(This story is sponsored by the Commercial Drive Business Society.)

'Tis the season to spend time with loved ones, eat copious amounts of Santa-shaped chocolate, and support Vancouver’s small businesses.

There has never been a more important time to shop local. Many of the boutique shops and inviting restaurants that we so deeply love have faced hardship and other challenges brought by the pandemic.

The holidays are a time to spread cheer and kindness, which can be done by buying from people in the neighbourhood. When a sale is made at an independent business, owners and employees smile ear-to-ear, unlike department stores and ecommerce giants.

Shopping and dining locally not only supports the businesses but it also provides jobs to people within the community.

Commercial Drive, a.k.a. the Drive, is filled with more than 300 shops and restaurants that offer unique home décor, jewellery, clothing, plants, children’s toys, wine, delicious Italian food, and much more. These small businesses lend to the Drive’s charm and personality.

To assist you in finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list, the Commercial Drive Business Society has created an online Christmas guide.

For the design and décor lovers on your list, be sure to visit Gatley Lifestyle Store and Exposure Home. At Gatley, you’ll find handmade ceramics, candles, blankets, apothecary, and a selection of men’s and women’s clothing. Pop by Exposure Home for an adorable pot paired with a banana leaf plant or lush bird’s nest fern. Plants are a great Christmas gift for everyone on the “nice list”.

Boutiques like Exposure Clothing, Spank Clothing, Blue Sky Clothing, Kali Trading, and Kalena’s Shoes have tons of trendy gift options for fashion enthusiasts.

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a nice bottle of full-bodied B.C. wine. Find a selection of popular local wines at Liberty Wine Merchants and Toby’s Liquor Store.

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind presents to put under the tree this year, consider visiting the Drive’s thrift stores. Still Fabulous, Miscellany Finds, My Sister’s Closet, Little Miss Vintage, and Mintage carry tons of eclectic and extraordinary items.

Santa is sure to find sought-after gifts for babies and children at Little Earth Children’s Store and Dilly Dally Toy Store. The high-quality toys sold at Dilly Dally Toy Store promote learning and creativity through play.

The Drive has earned the moniker “Little Italy” as the neighbourhood is filled with quaint Italian restaurants and casual eateries. Give the gift of mouthwatering food this Christmas by giving those you love a gift card to your favourite pizza or pasta joint.

The Commercial Drive Business Society would like to wish you a merry local Christmas.

Check out what the Commercial Drive merchants have in store for you this holiday season. The online Christmas Guide can be found at www.thedrive.ca/

Follow the Drive on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for special events and updates.