By Brittany Tiplady
@yellowbird888
What to really say about the holidays this year? It’s difficult to write an article in 2020 that doesn’t cash in on the phrases and slogans we’ve been inundated with for the past nine months. We’ve heard the word “unprecedented” more times than we can count. Every marketing hook hones in on how “different” and “distant” this year is, and has become. And while yes, this is all true, refreshment and brevity is what we need!
So, let’s just say this: Christmas is coming and if you have the means, you may still want to buy stuff for the people in your life. And, if giving lovely, thoughtful gifts sparks joy for you—like it does for me—then let’s double up on the karma points and put our dollars towards the many wonderful local businesses in this city.
Get your credit card handy.
Self-care
Self-care right now is paramount. And we all need it. For those who menstruate, I cannot recommend period-proof underwear enough. It is the secret to no longer having mortifying stained underwear that somehow always ends up being moved out of your building’s washing machine for all to see—it’s also the secret to keeping your sheets, pants, and anxiety in check. Check out Aisle for underwear, reusable pads and liners, and their very own brand of menstrual cups! Pair this gift with some pain relief products from the sweet folks at Luteal. Shop for menstrual relief pain cream (I stand by this product!), flaxseed heating pads and more. Shipping and local pick-up in East Vancouver is available.
For fellow skincare lovers, check out Skwalen Botanicals for a robust line of gorgeous, natural, skincare. Skwalen honours “cultural plant knowledge, Indigenous science and self-care rituals, Sḵwálwen (squall – win) offers skincare experiences grounded in the natural world. Founded by ethnobotanist Leigh Joseph of Squamish First Nation, this is plant medicine for skin and spirit.”
And since we’re all stuck at home, home may as well smell like a dream. As a certified Candle Freak™ seven days a week, I implore you to get your candles from Woodlot, Harlow, or Mala The Brand. Three women-led companies that make candles so good you’ll start watching Tik Tok videos on how to improve their longevity.
Food and Beverage
Everyone has a person in their life just has…everything? In this case, the gift of food and wine is always appreciated. A clever food and wine package is also the ideal gift for clients and coworkers—ditch the tacky, overpriced fruit basket and shop for something a little more chic.
LIVIA has launched their new holiday shop, and as they so eloquently put it “Despite it all, it’s the holidays! And if we can’t give our time, we ought to give gifts!” Click through their holiday shop for hot chocolate mix, and a delicious selection of gift boxes including a Negroni Box, which includes negroni mix (8oz), housemade brandied organic sour cherries, vintage glasses, a bunch of eucalyptus, nestled in a wooden crate.
If you want to be really clever, how about getting your loved one a membership to Arthur’s Wine Club by the good folks at Dachi? Arthur’s Wine Club is a wine package released every month, no commitment necessary. Each month includes four bottles from family-owned, sustainable wineries as well as tasting notes, winemaker information, interesting facts, and a ramen meal!
Gifting restaurant gift cards are another great way to support local businesses. Consider purchasing a GC to help your favourite spots stay afloat during this challenging time. There are too many wonderful restaurants in this city to name and suggest, but a few of my personal favourites are Savio Volpe, Anh and Chi, Como Taperia, The Acorn, and Juke Fried Chicken.
Pretty things
I often lust for sweet, feminine, pretty things so my list of recommendations comes from an earnest place.
First and foremost, I highly recommend HIRRS. Designed in Vancouver, the skivvies made by HIRRS are thoughtful, sturdy, sexy and just plain delightful. And by some miracle, their bras work wonderfully for my large and difficult rack! The price point is accessible and the product is A+.
Minimalist, clay earrings made by my friend at DINTY Designs are lovingly handcrafted in Tofino, BC. A beautiful selection of styles and designs are available on Etsy, and priced with accessibility in mind.
Last but certainly not least, Kihew and Rose jewelry by Adrienne Larocque, need I say more? “Adrienne creates contemporary Indigenous beadwork and jewelry through her business Kihew and Rose blending traditional techniques and materials in a modern way. She has been a maker her entire life and started with hand-sewing doll clothes and eventually learning pattern-making throughout her formative years. Over the last several years she has focused her talents on bead working and designing jewelry for everyday wear and special occasions.” The Kihew and Rose Holiday Collection is dropping December 5—get ready to open your wallet.
Handmade ceramics are a source of great pleasure for me. As a person who is constantly sipping on coffee and tea, the feeling of a beautifully made mug between my hands gives me such good folklore vibes, and I am nothing if not a Swiftie (is that embarrassing?! My Spotify Wrapped just confirmed I am indeed embarrassing). These days, I am absolutely smitten over the gorgeous goods by OHHELLOLEIGH CERAMICS. Her web shop just launched and it is a real thing of beauty—I am a proud owner of the Colour POP! speckled mug and a Double Bubble Mug. I also love the small-batch ceramics from sydsicle ceramics. You can shop her selection of intentional and functional beauties on her Etsy shop and occasionally, on her Instagram stories.
Second-hand and Vintage
If thrifting IRL isn’t your thing right now, Instagram is the best vehicle for sourcing lovely, local vintage. For the sustainable queens in your life, check out my pals at Undun Vintage and Naura Thrift for timeless, thoughtful pieces. Keep an eye on their Instagram for the next drop! If you’re looking to snag a gift from an old standby, Community Thrift and Vintage, my favourite Gastown shop, has a wicked online store. And, for home wares, you must visit Mid Century Modern Shop, Alma Home Vintage and Vintage Mae.
Books
Books! Glorious books! Remember those? For the book worm in your life consider supporting Indigenous bookstores and East Van icons Massy Books (online ordering and speedy delivery is available!) and Iron Dog Books. Other indie book store gems include Pulp Fiction Books and the Paper Hound Bookshop.
Big spender
If your budget is a little bigger this year, may I suggest the gift of sleep? Upon moving this summer I decided I wanted to bless my new space with Big Girl Sheets and invested in a set from Flax Sleep. I now spread the word of Flax Sleep far and wide, and serve as the unofficial spokeswoman of very-expensive-but-very-worth-it bedding. Summers are so cool, winters are so warm! My bedroom looks so chic and minimalist, and that of a lifestyle influencer with 370,000 followers and a brand deal with Glossier. Long live linen sheets.
Living in Vancouver requires a quality raincoat. If you have a little extra room on your credit card this year, I recommend treating yourself to a handmade waxed cotton raincoat from Glasnost. I suggest this item as a gift from you to you because the production timeline for Glasnost is 6-8 weeks (you can’t rush perfection!), and somehow, Christmas is around the corner. Shop their collection of rain gear as well as masks, wallets and more here. “All items are built to be an investment in your future, lasting to tell the story of your journey and keep you dry along the way.”
Shops
If my suggestions aren’t doin’ for you, that’s ok! There are so many wonderful shops to browse IRL and online in this city. Allow me to recommend India Rose for top of the line skincare and beauty products, Woo To See You for fashion and accessories and other gems like: The Garden Strathcona, The Heart Cloverdale, Nineteen Ten, the Little Mountain Shop pop-up at the Polygon Holiday Shop in Lonsdale, and so many more.
Brittany Tiplady is a writer, editor, former ballet teacher, and the co-founder of Loose Lips Magazine. She loves the great indoors, fast wifi, and a generous glass of red wine. She’s a self-proclaimed wizard of time management and a notorious loud talker with a penchant for all things Internet and pop culture
