Tagged: christmas

Victoria, We're trying to make it easier for you this Christmas, we really are. It's hard enough shopping for yourself sometimes so trust us we know how difficult it can be shopping for the nearest & dearest on your (ever expanding) holiday list. We're giving you a break for Christmas 2011: The Official Still Life For Him & For Her Holiday Wish List & Gift Guide! We've compiled the following Gift Guides to inspire those who are too busy to even think of where to start with gift giving; But at the same time we've drafted this while carefully considering what you want for Christmas, so this can also act as a Wish List for you (you deserve it, you've been good this year and these are some of your favourite things, right?). Print this Gift Guide/Wish List out, copy the link and flip it across to someone with some hints via Facebook or Email.

For Him. He's probably picky about what he's wearing. And maybe he doesn't like to go shopping and pick out shirts & sweaters or try on new jeans. But you could always save him some time and yourself some of the hassle and let our Still Life Men help you sort out something perfect to make your guy look as good as he should:

• Chunky Shawl Neck Sweaters: Without question the coziest and most inviting items in the store the past few months has been the chunky, shawl collared wool sweaters from some of our strongest menswear lines (Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Dunderdon & Velour). With a curled masculine neck, strong leather buttons and chunky open knit these cozy sweaters make ideal Christmas presents for the man on your holiday list.
• Nudie Jeans Co Backbone Tees: Maybe you're not looking to pick him up a brand new pair of premium denim for the big day, but how about a super soft, organic cotton basic henley tee, long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve from his favourite Swedish denim brand, Nudie Jeans. They look great paired up with his best pair of raw denim and if you're sly enough about it you can even snag one and wear it yourself - these tees are seriously soft.
• Ken Diamond Quality Leather Goods: Offering a range from simple vegetan leather belts, keyfobs, wallets and cardholders to super special crepe-sole moccasins, leather backpacks, beer kozys and notebook cases, all Ken Diamond Quality Leather Goods are handmade by Ken in his Vancouver studio. Any guy in need of a new belt or wallet that has a tendency to wear his goods hard should appreciate anything from Ken Diamond.
• Winter Gloves: Fred Perry & Filson are two brands the business of constructing quality apparel, accessories & sundries. From warm merino wool gloves to buttery-soft leather driving or work gloves, these two legendary menswear lines will keep his hands soft & warm.
• Brixton Toques: These classic knit toques sell out every single year and we still have guys coming in with cold heads throughout January & February. We're not trying to tell you what you have to get for your guys, but seriously, we have almost a dozen different colours of these toques, come grab two or three different ones and he'll thank you for it.
• Magazines: Every Christmas as far back as we can remember there was a magazine or two rolled up and stuffed in the stocking hanging above the fireplace. If he's more of a global culture, design & politics man you can grab him the newest edition of Monocle Magazine or you can let him know how great you think he is with this season's Fantastic Man Magazine.

For Her. No matter if She is your sister, mother, daughter, girlfriend, fiance, wife or best friend forever - our Still Life Ladies can help you narrow out your decisions with that perfect, sweet and ideal gift for the lady in your life (think of all the times she's been there for you - she's definitely worth it):

• Hansel From Basel Tights: It's not getting any warmer anytime soon. Hansel From Basel is a Los Angeles based knitwear and hosiery range that does cute and cozy tights she can wear under skirts and dresses through the holidays (or under denim if she really can't stand the temperature drop).
• Only Hearts Lingerie: A super special, secret and sexy lingerie line made in New York City. She very likely hasn't seen these bra & panty sets before since they've debuted exclusively at Still Life For Her this autumn. Wrap them up nice and give them to her with a kiss and you'll surely get a peak of how they look.
• Canadian Made Jewelry: Erika Lauren Designs are made right here on Vancouver Island with traditional west coast inspirations sold exclusively in Victoria at Still Life For Her. Designed and produced in Toronto, this season's Biko Jewelry collection is inspired by darkness, boldness, tribal elements and outer space reflected in the juxtapositions of dark leather, fish-scale chain, and glittering raw stones. Both collections come in as affordable, unique jewelry designs she'll wear close to her heart for a long time.
• Natural Cosmetics: RGB Nailpolish and Ilia Lipcare make perfect stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts if you have a price cap. Affordable, high quality and naturally made cosmetic lines with a direct influence from the fashion and design world.
• Quality Leather Goods: Two very close friends of ours Erin Templeton & Ken Diamond both produce quality leather goods in studios based right across the water in Vancouver. Ken Diamond's new women's range offers simple and braided leather belts along with a super sweet braided leather noose necklace with feather detail. Erin Templeton's designs pull from vintage and deadstock leather sources resulting in one of a kind, ultra soft leathers constructed into backpacks, handbags, purses, clutches and wallets.
• Wool & The Gang Knitting Kits: Heading home for the holidays or taking time off to get away from work, school & the grind? Keep her cozy by the fire with these unique and very giftable Wool & The Gang knitting kits. Included in these all ready wrapped packs are gorgeous wood knitting needles, super soft Peruvian wool and simple to follow instructions on creating unique toques & scarves to stay warm all winter.
• Magazines: Let her escape the hustle & bustle of the holidays between the pages of some of the most inspiring fashion and design magazines in the city. Currently available For Her are three UK published fashion, design and culture magazines. Oh Comely has editorials, interviews and photography inspiring from across the pond best read with a cup of tea under a cozy blanket. Featuring ambitious journalism and photography of the highest quality, The Gentlewoman magazine celebrates inspirational, international women through its distinctive combination of glamour, personality and wit. And finally the very collectable, limited run UK fashion magazine Lula is thick as a book, haunting as a fairy tale, and will look quite lovely sitting on her coffee or bedside table

For Him or For Her.

• Happy Socks: We're going to go out on a limb and suppose that every single person on your list wears socks. Chances are they don't have socks in leopard or zebra print, black & white polka dots or navy & yellow stripes... Without question the easiest and most popular stocking stuffers this holiday season are Sweden's Happy Socks.
  
• Urbanears: All ready a perfect gift for the audiophile on your list, Urbanears have released a very limited, special edition Quilted Black Plattan Headphone for Christmas 2011. Chose from these sleek black models or from our wide range of seasonal colour options, these are quality, well-styled, well-made headphones for everyone.
• Fjallraven Kanken Backpacks: The Kånken Original Backpack is the same today as when it was released 30 years ago - only today it is made in a range of colours to suit any individual style. Perfect for the student, commuter or adventurer on your list.
• Filson Luggage & Accessories: Guaranteed to last a lifetime, you (or someone you love) might as well have the best. Heavy duty canvas backapcks, briefcases, luggage & totes are finished with full grain bridal leather made in the historic Filson Factory in Seattle, Washington. Available, and ideal, For Him & For Her.
• Score+Solder Terrariums: Everyone on our payroll has been strongly hinting at wanting one of these incredibly magical, unique & beautiful terrariums from Score+Solder handmade on Pender Island. For the greenthumb on your holiday list, or just someone who appreciates design, detail & craftsmanship.
• Native Jimmy Boots: It rains in Victoria; unfortunately even over the holidays. Designed by young, creative brains in Vancouver, Native Shoes Jimmy Boot has been this season's go-to rainboot for all our friends & family. Available in a range of colours at both locations, even the snoopiest Christmas lover won't be able to guess there's a pair of boots inside this super lightweight box.
• Gift Cards: If even after reading through a comprehensive Holiday Gift Guide or after your loved ones have printed out and highlighted their favourite must-have Wish List items for the holidays you still can't make a stand and decide on a gift... There's Still Life For Him & For Her Christmas Gift Cards. Available in any denomination applicable to any item in either of our two locations, these will never expire and can be used on Boxing Day, Valentines Day or St Patricks Day.