While big-box stores and online retailers may have dulled the magic of gifting, there are still places where the holiday spirit is alive and well.
The Polygon Gallery’s Holiday Shop is one such destination—offering shoppers a unique shopping holiday experience that blends everything you love about the season with a little extra creativity, community, and care.
Not to mention some seriously awesome gifts.
A curated collection with community values
As Canada’s leading contemporary art gallery, The Polygon is known for its bold, photography-centered exhibitions and commitment to nurturing emerging talent. This same dedication extends to The Polygon Shop, a go-to for thoughtful holiday shopping on the North Shore.
Curated with the same discerning eye as the gallery’s exhibitions, The Polygon Shop offers an eclectic mix of products from artists, independent makers, and beloved international brands. “At the Polygon Shop, we prioritize supporting Canadian makers and artists, especially those from British Columbia,” says Chris MacKay, head of guest experience at The Polygon. “We focus on brands that are community-oriented, give back, use natural ingredients, and are women-owned, Indigenous, or BIPOC-led. Our goal is to showcase unique, thoughtful products that reflect our community’s values.”
Unique gift options for everyone on your list
The result is a wide variety of gift-worthy items—from stylish art books and home goods to clothing and decor at all price points. Shoppers can find holiday treats like chocolates and candies from brands such as Schoki, Kasama Chooclate and Squish, perfect for stocking stuffers. Handmade ceramics by Knitbone and candles by Ebb & Flow are ideal for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones, while Scandinazn jewelry offers showstopping options that will make a big impact under your tree.
In addition to shopping, The Polygon Gallery will be offering a seasonal lineup of interactive experiences, including wreath-making and beading workshops and vintage photo sessions for pets. Most workshops are held in the lobby gallery adjacent to the holiday shop, while larger events, like the upcoming full-day tattoo pop-up, will be in the Seaspan Pavilion upstairs.
Supporting the arts with every purchase
Since it’s the season of giving, shoppers will be glad to know that purchases from The Polygon Shop and The Diane Evans Bookstore help support the gallery’s exhibitions, educational programs, and commitment to the arts. And there’s a bonus for visitors…
“Purchases over $100 come with complimentary gallery admission,” says MacKay, “making it easy to explore current exhibitions after browsing.”
Said exhibitions include this winter’s Lind Biennial, which showcases Canada’s top emerging contemporary artists, competing for the prestigious Lind Prize. Meanwhile, Tales From The Crypt pulls fascinating works from the Polygon’s vault, giving shoppers a chance to view these rarely seen gems.
A visual treat and festive atmosphere
Conveniently located next to Lonsdale Quay, The Polygon Shop is overflowing with festive charm, particularly from Nov. 13 to Jan. 5, when its holiday decorations bring a joyful energy to the ultra-modern space. “Being right inside the gallery adds a unique touch too,” says MacKay. “Nothing beats combining shopping with art.”
With its welcoming atmosphere, extended hours throughout December (open seven days a week), proximity to great restaurants and family-friendly activities, and accessibility to transit (including the SeaBus from downtown Vancouver), The Polygon is the perfect place to actually enjoy shopping this season.
So skip the mall and let the holiday spirit guide you to The Polygon Shop in North Vancouver, where you’re always bound to discover something new.
For more details on the Holiday Shop, workshops, and exhibitions, visit thepolygon.ca
