While it might be tempting to start typing Amazon into your web browser, it’s more important than ever to consider shopping at local small businesses this holiday season. Not only will you find the best and most unique gifts for family and friends, but you’ll also be helping community gems stick around for years to come.
While we couldn’t possibly highlight all of Vancouver’s amazing one-of-a-kind shops, here are a few ideas to get you started. Head to our shopping webpage to browse even more.
UNIQUE BOUTIQUES
Soothe those winter wardrobe woes with pieces from local clothing shops that are sure to bring your closet up a notch. Owned by women and for women, Willows keeps a steady flow of new arrivals to stay on top of the latest seasonal trends. Find Downtown’s Wild Fern and Doppelganger bringing that classic Pacific Northwest style, while BMBB Lifestyle keeps you looking good while staying fit, and Most Everything brings vintage styles from every era back to life.
THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE
We’re all becoming pros at finding new ways to explore our own city (or those nearby), but have you tried these yet? Check out Live Laugh Love Art 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.
CAFFEINE BOOST
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. If you find yourself in Uptown Village, grab a cup to-go from Relevant Coffee or swing by Presso Coffee Kitchen’s trendy spot on Fourth Plain Boulevard.
TOYS AND TRINKETS
Shop games and toys for kids of all ages at Kazoodles and Lyon and Pearle. Then, head over to Pop Local to find handmade artisanal goods made by local Pacific Northwest vendors. From cute clothes and jewelry to journals and candles, Not Too Shabby carries a little bit of everything for anyone on your list.
HOBBYIST TREASURES
Whether you have a music lover, avid gamer, or bookworm to buy for, Vancouver has just the place to find them the perfect gift to round out their collection. Head to Everybody’s Music or 1709 Records and Ronald Records for old-timey classics or modern tunes. Find the top games of all genres at Fate & Fury Games and a large variety of books, calendars, and puzzles at Vintage Books. Stop by Hook and Needle yarn shop in downtown Vancouver. It features yarns and fibers, tools and gifts, and offers classes and workshops to help you learn how to crochet or knit or take your skills further.
TREAT YOURSELF
Look tip-top for the holidays with a fresh eyebrow threading and a new ‘do at D’s Hair & Beauty Supply, and find a custom fragrance from Love Potion Magickal Perfumerie. Hosting a few for dinner? Fill up on soaps and personal goods at Kindred Homestead Supply before heading to Erik Runyan Jewelers to pick out a new necklace sure to dazzle your guests. Add a little something to your home with a stop at The French Door, an upscale vintage home and garden shop located downtown.
GRUB & BREWS
Our annual dining month may be over, but it’s still important to support local restaurants through an inevitably tough winter. Purchase gift cards, grab take-out, or go out for a much-needed date night. Head to our Breweries, Wineries, and Food & Drink pages for the inside scoop on where to dine this season!