Kelowna's Juicy Tips

For those with shopping aversion, this time of year can be overwhelming. But here’s the good news: Kelowna has some truly exceptional independent boutiques that can make shopping a pleasure and a highly successful excursion. In the video below, I visited one of these excellent stores: Country Cottage Gifts and Decor on Bernard Ave. This store is owned and run by visionary couple Duane and Charlene Habuza, who turned a 1910 heritage house into a charming and unique shopping experience. Happy shopping!

Kelowna's downtown shopping

Here are a few Kelowna shopping ideas for you, based on the personality of the person you are shopping for.

For the home-maker: Located at 763 Bernard Avenue, Country Cottage Gifts and Decor is the picture of Christmas. For one thing, the store is actually a super cute 1910 heritage house. When you walk inside, the wonderful scents of soy candles greets you and they’ve always got coffee on. The theme of the store is definitely primitive country: patchwork quilts and decor items, rustic furniture, homey Christmas decor.  The items have a cozy simplicity. Check out the video below for more on this store.

For the fashion maven: Also on Bernard Ave (at 293 Bernard), Blonde is a hip fashion store for young women. The store sparkles with one-of-a-kind dresses, accessories, and clothing accents. For the fashion -conscious girl in your life, you can’t go wrong here.

Blonde Store in Kelowna, above, is open until 8 pm on Fridays in December.

For the service-provider/co worker/neighbour: Downtown at 1551 Ellis St., Shop the Valley is a beautiful boutique with locally made gifts and art. Gorgeous wood bowls, jewelry, and office items (like spiffy business card holders) are on display here.

For the pet-lover: Bone Appetit is a fantastic pet boutique at 2696 Pandosy where you can find specialty items for your pal’s best friend. If you know someone who adores their Rufus, Morris, or Polly, they’ll love a special gift from here.

For the new parent: With an emphasis on environmentally-friendly baby products and family health, The Natural Baby Shop in Kelowna is a great spot for a special new baby gift. Right now they are located in the Orchard Plaza II mall, and will be moving to their new location at 1331 Ellis St. across from the library downtown in January 2010.

For the new home-owner: Also on Ellis St. (#107 1289  Ellis St.), Chantal Couture owns and runs the store Funktional. Like the name, the items in here are funky, functional home and personal accessories. The store is beautiful and has been featured in BC Home Magazine and Wish magazine.

Storefront of Funktional in Kelowna's Cultural District.

For more great downtown shops, visit the Downtown Kelowna Association directory.  For now, here’s a taste of the shopping experience at one of the stores I mentioned above: the Country Cottage Gifts and Decor shop. Enjoy!