafters, bakers, and makers are adding more everyday. Group creator Brandi writes, “I’ve been finding it challenging to remember and find all the fabulous vendors I see at the craft fairs, so giving this a whirl – maybe it can help others too! Let’s make it easy to support local!”
The Gabriola Museum wants you to shop local! You can shop online and then drop by the Museum for pick up. Our gift shop is full! It features local artists and lots of other wonderful surprises! Perfect gift ideas for those who want to dig into Gabriola’s history and natural wonders.
Local Line Gabriola online market has many of your favourite homemade foods and artisanal products from the Farmer’s Market delivered right to you on Wednesdays! From jams, salsas, and bread to pottery, glass art, and jewellery you will find unique gift ideas here! The unfortunate news is that the in person craft fair is cancelled due to restrictions. THE GOOD NEWS is that you can still support your local artisans and makers through our online store! To order, go to https://www.localline.ca/gabriolafarmersmarket. The store is open until midnight Monday and we deliver on Wednesday afternoon/evening.
Did you know many of our local artists sell on Etsy? Visit Etsy.com/ca and enter Gabriola in the location search bar! Clicking the logo above will take you directly to the Gabriola search. You can ship a gift from Etsy directly to the recipient, or arrange local pick up with the seller. Happy shopping!
Clicking the Gabriola Arts Council logo above will take you to an extensive online gallery of artists. Contact info for each artist is available, so be sure to get in touch with them if the perfect gift catches your eye, or if you’d like to arrange a time for a COVID-safe visit to their studio to pick something out.
A Fair of the Arts was a series of events planned for November 21, November 28, and December 5th. Unfortunately the in-person markets have been cancelled, but you can still shop from all of the wonderful vendors who had signed up and have been working hard on preparing their goods for sale. Click here for a List of Vendors and their contact information.
The Gabriola Chamber’s Yellow Flag artist directory has helpful links to the websites and phone numbers of your favourite local artists. You can also find these artists in the 2020 Gabriola Island Visitor Guide; each studio is marked on the centrefold map. Members of the Yellow Flag program may be contacted to arrange a private studio appointment, or if their yellow flag is flying you may stop in. Be sure to follow all COVID precautions for any in-person shopping.
Get ready Gabriola, the annual Silent Auction is going online! The album will be available here from Dec 10 to 13. Shop for your friends, family, or yourself all while supporting our local elementary school. This link will take you to the album of items up for auction. Items will be able to viewed starting December 10!