Gift boxes with a large red bow against a background bokeh of twinkling party lights. Luxury New Year gift / Shutterstock
Freaking out about finding the perfect last minute holiday gift?
You are not alone.
While many people buy their gifts well in advance, others shop right down to the wire. In fact, some people will find themselves running chaotically around Vancouver on Christmas Eve, desperate to find any store that is open.
If your holiday shopping tends to induce extreme anxiety, we've got you covered.
Check out this handy list of last minute local gifts your B.C. buddies and family will love.
Purdys, Purdys, Purdys
Not only are Purdys' hedgehogs delicious, but they are instantly recognizable and adorable. In addition, the Canadian chocolatier will wrap these festive favourites in beautiful gold holiday gift wrap and a fancy purple bow. Of course, for those who don't like hedgehogs, there are a plethora of scrumptious offerings to choose from, too.
Vancouver Christmas Market
Vancouver Christmas Market/Facebook
Visiting the market offers the perfect opportunity to get in all of your last minute shopping as well as enjoy some holiday fun. The Vancouver Christmas Market offers Canada’s first walk-in Christmas tree (covered in 36,000 twinkling lights), and expanded food offerings that will have your cravings satisfied from rustic German fare to modern plant-based options. What's more, you may visit the market right up until December 24.
BC Is Awesome shirt
It may be too late to receive your order before Christmas, but these shirts will invoke mega-nostalgia for residents of B.C. From Expo 86 to A&B Sound, Woodward's to the East Van cross, there is something that will resonate with your local pal or family member. So, rather than wrapping up a tee, order them a shirt that they'll love and leave them a note. You can even hide the note in big box so that they think they are getting something huge right away, which will be funny.
Granville Island
Speculation has swirled about the future of Granville Island following the departure of Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Photo Dan Toulgoet, Vancouver Courier
Many people flock to malls for their last minute shopping, but there are countless unique offerings on Granville Island. For instance, a store called Clownin' Around Magic offers a large collection of magic for all ages and all skill levels including stage props, card tricks, trick decks, and more. So, if you have a blossoming magician in your life, this is the place to go! Similarly, Dragonspace offers dragons large and small, fairies, and all things magical for fantasy lovers.
Maan Farms Berry Wine
Photo: Vancouver Is Awesome
While Maan Farms offers a spooktacular corn maze during the fall, the farm sells its signature berry wines year-round. They offer raspberry, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb blend and raspberry, and each one is delicious. What's more, the local producer uses high quality fresh fruit and the wines are solely produced in house. You may purchase them at the Abbotsford winery location or at a liquor stores with Maan Farms Estate Wine.
Books, galore!
Books / Shutterstock
There is virtually a book for anyone on your list, and Vancouver is overflowing with awesome bookstores. From Pulpfiction Books to Canterbury Tales on Commerical Drive, MacLeod's Books on Pender to Tanglewood Books on Broadway, there are countless places to pick up the perfect paperback. You can go in with something in mind, but it isn't hard to simply stroll through these local gems and find something awesome.
