2014 Last Minute Gift Guide

With Christmas just two weeks away shopping is most likely on your agenda. Whether you think two weeks is plenty of time or you break into a sweat just thinking about the Christmas clock ticking, MHV has some last minute local gift ideas to deck the halls with something modern and allow the season to still be jolly. Let’s be honest, even the most organized and efficient of shoppers will find someone new on their list before the week is through. Without looking like a last minute gift shopper, MHV has you covered with a thoughtful gift for the foodie, designer, architect, or lover of all things beautiful on your list this year.

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1. Tom Dixon Scent Candle Gift Set

Royalty is a reminiscence of tea time with a pot of Earl Grey, scones, strawberry jam and the drive home in a ’52 Bentley with tatty leather seats. London is encased in a nickel vessel and calls to the smell of red brick, London parks with crocuses and nettles and the salty smell of the Thames at Dagenham. Orientalist captures the faint memory of an Indian wedding with rose petal garlands, giant cinnamon stick on beach stalls and the musky smells of the Chinese herbal market. Oriental is encased in a brass vessel. A trio of mini scented candles contained within a hand-spun vessel formed of brass, copper and nickel. Shop this divine candle set at Gabriel Ross. $132.00

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2. Nomiku Sous Vide Machine

Foodie alert. Sous Vide is a simple process that uses precise heat to create perfect dishes. Just put your desired ingredients into a bag, give it an airtight seal, and then rest it in a Nomiku controlled water bath. The resulting food is tender, moist, and unlike anything you have made at home before. Shop this culinary wonder at Cook Culture in Victoria and Cookworks in Vancouver. $379.00

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3. LEGO® Architecture Sets

For the kid in all of us, build a LEGO® model of this famous modernist-style country house. Situated on the outskirts of Paris, France Villa Savoye was designed by Le Corbusier in the 1920s as the perfect embodiment of Le Corbusier’s ‘Five Points’ construction principles. Shopping for a budding designer or architect this year? Head down to Kaboodles Toy Store where you will find a selection of LEGO® Architecture sets.

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4. Painting by Jonathan Gleed

“A Million Thoughts” 48″x48″- A striking impression of the contrasting light and fluid movement of a busy New York City street. Find this painting and other Gleed paintings at couch* Gallery. $4600.00

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5. Tilted Cube Terrarium

Stylish and clean, copper soldered terrariums. Locally designed and built. A perfect miniature garden for succulents, tropicals or even air plants. Prices range from $40 to $65, sizes  3″ to 6″. Shop this terrarium and others atBiophilia Collective.

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6. Sarah Style, Hardcover Book

For the design lover on your list, perhaps Sarah Style by HGTV design maven, Sarah Richardson. Within these beautiful, full-colour pages and photographs, Sarah walks you through each room in your home, from the master bedroom to the kids’ rooms, to the kitchen, the bathroom, and everywhere in between, showing you how to turn a house into a home – Sarah style. Pick it up today at Bolen Books. $32.00

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7. Chopsticks

Playful, bright, polymer clay inlaid with intricate patterns renders these locally-made metal chopsticks sushi’s new best friend. Sets of two or four can be purchased. Discover these at WestCoast EcoHome in Fan Tan Alley. 1 set – $18.00, 2 sets – $36.00, 4 sets – $72.00

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8. Bird Décor

Still on trend for 2015, let black and white bird décor add a simple, modern feel to your table or credenza. Find these, and other unique décor ideas, at Dig This in Oak Bay, Broadmead, and Sidney. Check retailer for price.

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9. Lime Green Bodum BISTRO Toaster

Who says you can’t have fun while making toast? Inject some colour into someone’s Christmas by giving them The Lime Green, Bodum BISTRO 2-slice Toaster – designed to toast breads to perfection. Other colours available. Shop them at Parc Modern. On sale now for $55.00. Check retailer for current price.