It pays to give an exquisite gift that will either stand the test of time as a treasured keepsake or provide that special someone with well-deserved pampering.
From an international fine dining experience done locally to a seaside getaway along the West Coast, here are some luxurious and over the top holiday gift ideas that are worth splurging on.
EL MERCAT
Share the gift of a traditional Spanish meal right at the dinner table — with no passport or plane tickets required.
Let El Mercat take care of the meal prep for your holiday dinner with their limited-edition Holidays Menu Box, which comes with an assortment of starters, your choice of main course, and traditional Spanish Christmas desserts with enough portions for two.
Menu items to choose from include 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham croquettes, Spanish charcuterie, Escudella i Carn d'olla (a traditional Catalan meat and vegetable stew), three-meat Sant Esteve foie canelons, salmon and spinach canelons, roasted turkey canelons, and Polvorons (Spanish almond cookies).
Inspired by the food markets of Spain, El Mercat is a love letter to the most authentic Spanish gastronomy with a menu that features the delicious diversity of foods from all corners of the nation.
Be sure to place your Holidays Menu Box order by December 18 for pickup or delivery. For more info, visit elmercat.ca/holidays-menu.
BIKINI VILLAGE
Photo: Bikini Village
The unpredictable weather outside in Vancouver is all kinds of frightful, but the thought of going on a spa weekend or an island vacation this holiday sure sounds delightful!
As you plan your great escape to warmer places this winter with your best pals, why not surprise them with a brand new swimsuit or bikini so they can arrive at your destination in style?
Bikini Village is THE destination for branded swimwear and beachwear fashions that cater to people of all silhouettes. This Canadian-based swim outfitter carries a curated assortment of renowned international brands and store-exclusive lines, such as Billabong, RipCurl, O’Neill, Hurley, Bleu Rod Beattie, Body Glove, and Roxy.
One of the top-selling, classic styles in Bikini Village’s latest collection is EIDON’s ribbed fabric bikini set, which includes the Jundi Rose Bralette Bikini ($55) and the Jundi Abby High Waist Bikini Bottom ($50). The bikini set comes in a beautiful shade of turquoise with coral and gold yellow trimming, and features a high rise cut and straight neckline that makes it flattering for all body types, along with adjustable straps and a crossback design that makes it fitting for all figures.
Bikini Village also carries beach fashions (from jumpsuits to coverups), sandals, hats and other accessories, men’s styles, and everything else that’s needed for your trip to the beach, pool, or spa!
Bikini Village ships to locations across B.C. and Canada. For more info and for Metro Vancouver store locations, visit bikinivillage.com.
SLEIGHT OF HAND TATTOO & PIERCINGS
Photo: Adrenaline
For your friend who loves to live life on the edge... dare to give them a gift to remember by giving them their first tattoo, more new ink for that blank space of skin, or new studs in their ears.
When it comes to tattoos and piercings, Sleight of Hand (SOH) on Granville has got you covered.
The downtown Vancouver studio has a variety of tattoo artists from around the world, spanning from Mexico and Brazil to locally-raised artists, that all offer a range of styles and techniques, with specialities that include fine line, micro realistic, and dark black architectural-styled works.
For piercing, jewelry selections come in beautiful 14k gold options from local companies such as Alchemy Adornment, Junipurr, and Infinite, to fit each individual’s own unique aesthetic.
With limited artist stations within the bright, plant-adorned studio space, SOH strives to create an intimate and personalized body art session for each guest, as well as a safe and clean environment for newcomers and regulars alike to always feel comfortable. So surprise the wildcard on your gift list with a gift card for an experience as permanent as your friendship!
Visit sohtattoo.com for more info.
PLAIN JANE SKINBAR
Photo: Plain Jane Skinbar
Skin Health doesn’t need to break the bank.
This holiday season, gift-giving is made simple and accessible with Plain Jane Skinbar, with a free gift with your purchase of gift cards over $50!
Plain Jane Skinbar is all about correcting and preventing skin damage with routine medical-grade facials and skincare. Nestled in the thick of Main Street with their coffee shop cozy vibe, their simple menu and accessible memberships are the perfect mix of self-care and real results.
Visit plainjaneskinbar.ca and follow @plainjaneskinbar for more info.
OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL
Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Photo: @stace.bc / Instagram
What on earth do you give the jetsetter on your list who lives for five star hotels, fine dining, and even finer experiences when travelling?
If you haven’t already heard, one of the best hotel resorts on the planet is just a stone's throw away on Vancouver Island! Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards as the #1 Top Hotel in Canada AND the 19th Top Hotel in the World, Victoria’s Oak Bay Beach Hotel overlooking the Salish Sea is the weekend escape your globetrotter friend will absolutely love.
The seaside resort is known for its world-class, wellness-focused services, such as the award-winning Boathouse Spa, heated seaside mineral pools, fine dining experiences with stunning ocean views, and much more. Plus, the hotel’s well-appointed guest rooms and suites offer complimentary self-parking, Nespresso Coffee, and include large spa-inspired bathrooms.
Visit oakbaybeachhotel.com/packages for more info on Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s vacation packages and treat the world traveller on your list with a local getaway that includes the very best of the Pacific Northwest!
TREV DEELEY MOTORCYCLES
Photo: Trev Deeley Motorcycles
Does your ride or die partner in crime live for taking a walk (or ride) on the wild side? We know just the place where you can find them a gift that they’ll ‘wheelie’ like!
Trev Deeley Motorcycles is a Harley-Davidson® dealer that has been open since 1917. They sell new and used motorcycles, motorcycle parts, services, apparel, and other merchandise in Vancouver. From the Pan America to the Sportster series, and even Iron E-12 and Iron E-16 e-bikes for kids, you’re bound to find the perfect gift for everyone. Come into Trev Deeley Motorcycles on 1875 Boundary Road for the full experience — they even have a motorcycle museum on-site!
Can’t make it in or prefer to shop virtually? Trev Deeley’s online store has a taste of what the store offers with great gift ideas for the motorcycle enthusiasts on your list, including jewelry, wallets, housewares, collectibles, and clothing. They have a massive selection of Harley-Davidson® branded gear, including everything in your wildest imagination, from a portable grill to a biker garden gnome! Or, pick up a gift card and give the gift of choice.
Trev Deeley Motorcycles is open on December 12 and 19 from 10-4:30 for holiday shopping. You can also shop through Trev Deeley’s online store at trev-deeley-motorcycles.myshopify.com.
