Celebrating the holidays is going to look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be less special. This season is all about connecting with friends and family and sharing your appreciation for them. While we might not be able to see some of our nearest and dearest in person this year, we can still share a taste of Campbell River with those near and far.
“So much of what and who we love in our community is brought to us by passionate locals who have made our community vibrant and fun. Now it’s our turn to show the love and support local – and support we will!”
Enjoy a Feast (virtually)
One of the best ways to show someone you love them is the gift of food! Enter More Eatery; this business was conceived during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for people to safely gather, cook, celebrate, and enjoy a tasty meal together virtually! They have meal kits for every occasion and will walk you through each step. Boxes with all the needed ingredients can be delivered between Campbell River and the Comox Valley. We recommend checking out their Yule Tide box for a stress-free Christmas dinner! If your loved ones live further away, the friendly More Eatery Team can create a custom shopping list so you can still share the magic of preparing and eating holiday meals together.
Don’t enjoy cooking? Treat yourself and others to take-out or delivery from a local restaurant then enjoy it together social distance style! Or buy a gift certificate to your favourite spot so that you can enjoy an in-person meal together at a later date. Supporting local businesses AND avoiding kitchen clean up? Win-win!
Give them an excuse to visit Campbell River when the time is right.
Buy a gift card from a local tour operator or make a booking for the future. This will give your loved ones a good excuse to come and visit you as soon as we are all able to travel more freely. Take them out whale watching to witness humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions and much more. Or introduce them to our city’s favourite pastime: fishing! A day out with a local guide is truly the best way to experience our waters. With so much uncertainty in the world, we all need something bright on the horizon to look forward to. The gift of a new experience is extra special and something you can both treasure for a lifetime.
Send a piece of Campbell River to Them
Many local Campbell River businesses are now offering online shopping making it easy to send something uniquely Campbell River to a loved one. Or you can always shop in person and mail it too! Start by checking out the Blue box program, many stores have created curated boxes that make for great gifts! Or curate your own gift box. We recommend filling it with:
- A bag of the Campbell River Fog tea from Stonehouse Teas
- Locally made salt from Vancouver Island Sea Salt
- A west coast inspired mug from Mussels and More
- A locally designed tee shirt from Bough and Antler or Westcoastees
Bonus Idea: Support a Non-Profit or Charity
Make a donation on behalf of your friend, family member or coworker, to their favourite local non-profit or charity. Not being able to host regular fundraisers has made it a tough year for many local non-profits. This has been a tough year for many in our community. A great way to celebrate the season is by giving back and supporting the good work these organizations do in our community. You can find a list of local non-profits and charities here .
We hope these ideas spark new ways of thinking about how we’re going to celebrate the holidays this year while remaining safe and healthy. We encourage everyone to support the incredible local businesses we have in Campbell River and wish you all a restful holiday season!
P.S If you’re looking for something special to mail your gifts out in, you can purchase Campbell River blue boxes at the Campbell River Visitor Centre by arrangement.
