On the lookout for a leather travelling case that would keep my 100-year-old Underwood typewriter safe, I stumbled across the classic leather goods and accessories of Vancouver brand Alex Folzi. What started as a hobby in 2010 for twin brothers Fola and Fela Fagbure, the distinct colours and signature logo present in all Alex Folzi collections was quickly associated around the world with the art of travel. These brightly coloured suitcases ($369) made from 100 per cent vegetable-tanned leather, just make me want to hitch a ride on the Darjeeling Limited. Perfect for carry-on travel or use as a statement briefcase, they are available in a range of colours and styles for both sexes.
If youre into the local DIY (Do It Yourself) design scene, youll know what a big deal it is to be chosen as an Etsy featured seller. Youll also know that anything made by that designer is sure to sell out (fast) as it works its way through the Christmas craft fair circuit. Vancouvers own Valerie Thai was bestowed the honor in November for her rustic wood and collage work under the name Cabin & Cub. So get your hands on a lasercut, five-piece bamboo wildlife tie/lapel pin set ($50) at this weekends Got Craft before theyre gone, or the ties in your life will have to go naked and shameless. Got Craft is Dec. 8 and 9, from 10am to 5pm at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial). If you really cant make it, Cabin & Cub has an aforementioned Etsy site where all sorts of handmade goods are on offer. A selection of items are also for sale at Paper-Ya and Dandelion Emporium in Vancouver.
Send your man (or boy on quest to become a man) out into the wilds with only this sweater and folding knife and see what happens. Hes likely to wind up the next Dos Equis Most Interesting Man in the World.
Handmade Dokka folding knife by Helle of Norway, featuring curly birch handle and triple-laminated stainless steel blade; $139
Fjallraven Lada Sweater in lambswool blend with classic shawl collar and slightly marbled yarn (available in Grey, Sand, and Black/Brown); $180
Both available at AJ Brooks Outdoor Outfitters (147 W. Broadway).
Drawing cues from the Indian moccasin, which used overlay seams to prevent stones from entering into the shoe, the heavy gauge decorative stitching in Generic Surplus Apache Grey Tweed gives an intricate detail to its otherwise simple yet street-ready style ($95). And Im pushing it with the number of gifts in the gift guide, but the leather man in your life will appreciate me sharing my like of the collaborative Generic Surplus x Harrington desert boot with embossed desert-inspired graphics in charcoal grey beeswax. Mmmm. Beeswax. $155. Both available at The Board of Trade (227 Union) and J2 (Oakridge Centre).
You smell like a Canadian can now be taken as a compliment. Escents Aromatherapys My Canada line is comprised of six aromatic blends inspired by the countrys dramatically different regions Pacific (pine and cedarwood), Prairie (cardamom and davana), Metro (amyris and mimosa), Maritime (frankincense and bergamot), French (lavender and black pepper) and Arctic (anise and peppermint). Crafted from 100 per cent essential oils, My Canada is available in aroma blends ($13.95), hand and body lotion ($18.95), wash and bubble (pictured; $17.95), handmade soap ($4.95) and reed diffusers ($24.95) which bring Air Therapy to any space or moment. Available at their various retail locations and at EscentsAromatherapy.com.
