Thrifty Gift Guide to a Local Valentine's in Salmon Arm

February 10, 2023

It’s that time of year again where a little panic ensues, mixed with a nervous excitement as Valentines Day is right around the corner. Sorry if that startled you, but yes whetherwe are prepared or not it’s here. If you, like myself, are in the unprepared category well then this may help spark some ideas without breaking the bank.

Tailoring a gift to someone’s personality has to be one of the most thoughtful things we can do. With that being said it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s how you can do that under $100 or 1 bouquet of a dozen roses, if you would. This is a bit of an alternative to the traditional gifts, so, stay with me here because I promise these gift ideas will all work out to be beautiful in the end. There’s also a way to give gifts and support your local shops and businesses.

Allow me to present…A personalised beverage basket for two, to share full of New, Used and Local Items from Salmon Arm.

Let’s get the used portion out of the way, as I’m sure that’s the word most people read and were thinking “absolutely not, no way!” Ok, I get it. But, as an avid ‘thrifter’ myself I can say people would probably be shocked at the amazing items I find in thrift stores. It’s a place where nostalgia reigns supreme and amazing pieces are donated as styles/fads change constantly. We are lucky have a couple great thrift stores right here in Salmon Arm such as Churches Thrift Shop, Hudson Thrift Shoppe, and ADH Store (formally ReStore).

Valentine’s Thrift Store Shopping Tips:

Matching set of glassware or mugs if you prefer a hot drink (try and find something that reminds you of the person you are shopping for. For example, a wineglass, retro, colour and funky shaped, etc. For mugs, pottery is always fantastic, and they do not have to match. They can just look nice together as a pair.
Basket/decorative box to hold everything (there is usually a decent sized bin of baskets to choose from).
Small linens, small table runner or placemat to use a centre piece, also adds great background for your basket décor.
Finish off with a quick scan, and see if anything catches your eye that might fit your basket (maybe a picture frame, fill it with a picture of your favourite memory together).
Remember to give those thrifted items a good clean and they will sparkle & shine again. Here’s what I found at the Churches Thrift Shop for putting together a basket.

Top off the basket with new and locally made items:

Pick a local wine like Marionette Winery , a craft beer such as Ricochet Brewing, a spirit to make a delicious cocktail from Shuswap Highland Stills or a great cider like Shuswap Cider or Northyards Cider Co (they are really amazing at the local liquor store to help you find Salmon Arm products)
If you chose mugs and need a hot drink, the local businesses have a lovely teas, coffees, syrups and latte mixes (one of my go to places is On Alex) Check out local hot serve beverages from Frog Friendly Coffee, Shuswap Coffee, 6 Beans Roasting, and Canadian Barley Tea.
Need something hot and ready? Pick up your Valentine’s favourite drink from their favourite local coffee shop (just pour it into your mugs when you are ready).Visit Ecotreats Cafe, Anvil Coffee Collective, Pink Cherry, Still Foods Bistro, and Sweet Leaf Bakery and Café.
Our local beloved shop the Candy Vault is always at the ready to fill our cravings.
A lovely smelling locally made candle from Tappen Apothecary or a great candle holder from Hibou Rouge and candle stick are always a great choice, you can find lots at Eclectic Soul on Lakeshore Drive.
Want to add a card to pour out all those heartfelt feelings, places like Re-market etc, On Alex, Wild Craft Mercantile have fun different styles and options.

There are so many amazing businesses downtown Salmon Arm to find little things to add that I haven’t even named. All so close that once you parked and can walk to them all. Here are the items I found at a bunch of downtown business and Public Market.

Pack and arrange everything in your basket/box and head off to have a great time. To give you and idea this is how I ended up arranging the gift basket.

Did you choose warm drinks for your basket? Bundle up and take a stroll down to the end of the wharf at Marine Peace Park, or bring a blanket and chill on the bank at Canoe Beach to catch those amazing views. The sunsets are absolutely phenomenal and so peaceful.