As you think about what to give to your family and friends this holiday season, consider supporting and shopping local to give back to those businesses that impact our communities in so many positive ways.
We’ve partnered with some truly AWESOME Vancouver brands — from beloved favourites to new small businesses — to highlight this year’s best gifts to give for a Very Vancouver holiday.
HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO.
Photo: Herschel Supply Co.
For the person on your list who has one foot in the city and one foot in nature at all times, give them some new threads that blend function with style so effortlessly, it’ll become part of their everyday uniform.
With over a decade of building staple bags and signature travel gear, Vancouver’s own Herschel Supply is now bringing their same design-driven ethos to a carefully-crafted range of apparel inspired by the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast cityscape.
Herschel Supply Uniform is designed as a gender nonconforming collection that includes versatile tops, bottoms, sweats, and outerwear, all constructed with premium fabrics and created with timeless utility in mind.
Highlights from the collection include the workwear-inspired Denim Shop Jacket, a modern twist on the Chino Pant with cotton twill, and wardrobe must-haves such as fleece hoodies and sweatpants, crewneck sweaters, and Oxford shirts.
This new line ushers in a new generation of classics thoughtfully designed for your day-to-day lifestyle, no matter whether you’re in the office or out in the mountains.
Herschel Supply Uniform is available exclusively at herschel.ca and at Herschel Supply’s store locations in Gastown and Metrotown.
SPUD.CA
Photo: SPUD.ca
Forget about long line-ups and expensive deliveries for Christmas and put your feet up to support local!
To take the pressure off this holiday season, SPUD has introduced “The Night Before”, a new offering which allows you to order local artisan gifts with next day delivery.
It’s a local, sustainable way to gift your nearest and dearest! If you know someone who just loves cheese and charcuterie, SPUD has cheese from the Fraser Valley’s Golden Ears Cheesecrafters and Vancouver Island’s Qualicum Cheeseworks, cured meats from Moccia Urbani and Two Rivers, crackers from Eve’s, and locally baked bread. Send them everything they need to create a full snacking board, including Charcuterie Mustard and Pickled Carrots from Biota, and East Van Ollie Onion Jam.
Pair your food selection with a nice bottle of vino or ale from SPUD’s stocked virtual aisles. Choose a selection from local BC wine favourites, including Lake Breeze, Okanagan Crush Pad, O’Rouke’s, and Poplar Grove. Beer lovers will appreciate offerings from Parkside, Red Truck, Strathcona, and other Vancouver area sippers.
In addition to grocery items, SPUD also carries a variety of health and beauty products. Spoil your giftee with luxury bath bombs from Coquitlam’s Enerex, or Crystal Bath Salts from Squamish’s Heartfeltliving, which also makes gorgeous glowing tea light holders and crystal salt lamps.
Visit SPUD.ca for more holiday gift ideas and info.
SAMSARA CYCLE
Photo: Samsara Cycle.
From biking the scenic Seawall to pedalling (and sweating) up a storm in spin class, cycling is a way of life in Vancouver. For the fit and fabulous friend on your gift list, try taking their cycling journey to the next level.
Founded, designed, and produced here in the city, samsara cycle is a line of women’s cycling apparel designed for both indoor and outdoor cycling. Created by women for women, samsara’s collection — which includes cycling shorts and tights, jerseys, power bras, bike bags, and more — is as functional as it is flattering, providing maximum comfort, performance, and style so women can feel empowered to cycle in full confidence and self-expression.
samsara’s collection of tights, designed uniquely for indoor cycling, is made using the highest quality Italian materials that are quick drying, breathable, and slightly compressive. The lightweight pro spin 7/8 tight, featuring the GYM Elastic Interface Chamois®, provides perfect protection without unsightly stitch lines. No more shifting in the saddle means more focus and higher output!
Check out samsara cycle’s entire cycling apparel collection at samsara-cycle.com.
THE COAST GOODS
Photo: The Coast Goods.
For a one-stop holiday gift shop that doubles as a delightful shopping experience, head over to The Coast Goods.
Established just last year in September, this neighbourhood home decor and giftware store is tucked away on Victoria Drive in East Vancouver and evokes a laid-back coastal vibe with its beach-inspired interior design.
The sweet boutique features a curated collection of independent artisans, ethically-made goods, and fair trade products, including a thoughtful selection of pottery, weaving, artwork, apothecary, and self-care products. Some B.C.-based makers featured at The Coast Goods include Golem Designs pottery and Tofino Soap Company.
While there is a strong focus on local at the shop, they also carry ethically-produced goods from international makers and brands in Canada, the US, Europe, and elsewhere across the globe – such as Nashville-based fragrance studio Ranger Station and prints and tote bags from Slovenia-based illustrator Alja Horvat.
Visit thecoastgoods.ca and follow @thecoastgoods on Instagram for more info.
VANCOUVER’S MUSEUM PASS
Museum of Anthropology. Photo: Cory Dawson
From Indigenous experiences to global art exhibitions, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Vancouver!
For the giftee on your list whose idea of a perfect day includes museum hopping and being a tourist in their own city, treat them to the Vancouver Museum Pass. This package includes single tickets to seven of Vancouver’s top cultural attractions — Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden, Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, BC Sports Hall of Fame, and the Museum of Anthropology — for just $70 or less!
Valid until December 31, 2022, This package of tickets allows locals to explore the diversity of the city’s best museums and galleries, from natural history to our story through sport and Indigenous culture by land and sea. Throughout the year, you can revisit the permanent collections and check out the museums’ new and visiting exhibitions.
The Vancouver Museum Pass is available for adults ($70), seniors ($55), students/youth ($50), and children ages 5 to 12 ($45).
Interested in customizing your own Vancouver experience combo? You can do that too! For more info, visit vancouverattractions.com.
KIDS MARKET
Photo: Kids Market
There’s a reason why people reference being as ‘happy as a kid on Christmas morning,’ because there is no other joy quite like it! Channel that energy this holiday season and reignite your love for the magic of Christmas shopping at the Kids Market on Granville Island.
With dozens of choices for toys, games, puzzles, books, clothing, shoes and more at the market’s 20 boutique shops, you’ll have no trouble finding gifts for even the fussiest tike on your list! Unlock your own sense of childlike wonder as you peruse the nearly endless possibilities of unique, fun-loving gift ideas.
Kids Market is a beloved destination for all things family fun and adventure. Featuring two levels of retail, entertainment, and a children’s-only hair salon in the main building, it has anything and everything your family could need! Located on the picturesque Granville Island beside the adorable duck pond and close to the children’s water park, Kids Market offers entertainment and activities both inside and out.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the little ones in your life, and maybe to experience some heartwarming nostalgia yourself, be sure to visit the Kids Market this year!
Visit kidsmarket.ca for more info.
