These gifts run the gamut, from music to collector's items to experiential offerings. Even better, we've made sure to feature plenty of hometown goodness across the gift guide to help you support Vancouver businesses and designers this holiday season.
From the runways of Paris to the big screens of TIFF, Manitobah Mukluks has been offering up authentic Canadiana to the world for 15 years. Classic moccasin (unisex) $99, Deerskin slipper (ladies) $99; twigg&hottie (3671 Main), Hills Native Art (165 Water), Town Shoes (Pacific Centre) and many more.
An ode to four favourite Canadian cities Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa the I Kinda Like it Here coasters from The National Design Collective are a modest celebration of our geographic identities. Laser cut from 3mm birch plywood, the coasters are approximately 3 across and come in sets of four in a removable and reusable wooden backing, accompanied with a hand-screened print of the cities outline. $40; Walrus (3408 Cambie).
I am almost terrified at how perfect his pitch is, local soul musician David Morin said after UK post-dubstep loop pedalist James Blakes Nov. 19 concert. Blakes eponymous first release is a masterwork, but his follow up, Overgrown, continues to develop the gospel and R&B elements he is renowned for. Pick up both albums and then stalk his website for his next visit to Vancouver. Self-titled CD $20.98/LP $24.98, Overgrown $16.98/$32.98; Zulu (1972 W. 4th).
There are many design delights in the newly opened Little Mountain Workshop (4386 Main) but what drew our gaze was the Lifetime Collective x Lindsey Hampton ceramic collaboration. These stackable mugs will make the rest of the cupboard klatch feel downright dowdy, so we encourage display out of doors. Mugs $28; planter $95.
Celebrate and support Canadas contribution to the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Featuring official branding, this five-piece nesting doll set from The HBC Olympic Collection is an iconic addition to the collectors Christmas. $25; Hudsons Bay (674 Granville).
Marshall, which has been assisting the musical misdeeds of 50 years of rocknroll through their iconic amplifiers, has made their foray into the headphone market. With it comes big performance sound to the individual listener. The Monitor is an over-ear model featuring classic Marshall detailing such as vinyl leather, brass hinges and a white script logo. $230; London Drugs.
Give the gift of provincial pride with these BC Boards ($69), made in Vancouver by Love my Local of renewable bamboo. Nineteen Ten Home Boutique (4366 Main) carries a selection of provinces and can order any others within a week.
Vancouvers Mala Collective has just launched a new collection of their internationally adored, handmade Balinese necklaces. This pyrite Saraswati Mala carries with it a positive view on life and helps fend off depression (perfect for the SADs among us). $178; MalaCollective.com
Were just starting to think about ski season, but Oakley is way ahead of the game with their Airwave 1.5 goggles with Heads-up Display (HUD). Designed by Vancouver-based Recon Instruments as part of a UBC project, HUD tracks your speed, jump height, vertical feet by run, temperature, navigation and even buddies who are also wearing Airwaves or running the app on their phone. $650; Comor (1980 Burrard, 3700 Hastings).
We may not be shoveling much snow in the coming weeks, but that doesnt mean our muscles arent tighter than a pair of lululemon pants. Treat your loved one to a deep-tissue massage at Sense Spa at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and they will thank you (after they emerge from terry cloth heaven). 110 minutes/ $225. Reserve at [email protected].
You can follow Kelsey Klassen on Twitter @kelseyklassen.
