The Ultimate Local Gift Guide.
December 03 2020, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
‘Tis the season to give gifts, and give back to our communities—this year, more than ever before. Check everyone off your list with our curated selection of treasures and treats from small-business purveyors, local shops, and talented artisans right here in our own backyard.
For the Stocking
Vancouver-born designer Michelle Pang trained at the Rhode Island School of Design before launching her Misheo brand of wearable-art scarves. Natural fabrics are emblazoned with flora and fauna, making these the perfect accessory for any nature-loving fashionista.
From watch straps to wallets, tote and toiletry bags, Popov Leather has it all. The Nelson, B.C.-based operation is obsessed with high-quality, handmade leathergoods and their original design—a front-pocket wallet—is a fan favourite.
Jewellery designer Anita Sikma draws from Art Deco architecture and automotive machinery to inspire her expertly handcrafted gold and silver androgynous creations, which include stunning chain bracelets, stud earrings, and skull rings.
For the Home
Port Moody-based Canvas Candle Co. crafts some of the most addictive soy candles in town. Bring on winter coziness with their Slow Sunday candle—a blend of espresso, Mayan chocolate, and cardamom notes—or Ember, rich with notes of cedar, vanilla, and nutmeg.
A contemporary glass bowl by artist Heather Konschuh is a work of art for the home. Each hand-blown bowl is eye-catching, especially her ethereal, two-toned embellished variety.
A holiday blend of artisanal coffee will deliver an extra joyful buzz to any stocking. Try Pallet’s Holiday Coffee, a single-origin blend from Peru, or 49th Parallel's Holiday Filter, a single-origin Colombia La Reforma with nutty aromatics and touch of toffee sweetness.
For the Family
Kids will love learning about what’s under the sea with Sea Smart’s Ocean Education Game, a colourful card collection designed in collaboration with the UBC Biodiversity museum’s resident artist.
Founded by two mothers, Keep Company developed their signature baby wrap from the perfect blend of organic cotton and bamboo knit before branching out to sell items such as washcloths and bassinets from Ghana.
One Tough Mother is on a mission to change the way women prepare for postpartum life by focusing on organic items—think soothing nipple balm and herb-infused bath teas—for new mothers.
Local company Smash + Tess has ballooned in popularity due to their comfy-chic rompers for the whole family. Made out of sustainable rayon from a bamboo-cotton blend, the rompers come in all styles and patterns, from all-black to tropical papaya print.
For the Adventurous
Landyachtz is now a boundary-pushing bicycle manufacturer specializing in custom bikes with specialty frames, wheels, gears, and more. Looking for something a little less complex? Explore the awesome selection of ready-made bikes available online or at their East Van retail location.
A getaway is always an excellent memory-maker, and our curated list of Unforgettable Private Villas throughout British Columbia can help you plan a socially-distant retreat for a loved one. Alternatively, book them a bucket-list helicopter ride with No Limits, a Heli-Adventure tour company which offers ice cave experiences, backcountry skiing drops, and more.
For the Top Shelf
You can’t go wrong with an Okanagan Wine Club Membership from a world-class vineyard, or contemporary barware from somewhere like Dougherty Glassworks, where artisan glassblower Cameron Dougherty has got you covered for whiskey snifters and beer glasses galore.
Look to local bottles for your spirited gifts this year by tapping into some made-in-B.C. handcrafted liquor. Go classic with Ampersand Distilling’s Per Se Vodka; take your taste buds to Haida Gwaii with Odd Society’s Salal Gin (the salal berries were foraged there); prepare a post-meal tincture with the barrel-aged Amaro from The Woods Spirit Co.; or get adventurous with Stillhead’s Wild Blackberry Infused Vodka.
For something farther afield—Northern Ireland, to be precise—try a bottle of 21-Year Aged Irish Whiskey from Bushmill’s, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Supporting Our Local Artisan Gift Makers
When you’re done shopping for your loved ones, don’t forget to pick up a few items for yourself along the way.
