The Yukon is like nowhere else. And so are the gifts you’ll find here. Our local makers and artisans would love to share the fruits of their labours with you. If you’re a local, it’s a great way for you to support your local businesses. If you’re not from these parts and can’t make it to the Yukon this year, you can still bring a piece of it home. Just order online and have something special delivered for the holidays. Keep reading for ideas on unique gifts from unique retailers, or see an entire list of them here.
Aroma Borealis
From the bounty of the surrounding pristine lands and waters comes a shop filled with natural health body care products. Inspired by the boreal forest and the people who live there, Aroma Borealis wild-harvests local flora, such as rosehips, fireweed, and balsam fir. Of course, they’re all sustainable ingredients. From these subarctic plants and organically grown herbs and essential oils they create wonderful teas, an herbal skincare line and aromatherapy products. All of them are formulated by Boreal Herbalist and Aromatherapist, Beverley Gray. Believe us, the shop smells incredible. But if you can’t make it into Whitehorse, you can still order online and bring Aroma Borealis home.
The Yukon Soaps Company
This Indigenous owned and operated soap company makes handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, and essential oil blends. But it’s much more than a soap shop. It’s also a hub for the small town of Mayo. A place where locals come to learn and connect in a welcoming – and fragrant – atmosphere. Owner Joella Hogan uses local ingredients, including juniper berries, wild rose petals, and even Indigenous beadwork, to create soaps that are distinctly Yukon. All are made with plant-based ingredients, natural beeswax and essential oils, so they’re good for you and the planet. This holiday, give the gift of clean to someone special (like yourself), by ordering from the Yukon Soaps Company.
Firebean Coffee Roasters
This artisanal coffee roastery in Whitehorse began as a hobby. Their first batch of beans caught on fire, giving them a catchy name and a determination to do better. Sole proprietor Micheal Russo uses pedal-power – a stationary bike hooked up to a wood-fired pizza oven – for his conduction coffee roasts. It’s a labour-intensive process, but well worth it. Together, Michael and his partner Sarah, produce about 100 pounds of delicious roasted beans every week. The setup is simple, reliable, and eco-friendly. No gas. No electricity. And the wood used is 100% renewable. In fact, about the only waste products are a bit of chaff (which decomposes) and some ash. You can enjoy their coffee knowing it’s not only packed with flavour, it’s packaged in environmentally-friendly hand-stamped bags. In addition to Firebean Coffee, you can check out more local creators here.