Christmas (and Hanukkah!) are fast approaching, and we thought we'd help you with your shopping!
There is something for everyone on our carefully curated list, loads of locals and all Canadian companies.
The importance of shopping small business is not lost on this community, and we hope you'll continue to support your local artisans and entrepreneurs this season (maybe even contribute to a local charity in lieu of presents).
Shop our top picks below:
Always on the go team
The Five15, Vancouver: Finding keys buried in the bottom of a bag or purse is a heck of a lot easier with a keychain attached. This one from one of our favourite Vancouver makers really speaks to the soul (and don’t worry, they have cat ones too).
Bonus – partial proceeds from all her products go to different non-profits and animal rescues!
The Market Bags, Kelowna: Created by local Julia Mathers as a way to help eliminate single-use plastic bags, and we can’t help but see another use for them. Why not store a couple treats, maybe a spare leash, or a toy for long car rides? A dog to-go bag!
Bonus – partial proceeds from her sales go directly to helping families in need in our community!
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Hibernators
The Okanagan Candle Co., Kelowna: Is there anything better than snuggling up when it’s dark out, reading a good book or throwing on a Christmas movie? Yes! Add a divine smelling, hand poured soy candle.
Find Jenn’s work at Birch Hill Studio in Vernon, Something Pretty Boutique in Penticton, Gingerlily, Scallywags, Pomme Salon, Glow Juicery and more around Kelowna.
Be One Breed, Quebec: Putting a modern and stylish twist on everything from dog beds to scratching posts. High-quality products that aren’t boring? We’re in.
Based out of Quebec, you can find the brand at Bone & Biscuit and Bon Appetit here in Kelowna, as well as Paw St. Market in Vernon.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Adventurers
Okanagan Lifestyle, Kelowna: You’ve been living under a rock if you haven’t heard of Okanagan Lifestyle by now. Founder and mompreneur extraordinaire, Jaclyn Robertson, is not only a killer designer but a huge advocate for getting outside to play. This snuggly crew neck is perfect for layering.
Bonus – this company is constantly giving back to our community through various charities like Mamas for Mamas and JoeAnna’s House.
ThreadzNTails, Shawnigan Lake: Especially great for short haired dogs, these cozies are not only stylish but functional. Softshell fleece, water resistant, and machine washable to boot.
Made to order straight from the West Coast, we love supporting small business and keeping the dogs warm through the winter!
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Runners
Epic Blend, Kelowna: This incredible line of body care products is made right here in our own backyard. From lip chap to hair oil and everything in between, you can basically give your entire hygiene routine a makeover. This Salt Soak is perfect for the athletic one in your life.
Bonus – 100% vegetarian, not tested on animals, and natural.
RoKodog, Nanaimo: Anyone who knows or follows me will know I preach reflective gear and bright colours. As the days get shorter, we slowly gain invisibility powers which is not a good thing in my eyes. The neon bandana with reflective strips (which comes in four amazing colours) is perfect to stay seen.
Bonus – 5% of all sale proceeds from this Island company goes to one of our favourite rescue organization Raincoast Rescue.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Proud patriots
Frankie & Finnigan, Blind Bay: Hands down, one of the comfiest t-shirts I own. Lindsay named her company after her two rescue dogs, has the greatest (and sassiest) designs, and is sweet as pie. Hers is a business I am always proud to promote.
Bonus – hand printed in Canada.
Perry’s Bowtique, Kelowna: When Perry’s mom, Talline, started dating his dad she had never had a dog before. She wanted to dress him up, but dad refused. Bowties seemed like the next logical step if she wasn’t allowed to put full outfits on him. Now, dogs all over Kelowna are dapper as anything thanks to her creations.
Sturdy and in a range of patterns and colours, we can’t help but love this classic (and very Canadian) plaid.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Style squad
Lavender & Grace, Kelowna: Kayla might be one of the youngest and busiest entrepreneurs here in Kelowna. She’s worked hard to split her time between student and creator and quickly made her brand a household name in the Okanagan.
These delicate initial necklaces are one of our favourite designs and are the perfect gift for the subtle and fashionable dog mom.
Canada Pooch, Toronto: The Canada Goose of the dog world, these jackets and knits are well made, good lookin’, and will keep your dog warm as our Okanagan winter kicks into high gear.
You can find this brand located at a ton of pet stores around town including Pounce and Hound, Pet Valu, Buckerfields, and Tail Blazers.
Dog dad
Haus of Birch OKV, Birch Hill Studio, Vernon: The queen curators of Canadian made products have collaborated with VANCITY to create the OKV (Okanagan Valley) line. The toques come in a variety of colours and, honestly, don’t we all need another toque?
Black Spruce Leather, Vernon: These geologists turned crafters settled in the Okanagan and how lucky are we? Their work includes everything from flasks to keychains, but we are big admirers of the dog collars.
You can have them personalized with your dogs name, and they’re both durable and gorgeous.
Bonus – they work with tanneries that have high ethical standards and environmental practices, and all their cowhide is sourced in North America where the leather is a by-product of the beef industry.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Wine lover
Burgandy Oak, Calgary: This company has its roots right here in the Okanagan. Founder, Joel Jelinski, began the company using wine barrels from local wineries while he attended UBCO. Their company has grown significantly, and their product list now includes this incredible dog bed.
Suggested pairing? Any bottle from one of our amazing local wineries!
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Beer lover
Rad Rover, Kelowna: One of our favourite pet services in Kelowna has branched into merch, and of course they thought carefully about their beloved client base. These rad dog collars come in three different patterns, are anti-stink, waterproof, eco-friendly and include a bottle opener.
Grab your favourite brew from one of our favourite local breweries and you’re guaranteed to be nailing presents this year.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
"I don't want anything"
BCSPCA, Paws It Forward, Arion, Critter Aid – a few of our favourite animal-based charities around town. A contribution to any of these amazing organizations in lieu of a gift is the perfect way to pay it forward.
Happy shopping, Kelowna!
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and Instagram @okpetproject, and, as always, you can read more articles like this on our website www.okpetproject.com.
