It’s no secret that finding a gift for Dad can be like the search for El Dorado: you could spend a lifetime looking for it! When you’re scrambling to find that ideal gift for an upcoming birthday, Father’s Day or the holiday season, turn to these great independent stores in Vancouver to find presents for your papa.
Located in Point Grey, just beyond the borders of UBC, Lotusland is a hidden gem where audiophiles head to find gear, including turntables, speakers and everything you need to listen to classic vinyl. The store’s knowledgeable staff are focused on connecting customers with great sound, not on making a sale.
Opened in 2010, Old Faithful lives up to its name by offering a consistently enjoyable browsing experience. Located in Gastown, the hipster general store has a modern-pioneer feel. Look no further for outfitting the Father John Misty-types in your life with artisanal cocktail tonics, personal grooming accessories and hand-crafted growler carriers.
Visit Gourmet Warehouse to find culinary gifts for the chef, expert baker or grill-master in your life. The 19,000-square-foot retail space is truly a cook’s wonderland and carries a diverse selection of kitchen accessories at various price points. Find everything from high-end cookware to cooking utensils for international cuisines to specialty ingredients for home cooks and top chefs alike.
A new addition to the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, Sips is a one-stop shop for all your mixology and craft brewing needs. While browsing a wide selection of bitters, you can pick up kits for making beer, wine, cider and spirits that will turn Dad into a handy home-brewer and distiller.
Though Front & Company is known for its excellent selection of consignment clothes for men and women, it also offers a wide variety of gifts and home decor items. The fashion side of the store offers stylish clothing and accessories from name brands (new and consigned), while the gifts side of the shop stocks a floor-to-ceiling collection of gadgets, novelty gifts and odds and ends.
Tucked away from Gastown’s main drag, Neighbour is a finely curated men’s clothing boutique. If Dad loves contemporary fashion, he’ll be pleased as a punch to be dressed in refined duds from Neighbour. The minimalist store also carries magazines, accessories and designer objects from around the world that will surely delight dapper dads.
Three Vets is a discount store specializing in clothing and gear for outdoor adventures. The space may be barebones, but the selection is wide, and the prices are right. Find equipment for camping, fishing and hunting, and surplus military goods for your outdoorsy dad.
For the dad who’s inspired by street and hip-hop culture, The Corner Store stocks fashion-forward items that reflect international streetwear trends. The Main Street boutique carries the hottest sneaker releases from big-name brands like Nike as well as apparel from in-house clothing lines Complex Clothing and Four Horsemen, which are designed and manufactured in Canada.