2016 Holiday Host Gift Guide

Looking for a creative host gift this season? These local finds under $50 will be sure to stand out amongst all the red, white and rosé

Brass Bottle Opener, $35

This chic, gold-toned brass bottle opener designed by Toronto-based Umbra Studio will be the talk of the table at any holiday soirée.

Available online at Vancouver Special

Salish Smoked Sea Salt, $18.95

A fine-grain Pacific Northwest sea salt is a fantastic addition to any spice collection. Ideal for salmon seasoning, this alder-smoked sea salt has a divine woodsy aroma that adds a distinctly West Coast flavour to your dish.

Available online at Old Faithful Shop

Kate Spade Elephant Salt and Pepper Set, $40

This elephant salt and pepper shaker set by Kate Spade is a great conversation piece, and adds style and whimsy to any holiday tablescape.

Available at select The Bay locations

Gold Tic-Tac-Toe Wood Set, $26.50

Old and young alike will love this tic-tac-toe set. This old-time favourite toy is reimagined with a modern gold finish, and doubles as a fun party game and unique table centerpiece.

Available at select Chapters locations

Dead Sea Bath Salts, $18

Made by the Vancouver-based natural skin-care line Woodwink and Co., these handcrafted bath salts are made with a blend of dead sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, lavender buds, lavender essential oil and vanilla oil. They’re ideal for those who love being pampered at home.

Available at The Local Find

Scratch Travel Map, $21.95

Appealing to both travel junkies and geography enthusiasts, this sleek, gold-accented scratch map lets you create a personalized record of your travels. It stores in a compact, travel-sized tube and reverses to a white map that lets you plan future routes.

Available at select Chapters locations

Hobnail Glass Cocktail Shaker, from $32

This glass, gold-toned cocktail shaker makes mixing martinis a stylish affair, and is a great accessory to any home bar.

Available at select Anthropologie locations

RIEDEL Syrah Decanter, $30

Help your host serve vino in style with this elegant crystal decanter by Riedel. Perfectly suited for both red and white wine, this minimalist design adds an element of sophistication to any holiday setting.

Available at select The Bay locations

“Eat drink and be merry” mug, $9.99

Designed by lifestyle influencer Monika Hibbs, this holiday-themed mug from Teapigs is the gift that keeps on giving. One dollar from the sale of each mug will go towards Monika’s selected charity, Vancouver’s new City Dream Centre. Pair the mug with an assortment of comforting herbal teas (apple & cinnamon, peppermint, lemon & ginger) so your host can curl up and relax once the guests have gone home.

The East Van Foodie Book, $44.95

For food and drink enthusiasts, this hardcover culinary collection showcases 47 independent East Van restaurants, cafés and breweries and features over 100 unique recipes and over 1000 gorgeous photos. Also available in a North Shore Foodie edition.

Available online

Treecover Dishtowel Set, $28

This super-soft set of cotton jacquard dish towels are great for al fresco dining or simply hanging by the oven. The pretty colour palette and bright, bold stitching will look cheerful all year long.

Available at select Anthropologie locations

Metallic Lace Desert Plates, $16 each plate

For the host who appreciates decadent decor, these hand-painted glass desert plates set the gold standard in dishware.

Available at select Anthropologie locations

Plug-in Essential Oil Diffuser, $16.95

This plug-in aroma diffuser allows hosts to use their favourite essential oils to concoct their own signature aroma for the home.

Available at select Saje Natural Wellness locations

Cabin Frame Candle, $30

This quaint, cabin-shaped candle by local lifestyle brand Forest & Waves encapsulates the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It is made from 100 per cent soy-based wax and scented to smell like an actual campfire—a fantastic gift for any nature lover.

Available online at Vancouver Special

Mango Wood and Marble Cheese Board, $42

This two-toned white marble, sheesham and mango wood board is a dream kitchen item for cheese and charcuterie connoisseurs.

Available at select Anthropologie locations