BC Living
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Gifts for your gal pals to read, eat, drink and unwind with
What’s Galentine’s Day? “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year.” That’s according to Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler’s character on Parks and Recreation, who used February 13th—the day before Valentine’s Day—to celebrate her gal pals. In her unforgettable words: “Uteruses before duderuses. Ovaries before brovaries.” You can find a wealth of gifts for Galentine’s Day, perfect for spoiling your own BFFs, thanks to these British Columbian companies.
The handy Kiss and Makeup pouch ($75) from Erin Templeton comes in a rainbow of colours, everything from pale pink and delicate lilac to bright red and bold blue. Each zippered pouch is crafted from Italian leather and can be used to stash toiletries, charging cables, jewellery and other tiny treasures.
Hypothesis wine ($50) from Culmina Family Estate Winery in the Okanagan Valley is a bold blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It pairs well with classic beef wellington or hard, flavourful cheeses.
In a quest to understand her most-hated body part, Hilde Østby examines diet culture, the male gaze, trauma, capitalism and more in My Belly ($19). This eye-opening and insightful read was published by Greystone Books, a Vancouver company committed to exploring social issues and nature topics.
Made from recycled polyester fleece, the MEC Fireside Fleece snap pullover ($70) works well as a warm layer for winter or as a standalone pullover in warmer months.
It’s impossible to resist the mix of milk chocolate, caramel and roasted pecans in Sweet Georgia Browns ($29) from Purdys Chocolatier. These sweet treats are also available in dark chocolate ($29) and vegan mylk chocolate ($35) versions.
Made from soft, shimmering velvet, the Luster Velvet Luxe bucket hat ($51) from Hikesity delivers sun protection in a glamorous package. Plus it’s foldable, making it a practical travel companion.
Indigenous-owned Spirit Bear Coffee Company uses only organic fair-trade beans. The Eagle medium roast (400 g $15, 1 kg $33) is strong and flavourful. Other tempting options include the Orca dark roast, Thunderbird dark French roast and Frog breakfast blend.
Tallu’s eucalyptus shower and sauna spray ($32) transforms any shower, sauna or steam room into a relaxing spa. The scent of eucalyptus is believed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.
Pinot Gris ($20) from the Okanagan’s See Ya Later Ranch pairs well with oven-roasted chicken, orange-and-ginger-marinated salmon, Swiss cheese or hot wings.
Collage Beauty’s skincare set ($325) includes a trio of products designed to produce a natural glow: Canvas hyaluronic serum for brightening and revitalizing, Composition gel moisturizer for hydrating and enhancing and Gesso niacinamide balm for balancing and nourishing.
Made from double-walled stainless steel, the MEC x Miir camp mug ($35) keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. The lid adds extra insulation—and keeps out campsite creepy-crawlies.