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Made-in-Vancouver gift guide for kids

A roundup of sweet, sustainable gifts for wee ones that go beyond the usual plastic and paper

By Vancouver Magazine /

A roundup of sweet, sustainable gifts for wee ones that go beyond the usual plastic and paper

This year, we decided that locals know better than some random catalogue as to what you need under your tree. The editors at Vancouver have sought out the best in local products for those on your list this holiday season. This guide features gifts for the kids in your life (but stay tuned for more gift guides for pets and for him).

When Patricia Abbott’s son Raine was born, so was Zoolu Organics, a line dedicated to creating artfully designed baby clothes like the deer onesie ($24)—all free of PVCs. Bird on a Wire, 2535 Main St., 604-315-1188, Birdonawirecreations.com. Zooluorganics.com Zooluorganics.com

Bespoke shoemakers Jules Vagelatos and Josh Blodans of Love Jules Leather Shoe Company handcraft their leather wares in Chinatown, where their Lil’ Hightop boat shoes ($75) are made from supple, garment-weight cowhide and finished with a proprietary elastic closure that keeps these kicks from falling off. By appointment, 1907 Triumph St., 778-995-2520. Lovejulesleather.com Lovejulesleather.com

From the stylish sister duo at Vonbon comes the Hello harem leggings ($39), a staple unisex piece in soft bamboo and organic cotton with an adjustable waistband that’s designed to grow with your little one. West Coast Kids, 4428 Main St., 604-558-1182, Westcoastkids.ca. Vonbon.ca Vonbon.ca

Founded by twin sisters Eleanor Lee and Angel Kho, Loulou Lollipop’s hand-made, eco-friendly silicone teething jewellery looks good enough to eat (and for mom to wear). The Bubble silicone pacifier clip ($15) is government-approved, BPA-free, and no-PVC-safe for baby, with food-grade silicone beads and a breakaway clasp. Etsy.com Etsy.com

Add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to your little one’s space with Mitani’s bunting flag garland ($42)—each of the eight flags is reversible and hand-made in Vancouver out of organic cotton. Vancouver Special, 3612 Main St., 604-568-3673, Vanspecial.com. Mitanidesigns.com Mitanidesigns.com

For the wee surfer comes the S is for Surfing book ($22), written by surf instructor Carly Seibel and illustrated by Edward Juan. This locally printed ABC picture book about surfing culture in Canada is a colourful introduction for future beach bums. Collage Collage, 621 Kingsway, 604-569-1929, Collagecollage.ca. Forestandwaves.com Forestandwaves.com