Gift shop in Vancouver

You don't have to go far for your Chanukah needs.

As the shopping season for Chanukah approaches, the Jewish Independent offers some suggestions to make readers' search for gifts a little easier.

• The gift shop at Temple Sholom offers plenty of options. From more expensive glassware chanukiyot and dreidels, to Judaica-themed oven mitts and potholders, consumers have a wide variety of choices. If there's a party in the making, there's a wide variety of Judaica-themed party ware available, both for children and adults. The gift shop is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to noon. To view what the shop has to offer, go to the synagogue's main page at www.templesholom.ca. For more information, call 604-266-1957.

• The Beth Israel Judaica shop is also open for business. As well as the usual Chanukah merchandise, the shop offers free trade kippot. Handcrafted in Guatemala by Mayan women, the kippot are very colorful and reflect the heritage of the Mayan in the region. The kippot are made by Mayaworks, a nonprofit company. If you are looking for someone who does not happen to wear a kippah, however, there are also beautiful pieces of Judaica available from the Gary Rosenthal Collection and, for the busy-body in the kitchen, Judaica-themed cookie-cutters. The Beth Israel Judaica shop is located at 4350 Oak St., and is open Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursdays, 3-5 p.m.

• For the reader in your family, www.meteg.com offers a wide variety of books featuring Jewish themes. There is also a link on metegbook's home page to an extensive gallery of Jewish artists for online shoppers to peruse, as well as links to every genre of book imaginable. To order, go to www.meteg.com.

• The Hadassah-WIZO gift shop, located in Suite 304 of 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, candles, toys, books, decorations, cards and more. The Vancouer JCC will be holding an open house on Nov. 27-28, 10 a.m.-3p.m. For shopping information, call 604-257-5160.

• At Hafatzim on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, there's an array of gifts that range from quirky to quaint. Hafatzim, which means objects in Hebrew, has beautifully styled gifts for all tastes. It's located at 2028 West 4th Ave. Call 604-739-9903 for more information.

• For gifts for the ladies, try Elana Sigal Jewelry Design. Sigal offers African recycled-glass jewelry. The ethnic touch is also translated through her use of Ethiopian prayer beads. Sigal is available for private appointments and commissions and can be reached at 604-736-2774.

• To personalize your gift, look online to Krayna's Kreations. Former Beth Israel rebbetzin Krayna Feinberg, now based in Washington, D.C., works with her customers to customize a unique gift for your special someone. She handcrafts bibs, towels, placemats, comfort blankets, pillows, challah covers and jewelry boxes. Her website is www.kraynaskreations.com.

• At Moulé in Kitsilano, there is a small Chanukah section for shoppers to peruse. There you can find unique chanukiyot, like a crystal glass menorah with separate candleholders that fit together like a puzzle, or an oxidized bronze olive branch chanukiyah made by Michael Aram. Moulé is at 1994 West 4h Ave. Call 604-732-4066.

• If you're looking to please an art connoisseur on your list, LindaLando Fine Art, at 2001 West 41st Ave., offers a spectrum of art. You can choose from the vibrant landscapes of Bruno Cote or the urban compositions of Barbara Amos and a wide selection of other Canadian artists. To view some of the art, visit www.lindalandofineart.com.

• At Mazal Judaica, Na'ama Laniado imports from Israel and sources her wares directly from the producers and artists to keep prices down. She offers a line-up of chanukiyot, dreidels, pendants and Chanukah platters. Featured currently on her website, www.shopmazal.com, are handmade iron chanukiyot and menorot, along with an array of other chanukiyot, mezuzot and Judaica. Visit www.shopmazal.com to look through the available merchandise and call 604-783-5455 to set up a meeting with Laniado.

• If you're more in the mood for a trendy gift, try going to www.thechaiway.com, where you can chose among 18 different pre-made designs or customize your very own Chai T-shirt and join the Chai tribe.

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