Vancouver Magazine
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What artists, restaurateurs, publicists, singers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, wrestlers and Vancouver creatives want for Christmas this year.
We’re not too proud to ask for help—especially when it comes to scouring the city for cool gift ideas. So for the November issue, we turned to our favourite tastemakers for their recommendations of found-in-Vancouver goods to give and receive this year.
MORE: 47 Gift Ideas From Vancouver’s Coolest Stores
Six of those tastemakers were game to grace our cover, in fact: Amanda Kao, founder and CEO of Bad Academy; Amelie Thuy Nguyen, co-founder and creative director of Anh and Chi, Good Thief and Me’s Marketplace by Anh and Chi; Zada, singer-songwriter; Michael Mann, marketing manager, Polygon Gallery; Paul Wong, artist and curator of visual and media art; and Katie Burrell, writer and director.
Here’s what our cover stars recommend for the 2024 holiday season:
Amanda: “A sweatsuit from Local Tourist Ltd. would be a cozy work-from-home uniform for the winter.” $230, localtourist.ltd
Katie: “Asics Novablast 4 Paris running shoes are ideal for seawall runs where I pretend I’m an Olympian.” $180, vanrunco.ca
Zada: “The #TellMe Challenge card game looks interesting. I love a gift that can break the ice!” $17, londondrugs.ca
Michael: “T-shirts by Cold World, Frozen Goods. They’re made by Rhek, whose prolific stickers can be seen slapped in better bathroom stalls around town. He’s also one of the most hilarious and talented people in the city.” Family Values tee, $51, coldworldfrozengoods.com
Amelie: “The one thing on earth I never want to live without is Colorescience Sunforgettable EnviroScreen Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. It’s compact, it works as a finishing powder and sunblock—I take it everywhere!” $93, thevanitylab.com
Amanda: “Circle Wellness. I can’t believe more people don’t know about this place.” From $199, circlewellnessspas.com
Michael: “Call me biased, but I’m going to go with an art gallery membership. They’re incredibly affordable and your small gift of $100 goes a long way to help local galleries continue their great work. What’s more, if you buy one from your favourite gallery, you’ll receive a full tax receipt. (Just so we’re clear here: I’m talking about Polygon Gallery. Did I mention I have no shame?)” thepolygon.ca
Katie: “Sea-Doo rentals from Granville Island or a Chinatown eating tour: appies at New Town, dinner at Bao Bei, drinks at Laowei or Bagheera.” Sea-Doo rental from $139 an hour, vancouverwateradventures.com; vancouverchinatown.com
Amanda: “I always give coffee and tea! Coffee from our friends at House of Funk Roasters (their cans of beans not only look chic, the design of the can also allows for oxygen to be drawn out for ultimate freshness of beans!) and tea from Ranger Tea Crafters, a local Indigenous- and woman-owned tea brand serving up the most gorgeous delicious blends.” Technicolour espresso, $21.50, houseoffunkbrewing.com; Fresh Tracks breakfast tea, from $10 for 50 grams, rangertea.com
Michael: “Free the Tipple by Vancouver author and editor Jennifer Croll. For the strong, empowered femme in your life who likes to get loaded on fancy cocktails. Everybody loves this book. If you already have it, she’s written three follow-ups.” $23, cocktailemporium.com
Amelie: “COVID might have been the time for breakups, but it looks like many people are getting hitched now. I am so excited to gift my sister some jewels and gems from Vancouver-based, women-owned Olive and Piper before her wedding. I’m digging the new demi-fine 18k gold vermeil pieces for everyday wear.” Ace studs, $96, oliveandpiper.com
Michael: “Kate Metten ceramics. I give these to people every year and they’re never disappointed. Everything is a work of art, but also great for everyday use.” Angular mug, $58, katemetten.com
Amanda: “I give jars of jams and jellies from Le Meadow’s Pantry like candy to all the food lovers in my life because, oh my god, how does it taste so good!?” Raspberry and rose jam from $14, lemeadowspantry.com
Zada: “A lot of my friends and family are creatives in their own right, so I hit Opus Art Supplies on Granville Island to buy some new paintbrushes for my art lovers.” Fortissimo oil brushes, from $6 each, opusartsupplies.com
Michael: “Sunday Cider in Gibsons and A Sunday in August on Salt Spring always do great holiday boxes of their ciders and natural wines, and they offer local delivery.” sundaycider.com; asundayinaugust.com
Paul: “Immersive out-of-body experiences. Could be a massage, facial, mani and pedicure, or sound bath. Formula Fig in Mount Pleasant, Golden Feet Reflexology or Scandinave Spa in Whistler are all great options. Or, when in doubt, a stunning bouquet from the Flower Factory.” Hand-tied bouquet, $45, flowerfactory.ca
Zada: “If you are super close with your loved ones and want to support them (figuratively and physically, ha!) Huha bras are for the win. Comfort is so important to me and it’s such a sweet gesture (and also fairly affordable).” Triangle bra, $58, hu-ha.com
Paul: “I love it when someone puts together a spontaneous travel or adventure plan and we just do it. I mentioned to a friend I wanted to see Picasso’s Guernica in Madrid. He put together a three-week trip to Spain and got the museum to provide me with a one-hour private viewing of the iconic painting.” Flight to Madrid, from $898, google.com/flights
Vikram Vij is chef and owner of Vij’s Restaurant. Here’s what he’s got on his holiday wish list this year.
“Beta5 Chocolates crafts exceptional Christmas desserts, making it a top holiday wish.” Trademark collection, $39, beta5chocolates.com
“Known for their incredibly soft and comfortable garments, Cadine creates pieces that are a must-have for the holidays.” Sill linen sweater, $230, shopcadine.com
“Mala the Brand plants a tree with every candle purchase. Who doesn’t love a nice candle?” Cereal candle, $26, malathebrand.com
Do you have any unique gifting traditions with your friends or family?
“A Swarovski ornament for the Christmas tree, gifted each year.” Among Blue Mountains ornament, $62, swarovski.com
Vicki Duong is a freelance writer and content creator. Here’s what she’s got her eye on this holiday season.
“Sets from Wilet are on my wish list always and forever. I love that the brand is female-founded, local, ethically produced and made from sustainably sourced natural materials! Bedding may seem like a boring thing to pick, but it’s an item you use daily.” Queen linen sets from $390, shopwilet.com
“For easy gifting, you’ll always nail it with skincare sets from Somerset Moss or Midnight Paloma.” Somerset Moss core collection kit, $95, somersetmoss.com; Midnight Paloma self-care bundle, $79, midnightpaloma.com
“I have a beautiful heart-shaped ring from Zaleska Jewelry: owner and designer Sylvia is a friend of mine and many of our mutual friends have the same ring. It feels like a grown-up version of friendship bracelets.” Self Love Club ring, $88, zaleska.ca
Martina Maude is the founder of pop-up wine event Maude Sips. Here’s what she’s hoping to give and receive this year.
“I’ve been eyeing Nathalee Paolinelli’s creations since moving to Vancouver—her vases in particular. Nathalee’s craft balances organic and unexpected textures and shapes that deliver a ton of intrigue. Every piece I’ve seen forces you to reach out and touch it!” Lichen Coral vase, $575, shopneighbour.com
“Second on my list this year has to be a Donabe rice pot. The traditional clay vessel completely elevates the simple task of steaming rice. It’s something that I always think of purchasing and never do.” $258, itsumo.ca
“Esquimalt Vermouth’s Apéritif Cascadia is a spirit that might not be everyone’s first choice, but this mead-based aperitif is a showstopper: a brilliant way to warm up chilly nights in a delicious way.” $37, libertywinemerchants.com
Interior designer Ben Leavitt is the creative director of PlaidFox Studio. Here are the design-minded items on his wish list for 2024.
“I spend 98 percent of my days in a black T-shirt and jeans, but the idea of lounging in a Sluis bathrobe would be some version of holiday euphoria. And white robes are just so incredibly boring.” $270, oldfaithfulshop.com
“I first discovered these Ginori dishes at the famed Rosetta restaurant in Mexico City and they have been on my wish list ever since. Call me a grandma, but collecting china is something I see value in. I want one of every colour.” Pieces from $127, atkinsonsofvancouver.com
“Nothing quite ignites your creativity and dissolves the stresses of the day like a pottery class. Master ceramist Gabrielle Burke can teach you the art of creating something that’s functional and beautiful.” Beginner’s class, $95, communityclay.ca
Lizzy Karp is a community-maker and co-founder of birth-and-parenting agency Brood. Here’s what she loves to give and hopes to get this year.
“My DJ crew [at the Main Street Dance Authority] gather for little vinyl listening nights. This beautiful Pro-Ject record player from Vancouver Special is my latest audiophile dream.” $870, vanspecial.com
“I love to gift bandanas: they’re the perfect accessory for any season, and I love to wrap a gift in one from Coco and Olive.” $22, cocomain.ca
“There’s nothing more special than a date at The Acorn, whether that’s brunch with pals or a romantic night. A gift certificate (alongside their beautiful cookbook, or a sparkly bottle of wine from their bottle shop) is a go-to for me.” theacornrestaurant.ca
Pearl Lam and Dickson Li are co-founders of Dicky’s Dumps, a very delicious brand of locally made frozen dumplings
“The City of Darkness Revisited and Under Vancouver photography books by Greg Girard. Greg had a front-row seat to give us an intimate glimpse into grittier times in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The surreal and mind-blowing existence of the Kowloon Walled City is endlessly fascinating, as is a look at pre-Expo 86, port town Vancouver.” $65, thepolygon.ca
“Guys, stop wrecking your jeans pockets with your phone and keys and throw them all into one sleek Bellroy All Conditions phone pocket case before you run out for coffee.” From $149, walrushome.com
“A cooking class from Gourmet Warehouse. It’s a great way to spend an evening learning and enjoying three-course menus with wine. Plus, you get to shop in-store after hours at the end of class. FYI, the Pleats and Eats dumpling-making class with Dicky’s Dumps is a popular one!” From $120, gourmetwarehouse.ca
Jen Sookfong Lee is the author of Superfan and has some beautiful gift ideas to share.
“What I really, really want right now is the Spade bubble skirt from A Bronze Age, which is carried at One of a Few in Gastown. Am I too old for it? Probably! But I love it.” $255, abronzeage.com
“I am so in love with these puffy alphabet pendant necklaces from Wolf Circus. Imagine giving one to each of your best friends. Honour your friendships as much as you honour your romantic relationships, everyone!” $140, wolfcircus.com
Ken Tsui is a production executive for Telus Originals and curator for the Vancouver International Film Festival. Here’s the cool move he pulls during the holiday season.
Stopping into Bar Tartare and picking up a magnum of wine on the way to someone’s place with the intention of sharing it with everyone is the kind of thing Ebenezer Scrooge would do after awakening from his harrowing fever dream on Christmas morning and blowing everyone’s mind with his newfound, uncharacteristic benevolence. No one is expecting it, but the generosity never gets old. bartartareyvr.ca
Professional wrestler Jacky Lee is the current Vancouver City Champion with Boom Pro Wrestling. Here’s what he’s hoping to find under the tree or wrap up this year.
“I’m a big fan of the citrusy bath bombs that Lush offers. They’ve been vital in soothing my mind and body from the mental and physical tolls of the wrestling industry. Shopping in the stores is fun in itself: I love indulging in the many different scents and products that they have to offer.” Lemon crumble bubble bar, $15, lush.com
“As the Prince of Pop-Tarts, I have a reputation for sharing snacks with a lot of my friends. I love hitting up Lucky’s Exotic Bodega like a literal kid in a candy store—grabbing a bunch of new treats to try with my friends.” Banana Cream Pie Pop Tarts, $4 each, bodega.ca
“A few years ago, I had a few friends put together a lovely goodie bag for me consisting of half a dozen pints of ice cream from a variety of places across the city. They hit up Ernest, Elephant Garden and Rain or Shine, and grabbed a bunch of different flavours for me to try out.” Earnest’s whisky hazelnut, $16, earnesticecream.com
Actor and improvisor Kevin Vidal (Working Moms) is gifting something delicious this season.
Food from one of my favourite spots: Sushi Hil on Main Street. sushihil.com
