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On The Hill: Radar Hill Blog

Christmas 2021 Featured Businesses

Est. reading time 14 minutes

It’s coming up to Christmas once again! And as exciting as it can be, it also means the stressful business of having to search out the perfect gift for your friends and family, and sometimes it can be hard to even know where to begin. That's why each year around this time, we compile some of the amazing businesses we've built websites for and put them into this Christmas newsletter.

Christmas isn't just about gifts though, it's about coming together and having a good time, which is why this list has everything from the perfect one-of-a-kind gifts, to the best places to stock up on delicious food and party treats.

No matter what you're planning this Christmas we’re sure you’ll be able to find something for you in our Christmas newsletter!


GIFTS

HEIRLOOM LINENS

There’s no better feeling than sinking into a luxuriously comfortable bed at the end of the day. Why not give someone the gift of a good night’s sleep this Christmas courtesy of Heirloom Linens. They have a wide range of bedding options, all expertly made and carefully sourced.

For all your bedding needs and to order now, visit www.heirloomlinens.com

CUBAN CIGAR SHOP

There are few products that carry more social cache, quality, and style than the Cuban Cigar, with its worldwide reputation and storied history. They are an ideal gift this Christmas, and the Cuban Cigar Shop in Victoria offers a wide selection of quality options. Additionally, they have an impressive selection of accessories, including luxurious humidors, cigar cutters, and lighters.

To see their full selection of products and order now visit www.cubancigar-shop.com

HONEYSUCKLE COTTAGES

If you’re looking for a gift that is crafted with the same love with which it’s given, then look no further than Honeysuckle Cottages’ wide range of gorgeous products. All of which have been sewn by Toni and her dedicated team of seamstresses, who have been carefully crafting everything from beautiful tea cozies to the very best in floral patterns for home decor.

To order online now visit www.honeysucklecottagesales.com/products

HERITAGE WOODEN GIFTS

It is now easier than ever to find beautiful custom works of art, and with Heritage Wooden Gifts you can find something which has been carved with love by skilled engravers.

They have a wide selection of pieces, including jewellery, crests, medals, magnets, bookmarks, and coasters. Meaning you have plenty of choice when it comes to finding the perfect gift for someone special, with a piece of custom art that will help bring a little piece of the natural beauty of the west coast into their life.

To view their full selection of products and order now visit www.heritagewoodengifts.com

SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL

If you’re looking for fantastic bargains with the added bonus of contributing to a great cause — why not head on down to SSVP. The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul is run with the spirit of equality and compassion in mind, helping those who truly need it. To help them achieve this they operate two thrift stores in Victoria, selling clothes, household items, electronics, antiques, and much more!

For more information on the good work of the society and for a list of locations you can visit www.ssvpvancouverisland.ca

OUT OF IRELAND

Cozy sweaters and scarves have always been a staple of Christmas gifting. Thanks to Out Of Ireland you have a wonderful collection of Irish, knits, scarves, wraps and hats right here in downtown Victoria. Additionally, the store showcases Irish jewellery, wool throws and many other unique gift items. They also carry the widest selection of men’s wool caps and hats in Western Canada.

With worldwide shipping and a great new website to enjoy there’s no excuse not to order now at www.outofireland.ca or find them on Facebook.

PETS WEST

No matter what the animal, your pet is an important, and beloved, part of your life. So, don’t neglect them this Christmas, make sure to gift them (and their owners) with something that’ll make their lives better, whether that’s food, supplies, or even a brand new toy.

With a range of over 8000 products and both curbside pickup and free delivery options available for most products, there’s everything you could need just a few clicks away.

To browse their wide-ranging selection of pet products, and order your gift today visit www.petswest.ca

KENMAR FLOWER FARM

Flowers can be an ideal way to add a touch of grace and elegance to any winter party or they can be a beautiful and touching gift for a partner or family member. Either way, as one of the premier florists in Victoria, Kenmar Flower Farm will be able to provide you with something that will take people’s breath away.

They offer a wide range of flowers, plus European Hand Tied Bouquets that are arranged on a daily basis by people whose skill, craft, and experience shine through.

For flower tips and pictures of their beautiful bouquets, go to www.kenmarflowerfarm.com

SAWYER SEWING CENTRE

The best gifts are the ones that come from the heart, and the ones that are crafted personally with love and care. This Christmas let inspiration guide you and make something truly unique, with the help of equipment and guidance from Sawyer Sewing Centre.

They carry a range of top quality sewing machines, threads, parts, and accessories, all of which can also make great gifts for the sewing aficionado in your life.

To see their full list of products and order visit www.sawyersewing.com

THERESA MAKES PAPER DOLLS

If you’re looking for something truly unique for a gift idea, and something that’s going to have a genuine personal touch, then Theresa Makes Paper Dolls has just the solution for you.

There are endless possibilities with a personalized paper doll, made in a likeness of your choosing, and they come with a wide range of outfits and styles, making them a great gift for adults and children alike. Truly something fun and quirky to enjoy!

To order your own paper doll, visit www.theresamakespaperdolls.com

MVP CREST AND TROPHY

Customized embroidery and vinyl print are the perfect way to personalize your clothing, hats, and bags. Declare your team spirit with a special team jersey. Flaunt your individuality with a custom embroidered jacket. Share your favourite saying on a tote bag. Wear it loud and wear it proud!

Reward your winners with a trophy or promotional item from MVP Crest and Trophy. They offer awards, engravings, promotional items, anniversary gifts, and team apparel. 

For further details go to www.mymvp.ca

JOHNSON’S SEWING CENTRE

We've all come to embrace our hobbies even more and there is nothing quite as gratifying or relaxing as sewing. Whether you know a master seamstress, or someone just looking to get started, help them this Christmas with the gift of sewing supplies from Johnson Sewing Centre.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, they have been operating since 1969 and drawing on this experience and expertise, they're able to offer the very best when it comes to materials and equipment.

For more information or to purchase sewing supplies today, visit www.johnsonssewing.com

STEPHEN FORTNER JEWELLERY

There is no better gift than a piece of sparkling fine jewellery, but you want to be sure you’re getting the very best. Stephen Fortner can ensure just that, using only conflict-free stones that have been appraised by an expert Gemmologist. As a skilled goldsmith with over 25 years of experience, he turns those stones into beautiful, glistening jewellery that will make for a special gift that is sure to be cherished.

To see his beautiful products, visit www.stephenfortner.com

FAITH GRANT’S ON THE AVENUE

Antiques don’t just make for excellent gifts, full of character, uniqueness and attractiveness. They also offer people a chance to join a lineage of owners, stories, and history. With a collection of hand-picked items from homes across Vancouver Island, Faith Grant’s on The Avenue has a wide range of antiques for that special, personal gift.

To see their current inventory, visit www.faithgrantantiques.com


ART

AVANT-GARDE ART

Avante-Garde Art specializes in combining the sophistication of Montreal’s art scene with the unique identity of Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Through their site, you can gift unique and original paintings for collectors, boutique hotels, commercial offices, restaurants, and businesses. Browse their artists and see about ordering a piece today at www.avantgardeart.ca

MY MONDO TRADING

Staring at a blank wall isn’t the most exciting experience — especially if you’re working from home — however, things can easily be livened up with a piece of art from My Mondo Trading. All of their pieces are rooted in the true provenance of Canada’s Pacific Northwest, with work by artists from First Nations across the region. My Mondo are able to highlight underappreciated and often ignored artists, bringing their work, which is rich in their unique culture, legends, visual styles and storytelling, to the public.

Offering masks, totem poles, talking sticks, paddles, headdresses, bowls, boxes and more, each item has its own personal meaning and story, as well as beauty and value. With new pieces added and sold every week, and often selling fast, be sure to move quickly to secure the perfect artwork gift this Christmas.

To view their vast selection of art visit www.mymondotrading.com

CLASSIC HOME TAPESTRIES

The more time you’re spending in your home, the more important getting the right look and feel for your space is. This Christmas turn to Classic Home Tapestries for something that will really transform your living space or home office. With beautiful and ornate tapestries, you can give someone the gift of a magnificent piece that will add drama and style to wherever they hang it.

These high-quality tapestries, including everything from medieval and classical scenes to contemporary pieces, have been woven by long-established weavers in France, Belgium and Italy, who take tremendous pride in their craft and tradition.

To view their selection of tapestries, visit www.thetapestryhouse.com

TOPGATE FARM

If you’re looking for artistic gifts and cards this Christmas, Topgate Farm gives you the chance to find something unique that reflects the best of Canadian art and artists. With a focus on the landscapes and seascapes of Western Canada, they showcase two very special Canadian artists and offer hand-printed reproductions of their work in the form of Art Cards, Note Cards, and Custom Art prints.

To view their full products, visit www.topgatefarm.com

PENINSULA GALLERY

Whether you’re searching for a gift for an artist, or simply someone who you know appreciates the finer points of art, the acclaimed Peninsula Gallery is ideal for you. Formed in 1986, it has since grown into one of Canada’s most renowned and established art galleries, presenting high-quality art and sculptures from both local and nationwide artists.

Located in Sidney, and with worldwide shipping for their pieces as well as bespoke custom framing, choosing and sending a piece from their gallery couldn’t be easier. And, for those who prefer to create, they also offer a range of art classes.

For a closer look at their artists, artwork, and available classes, visit www.pengal.com


FOOD & DRINK

HEART & BONE

Give the gift of good health this Christmas. Navigating a keto or paleo diet can often be made difficult by supermarkets and manufacturers — making it hard for you to figure out exactly what you need to look for, and forcing you to scan over every ingredient list.

To make things simpler, shop somewhere that specializes in organic paleo & keto-friendly foods, and Heart & Bone we have you covered for both the sweet and the savoury without compromising your diet!

They carry a range of premium bone broths that have numerous health benefits, from healing your joints to detoxifying your body. Or try their keto fatbars - with a wide range of flavors from matcha to lemon to cacao coffee.

Visit their shop on Salt Spring Island or order online (free delivery on orders of $150 or more) at www.heartandbone.com

THIRSTY VINTNER

Good quality wine is an individual taste experience — uniquely different for each person’s palette — but it also should be fun. And that's exactly what Thirsty Vintner has captured with their wine-making experiences.

Whether you're looking to surprise someone with a high-quality wine you've created or bring someone into the world of wine crafting, this is an ideal Christmas Gift! Thirsty Vintner has made it easy for anyone to take part in the wine creation process, helping people in-store and at home to make wines that offer premium taste at affordable prices.

To find out more, visit www.thirstyvintner.ca

OAK BAY SEAFOOD

Whether you’re looking to cook up a storm this Christmas day, or you simply want a nice warming meal as the colder days draw in, look no further than Oak Bay Seafood for the finest quality in fish and seafood. From whole fish to fillets to prepared items, there is something scrumptious waiting for you in Oak Bay.

To buy your own fresh and delicious seafood visit www.oakbayseafood.com

CAKES ETC.

The Cakes Etc. team bakes with the finest quality ingredients available, such as chocolate imported from Belgium, dairy from Vancouver Island farms, and fresh fruit grown in neighboring fields. Their unique decorating style really showcases these ingredients, creating something that looks as good as it tastes, and that will be the perfect centrepiece for any special occasion.

To see their full selection and order online visit www.cakesetc.ca

EUGENE’S WHOLESALE GREEK FOOD

Food isn’t just about taste — it’s also heritage and history passed down and shared with the world, and when people are able to share that culture it can create a memorable and unique experience that brings people together.

That’s exactly what happened when Greek immigrants Evgeni (Eugene) and Paschalina Vassiliadis opened up their Souvlaki snack bar in 1979. Now a wholesale business, Eugene’s is operated by their son Lee Vassiliadis, supplying delicious Tzatziki, Homous, Spanakopita & Bougatsa to satisfied customers across Victoria, Vancouver Island, and the Lower Mainland.

These are products built on history and authenticity, as well as tremendously tasty ingredients! Served alongside pita bread, they would make for a fantastic canape or appetizer for any Christmas or New Year stay-at-home celebration.

To see the full list of where you can get their products, visit www.eugenes.ca

CHERYL’S GOURMET PANTRY

Whether you’re simply too pushed for time this winter, or you want something with more style and taste than your standard fare, Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry is the answer to all your Christmas cooking quandaries. They offer a sumptuous selection of delicious food, delivered with knowledge and professionalism.

To see her mouth-watering menus, visit www.cherylsgourmetpantry.com


SPORTS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

ISLAND OUTFITTERS

The past couple years we’ve all been trying to get out and make the most of wide-open spaces, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing in these stressful times as a spot of fishing. Since 1994, Island Outfitters has been supplying  Victoria’s fishermen with all their bait and equipment needs, as well as a range of other hunting supplies.

For that perfect gift for the fisher in your life visit www.fishingvictoria.com

MEDIX BC

For the adventurer in your life or just someone who wants to be prepared with a small emergency first aid kit, Medix BC has got you covered. Offering a range of kits and other medical supplies, don’t let you or a loved one be caught out without a kit. With a variety of sizes and uses, kits are an easy way to have the things you need in an emergency in one convenient pack – make your life a little safer.

Order the proper supplies here https://www.medixbc.ca/medical-supplies/category/first-aid-kits-2

ANGLING SPORTS

While their store is in London, Ontario, you can still get amazing fishing supplies shipped across Canada with Angling Sports. Angling Sports can help you catch the best fish, by making sure you use only the best gear. Open to newcomers and experienced anglers alike, they are available to help no matter what skill level or experience.

To find the perfect gift for the keen fisher in your life, visit www.anglingsports.ca

CYCLE THERAPY

Staying in shape through the winter doesn’t have to be a drag — not with the exciting option of year-round Vancouver Island cycling. Cycling isn’t just an amazing way to get and stay fit, it’s also a great way of exploring this gorgeous island and getting outside in a safe and socially distanced way!

It doesn’t matter what your cycling level is, Cycle Therapy has everything you need to start your cycling adventure — expert advice, great customer service, and a wide range of bikes and accessories.

To start making plans for you or your loved ones, visit www.cycletherapy.ca

KIRBY’S SOURCE FOR SPORTS

No matter what level they’re playing at, Kirby’s Source for Sports has a wide selection of equipment and supplies that would make the perfect Christmas gift for the sports enthusiast in your life. Kirby’s has a wide range of products across Hockey, Baseball, and Lacrosse, as well as recently expanded offerings in Soccer, Field Hockey. and Football.

This locally owned and operated business can be counted on for high-quality customer service and support, backed by owners Kirby Yeats and Sean Tackaberry, who have over 50 combined years’ worth of experience in the sporting goods industry.

To view their full selection of products visit www.kirbyssports.com

VERTICAL ORGANIC GARDENING

Vertical gardening is one of the best ways to make the most of your outdoor space. With a Vertical Organic Garden, you will be able to grow your own food and develop a fantastic outdoor space that will truly enrich your home.

With their Gardens, you can grow up to 48 pots of fruits, vegetables, or herbs in an area of less than 8 square feet, making it an ideal gift for someone with a green thumb that has limited space to work in.

To find out more visit www.verticalorganicgarden.com


Thank you for reading our Christmas newsletter! Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!