Famous Vancouverites Dish on Holiday Shopping

Looking for a little star-studded inspiration to fuel your holiday shopping? We asked three of our favourite local celebs to share where they like to shop, along with a few fun stories about their best – and worst – gifts ever.

Fiona Forbes, Host of The Rush on Shaw TV

Favourite places to Christmas shop:
My mom and my aunt are total gourmands so I tend to do either Granville Island or Caren McSherry’s The Gourmet Warehouse to get them something artisanal and special. My niece and nephew, on the other hand, are typical kids and are always looking to get their little hands on the latest gadgets.

Best Christmas gift you’ve ever given:
Last year it was an Apple Store Christmas at the Forbes residence. I got my nephew his first iPhone and my niece her first iPod. Their jaws were on the floor and they were happy little campers. Not sure what I’m going to do to top that this year.

Worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received:
My sister once gave me a Jabba the Hutt Star Wars figurine for Christmas know- ing that I thought he was truly repulsive. It became our tradition to re-gift Jabba to each other every Christmas and birthday for years and years. I kind of lost track of it, which is too bad, as these old original figurines sell for a mint on eBay!

Kevin Bieksa, Vancouver Canucks defenceman

Favourite places to Christmas shop
We’re often on the road during the holidays and it’s my best chance to get gifts. My favourite spot to do that is the Magnificent Mile in Chicago.

Best Christmas gift you’ve ever given
I had personalized photo books made up for each family member one Christmas.

Worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received
Grandma Bieksa got me pink cologne one year called “Pansy.”

Jillian Harris, Host of W Network’s Love it or List it Vancouver

Favourite places to Christmas shop
This Christmas, I’m sure I’ll find gifts for everyone on my list in antique stores while I’m curating collections for my online vintage shop, Charlie Ford Vintage.

Best Christmas gift you’ve ever given
I can’t pick just one! I absolutely love gifting my loved ones with one-of-a-kind gems that I’ve hand-picked for them – it’s so much more special than something anyone can buy in a store.

Worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received
A packaged, red hat-gloves-scarf set. You know the one that comes in a box with a clear plastic top and a gold elastic string bow? I knew it had come straight from the shelf to my hands… so uninspired.