The Haul: Vancouver Comedian Julie Kim’s 2025 Must-Haves

Julie Kim identifies as a stand-up comedian, a writer… and a consumer. “I wish I could say that my favourite thing was a patch of grass,” she says, “but my favourite things are products that let me live life more effectively and efficiently.” Here are the goods that help her do just that, in advance of her latest Canadian stand-up tour which runs through May 2025.

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1. Vessi Waterproof Stormburst Low Tops

My family goes on a lot of hikes. OK, “hikes” is a strong word. We walk outdoors on purpose. Because it’s beautiful, and because when we’re inside for a long time we yell at each other. Good waterproof gear like these Vessis has changed my lifestyle and outlook in Vancouver, and it’s enhanced my mental health. $160, vessi.com

2. Manta Sleep Mask

My only objective for a red-eye flight is falling asleep immediately and waking up at the last possible second (even missing meal service, which is a big deal because I rarely turn down free food). The first time I achieved this, it was with my Manta sleep mask. You can adjust the position of the little cups for your eyes in case your eyes are closer together or further apart. Even if your eyes are next to your ears, this mask will still work for you (but you may want to see an ophthalmologist). $15, sportchek.ca

3. Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

These glasses helped me capture a lot more content easily, so people can see how boring my life is in more detail. They have also been useful for when I shouldn’t be listening to something. Like on a bike ride with my family. $409, bestbuy.ca

4. Ogojo Jan Japanese Chili Sauce

My fave go-to quick lunch is as follows: re-heat some calrose or jasmine rice and add crispy fried organic eggs and about one and a half tablespoons of this chili sauce—a gift from the Japanese heavens. So much happiness in a blate (a bowl-plate hybrid, basically a pasta bowl but with a newer label that isn’t tied to pasta because rice is my pasta) in less than three minutes. $18, granvilleislandspiceco.com

5. Shiseido Clear SPF 50+ Sunscreen Stick

I have this sunscreen stick on hand all the time. It glides, never leaves streaks and feels like a face massage. I am more protected from evil things like UV rays and premature wrinkles because of this product. Plus, I don’t have to worry that the actual colour of my face is changing. In today’s climate, I can’t be putting on that opaque mineral SPF that leaves people wondering if I’m doing white face. $42, holtrenfrew.ca

6. Ember Mug

When I was eight months pregnant, we went out for Sunday breakfast and our very loud waitress barked at me, “Better enjoy your time now ’cause your coffee will always be cold!” I hate unsolicited “advice” and I hated her instantly. But she was right. Solution: the Ember mug, which allows me to adjust the temperature of the liquid in my mug from an app on my phone. And it feels ceramic so there is a homey coziness to it. $200, bestbuy.ca

7. Green Protein Smoothie by Juice Truck

Like every other woman in North America, I think about my protein intake daily. I mean, 10 times daily. I try to make my own smoothies at home but they’re not very good. I’ve thought about it a lot and I believe the problem is that I am making them at home. The Green Protein is a smoothie from the Juice Truck that is a special treat that I get for myself, usually when I’m solo grocery shopping at Whole Foods on Cambie and 8th. $12, thejuicetruck.ca

8. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

This book is not a light and fun read. I read it after university, and it impacted me in many ways and on multiple levels. I don’t believe I grew up with empathy, but I became enraged at the injustices that the characters in Mistry’s novel experienced, and appalled at the caste system (which sounded somewhat similar to the engrained hierarchy in South Korea, where my family is from). I get that people learn “things” from books regularly, but I’m grateful to this book for expanding my mind and heart. $27, indigo.ca