Even for those who love hitting stores, December can feel daunting. Since we’re down with making things run as smoothly as possible for our readers, we thought it would be a good idea to seek out a few key and kickass Vancouver retailers who are in the know and ask for some directions, because even the most hardened getters-of-things done could use a compass in the yule maelstrom. We’re calling their contributions The Shopaholiblog (because it’s a fun word to say).
To start off, we’ve picked Carol Hyslop’s brain. Carol owns Favourite, a fantastic little shop tucked away on the top floor of Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. There you’ll find handmade, small-run gifts and accessories created by local and Canadian artists and designers – the very same sort of stuff you dig.
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Under $20
Wreck Beach by Carellin Brooks ($16)
Why: “I love this book because it’s everything you always wanted to know about Wreck Beach, the best nude beach in the world, and it’s right on our doorstep!”
Who: “This item would be perfect for: anyone who has ever fallen in love with the natural beauty and nonconformity of the most beautiful beach in the world.”
Also: “Carellin Brooks is a Vancouver-based author and editor.”
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Under $50
Pop-up Wallet by fiveleft ($50)
Why: “I love this wallet because: it’s super slim and can hold cash and up to 10 cards. The unique leather is hand-dyed and impressions are made with found objects such as screws and bicycle spokes. Added bonus; *fiveleft wallets are handmade in Vancouver by Lincoln Heller.”
Who: “This item would be perfect for: the stylin’ man in your life.”
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Under $100
Our Lady Full of Grace bracelet by Toodlebunny ($95)
Why: “The reclaimed leather & chain braiding is part-Chanel, part-rockstar.”
Who: “This item would be perfect for your trend-setting girlfriend and it doesn’t hurt that Toodlebunny is handmade in Vancouver by Trudy Wynans.”
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Over $100
Haarlem bag by Bronsino Designs ($440)
Why: “I love this bag because: it can be worn on the shoulder or messenger style, and the buttery soft Italian goatskin will get even more beautiful with age. And – you guessed it – Bronsino bags are handmade in Vancouver (by Denise Wilson).”
Who: “This item would be perfect for: any woman in your life…sleek and stylish for sis, but classic & practical for mom!”
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WHERE TO BUY
FAVOURITE
Lonsdale Quay, 2nd Level | North Vancouver | 604.904.8840 | www.favouritegifts.ca
Those pop up wallets are fantastic. I saw them last year on the culture crawl, and if I hadn’t *just* bought a freitag wallet i’d have bought one in a heartbeat.
Favourite Gifts is such a fabulous store! Great items for guys, girls, kids. Carol has created an environment that is fresh & delightful – a go-to spot for something special.