1. Paper-Ya
Photo by Dana Lynch
One of my favourite stores on Granville Island is the paper arts shop Paper-Ya, a dream for crafty paper artists, card-makers or anyone who loves blank books. Paper-Ya sells decorative and natural papers, bookbinding materials, journals, and out-of-the-ordinary cards and invitations, all of which make lovely presents.
The Original Paper-Ya Co Ltd.
#9 - 1666 Johnston Street
Vancouver, BC
604-684-2531
2. Meinhardt
Image Courtesy of Meinhardt
When it comes to buying gifts for people you don't know well, food can be a great way to go. The first time I met my Brazilian in-laws, I gave them a gourmet Pacific Northwest food basket, and they loved the smoked salmon and Chukar Cherries. If you can afford to splurge, Meinhardt has the best gourmet gift boxes, ranging from all sweets to B.C. cheeses to English favourites. Or, create your own gourmet gift by hunting their aisles for the perfect combination of flavours.
Meinhardt
3002 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
604-732-4405
3. Wonderbucks
A Vancouver original, Wonderbucks carries "world bazaar"-style home decor, kitchen gadgets, housewares, plants, and bath accessories at discount prices, making it easy to find inexpensive, gender-neutral gifts for any occasion (e.g., for Office Secret Santa). Wonderbucks has two locations in Vancouver: one on W Broadway and one on Commercial Drive.
Wonderbucks
1803 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
604-253-0510,/p>
4. The Comicshop
Photo by Dana Lynch
Located in the heart of Kitsilano's W 4th Avenue shopping bloc, the Comicshop is the place to shop for that super-hero-loving, graphic-novel-reading, uber sci-fi/fantasy fan on your list. Looking for pop culture posters or Buffy the Vampire Slayer action figures? They've got both, and more.
The Comicshop
2089 W 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604-738-8122
5. Peking Lounge
Photo by Dana Lynch
I have a true love of Chinatown's Peking Lounge, a fabulous mix of high-quality antique furniture and gorgeous contemporary Chinese home-decor. Since nearly everyone in Vancouver has at least a dash of Asian flavour in their home decor, it's hard to go wrong with a "China Chic" gift. If I have to buy a wedding gift for an unregistered couple, I always look here first.
Peking Lounge
83 E Pender Street
Vancouver, BC
604-844-1559
6. Oscar's Art Books
Photo by Dana Lynch
Located in fashionable South Granville, Oscar's Art Books is a local favourite, for good reason: Not only are the books discounted, they cover a wider range of art subjects than you can imagine, from painting to film production, photography, fashion, interior design, logos and graphic art, and even tattoos. Perfect gifts for book lovers, art lovers, erotic art lovers, and hipsters.
Oscar's Art Books
1533 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC
604-731-0553
7. Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng Co.
Image Courtesy of Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng Co.
Another Chinatown find is the Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng Co., a specialty tea shop that's a fabulous place to find gender-neutral, people-pleasing gifts. The teas are packaged so beautifully, you won't need wrapping paper!
Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng Co.
550 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
8. Three Dog Bakery
Photo by Dana Lynch
Vancouverites love to indulge their dogs, as all dog lovers do, and Three Dog Bakery is ideal for buying gifts for pets or their adoring owners.
Three Dog Bakery
4548 W 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604-737-3647
9. Beauty Bar
Also on W 4th Avenue, locally-owned Beauty Bar has scads of divine beauty products for men and women, with a shaving bar for men, cosmetics and lotions for women, and even special lines for mothers and babies. Beauty Bar's hard-to-find items make luxurious gifts for people who love to be pampered.
Beauty Bar
2142 W. 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604-733-9000
10. Urban Planet
Like H&M but even cheaper (and way cheaper than Zara), Urban Planet has all the latest clothing and accessory trends for both genders, making it easy--and very budget-friendly--to load up on the latest styles or on inexpensive gifts like fashion jewelry, scarves, belts, and purses. If you're shopping for a teen who wants quantity over quality (I had a friend in high school who refused to wear the same thing twice), this is your store.
Urban Planet
2912 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
604-730-5067
