While it might be tempting to turn to Amazon, 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, Doppelganger, and The Difference, bringing that classic Pacific Northwest style—while 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 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. 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.
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. 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 new spots a try, like Cariño Coffeehouse, Honeycomb Bakery, and Softea!
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. I Like Comics is your go-to for new comics or some great back issues. Kick back and relax as you browse the aisles of comic books, graphic novels, and collectibles.
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. Find Eryngium Papeterie with Vancouver's largest selection of quality paper products & writing ephemera.
TREAT YOURSELF
Feel tip-top for the holidays with a custom fragrance from Love Potion Magickal Perfumerie. Hosting a few for dinner? Fill up on soaps and personal goods at Kindred 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. Treat yourself to a refreshing dose of greenery and calm at Bright Indirect Light Social Club, where you’ll find not only unique plants but also a welcoming space to relax and enjoy nature indoors.
Vintage Finds
Vancouver has a range of shops specializing in vintage treasures for those who appreciate unique, nostalgic gifts. Check out the new Wild Camp Goods, which specializes in vintage and hand-crafted camp gear. From timeless outdoor essentials to unique home goods, their curated collection brings a rustic charm to your adventures. Eras Vancouver in Downtown boasts an array of unique finds. With its distinctive style and vast selection, it's worth a visit. Or hit up some bookstores giving reads a new life, like Birdhouse Books, Vintage Books, and The Romance Era.
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!