Every good party guest knows it’s bad manners to show up to a shindig empty handed. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a hostess gift, but a thoughtful token of thanks goes a long way. From gourmet edibles to beautiful floral arrangements to fragrant soy candles, these local Vancouver shops have plenty of great gift ideas for when you need to show your appreciation to a hospitable host.
Housed in a 100-year-old heritage building in Kitsilano, this family owned floral emporium is the place to go to find statement-making floral arrangements. Select your own preferred blooms or let these floral designers take charge and create a custom fresh arrangement to fit your budget. Botanical inspired designs are whimsical, natural and entirely one-of-a-kind. Celsia’s bouquets are reminiscent of English wildflower gardens, with a timeless-yet-contemporary appeal. Show up to a party with an armful of these gorgeous flowers and you’re sure to score invites for years to come.
This family owned retail store and tasting room is dedicated to all things EVOO. The shop carries more than 30 unique varieties of high-quality, extra virgin olive oils imported from around the world, as well as balsamic vinegars, small-batch sea salts, locally made preserves and handcrafted kitchen accoutrements. Oil and vinegar varieties range in intensity and change with the seasons to ensure freshness. We love the flavoured bottles infused with unique sweet and savoury tasting notes – think dark espresso balsamic vinegar or wild mushroom and sage oil. Visit during the holidays for pre-made festive gift baskets for foodies.
It might be a bit of a hike from downtown Vancouver but trust us, Brick and Mortar is worth the trek. Located in New West’s historic downtown, this charming gift shop showcases one-of-a-kind treasures from local crafters and designers. Aromatherapy sprays from Happy Spritz, hand-stitched embroidery from Cinder & Honey, fruity preserves from Salt Spring Kitchen and vintage-inspired necklaces from Vancouver jewellery designer type B are just some of the homegrown hostess gifts you’ll find in store. Resident florist Blossom & Vine is also on hand if you’re looking for a fresh bouquet to accompany your gift.
If you’re shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with sophisticated desserts from this renowned Vancouver chocolatier with locations in Kits and North Van. Thomas Haas specializes in elegant confections and chocolates infused with fresh fruits and exotic spices, flecked with crunchy and crispy nuts, and laced with full-bodied caramel syrups. Mix and match a custom gift box filled with assorted truffles and chocolates of your choice. Looking for a chocolate alternative? Pick up a 12-piece set of pretty pastel macarons or an adorable sachet of lemon shortbread cookies tied with ribbon.
Let’s face it, hosting a lavish dinner party or big bash can be seriously exhausting. For the party host who needs a little rest and relaxation, Saje carries a range of wellness accessories to help with the recovery process. Shop for chemical-free, essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics, home scents and a variety of restorative products. Therapeutic Sleep Well roll-on oil and the organic loose-leaf detox tea are perfect post-party remedies. Homebodies will also love the all-natural collection of fragrant diffusers, candles, room sprays and ultrasonic nebulizers – these high-tech toys purify and humidify the air while distributing a subtle scent.
British expats and lovers of all things English will swoon over the luxurious knick-knacks at this concept shop in Fairview. Part decor emporium, part coffee shop, part design lab – Goodge Place is a multipurpose space from mother-daughter duo Patricia and Emily McLean. Shop here for whimsical china plates, loose-leaf teas, fresh-cut flowers, artsy coffee-table books, delicate French cheese knives, silk scarves and many more indulgent hostess gifts. Looking for something a little quirky? We can’t get enough of the vibrantly patterned oven mitts, mugs, aprons and tea towels from London-based lifestyle label House of Hackney.
If you’re searching for handcrafted presents for the Kinfolk-inspired host, look no further than Old Faithful. As the name suggests, this Gastown shop is teeming with timeless goods and high quality craftsmanship. Shelves display an Instagram-worthy collection of simple luxuries: classic Canadian woollen socks, shiny copper candles, Mast Brothers chocolates, clean ceramics and a variety of other cult-worthy housewares. Coffee connoisseurs with love the brewing accessories from Chemex and all-natural flavoured syrups from Dave’s Coffee. If your host prefers cocktails over coffee beans, check out the selection of bitters, syrups, tonics and bar cart paraphernalia.
A bottle of wine might be a perennial favourite when it comes to party gifts, but not everybody is crazy about vino. If you’re shopping for a host who prefers hops to grapes, a selection of locally brewed craft beer will help you win some brownie points. Located in a former carpet factory in East Van, Strange Fellows has made a name for itself with its Old World inspired brewing methods. In addition to selling cans and bottles of its signature ales, you’ll find t-shirts, refillable growlers and plenty of beer-themed merchandise for the brew-lover in your life.
Staying organized never looked so good. Room in Order specializes in aesthetically pleasing organizational solutions and it’s the perfect store to find pretty and practical presents for a detail-oriented hostess. Neat freaks will love the selection of stylish wooden storage boxes, colourful luggage tags and pillboxes, closet organizers, novelty jewellery holders and fragrant cleaning products and laundry liquids. The expandable bamboo bathtub caddy from Umbra is a guaranteed hit for the overworked hostess; this sophisticated bath-time accessory comes with a special soap compartment, a foldaway book support and a built-in wine glass holder.
Upscale home decor accessories abound at this downtown specialty shop. Globetrotting owners Robert Quinnell and David Keeler scour foreign lands in search of beautiful furnishings and decorative items. The investment pieces might be outside of your gift-giving budget, but you’ll definitely spot a few affordable finds in store. We love the West Coast inspired tabletop items: live-edge wooden bowls and cutting boards, drink coasters made of maple or polished white marble, and gilded brass serving trays. Provide Home also carries a solid selection of home scents from local fave Vancouver Candle Company and iconic Parisian candle maker Cire Trudon.
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