Over $100
Sometimes you’ve just gotta splash out. But just because something costs a pretty penny, that doesn’t mean it’s designed to delight. So we’ve combed the city for the best-value splurges: from wear-everyday earrings to live-in-’em linen pajamas.
The Dad Who’s Having a Fitness Renaissance
The Beast’s name belies its sleek appearance. The mini-inverted blender and accompanying water-infusion tumbler will keep your giftee well hydrated, whether they actually make it to the gym or not. $284, crateandbarrel.ca
The Fragrance Fanatic
The 7 Virtues Cherry Ambition parfum spray isn’t just a scent: it’s an opportunity to manifest your desires. Give yourself a spritz during moments of success. $119, sephora.ca
Your Friend Who Finally Upgraded Their Bedding and Never Shuts up About It
Do they really, really love their linen sheets? Take the material obsession one step further with these breathable, perfectly slouchy Sömn Home unisex PJ sets. $324, somnhome.com
Your Own Stocking
Mini thick hoops from Vancouver-based Welleree are the ideal “great job on shopping!” gift to pop under the tree for yourself. $239, welleree.com
The Luxurious Lounger
We’re usually leaning into sweats when it comes to Netflix-o’clock, but for the most stylish (and sensual) couch potato, there’s the Christine Signature chemise. The silk charmeuse slip is part of the bridal collection, but for the indulgent romantic in your life, this absolutely qualifies as loungewear. Pair with a silk robe for the ultimate in comfortable luxury. $670, christinelingerie.com
The Shutterbug
This year’s redesign of the popular Fujifilm Instax Mini camera gives it a handsome, old-school makeover for even more retro joy. $129, indigo.ca
Your Condo-Dwelling Cousin
This minty-green Japanese Tomo stool is ideal for reaching up high or for hosting one more friend at the dinner table—in other words, a one-size-fits-all winner. $150, shop.vanspecial.com
The Travels-For-Work Brother
It’s a weekend bag that’s all business. He’ll be working it well with this sophisticated vegan-leather Metro duffel from Monos in hand. $280, monos.com
Your Sister Who Loves Heavy Metal
The Melanie Auld Keane bracelet is at once classic and eye-catching: the chunky 14k-gold links are as timeless as they are fun (they’re hollow, though, for lightweight wear). Auld calls it a “forever” piece. $1,590, melanieauld.com
The Confident Mom Who Wants to Feel the Wind on Her Ankles
Buying pants for someone else is risky, we know, but the Harper Wide-Leg Pant II from Smash and Tess is an educated gamble: they’re cute, look great on all body types and transition from workday to couch-hang effortlessly. $130, smashtess.com
The Friend Still Mourning the Death of Bon Appetit’s YouTube Glory Days
Serve up a party on this confetti-speckled chopping board from Fredericks and Mae (a fave brand of celeb chef Molly Baz). $130, shopneighbour.com
The Local Skin-Care Connoisseur
Dear Lucy’s Marine antioxidant serum is the ultimate in dark-spot repair, purported to create visibly smoother skin in just a few weeks. A magic potion in their stocking? Call it a Christmas miracle. $140, dearlucyskincare.com
Your Friend Whose Future Is Bright
These white-tortoiseshell Vasuma Persson shades from Kits are the ideal accessory for beach vacations and (rare) sunny Vancouver days alike. $129, kits.ca
The Chef Friend Who’s Always Saying “You Eat With Your Eyes”
No wonder it’s a staple on the holiday wish list: the Le Creuset braiser (we’re loving this year’s new Shallot hue) is a workhorse that looks damn good on the stove when it’s off, too. $445, lecreuset.ca
Experiences
Circle Wellness Granville Island opened this fall—it’s a long-awaited expansion of the cult-fave secret cold-plunge circuit that existed on Industrial Avenue for years. Ancient wellness rituals meet modern technology for a thermal spa experience that’s a guaranteed shoulder-dropper. From $219, circlewellnessspas.com
Giving a paperweight? Lame. Letting someone make their own paperweight at a glass-blowing class at Vancouver Studio Glass? A slam dunk. VSG’s object class is an excellent intro to the fine art of handling molten glass—something dangerous enough for even the craft skeptic to enjoy. $175, vancouverstudioglass.com
Dirty Apron remains the best cooking class in town, with a range of skill levels, ages and palates. Ocean Fling is the ultimate seafood primer; On the Bone levels up your braising game. $190, dirtyapron.com
This story was originally published in the November/December 2023 issue of Vancouver Magazine.
