Check off everyone on your holiday shopping list at these one-of-a-kind shops, which are stocked with presents for family and friends from all walks of life and with a variety of interests.
Book worm
Looking for the perfect gift for the reader in your life? Start at Vintage Books, a Vancouver staple since 1975. This independent bookstore is packed with new releases, classics, puzzles, and journals—plus friendly staff and resident bookstore cats ready to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
In Uptown Village, White Oak Books offers a thoughtfully curated collection with diverse authors and beautifully bound editions. Grab a warm drink from their in-store coffee station while you browse.
Just east in Camas, Bookish is your cozy neighborhood shop near Lacamas Lake with children's books, special editions, and a connected café that makes shopping feel like an outing.
Dear romance readers: The Romance Era Bookshop has you covered. This Black and queer-owned pop-up specializes in exclusive romance titles, bookmarks, and author-signed editions. Follow them online to see where they'll pop up for the holidays.
Trendy fashionista
Owned by women and for women, Willows keeps a steady flow of new arrivals to stay on top of the latest seasonal trends. Wild Fern, downtown, carries a unique collection of women's and men’s clothing, including an assortment of vegan and leather handbags, handcrafted jewelry, and wool hats. Doppelganger and The Difference are mainstays in Vancouver's growing list of shopping must-stops, both focused on stylish apparel for women of all shapes and sizes.
Bonus Vintage Finds: Most Everything, Eras Vancouver, The Urban Eccentric
Fido
Along with a promise to explore one of Vancouver’s public dog parks, your furry friend will love a special toy or healthy treat from Hazel Dell’s Canine Utopia. The independently-owned shop has thought of everything for dogs (and cats!). Downtown, the Civilized Wolf is your neighborhood groomer & pet supply store for all canines and kitties in the Couve!
Bonus Dog-Friendly Stops: The Great North, Tap Union Freehouse, and Trap Door Brewing
Beer lover
Many local breweries and taphouses, like Final Draft, offer gift cards so you can give the brew lovers in your life what they really want—beer! Support local breweries by purchasing unique merchandise, like a fanny pack at Trap Door Brewing and branded growlers at Ghost Runners Brewery.
Bonus Stops: A Little Vice, Loowit Brewing, and Irrelevant Beer
Hobbyist
Whether they are young in age or a kid at heart, specialty shops may have just what you are looking for. Head to I Like Comics for just what you think—comics! Find new releases and oldies but goodies, along with figurines and artwork of favorite characters. From old Hot Wheels to vintage '80s Ghostbusters action figures, Reckless Hobbies & Collectibles has obscure finds to fill the gaps in a cherished collection. Eryngium Papeterie is Vancouver's largest selection of quality paper products & writing ephemera—specializing in all things related to correspondence.
Bonus Stops: Ronald Records, Bright Indirect Light Social Club, Hook and Needle, and Wild Camp Goods
Long-time Local
We’re all becoming pros at finding new ways to explore our city (or those nearby), but have you tried giving the gift of experience? Check out Artful Adventures DIY Studio for fun, creative projects, and test your problem-solving skills at NW Escape Experience. Find Kilnfolk downtown for a fun workshop, some pottery painting, or play with a lump of clay and shop for local art. For the kiddos, grab a gift card to Drip Drop Art Studio, where kids get to make their own creative choices, collaborate with their peers…and get messy! Head to Firehouse Axes, the first axe-throwing bar and restaurant in Vancouver, located in the city's original fire station, which was established in 1932.
Caffeinated Companion
Let’s be honest…shopping can be hard work! Grab a gift card or a bag of beans at local roasters Kafiex Coffee Lab or Compass Coffee while sipping a latte to get energized for round two of gift buying. Try cozying up at Dandelion Teahouse, a modern apothecary and teahouse that features lattes, handcrafted herbal tisane blends, loose herbs, and natural small-batch skincare products. If you find yourself in Uptown Village, grab a cup to-go from Richland Hub or Relevant Coffee or swing by Presso Coffee Kitchen’s trendy spot on Fourth Plain Boulevard. Give some newer spots a try, like Cariño Coffeehouse and Softea!
Far away friend
Sometimes, a small trinket or carefully picked gift item is just what you need to let someone know you are thinking of them over the holidays. Not Too Shabby is the perfect shop for hand-selected jewelry, candles, succulents, and much more. You can also shop for local goods at Pop Local on the waterfront and the Vancouver Farmers Market (now year-round)!
Bonus Stops: Kindred, Persnickety, and Kilnfolk Studio & Gallery
Visit our shopping page to find more options!