2018’s Holiday Gift Guide
Home for the Holidays with Karla Dreyer: 2018 Gift Guide
Gift giving is not always an easy task. We want to give unique gifts that really speak from the heart and serve as practical and thoughtful for the person we are giving to. We paired with Décor and Lifestyle Expert Karla Dreyer, who can be seen on BTV, CBC and Global TV for 2018’s most unique gifts.
Shopping Local
Local boutique retailer Walrus in downtown Vancouver is home to a plethora of well-crafted, functional and playful items for everyone on your holiday gift giving list.
Walrus carries unique designs by well established brands as well as those up and coming brands. Find these and more available in person or online and take note of how many of these unique ideas are designed and crafted right in Oh, Canada!
Charcoal for wellness
Binchotan charcoal is regarded as the purest and most effective type of activated charcoal and is revered for its purifying ability.
These sticks are 100% Ubame Oak, and are exactly as they are when removed from the ancient kilns in which they are made. Add charcoal based face and body scrub cloths with Binchotan charcoal woven into the fibers.
Starting at $22 and up
Toothbrushes too! Antibacterial, helps to purify and cleanse and the toothbrushes help to remove plaque and whiten teeth.
Absorptive power helps to naturally deodorize your mouth and remove plaque while keeping the bristles clean between uses. It’s a novel alternative to messy powdered charcoal toothpaste. This style features standard bristles for a deeper clean. Retails for $12.
For the Planet- and anyone who loves it
Another ‘hot’ item are these reusable travel cups that come in a great size and keep hot or cold for hours. There is also a second cap that helps control the flow of the liquid. Just one great way to reduce our paper cup consumption! Starting at $40
For the ‘Bookworm’
“These Lumio book lights are not only beautiful, but offer practicality with light, charger, function and beauty all wrapped into one perfect gift. Perfect for the person on your list who loves good design.” – Karla Dreyer
– Between $225 and $295-
Conversation Gifts
The School of Life collection. “This is one of my favourite things in store because it’s thoughtful and offers great conversation with self, family, friends.” Karla Dreyer – Starting at $22-
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
Safety in being lit up at night with these accessories from Sweden. They’re designed by a group of designer friends who are avid cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Clip on to jackets, bags, pets, strollers, just be seen! Starting at $15
For the Cyclist
Sahn cycling helmets. All certified in North America for cycling and designed right here in Vancouver! Starting at $129
For the Hot drink lover
Called ‘Moon Mylk’ for a reason- this hot blend of Ashwagandha and nutmeg will settle your mind and help you shake off the day. De-stress, unwind and head straight to relaxation island with a cup full of our antioxidant rich cacao blend. Several variations to choose from starting at $20. Created by Blume, Vancouver.
For the Small ones
See how high you can stack the bones! Perfect to get everyone away from their devices- for a little while at least. Pull out the lower blocks and stack them on top without toppling the skeleton.
For 1 or more players. Retails for $34 at Walrus
Gummy Night Light
Everyone’s favorite candy has finally been made bigger, squeezable and turned into an adorable colorful night light. This Gummy Night Light comes with a couple bells and whistles too. Use batteries and it’s 100% portable; plug it in and perch it anywhere- perfect for sleepovers! Retails for $44
Cinema Light Box
Inspired by retro cinema signs, My Cinema Lightbox is a creative way to express yourself- or inspire with your favorite quotes. Slide the interchangeable clear plastic letters and characters into slots on the front of the light box and voila- inspiration or cheeky sayings! Retails for $55
Stocking Stuffers
10 Minute Incense Stick Small Box
The brand name hibi means ‘day to day’, or daily, in Japanese. It was given with the hope that you would keep it around you every day and freely enjoy its fragrance, matching each day’s mood or occasion. Light the match by striking it, and entrust yourself to the natural fragrance rising in the air. Hibi is an incense stick you can light easily without a lighting device. The incense of Awaji Island and matches of Harima. Born from the encounter of two of Hyogo prefecture’s traditional crafts. Mini sizes to large from $11- $33
VSSL Supplies Utility Light & Survival Kit
The adventurer in your life will love this compact utility kit– offering both streamlined design and complete function and necessity. Whether they plan to be out for a few days or a few hours, having critical supplies in a compact weather-resistant case is an essential part of preparation. Made from seamless extruded military specification anodized aluminum. 
Designed and made by VSSL, Abbotsford, BC. Starts at $129.90
For your Landlord or Tenant
Vancouver Neighborhood Candles
Handmade in the heart of Vancouver, each candle in the collection is named and inspired by neighbourhoods within the City. Using traditional methods, these candles are made from premium soy wax blends, perfume-grade fragrance oils and 100% cotton wicks. Only the finest local, ethically-sourced materials free of potentially harmful additives are used in each handcrafted candle. Neighborhood scents below. Locally made in Vancouver, BC by Vancouver Candle Company. From Walrus for $38.00
- West End – woodsy with herbal & musky notes. Cypress, Amber & Tonka
- Strathcona– fruity & tart with floral overtones. White Tea, Black Currant, Lavender & Thyme
- Fairview– sharp citrus with a hint of sweetness. Grapefruit, Peach & Red Currant
- Gastown– musky with subtle notes of sweetness & spice. Leather, Tobacco, Amber & Black Pepper
- Kitsilano– clean bouquet with floral & musk. Jasmine, Tuberose, Lemon & Sandalwood.
- North Shore– woodsy & fresh with a hint of citrus. Spruce, White Sage, Mandarin & Coriander
- Point Grey– earty & woodsy notes with a base of vanilla. Cedar Wood, Balsam Wood & Vanilla
- Mount Pleasant– fresh bouquet with citrus & earth. Fig, Bergamot & Anise
- Yaletown– subtle blend of rich green florals. Honeysuckle, Geranium & Vetiver.
Supporting Local Businesses and Charities
Checking everyone off your list is a rewarding experience. If you’re still struggling to find the perfect gift for those that don’t want anything, opt for gifts made in-kind to a charity they support, or try to source local companies for a variety of small unique gifts that can be made into thoughtful gift baskets
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