French Kiss Events
French Kiss Events, Victoria’s luxury boutique wedding planning and design firm, specializing in creating weddings and events that are personalized down to the smallest detail.

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Posts tagged Tara McHugh Flora
FKE Holiday Gift Giving Guide

"It's the holiday season....and Santa Claus, is comin' round....the Christmas snow, is white on the ground...".  Ok, so maybe the Christmas snow isn't exactly here yet, but the carols are on, holiday baking has started, and we are EXCITED for the holiday season to officially launch this week!  One of our favourite parts of the season (besides curling up on the couch to watch The Holiday with a big mug of hot chocolate), is hitting up all the fantastic boutiques here in town!  It is always my mission every year, to support as many small local businesses as possible, and we are so spoiled here on the West Coast to have an overabundance of fantastic options!  So, to officially kick off the season, we've rounded up some of our favourite local gifts that can be found right here in Victoria!  So whether you're shopping for your best friend who always throws together the best charcuterie platters, or your co-worker who you know has a sweet tooth, we've got you covered!  Have a read below, and let us know in the comments, if we are missing any must-have items in the city!

A Modern Bodger cheese board: For the charcuterie connoisseur in your life

These stunning boards come in all shapes and sizes, and are an absolute staple in the kitchen!  Each one is made by hand, and the craftsmanship that goes into them is stunning.  And pair it with a Gift Card to Charelli's, and you'll be sure to get an invite to the next wine & cheese night at your friends place!

Where to buy: Nicholas Randall or Online.

Wester Maple Cheeseboard, $102

Wester Maple Cheeseboard, $102

A Tara McHugh Flora Gift Box For the one who needs some quality R&R time

This gorgeous box includes a Lindsay Remple water colour print tea towel, Drizzle honey, 9" tapered hand dipped pure Canadian beeswax candles from Beeswax on Salt Spring Island, and Tara Mchugh Flora tea tin. She has lots of other gift boxes to pick from.

Where to buy: Online

Heart of the Home Gift Box, $89.95

Heart of the Home Gift Box, $89.95

First, We Brunch Recipe Book for the foodie

This brunch book that features recipes from local Victoria spots is the perfect gift for your brunch squad. Tons of local eateries are feature with lots of stories about how they opened and life in Victoria.

Where to buy: Ruth & Dean

First, We Brunch by Rebecca Wellman, $27.95

First, We Brunch by Rebecca Wellman, $27.95

'Modern Baby' Clothing for the new mama

And for the trendiest little one in your life, this local Victoria mother & daughter team make organic and stylish clothing, accessories, and blankets.  We can't get enough of all the adorable pieces!!

Where to buy: Online or Amelia Lee or Finn & Izzy

Bloom Organic Knotted Headband, $14

Bloom Organic Knotted Headband, $14

Organic Geo Tree Leggings. $38

Organic Geo Tree Leggings. $38

Hand-picked Macarons for the coworker with a sweet tooth

This is one of our favourite little gifts for when you are in a pinch. Bon Macaron Patisserie on Broad Street makes so many delicious flavours that you can handpick the perfect flavours to put in one of their adorable gift boxes.

Where to buy: Bon Macaron Patisserie

The Honey Tobacco Collection for the new age Martha Stewart

This cozy scent is Picot Collective's signature fragrance that can be purchased as a hand-crafted body mist, candle, body butter, and roll-on scent.

Where to buy: Pigeonhole or Online

Honey Tobacco Body Mist, $40

Honey Tobacco Body Mist, $40

Honey Tobacco Candle, $40

Honey Tobacco Candle, $40

Pendleton Blanket for your S.O.

What's more perfect than a real wool blanket for you and your significant other to curl up in by the fire.

Where to buy: Nomad on Government Street

Motor Robe - Acadia Plaid, $135.99

Motor Robe - Acadia Plaid, $135.99

Monthly Subscriptions

The gift that keeps on giving! Surprise someone special with these monthly subscriptions of flowers, socks, or coffee that treat them every month.

Where to buy: Online (click on the image to take you to the website)

Thorn & Thistle Flower Subscription, Starting at $150

Thorn & Thistle Flower Subscription, Starting at $150

Sock Fancy Sock Subscription, $12/month

Sock Fancy Sock Subscription, $12/month

The Roasters Pack: Starting at $26.95

The Roasters Pack: Starting at $26.95

Professional Photo Session for the new family

Spoil some of your favourites with a family photo shoot with a professional, so they will have memories that last a lifetime. There are so many fantastic photographers that offer family sessions, so just reach out to your favourite local photographer to see about their family packages! 

Jesse Holland Photography

Jesse Holland Photography

Mug & Hot Chocolate Set for the chocolate lover

A mug with hot chocolate will be sure to please any sweet tooth this winter. Tip: Supply them with Mexican hot chocolate for extra richness and a hint of spice this season.

Where to buy: Nomad and Murchies

Nomad Camping Mug, $14.39

Nomad Camping Mug, $14.39

Murchie's Hot Chocolate, $7.95/tin

Murchie's Hot Chocolate, $7.95/tin

Advent Calendars

We know chocolate is a classic, but why not mix it up this year? Create your own 12 days of growlers advent calendar for your favourite brewery lover, or check out the David's Tea 24 days of tea for the tea lover in your life! 

Click on the picture to to take you to their websites.

Driftwood Brewery Growlers, $19 for growler with beer

Driftwood Brewery Growlers, $19 for growler with beer

David's Tea 24 Days of Tea, $45

David's Tea 24 Days of Tea, $45

Valentines Day: Gift Boxes

We are less than 2 weeks away from Valentines Day, and if you are anything like me, you'll be thinking "who cares"...."it's overrated"...  Honestly, my idea of the perfect Feb 14th is a night spent with lots of takeout and sitting on the couch watching Netflix with the hubby.  BUT...over the holidays, I was on the receiving end of some incredibly thoughtful gift boxes, and I fell head over heels in love with them!  I know that Gift Boxes aren't a new concept, but the most recent surge in popularity of locally inspired boxes has me completely obsessed!  Supporting local companies while treating someone you love?  Yes please!  Some of my favourite peeps have been putting together some incredibly thoughtful boxes, and they are definitely inspiring me to up my Valentines Day game this year.  Here are a few of our fav's, and if you don't live in Victoria, I highly encourage you to source some local ones from your home town! 

Tara McHugh: Valentines Gift Box
$89.95  
+ free local delivery for FKE readers (use code LOVE)

Perfect for:
Your bestie who always looks like her clothes and house belong in an instagram pic, and you love her for it. 

Why we love it: 
Does it get more fem or lovely than this? And every purchase supports creative entrepreneurs, small business and big dreamers.

The Goods: 
Watercolor tea towel by artist Lindsay Remple
 Lavender scented heart soap by Sweet Pure Honey

Hand poured FLORA Woodlot candle
Dried bundle of white statice flowers

Thorn & Thistle: Sweetheart Box
$145.00

Perfect for
That special someone in your life who you want to completely spoil and maybe spend some "alone" time with...*wink wink* 

Why we love it: 
All of the products are organic, and it's the perfect combination of sexy & sweet. (hands up to those who get that reference!)

The Goods: 
A seasonal bouquet
Kismet Pink Himalayan Salt Soak with rose petals
Province Apothecary Sex Oil
Karameller Candies
Lux et Terra Beeswax Candle

 

 

Vancouver Island Gift Baskets: Breakfast Nook
$135.00

Perfect for: 
Your foodie friend, who spends more time at local coffee shops than bars, and appreciates the stillness of mornings. 

Why we love it: 
Because the caloric count is significantly lower than a chocolate themed gift, and who doesn't love coffee?

The Goods: 
Fernwood Coffee & Galiano Coffee Roasting Co.
Babe's Clover Honey
Denman Island Espresso Chunk Chocolate Bar
Silk Road Tea, Anteeo Tea & Biscotti
RockCoast Sea Salt Toffee Bark, Smoked Canadian Sea Salt &
Saltspring Kitchen Co. Jam

Tara McHugh: Valentines Mini Box
$49.95
+ free local delivery for FKE readers (use code LOVE)

Perfect for:
That friend that deserves a little pick me up just because. 

Why we love it: 
You can't beat the price point, and it is freakin' adorable!

The Goods: 
Wild Hill Botanical's Northwest Forest Soak bath mix
Handcrafted Lavender scented soap by Sweet Pure Honey
Tara McHugh Flora signature tin of Earl grey leafy tea