23 Christmas Gifts, from Stocking Stuffers to Splurge-Worthy Gifts, that Support Vancouver Tourism
Winter is coming and, following the sentiment of these Stark words, its time to plan. Much of Vancouver’s tourism industry experience quiet times during winter but, after a similarly quiet summer, it’s time to buckle down the hatches and support the industry as we head towards the holidays.
As you start making gift lists (and checking them twice), take a moment to check out these goodies available from Vancouver attractions, available at their online stores.
Stocking Stuffers
1 | Sweetgrass Hand & Body Lotion
This luxurious organic hand & body lotions soothe and nourish even the most sensitive dry skin. White willow bark and organic olive oil richly moisturize while fragrant sweetgrass oil calms parched and irritated skin. $20 | Museum of Vancouver
2 | 3D Sea Otter Mug
The rescue of otters at Vancouver Aquarium are a firm favourite among many. With this adorable mug, you can now have a super cute drinking buddy as sip away on tea or coffee. $16.99 | Vancouver Aquarium
3 | Hummingbird – Porcelain Art Mug
Designed by Coast Salish/Kwakwaka’wakw artist Maynard Johnny Jr, this mug displays an elegantly textured exterior with vibrant porcelain, the perfect way to perk up your home or office. Each mug comes boxed for easy travel and gift-giving. $15 | Museum of Vancouver
4 | Spirit of the Sky – Knitted Scarf
Spirit of the Sky is designed by Musqueam/Coast Salish artist Leila Stogan. Made from woven acrylic and measuring 8″ x 63″, this warm scarf has an abstract pattern that reflects designs that are popular within the Musqueam Nation in Vancouver. $17.20 | Museum of Vancouver
5 | Kelping Hands Hand Sanitizer
Kelping Hands, a federally-approved and pharmaceutical-grade hand sanitizer, is a unique seaweed-based formula that is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which rehydrates your skin and adds a layer of moisturizing protection. In addition, it has a much lower carbon footprint than commercial hand sanitizers which use synthetically produced glycerin made from high-carbon-footprint ingredients like soybean, coconut or palm oils. $14.99 | Vancouver Aquarium
Mid-Range Prezzies
1 | Scott Sueme Artist Series Summit Socks
These socks feature artwork by Scott Sueme, a Canadian artist raised in Vancouver BC, currently working as a graphic artist and painter. His work studies a fundamental study in form, shape, and interactions of colour. Sueme’s unique style has also earned him collaborations with the City of Vancouver, BMW Mini and Nike. $19.95 | Vancouver Art Gallery
2 | Glass Jellyfish Paper Weight
The jellyfish appears to float within the glass of this handmade paperweight. The artistry strikes a harmonious balance between art and function. A perfect desktop accessory. $29.99 | Vancouver Aquarium
3 | Giant Nerd T-Shirt
It takes one to know one! Proceeds from this 100% cotton t-shirt help Science World stay open so future nerds can visit. $29.99 | Science World
4 | Celestial Vintage Puzzle
2020 has made puzzles cool again. This 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle features vintage art of a celestial chart, each with its scientific name alongside. $31.95 | Vancouver Art Gallery
5 |Geometria Vetro Cubo Earrings
Made at an Italian-based studio, Materia Design, who specializes in playful creativity and free use of forms. These geometric earrings are created using glass tubes, an unusual innovation that keeps them light for everyday wear. $42 | Vancouver Art Gallery
6 |Thunderbird & Whale – Wood Grain Totem Bottle
Thunderbird and Whale is designed by Coast Salish/Kwakwaka’wakw artist Maynard Johnny Jr, and adorned on this black wood grain insulated bottle. The 15oz bottle keeps beverages hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 24 hours! It is double-walled and made with high-quality stainless steel. $26 | Museum of Vancouver
7 | Otter Glass Ornament
This is a unique, whimsical glass ornament, sure to delight anyone who sees it. A charming addition to the holiday tree. $19.99 | Vancouver Aquarium
8 |Colour Wheel Tote Bag
A bright, colourful, and functional tote bag featuring a vintage image of a colour wheel. Use it for shopping, carrying your lunch, and more! Made from 100% natural cotton. $21.95 | Vancouver Art Gallery
Splurge-Worthy Gifts
1 | Spice Grinder
Made from recycled glass with stainless steel post and cap, with a ceramic mechanism, featuring Raven Transforming, a design by artist Kelly Robinson, who was born in Nanaimo, with descendants from both the Nuxalk and Nuu-chah-nulth nations. $79.99 | Vancouver Aquarium
2 | Spirit of the Sky – Woven Blanket
Measuring 60″ by 80″, this woven blanket is 100% acrylic and incredibly soft and features Spirit of the Sky, designed by Coast Salish/Musqueam artist Leila Stogan. $60 | Museum of Vancouver
3 |Thunderbird Moon – Pacific Umbrella
Stainless steel and fibreglass construction make for a quality art-brella sure to brighten your mood on rainy days. The seamless canopy allows for an uninterrupted pattern of Thunderbird Moon, designed by Coast Salish artist Joe Wilson-Sxwaset. $55 | Museum of Vancouver
4 | Renaissance Lace Scarf
This graphic and delicate scarf design is based on a woodcut in a book. The original book, designed by Isabella Catanea Parasole (Italian, ca. 1565/70-ca. 1625), was published in Rome in 1597. During the 16th century, such pattern books were highly influential sources that instructed many in the arts of making embroideries, weavings, and lace. Wrap, tie or drape this gorgeous scarf as a beautiful accent to any outfit. $125 | Vancouver Art Gallery
5 | The Bear – Cream Spirit Button Wrap
This cosy wrap is a wearable piece of original West Coast art designed by Haida artist Clarence Mills. The Bear is a symbol of strength and family and is always respected and treated as a high-ranking guest. $199 | Museum of Vancouver
Young Children and Babies
1 | Animal Journey – Learning Shapes Game
This game helps your child to learn the shapes with Northwest Coast animals, including Raven, Eagle, Wolf and Bear, all designed by Bella Bella artist Ben Houstie. It is made from natural pine, non-toxic paints and coatings, and soy-based inks. $16.80 | Museum of Vancouver
2 | Kah-Lan and the Stink-Ink
A beautifully illustrated book that follows Kah-Lan and his friends on a journey that provides insight and education into the ocean ecosystems. $9.95 | Vancouver Aquarium
3 | Sea Otter Bath Toy
Made of natural rubber, a renewable material, these cute toys are good for you and the environment! BPA, Phthalate and PVC-free, and hermetically sealed to prevent mold growth and bacteria accumulation. $12.99 | Vancouver Aquarium
4 | Garden Insects and Bugs: My Nature Sticker Activity Book
They are often so small that you hardly notice them, but all kinds of amazing creatures share our gardens! This book contains a range of interactive activities, stickers, and fun facts to keep children entertained for hours. $11.99 | Vancouver Art Gallery
5 | Learn & Play Books
With beautiful colours and engaging graphic images, these 10-page books contain simple visual activities to help your little ones build their comprehension skills, colours and numbers. The books are made with paper from sustainable forests and created with soy-based ink. A completely unique present for children. $10 each | Museum of Vancouver