|
|
Dec. 1, 2006
Gift-giving has never been easier
Chanukah presents at local stores come in silver, iron, glass,
gold and other materials.
VERONIKA STEWART
In the second instalment of our Gift Guide round-up, we've got
a whole new slew of places to check out this Chanukah season.
•At Mazal Judaica, Naama Laniado sources her wares directly
from the producers and artists to keep prices down, and also imports
from Israel. She offers a line-up of chanukiyot, dreidels, pendants
and Chanukah platters. Featured currently on her website, www.shopmazal.com,
are chic matte black handmade iron chanukiyot for $75, along with
a wide array of other decorative chanukiyot.
•For the women in your life, turn to Elana Sigal Jewelry
Design. Sigal said she currently has a lot of pieces with faceted
precious stones clustered together and strung with fresh water pearls.
She also offers "more chunky, ethnic, African recycled trade
bottle glass." This touch is also translated through her use
of Ethiopian prayer beads. Prices for Sigal's jewelry range from
$40 to $60 for bracelets and earrings, to up to $300 for some of
her necklaces, which start at around $60. Sigal is available for
private appointments and commissions and can be reached at 604-736-2774.
•The Hadassah-WIZO gift shop, located in Suite 304 at
the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver and also operating
out of the Burquest JCC in Coquitlam, sells all types of Chanukah
items, including a wide selection of Chanukah platters. For shopping
information, call 604-257-5160.
•At the trendy Hafatzim on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano,
there's an array of gifts that may be a little less conventional.
From Tanya Mitchell's studio pottery to picture frames to scarves
to glassware to Afghan rugs, Hafatzim has beautifully styled gifts
for all tastes. Most popular at the shop are the bamboo candles,
as well as the Lampe Berger air purifiers. Profiled recently on
local television and in the Vancouver Sun, these air purifiers are
available with a range of scented oils. They come with refills and
look rather like oil lamps.
•Just half a block away, at Moulé, there is a
decent-sized Chanukah section for shoppers to peruse. There you
can find handmade maple wood chanukiyot, signed by the maker, and
a stunning selection of mezuzot. Sasha Kerin, a sales associate
at Moulé, said Jewish customers often comment that "they
don't find this kind of stuff in many places." They also have
a selection of new Chanukah candles and glassware.
•Going online at ZaraMart (www.a-zara.com)
allows you to go Chanukah shopping from the comfort of your home.
It's especially handy if you know someone in the market for a hand-crocheted
kippah. Straight from Israel, the kippot come in at least 40 different
patterns in a variety of sizes. They also come in suede and satin,
for both adults and children, and can be personalized with a sewn-in
message underneath. The site also offers a wide selection of other
Judaica and offers express free shipping on orders over $300.
Veronika Stewart is a Vancouver freelance writer.
^TOP
|
|
