Hands up if you’ve still got Christmas shopping to do.
GUYS!! Seriously?
Okay, you know what? We won’t feign surprise. We won’t even tell you to get your act together. And we definitely won’t tell you how many days you’ve got until the 25th (because we’d probably induce a panic attack.) Instead, we’re going to help you out. I know. You’re welcome. (Just remember us when you’re filling your cart with stocking stuffers.) *wink*
The downside of Christmas shopping last minute is that you’ve ruined any chance of shopping from your sofa. Yup. Anything bought online at this point will probably be delivered a few days after New Years. The upside (Yes, there’s an upside.) is that it gives you the chance to shop locally and embrace the holiday spirit by soaking up the atmosphere in your community!
Shopping Centres
For all your shopping needs under one big roof, hit up Central City Mall, The Shops at Morgan Crossing, or Guildford Town Centre (the latter offer free gift wrapping!) Malls are a great way to cross off a bunch of people on your list in a short amount of time.
Little Treasures
Sometimes all you need is that extra little special something to slip under the tree or inside of that stocking. Whether you’re seeking sweet or savoury, we’ve got you covered. Even the person who has it all might not have some of the tastiest olive oils money can buy! Pop into All of Oils and hand-pick a duo of premium olive oil and balsamic. For the sweet-toothed person on your list, head to Into Chocolate Candy & Confections for freshly made fudge, unique candy bars, and much more. Greco’s Speciality Foods caters to the foodie in your life and are sure to stock something they’ve never tried before!
Local Goods
You all know someone who chooses small independent entrepreneurs in lieu of corporations and big box stores. Christmas is the best time to invest in your local economy by supporting the businesses in your community, like Honeybee Centre. They sell all sorts of sweet knick knacks like lip balm and beeswax candles, not to mention their assortment of delicious honey made on-site. Spent Grounds Coffee Roasters not only serves delicious, locally roasted coffee, but also stocks an assortment of gift boxes and grab and go foods. We also know that dads can be some of the toughest people to buy for, so why not gift him something he’s never tried before? Central City Brewing offer a variety of seasonal and limited brews, like their Lohin McKinnon 150th Anniversary Lightly Peated Malt Rye Whisky. Pick one (or a few) up at your local BC Liquor Store!
Loads of Christmas Spirit
For the Christmas fanatic, head to Potters Nurseries for an explosion of festive cheer and a plethora of thoughtful gifts. For the craft-lover, head to West Coast Gardens and learn how to make a fresh holiday wreath – or pick one up if you’re short on time!
Food!
You know the phrase, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Well why not pick up a gift card to a favourite restaurant and give the gift of a dinner out! The Dominion Bar + Kitchen is offering 20% back on all holiday gift card purchases, a gift card from the Pacific Northcoast Restaurant Group is good for the Vault Restaurant, Hawthorne Beer Market and the Washington Avenue Grill, or spice it up with a gift card to Spice 72 Restaurant & Lounge or Showshaa | Modern Taproom.