For the Decorator
The Cross Decor and Design Vintage designs meet modern elegance at this emporium, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month. Bristling with exquisite furniture, home accessories and a selection of fabulous gift items, the shop wooed us with its impressive storefront and lavish decor. When it comes to holiday gift-giving, the exclusive selection of John Derian collectibles ($49 to $395) is top choice.
1198 Homer St., Vancouver, 604-689-2900, thecrossdesign.com

For the Girls
Beauty Mark Fun, feminine, flirty and all things girly is just what this cosmetics cave has to offer. Jam-packed with a plethora of products that pamper, beautify and polish, it could keep you busy for hours sampling champagne-scented hand cream and sugar-coated lip gloss. With a new kids’ store, EIO, that opened in August, owner Marc Brunet proves that he really knows the key to the hearts of girls of all ages. Philosophy’s First Snow gift set ($28), complete with shower gel, shimmer body lotion and lip shine, is a perfect winter treat.
1120 Hamilton St., Vancouver, 604-642-2294, beautymark.ca

For the Traditionalist
At Home This quaint little gift store offers a twist on European style, mixing it with locally made, vintage-inspired furniture, bath accessories, French hand-milled soaps and a full selection of Farrow & Ball paints. For holiday table decorators, they carry a wide selection of Emma Bridgewater pottery and a stunning display of Italian Vietri dinnerware, plus a highly anticipated collection of Christopher Radko glass-blown ornaments for the tree ($35 to $100).
1530 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-922-3282

For the Young at Heart
Sugar & Co. An old-fashioned candy store filled from top to bottom with bonbons from around the world. Rows upon rows of glass jars are filled to the brim with over 800 different sweets. Owner Kristina Robeson likes to say: “Every candy has its own story.” For a sweet trip down memory lane, pick up themed candy bundles, from a retro-themed gift box to a British invasion gift box. Prices range from $12.95 to $29.95. 1348a Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-925-0801, sugarandco.ca

For the Design Aficionado
Inform Interiors In a vast, gallery-like setting spread over several floors, Inform beautifully displays a wide selection of iconic contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories. Apart from all of its fabulous accessories and coffee-table books, the top of its list this holiday season is a beautiful handmade glass-blown vase by Venini. This limited edition piece is $7,500.
50 Water St., Vancouver, 604-682-3868, informinteriors.com

For the Fashionista
Eugene Choo This stylish clothing store for both men and women sells local and international designer brands that are simple, chic and practical. Plus, it has a small selection of equally stylish collectibles, such as wool blankets by Pendleton. A stunning collection of dresses by local designer Jean Okada ($325 to $495) and the popular runaway alarm clock by Clocky ($56) are two presents we’d love to unwrap.
3683 Main St., Vancouver, 604-873-8874, eugenechoo.com

For the Eco Warrior
M-Smart Design When you make a purchase at M-Smart Design you’re buying a beautifully made product that has integrity behind it. From furniture to jewellery to organic mattresses and linens, this store spins a positive vibe with its sustainable and earth-friendly goods. A top pick this season is whimsical Tree and Snowflake decorations ($75 to $225) made from powder-coated steel by artisans in South Africa, with 10 percent of proceeds donated to the African Water Fund.
#H5-925 Main St., in the Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver, 778-280-3610, m-smartdesign.com

For the Nester
18 Karat Celebrating the beauty of nature, this store encompasses an eclectic modern mix of home decor, furniture, art and body products inspired by nature. With an impressive list of designers, craftsmen, artists and architects working in collaboration to help create their fashionable collections, 18 Karat offers classic pieces that are clean, simple and natural in design. The svelte vase in white ($140) is a great accessory for the festive season.
3039 Granville St., Vancouver, 604-742-1880, eighteenkarat.com

For the Art Lover
Robert Held Art Glass A leader in Canadian art glass for more than 25 years, Robert Held is a remarkable artisan. At his Vancouver glassblowing studio and gallery, you can view the fascinating process that goes into every creation. Works of art such as vases, bowls, paperweights and more can be purchased in the gallery next door; a popular take-home is a piece from the latest Cherry Blossom collection. Prices range from $465 to $1,000.
2130 Pine St., Vancouver, 604-737-0020, robertheld.com

For the Homebody
Rose Hill Bed & Bath Known for its fine bed linens, French-milled soaps and romantic sleepwear, this shop could be mistaken for a luxurious little boutique in Paris. With beautifully displayed merchandise in a small, intimate space, the store presents unique pieces that add elegance to the boudoir and bath. Gorgeous Bamboo Dreams nightgowns ($65) are as soft as silk.
1447 Bellevue Ave., West Vancouver, 604-913-2982, rosehillbedding.com

For the Zen-Minded
Moe’s Home Collection Asian-inspired furniture mixes with modern designs at this store, which features exotic dark woods with bamboo, textured whites and accents of rich reds, perfect for mixing with more traditional pieces. It also has a great selection of vases, stylish wall decor, candleholders and much more. Oolong metallic candleholders (starting at $19.99) come in three different styles to jazz up a holiday table.
2360 Granville St., Vancouver, 800-990-MOES, moeshome.com

For the Modernist
Livingspace Modern design mixed with lush texture provides a fresh take on home interiors. The store focuses on high design by such vaunted practitioners as Kartell, Richard Schultz and Established & Sons. The new mini Lou Lou Ghost chair ($153) that comes in an array of colours is a fabulous find.
188 Kingsway, Vancouver, 604-683-1116, livingspace.com

For the Style Nut
Moulé Designed to impress with its minimalist approach to merchandising and its stark white interiors, this is a sleek, modern store that’s top-notch when it comes to style. Selling popular clothing brands for men, women, and children, it has it covered when it comes to combining home decor with personal style. Top picks for the holidays include a stylish clock radio by Tivoli ($299.99).
1994 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, 604-732-4066, moulestores.com

For the Metrosexual
Roden Gray This Gastown menswear boutique offers an impressive mix of simple, stylish clothing, accessories and skincare products that have a European edge. Within its raw yet cosy interiors, you’ll find cutting-edge fashion brands like Comme des Garçons, Filson and many more. We loved the Wings + Horns M65 Jacket ($468), a heavyweight cotton fleece great for year-round layering.
231 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-689-7302, rodengray.com


For the Traditionalist
Atkinson’s Family owned for more than 20 years, this is a store that prides itself on superior customer service and top-quality merchandise. Known for its extraordinary gift selection, from fine china to first-class European bed linens and more, you can engrave, embroider or monogram whatever your heart desires. A Scottish cashmere throw made especially for Atkinson’s ($1,295) is the coziest gift around.
1501 W. 6th Ave., Vancouver, 604-736-3378, atkinsons.ca

For the Renovator
World Mosaic Specializing in select tiles from around Europe and North America, this spot has an amazing assortment of product that will prompt you to retile your kitchen or bathroom immediately. They also offer a selection of accessories and gift items for the home, from beautiful glass tiles to Arte Italica pewter frames.
1665 W. 7th Ave., Vancouver, 604-736-8158