The Ultimate Holiday Shopping Guide at UBC Point Grey

*Updated November 2024*

 

It’s that time of year again – crisp air and foggy mornings, chunky knit sweaters and mittens, the scent of gingerbread and cinnamon wafting by your face, and…AHHH CHRISTMAS IS A MONTH AWAY. Whoa, grab a scoop of Rain or Shine ice cream and chill out!

Don’t worry, you can get gifts for everyone on your list at UBC Point Grey. And if the weather is less than stellar, why not make a day of it with an activity or two? Who knows, gift inspiration lies in the most unexpected places (especially for those hard-to-shop-for people). And who are we kidding, holiday shopping most always involves treating ourselves!

Discover our top picks for your holiday shopping mission at UBC Point Grey, and be merry!

 

Wesbrook Village Holiday Market

Grab your friends, family, gloves, and scarf and join us for the first annual Wesbrook Village Holiday Market! Beginning November 30, the market will run every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas in Norman MacKenzie Square in the heart of Wesbrook. Each day there will be rotating local artisan vendors selling a variety of goods for your shopping pleasure. While you’re there, stop by Blenz for a hot chocolate to warm your hands while you browse, and maybe visit Nicli for some delicious Neopolitan pizza to fill your belly after a long day of shopping.

What: Wesbrook Village Holiday Market, organized & sponsored by UBC Properties Trust

Where: Norman MacKenzie Square in Wesbrook Village, south of UBC campus

When: Saturdays & Sundays 12pm – 7pm from November 30 – December 22, 2024

Cost: FREE

Parking info: Free street parking or the underground parkade with the first 2 hours free

UBC Farm Membership

If you have a farmer’s market fanatic close to you then we have just the gift. UBC Farm just released their never-before-seen membership, and it’s available in tiers with different perks.

Farm Gate Membership – $25 Annually

• Monthly Member Deals Day at the UBC Farm Farmer’s Market
• Member hour tastings of seasonal veggies at select markets
• First invitation to tasting events: pie tasting at the Fall Fair, apple tasting at the Apple Market
• Friends of the Farm strawberry and blueberry u-pick days
• Pre-sale access to Long Table Dinner tickets
• *UBC Students receive 10% off on Farm Gate level for an annual cost of $22.50.

Orchard Membership – $50 Annually
All the perks in Farm Gate plus:

• Automatic entry into bi-monthly prize draw at the UBC Farm Saturday Farmers’ Market
• One free dried herb packet
• Free apple tasting at our Apple Market

Hedgerow Membership – $100 Annually
All the perks in Farm Gate & Orchard plus:

• One free UBC Farm-designed tea towel
• Advance pre-sale access to Long Table Dinner tickets
• Recognition on our website

Membership is valid for one year from date of purchase. The markets begin in June 2025 and end in November, so you’re in a good window now. Purchase the membership online on the UBC Farm e-store.

 

Membership at the MOA

Since we’re talking memberships, do you have a culturally curious friend or family member? Why not purchase them an annual membership at the Museum of Anthropology? The MOA is officially open after its extensive seismic upgrades with new exhibits, programs, and more to explore.

Along with free museum admission all year round, it comes with loads of perks like:

• 50% discount on admission for up to two accompanying guests each day
• Invitations to exhibition openings
• Invitations to MOA Members-only events
• 10% savings on MOA’s online Shop purchases (some items excluded)
• Discounts on public and family programs
• Invitations to special MOA Shop sales
• Discount on gift memberships
• Early access to tickets to select events

If a membership isn’t the right gift, the MOA also has an incredible gift shop filled with cultural treasures made by artists from the Pacific Northwest Coast and around the world. It’s open during regular museum hours, Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays. They also have an online shop you can browse anytime, anywhere with worldwide shipping so you can even ship your gift directly to your recipient’s door!

 

Indigenous Holiday Craft Fair

Celebrate local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artisans at this local craft fair on December 4th from 3-5:30pm. The fair will be at the Longhouse in the Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall, and you can expect handmade crafts, leather goods, jewelry and accessories, and more.

Rogers’ Chocolates

We’re not sure who doesn’t like chocolate because we aren’t friends with those people! Nothing will bring a bigger smile to someone’s face than a big box of assorted, high-quality, and sustainable Rogers’ chocolates. They even come in cute festive tins featuring the works of Canadian artists.

More Bikes

In Vancouver, who doesn’t love to cycle? Feeling the ocean breeze in your face as you roll down the seawall dodging pedestrians is almost a rite of passage. More Bikes has everything you might need for the cyclist young and old. From powerful mountain bikes to high-end road bikes, to everything in between — even e-bikes! And if a bicycle isn’t in your budget, fear not — they have a multitude of accessories to choose from, as well as offering tune-up and repair services. Stop by More Bikes in Wesbrook Village today!

 

Concert Tickets at Thunderbird Arena

The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is more than just for the sportaholics! They host a multitude of year-round events like concerts and comedy shows too. Currently, upcoming events include:

• Rainbow Kitten Surprise – November 22
• Sam Fender – April 5
• Sarah Millican – April 26
• Hauser – June 4
• The Driver Era – July 10
• Keshi – August 20
• Teddy Swims – August 30
• Meg Moroney – September 24

Be the first to know about events by following them on Instagram or visiting their calendar website page. They sometimes offer giveaways for tickets on social media too!

A classic bottle of wine

One shall not underestimate the humble bottle of wine gift! Trying to play Secret Santa for the new person at the office you don’t yet know very well? How about your landlord that hasn’t raised your rent the allotted amount this year? Or maybe you’re looking for something to bring to a holiday dinner party. Whatever the occasion (and whatever your budget) the BC Liquor Store in Wesbrook Village has you covered. From the finest top-shelf silver tequilas to that $9 bottle of red wine, you can find something for your friends, family, and yourself in one stop!

 

For the green thumb

If you haven’t visited the UBC Botanical Garden, you should definitely make a pit stop. Spring and summer is the ideal time when the weather is nice and plants are a-bloomin’, but there are also some specific fall and winter growers to be seen. Regardless, the Shop in the Garden is open year-round for your shopping pleasure. They carry lots of gifts for the green thumb in your family or friend group, and also have other nature-inspired gifts like candles, soaps, mugs, puzzles, stuffed animals, and much more. Better yet, all proceeds fund research, education, and UBC Botanical Garden improvements so you know your money is going toward a great cause.

 

For the Yogi

The gift of yoga is a tranquil one! VNYSA Studio in Wesbrook Village has a variety of classes to suit all levels and preferences. Slow Burn, Power Hour, Flow, YogaSTRONG, Chill, and 50/50 are just a few of the classes offered here. They hold classes at several different times every day, and they always have promotions to snag a great deal! They currently have a holiday sale happening that offers 30% off all 5- & 10-class packs regularly priced at $99 and $179 respectively. This promotion can also be applied to the annual pass which works out to be incredible value!

Some offers for new members:

• 3-class intro pass for new members for just $49
• Intro 1 month unlimited for first timer’s for $69

You can also get gift cards so your yogi-friend can decide on their own package. If you have someone in your life who has always dreamed of becoming a yoga teacher, there’s VNYSA School of Yoga — a 200 hour yoga teacher training program that goes above and beyond with highly experienced teachers, more hands-on experience, and a greater emphasis on inclusive teaching.

They have a beautiful space at 3378 Wesbrook Mall with a selection of yogi-focused apparel and accessories to purchase!

While you’re there, get your daily workout in and book a class for yourself!

 

A snack-tastic gift

Lucky’s Exotic Bodega is the ultimate pit stop for stocking stuffers. They have a huge selection of rare and limited edition snacks you can’t find in regular convenience or grocery stores including chips, chocolate, candy, drinks, and more. They even have merch featuring streetwear and sneakers! It’s a unique store worth a stop next time you’re at UBC Point Grey.

Give the gift of coffee (or tea)!

Have a student or working professional in your life? Some sources say 50-80% of adults drink coffee daily! 🤯 Chances are, at least a few of your loved ones do, too.

Why not ease the burden on their wallets and get them a gift card to their favourite coffee shop on campus? UBC Point Grey has a variety of coffee shops like:

• Blenz
• Murchie’s (They have lots of other merchandise too, like teapots, coffee mugs, steepers, and even premade gift baskets and boxes like the 12 Teas of Christmas!)
• Doughgirls (more of a bakery but they do coffee too! They also have bags of housemade granola, pickled vegetables, jams, and more, which make excellent stocking stuffers)
• JJ Bean (try their Christmas Blend)
• Starbucks
• Blue Chip Café
• Loafe Cafe
• Swiss Bakery
• Bean Around the World
• Great Dane Coffee
• The Original Beanery

And definitely a few more! If you’re on campus, you’re never far from a coffee shop. A lot of them even carry bags of ground or whole bean coffee for your work-from-home fam. Don’t forget to grab a cup for yourself to fuel your busy day at UBC Point Grey!

Get crafty!

For the person that has everything, sometimes buying them another trinket just won’t bring them the joy you hope for, especially if your love language is giving meaningful gifts. Tap into your sentimental side and make something for your loved one to cherish for years to come.

4 Cats Studio offers classes for all ages to make lots of different things like ornaments, candle holders, mugs, planters, dishes, paintings, clay wheel, and more. They have a different selection of workshops each month for adults and families, so be sure to keep up to date by subscribing to their newsletter. They even have classes, camps, and parties for kids, as well as day-long Pro-D day workshops! There’s studio celebrations each month, and you can even book private parties and team building events.

For an out-of-town friend of family member, you can purchase make-at-home art kits online or in the studio and have them shipped to their door! There’s lots to experience at 4 Cats for the artist big and small, so check out their website for more and subscribe to their newsletter for exclusive discounts.

Visit UBC Botanical Garden for a holiday wreath-making workshop! Participants spend three hours learning tips and techniques to make a natural holiday wreath to take home. Additional wreaths are for sale in the Shop in the Garden. Sign up before spots sell out!

 

For the techie

Need a new phone, case, or plan — or know a family member who does? UBC Point Grey has a couple options: Telus/Koodo on University Boulevard, and Fido in Wesbrook Village. Test out the hottest new phones, inquire about plans and promos, or pick up some new accessories to stash under the tree.

For the bookworm

The UBC Bookstore is open to everyone and carries a large selection of books of every genre along with gifts, snacks, and merch. A special holiday event is happening there next week: Alumni UBC is hosting a Holiday season kick-off on November 26 from 5-8pm where you can get 12% off almost everything in the store. There will be UBC student musical performances while you shop, hourly prize draws, free parking, and more. The event is free to attend, but you need to register as space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

Food, glorious food

Food always tastes better when it’s free! Pick up a gift card to one of the incredible eateries found on campus and your recipient will be smiling from ear-to-ear (hopefully not with a mouthful of food). Some ideas:

• Jam Jar Canteen: Halal Lebanese cuisine with highly customizable wraps and bowls
• Kinton Ramen: pork, chicken, karaage, & vegetarian hearty noodle soups plus other bites.
• Chipotle: A classic with filling Mexican-inspired meals
• Rain or Shine Ice Cream: small batch local ice cream parlour with flavours like London Fog, Blueberry Balsamic, and Banana Bread. Rep the brand with their merch in the form of hats, umbrellas, sweaters and more!
• Sports Illustrated Clubhouse: Upscale sports bar with a decked-out menu and impressive cocktail list. New to Wesbrook this year!
• DownLow Chicken Shack: famous fried chicken joint with mouthwatering sandwiches, chicken & waffles, and more. They have merch too — grab a hat, shirt, or jersey!
• Nicli Pizzeria: Nicli is UBC Point Grey’s newest Neapolitan pizza spot — and they have a gorgeous patio in the summertime. P.S., check out their story!
• Brown’s Crafthouse: Serving up a delicious selection of pub-style food with a twist, along with cocktails, mocktails, and beer
• Big Star Sandwich: Wesbrook’s resident sandwich specialists crafting superior quality handmade sandies for your lunching pleasure!

For the health nut

For your gym-obsessed buddy, Body Energy Club has loads of health supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and more. Sometimes it’s a drag buying the essentials yourself, so remove the burden and put them under the tree! Pick up a smoothie for yourself while you’re there — trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

The gift of beauty

While you’re getting your holiday manicure, pick up a gift certificate for your friend who could use some me-time. They offer a variety of services like manis, pedis, shellac polish, acrylic nails, unique nail art, combos, and waxing. Check out their Instagram for yourself — they have some seriously talented techs!

Kabro Salon and University Barbershop in Wesbrook Village can help you get a new ‘do just in time for the holidays.

 

Talking beauty, Shoppers Drug Mart in Wesbrook Village has an incredible beauty department with some dedicated staff to help with all things beauty and skincare! They’re getting new products in all the time and showcasing them on their Instagram page — they even have premade gift baskets if you’re running short on time. Here you can also pick up any greeting cards to accompany the gifts you’ve purchased at UBC Point Grey so far. Take a peruse while you pick up a new toothbrush!

Cold hard cash

Although more impersonal than a gift itself, sometimes you know someone who is just impossible to shop for and/or has extremely selective taste. Or maybe you know they’re saving up for something special, like a wedding or vacation, and you’d like to contribute to the cause. In those instances, sometimes an envelope of cash is your safest bet. UBC Point Grey has several banks and credit unions like Vancity, RBC, TD, CIBC, BMO, and Scotiabank. Chances are one of those might be yours!

 

And there you have it! Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a multi-day nightmare of running all over town. You can get something for almost everyone on your list at UBC Point Grey — and spend a day exploring the area and treating yourself in the process. 🎁