Login / RegisterChic presents with presence
Turtledoves might have cut it way back before the megamalls, but these days a gift has to be unique. And finding something unique takes time—not to mention nerves of steel. To make holiday shopping easier, here are a few of our favourite things, one for each of the 12 days of you-know-what.
Smittens
($40 at Smoking Lily [3634 Main Street])
These boiled-wool cuties are cozy and quirky—one part granny, two parts Tegan and Sara.
The Sienna Ray Messenger Bag
($309 to $347 at Kiss & Makeup [The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver])
The Vancouver label has come up with one purse for all occasions: this soft-leather number converts from a clutch to a shoulder bag to a slouch to a cross-body messenger-style tote.
Converse Chuck Taylor Boots
($120 to $140 at El Kartel [121–1025 Robson Street] and Gravity Pope [2205 West 4th Avenue])
That indie-obsessed scenester on your list is suffering in the rain: black canvas Chucks don’t exactly ward off the wet and cold. Now Converse has come out with cool vintage-style boots for men and women, with rugged soles and uppers made of nylon, leather, or (our fave) Woolrich plaid.
Have a Cherry Christmas
($21 at BeautyMark [103–1120 Hamilton Street])
Bath gifts don’t get much more Christmasy than Philosophy’s sweet-smelling three-in-one—a bubble bath, shower gel, and ultra-foamy shampoo.
Help Somebody Soap
($12 at the Bay and Sears [various locations])
Consonant Body Organic Skincare sends 100 percent of the selling price of this stocking stuffer to Sleeping Children Around the World (which buys bed kits for kids). As for the soap, it’s as notable for what it has—a fresh mix of citrus and patchouli—as it is for what it doesn’t: parabens and phthalates.
Matix domepiece headphones
($130 at Coastal Riders [10310 152nd Street, Surrey])
Headphones are the new fashion statement, and we’re loving Matix’s camo version.
Nixon HERO Watch
($149.99 at West 49 [various locations])
Surfer dudes will get totally amped over these neon timekeepers—check out the tide charts and retro digits. Beyond rad.
Ricci Ricci
($78 to $98 at Murale [Oakridge Centre])
This scent smells holiday-party glam, with notes of rhubarb and rose. But it’s the ornate glass bottle—deep-raspberry glass with a swirling bow around its neck—that makes it as pretty as a Christmas card.
Volcano Girl Creations ties
($75 at Portobello West, December 12 and 13 at the Rocky Mountaineer Station)
Handpainted images of retro-space-age vixens make these locally made ties anything but conservative.
Honey Love Designs Varga Hats
($65 at Forsya Boutique [2206 Main Street])
Crocheted hats find hip new flourish, decorated with giant flowers fashioned from feathers and rhinestones. Let’s call it boho glam.
Want to Believe Bath Melt
($6.95 at Lush [various locations])
For people you love to hate, it’s the colour and shape of a lump of coal. The smell is better, though: fennel and starflower combine with moisturizing oils.
Blim Gift Certificate
($25 and $50 at Blim [197 East 17th Avenue])
Is there someone on your list who’s just too damn artsy and one-of-a-kind to possibly buy for? Let creative types craft their own funky getups at one of Blim’s workshops, whether it’s screen-printing or batiking. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
