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Holiday Gift Guide for the Gritty: Gifts Inspired by the East Van Cross

The traditionally gritty, hard-edged vibe of East Van shines in these industrial-leaning picks—each of which, like the East Van cross, emits a glow of its own.

By Lucy Lau /

A Cut Above

Sharpen your charcuterie spread with hand-forged cheese knives ($72.25 each) by Vancouver metalsmith Stefanie Dueck. Choose from four eccentric styles in bronze and stainless steel. stefaniedueck.com

Bright Idea

Discarded chopsticks see new life in the bamboo Edison lamp ($250), a collab between East Van Light and Chopvalue that features a recycled-bamboo base. eastvanlight.com

Spice of Life

An artistic take on a tabletop essential, Tantalus Design’s Serratus pepper mill ($450 each) is locally made with ethically sourced lumber like white oak, black walnut, and sugar maple. atkinsonsofvancouver.com

Acid Test

Get suited for a kitchen, bar or craft sesh with Search and Rescue Denim’s limited-edition acid burn apron ($169), which features handy pockets for your phone and other essentials. searchandrescuedenim.com

Plant the Seed

There’s much to love with Strathcona 1890’s urban seed collections (from $17.50), no matter your gardening level. The non-GMO heirloom seeds are crafted so that tomatoes, snap peas and other edibles thrive in even the smallest of spaces. strathcona1890.com

Name in Lights

Woodtype’s handcrafted wooden light bulb sign (from $200) is the literal and metaphorical sign you’ve been looking for. Customize it or buy it pre-set with words like “cheese,” “chill” and “enjoy.” etsy.ca

All Aboard

The pared-down white-oak-and-brass serving boards (from $240) by Vancouver-based designer Brett Yarish offer a sophisticated backdrop for fruit, nuts and other bites. litchfieldtheshop.com