Shop Small, Shop Local: A New West Holiday Preview

In this festive holiday episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a warm, lively tour through New Westminster’s best local boutiques and seasonal markets. Discover meaningful gifts at Good Omen, Collected Treasures Co., The Zesty Lemon, J&S Boutique, and Visions Bookstore & Gifts — each offering heartfelt treasures for the season. Carla also highlights the Arts New West Holiday Craft Markets — running December 6, 13, 14, 20, and 21 at the River Market — and the New West Farmers Market Holiday Market on December 13–14 at City Hall. Perfect for anyone looking to shop small, support local makers, and gift with intention this Christmas season. Places mentioned: Good Omen — https://goodomenshop.com — 34 Sixth Street, New Westminster Collected Treasures Co. — https://collectedtreasures.ca — 819 12th Street, New Westminster The Zesty Lemon Clothing Co. — https://thezestylemonclothing.com — 430 East Columbia Street, New Westminster J&S Boutique — tourism listing — Downtown New Westminster Visions Bookstore & Gifts — http://www.visionsbookstore.com — 330 Sixth Street, New Westminster Arts New West Holiday Craft Markets — https://artsnewwest.ca/program/new-west-craft — River Market, dates: Dec 6, 13, 14, 20, 21 New West Farmers Market Holiday Market — https://newwestfarmers.ca/holidaymarket — City Hall, Dec 13–14 Welcome to the New West Spotlight Podcast. I’m your host, Carla McNeil, and today we’re stepping into the sparkle of the season with Shop Small, Shop Local — A New West Holiday Preview. Whether you’re hunting for meaningful gifts or you’re a local business looking to brighten someone’s shopping experience, this episode will guide you through the warm, festive spots in our city where holiday magic is alive and well. What makes holiday shopping in New West so special is that everything feels personal. You’re not just browsing through shelves — you’re stepping into places where owners greet you with a smile, where makers pour their heart into every piece, and where each gift carries a story. So grab your warm drink, your cozy scarf, and your gift list — we’re about to unwrap the heart of New Westminster’s local holiday season. Body (approx. 12 min) Let’s start our festive wander at Good Omen at 34 Sixth Street. Walking in feels like entering a peaceful, candlelit nook. Expect beautifully curated, meaningful gifts—artful home goods, wellness treats, stationery, and small‑batch candles. It’s my go‑to for host gifts and stocking stuffers that feel personal. Around the holidays, this shop becomes a sanctuary for finding gifts that whisper kindness — a little grounding for a busy season, a touch of calm for someone you love. Check the site or socials for holiday hours and limited releases. Arrive with a short list of recipients and interests; the team can steer you to items that resonate and fit your budget. Carrying that warm glow with you, head over to 12th Street and step into Collected Treasures Company. This shop is pure charm — a curated mix of new finds, vintage décor, nostalgic books, and whimsical pieces that spark joy. It’s the kind of place where you pick something up and instantly think, “Oh, this is perfect for them.” Walk slowly; the details reward browsing. For teachers, neighbours, or new homeowners, bundle a few small pieces into a themed gift. Ask about locally made items and eco‑friendly packaging so your present looks great and treads lightly. From nostalgic treasures to something a little more vibrant, make your way to The Zesty Lemon Clothing Company at 430 East Columbia Street. You’ll find seasonal styles, cozy knits, and giftable accessories—scarves, jewelry, bags. It’s ideal for refreshing winter wardrobes without a downtown trip. Preview sizing notes and new arrivals online, then call for holds if timing is tight. Pair a wearable gift with a handwritten care card and a local coffee gift certificate. If you’re looking for a gift that feels joyful, expressive, even a little bold — this is your spot. It’s almost impossible to leave without finding something that brings a smile. As you drift back toward downtown, you’ll find J&S Boutique — a softer, more delicate part of our route. This little haven of antiques, teacups, curated jewelry, and special keepsakes feels like stepping into a collection of stories. Holiday gifting here feels intentional. For the friend who loves history, or the family member who cherishes sentimental treasures, J&S offers presents that become memories. Nearby on Sixth Street, visit Visions Bookstore & Gifts. Beyond books, you’ll find journals, spiritual and wellness items, and meaningful cards. Ask for themed pairings: a novel with tea and a bookmark, or a mindfulness journal with a soothing candle. The holidays are a natural time for reflection, and a meaningful book or mindful gift can be exactly what someone needs as they step into a new year. This shop is perfect for gifts that nourish the heart. Now that we’ve explored New West’s cozy boutiques, it’s time to step into the festive buzz of our local markets. Down at the River Market, Arts New West hosts its bright and bustling Holiday Craft Markets. These markets run on December 6, 13, 14, 20, and 21 — filling the space with handmade ceramics, artwork, textiles, sweet treats, jewelry, and incredible creations from local artisans. The atmosphere is warm and lively — imagine music, laughter, friendly conversations, and discovering gifts you simply won’t find anywhere else. It’s the perfect place to soak up community spirit and support creators directly. Check the site for hours, vendor lineups, and family programming. Bring small bills, arrive early to beat crowds, and reward yourself after with a riverside stroll and a food hall treat. And when you’re ready for even more festive magic, mark your calendar for December 13th and 14th, when the New West Farmers Market Holiday Market transforms the area around City Hall into a glowing winter village. Info and vendor map at newwestfarmers dot CA slash holidaymarket. This two‑day event mixes more than 90 beloved farm vendors with seasonal artisans—jams, shortbread, wreaths, bath products, and gift boxes. Check hours, music, and kids’ activities online. If assembling hampers, shop perishables last and carry an insulated tote. Transit and shared rides are smart; parking fills quickly, and hands free help with sampling. Bundle up, bring a bag, wander the stalls, and let yourself be swept up in the joy of it all. Whether you’re picking up a handcrafted mug, a cozy sweater, a vintage treasure, or a sweet treat for someone special, holiday shopping in New West feels joyful because every purchase supports a real person, a local family, or a passionate creator. This season is about connection, kindness, and community — and you feel that in every shop and every stall. Outro (approx. 1 min) A few quick wins for local businesses hoping to shine this holiday season: update your window displays with warm lighting, share gift ideas or staff favourites on social media, refresh your Google Business Profile with holiday hours, and make your shop welcoming with a friendly greeting and easy-to-browse displays. Even small touches can turn a quick stop into a memorable experience. And that wraps up our holiday tour of New Westminster. Today we wandered through cozy boutiques, vibrant craft markets, and the joyful corners of our local holiday scene. Shopping small doesn’t just support our neighbours — it strengthens the heart of our city. And that wraps up our holiday tour of New Westminster. Today we wandered through cozy boutiques, vibrant craft markets, and the joyful corners of our local holiday scene. Shopping small doesn’t just support our neighbours — it strengthens the heart of our city. Thanks for joining me for this festive New West adventure. If today’s episode helped, share it with a neighbour and tag the businesses you visit. Makers and shop owners, I’d love to feature you: email us at newwestspotlight at gmail dot com or visit NewWestPodcast dot com. I’m Carla McNeil—thanks for listening, and happy, local holiday hunting, everyone. 📌 Episode Description In this festive holiday episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a warm, lively tour through New Westminster’s best local boutiques and seasonal markets. Discover meaningful gifts at Good Omen, Collected Treasures Co., The Zesty Lemon, J&S Boutique, and Visions Bookstore & Gifts — each offering heartfelt treasures for the season. Carla also highlights the Arts New West Holiday Craft Markets — running December 6, 13, 14, 20, and 21 at the River Market — and the New West Farmers Market Holiday Market on December 13–14 at City Hall. Perfect for anyone looking to shop small, support local makers, and gift with intention this Christmas season.