Proudly East Van

For the person on your list who lives on, well, the other side of Main Street, we recommend jewellery designer Susan Fiedler’s new sterling-silver pendants in the shape of Monument for East Vancouver—otherwise known as the “East Van cross”, the iconic public artwork by Ken Lum. Fiedler is the first artist to be granted rights to use the image by the City of Vancouver. In the true East Van ethic of giving back to the ’hood, she is donating $25 from each piece sold to Pivot Legal Society. The pendants, which come with or without a silver chain, sell online; there is a bigger and a small version, priced at $175 and $325 ($150 and $300 without the chain).
> Janet Smith

Happy Hibernation

Lukes General Store, which opened earlier this year in Vancouver as a pop-up shop, has found a permanent location at 49 West Hastings Street just in time for the holiday season. While the Calgary-based retailer offers an array of dry goods and grocery items—as well as Four Barrel Coffee and a well-curated selection of vinyl records—it’s the collection of Pendleton Woolen Mills blankets that has us smitten. The Portland-based textile company is known for its cozy wool blankets. Wrap a loved one in the striped Yakima Camp Blanket ($140) or plaid Thomas Kay Throw ($119), both of which come with leather carriers for transporting from one cozy corner to another. Bring comfort and joy by adding a (Malin + Goetz) candle ($52 for 260 grams). We love the Dark Rum candle, a warm scent with top notes of bergamot and plum.
> Michelle Da Silva

Change Is In The Air

“Make perfume, not war” is the slogan of Canada’s 7 Virtues Beauty, and the company really does take what seems like a frivolous fashion item and uses it to make real change in our conflict-ridden world. This year, treat someone to the company’s new Patchouli of Rwanda fragrance, a nontoxic, vegan-friendly concoction made from organic patchouli oil that is harvested through farming co-ops for Rwandans orphaned or widowed in the genocide that ravaged the country 20 years ago. The strong, fresh scent of the shrub is set off in this cocktail by a calming mix of hibiscus, red grapefruit, cedar flower, and freesia ($70 for 50 millilitres at the Hudson’s Bay Company); though it’s made at the opposite end of the world, this fragrance has a definite air of the West Coast. Among the other scents, all made with oils harvested in countries trying to rebuild after war, we like the crisp and flowery Afghanistan Orange Blossom and the Middle East Peace, with Sweetie grapefruit essential oil from Israel mixed with lime and basil from Iran—now, that’s peacemaking! Find out more at the 7 Virtues website.
> JS

Holiday Tresses

Oribe (pronounced “or-bay”) was in charge of Jennifer Lopez’s hair for the better part of the early 2000s, so it’s no surprise that when the Cuban-American hairstylist launched his eponymous line of products in 2008, they quickly reached cult status. Yaletown’s BeautyMark (1268 Pacific Boulevard) carries Oribe gift sets in time for the holidays. For the mane maestro in your life, we suggest the Cult Classic Collection ($43), which features the brand’s top sellers: travel-size shampoos and conditioners, as well as the Dry Texturing Spray, which can be applied to dry hair to add volume and sexy shine. Oribe’s 24K Gold Pomade ($55 for 50 millilitres) is another favourite; the styling product can be applied to wet or dry hair for instant golden highlights.
> MDS

For Guys With Style

Cufflinks don’t get much cooler than the limited-edition collection from the local LACAR line at Cavalier (217–207 West Hastings Street). A little rough around the edges, these silver studs come with masculine motifs like anchors and shields; you can get them polished to a high shine, but we prefer the antique, hip look of the oxidized versions ($400). We also dig the old-school look of Cavalier’s new collection of Nivrel watches, designed and manufactured in Germany but using only Swiss movements. With fine leather bands and retro numerals, they remind us of something your dapper grandfather might have worn—and they’re a tailored change from the digital, rubber looks out there at the moment. (Styles start at $550.)
> JS

Rest and Recharge
Counter the frantic hustle and bustle of the holidays by treating someone special to the gift of relaxation. LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics (various locations) merges cheery seasonal scents with all-natural bath and body products. Scrub down with the Yog Nog Soap ($6.95 for 100 grams) made from soy yogurt and festive spices, or the ginger-and-cinnamon-infused Hot Toddy Shower Gel ($29.95 for 500 millilitres). Soothe frostbitten skin with the Melting Snowman Luxury Bath Melt ($5.95 for 60 grams) while enjoying the heady blend of cinnamon and clove oils. Vancouver-based Escents Aromatherapeutics (various locations) also offers a seasonal selection of relaxation aids. The De-Stress Bundle ($52.80) includes a spray, roll-on fragrance stick, aromatherapy inhaler, and bath bomb containing calming neroli, bergamot, and lavender essential oils. We also love the Aroma-to-Go: Breathe & Immunity holiday gift set ($24.95), which includes three mini roll-on balms of tea-tree, eucalyptus, and spearmint oils.
> MDS

Scandinavian Carryall
For the wanderer on your list, stylish travel accessories from Fjällräven (147 West Broadway) are perfect for adventures abroad—and at home. The Swedish retailer opened its first Canadian outpost in Vancouver in April, and startingTuesday (December 9) until December 31, Fjällräven will host a pop-up shop at the Chinatown Experiment (434 Columbia Street). At both locations, find jackets and winter accessories, as well as a selection of the brand’s signature backpacks. We love the Totepack No. 1 ($119.99), made from a heavy-duty polyester-cotton blend and available in 10 colours. Convertible straps mean the bag can be worn as a backpack or a tote bag with long or short straps. The brand’s travel wallet ($74.99) holds a passport and boarding pass—and has compartments for credit cards and a zippered pocket for coins.
> MDS

Good Jeans
If you were a teenager in the 1990s, there’s a good chance you owned a pair of Mavi jeans. The Turkish denim line is still going strong, and this season, it’s relaunching its premium Mavi Gold line as a holiday capsule collection. The Mavi Gold Alexa ($148 at Mavi stores [various locations]) is a midrise skinny jean with just the right amount of stretch to feel as comfortable as leggings while retaining its original shape. The dark-blue Midnight Gold wash is our favourite for its day-to-night versatility. For denim-loving guys on your list, Mavi’s Zach jeans ($138) are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, straight-leg fit. Dubbed the “hockey jean” after a handful of Vancouver Canucks players were seen wearing Zach and Myles styles—the latter offers the same fit with a slightly lower front rise—over the summer, these are ideal for men with an athletic build. The classic deep-indigo Rinse Brushed White Edge wash will go with everything in his closet.
> MDS

Scarves for Water
This is the gift that keeps on giving: Obakki Foundation has launched a collection of scarves that benefit villages in South Sudan. In November, 500 of the limited-edition scarves were sold during the Vancouver charity’s Scarves for Water campaign, with proceeds helping to build a water well in the village of Amedichi. Now, for the holidays, Obakki Foundation has created three more scarves ($29 each at the Obakki Foundation webite) so that more villages will have access to clean water. The lightweight rayon designs are available in a classic black, soft grey, and emerald.
> MDS

Sugar and spice
Soap and Paper Factory’s Creamy Peppermint Hand Cream ($12 for 1 oz at Chapters [various locations]) has notes of peppermint, vanilla, and bourbon, and leaves skin feeling smooth thanks to a generous dose of Shea butter. The slick tube from the New York–based brand comes in a red-bow-adorned box that’s almost too pretty to unwrap. Over at North Vancouver’s Kiss & Makeup (1760 Lonsdale Avenue), cult-favourite REN Skincare has grouped its bestsellers into holiday gift sets. The REN Rose Trio Set ($36) features a body wash, bath oil, and body lotion in the company’s Moroccan Rose Otto scent, a festive fragrance that combines delicate rose essential oil with a hint of spice. For the vegan beauty buff on your list, Fable Naturals has released the Vegan Lip Balm Holiday Gift Set ($18), a three-pack that includes mint, lemon, and vanilla orange flavours. The Mount Pleasant–based all-natural bath and beauty company also favours fair-trade ingredients in its popular Rosemary + Mint Body Balm ($10 for 45 g). Find Fable products at the Toque sale Friday and Saturday (December 5 and 6) at the Western Front, online at www.fablenaturals.com/, and in stores at Much and Little (2541 Main Street) and Meadow Gifts & Apparel (104 Water Street). 
> MDS