Looking for a unique gift or a distinctive home accent? Inkwell on Market Street specializes in handmade limited edition paper goods, tea towels, pottery and jewellery from international artists. There’s an antique letterpress on site, which you can sometimes see in use.
Colourful lamps from PBteen
Bring life into your teenager’s poster-covered bedroom with stylish and practical items from PBteen (www.pbteen.com). Lamps in fun colours are great to read by, while peel-and-stick wall decals and murals help spruce up any space without leaving behind thumbtack holes. PBteen, the teenage member of the Pottery Barn family, now ships to Canada and offers everything from grad gifts to laundry bags to desk chairs.—Jennifer Patterson
"Safe and Clear" by Michael Tickner at Lions Bay Art Gallery
A short, scenic trip from downtown Vancouver brings you to the cheerful and charming Lions Bay Art Gallery. Leave lots of room in your suitcase for souvenir-worthy art and gifts, including local painter Michael Tickner’s eye-catching, rainbow-bright landscapes (“Safe and Clear,” pictured).—Kristina Urquhart
Hamilton Street Grill photo by KK Law
How do you celebrate a 14th birthday in style? If you’re the Hamilton Street Grill in Yaletown, you offer a steal of a deal: an eight-ounce sirloin steak with garlic smashed potatoes and veggies, all for $14. The special runs all month long, even on Father’s Day (Jun. 19), so treat Dad to a nice dinner. We won’t tell him how little it cost.—Sheri Radford
Bogside Gallery
• Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia on Spring Garden Road: Every item is made in the Maritimes. Offerings run the gamut: pottery, pewter, woolens, woodwork, jewellery, Nova Scotia tartan items and clothing.
• Bogside Gallery in The Hydrostone on Young Street: Unique gifts from East Coast artisans; pottery, pewter, wood and so much more. Open daily.
• Murphy’s Company Store on Lower Water Street: Handicrafts from Nova Scotian artists, gifts, t-shirts, Anne of Green Gables collectibles, nautical items and souvenirs.
Arm bling from Tiffany & Co.
The quintessential Mother’s Day (May 8) gift? Jewellery. Tiffany & Co. highlights the timeless appeal of glittery baubles with the new Tiffany Twist collection. Each gold or sterling silver bangle ($225 to $1,950, pictured), pendant or pair of hoop earrings has a unique spiral design inspired by the age-old method of hand-twisting wire. Other high-end jewellery shops with something memorable for Mom: Birks and Cartier.—Jennifer Patterson
Photo copyright Kickstand/Istockphoto.com
It’s just plain wrong for Mom to do any cooking on May 8, which means pretty much every restaurant in town is holding a special brunch, buffet, tea or dinner. Popular brunch destinations for Mom include Fleuri Restaurant, Oru, Italian Kitchen, Market by Jean-Georges and Bacchus Restaurant. To avoid maternal disappointment, make your reservation early—and don’t forget the flowers.—Sheri Radford
A beautiful bouquet will make your loved one smile on Valentine's Day. Photo copyright Kaisphoto/iStockphoto.com
Skip the online e-card and instead head on Feb. 14 to one of these fine florists for a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers: Divine Vines in Yaletown, Get Fresh Flowers in the West End, Hilary Miles Flowers in Kitsilano, Garlands Florist on West Broadway, or Heathers the Flowershop in Gastown. This lovely gesture is sure to earn you a permanent position in your sweetheart’s good book.—Jennifer Patterson
Pretty pieces line the racks at LYNNsteven. Photo by Ellen Hong
Head to Gastown’s LYNNsteven boutique for stylish gifts. For the artist: handcrafted jewellery by Memento Mori. For the outdoor enthusiast: hand-knit, Cowichan-inspired sweaters by Granted. For the fashionista: embellished tunics and form-fitting dresses. And check out the tower of nearly 6,000 recycled pocket books—forming a cleverly disguised changeroom.—Jennifer Patterson
Bath products from Frilly Lilly make perfect stocking stuffers
Lemon meringue, marshmallow cream, strawberry shortcake and chocolate fudge. No, it’s not a dessert menu, it’s an assortment of yummy-sounding bath cakes from Yaletown’s newest beauty shop, Frilly Lilly. Lotions, body butters, perfumes and more: never has bath time been so sweet.—Jennifer Patterson
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