Holiday Help: For the Hipster

We've tackled 'The Teen', but now it's time to decipher what you could gift for 'The Hipster'. For those that know what 'The Hipster' is, you probably know the more random the gift the better. For those that are trying to figure out what exactly we're referring to, or if in fact their friend fits into "The Hipster' category, here are some Hipster Facts: 

• A true Hipster will never self identify. Ever. Even when asked. 
• If something is trending, it's already old news to Hipsters.
• If something is popular, odds are a Hipster won't like it, or if they do, they liked it before anyone even knew about it. 
• If there is a bike, a bird, or succulent imprinted on an item, it probably is a good gift for a Hipster. 
• If it is from Portland, Oregon, it's Hipster. 
• If your grandma owned it, Hipster will like it. 
• If it's handmade they will want it; if it's handmade AND organic, even better; if it's handmade and organic AND ethically made you've hit the jackpot for a Hipster gift! 

If you are still confused or just want a checklist for gifts, here we go...

1. Handmade Bow Ties by local creator Douglas Lavack. This classic find is new to The Forks Trading Post and getting some attention (but not too much that a Hipster wouldn't like it).
2. Ox Skull Print: you can find a variety of animal prints at Teekca's Aboriginal Boutique. Again, animal print= awesome gift.
3. Genuine Leather Mitts: Great for Winnipeg winters, your hands will never be warmer. The Forks Trading Post has these and other mitts/gloves to keep your fingers toasty.
4. Beard Oil: As far as Hipsters go, facial hair (especially beards) are always a good thing, and grooming is key. Find this and other beard grooming products at Generation Green.
5. Wild Flower Bath: Anything that comes in old-school tins are always a good thing. Featured here is a vintage looking tin filled with bath time goodness. The Forks Trading Post has these and other great bath products.
6. Hand Mill: Have you ever wanted to hand grind some wheat to make homemade bread? If so, odds are you may be a Hipster (or a Hipster at heart)! Stop by Generation Green for this great gadget and get back to baking basics.
7. Russian Nesting Dolls: These add a decorative touch of history and colour to any Hipster home. You'll want to grab these from SF Imports.
8. Elephant Teapot: Items with an animals on them are a great gifts... but a gift in the shape of an animal- even better. This cute elephant teapot is from The Human Bean and is only $14.99
9. Wooden Postcard: Nothing says Hipster like a handwritten note, so give them a wooden moose postcard so they can write a note to a loved one. Check out Two Rivers for other postcard prints.
10. Souvinear Spoon: It's vintage, and grandmas love them, so talk about a double win for a Hipster gift! This one comes from Two Rivers and is only $4.99.
11. Bike Notebook: Need we say more. These notebooks are locally made and can be picked up at Generation Green.
12. Beard Balm: Does their beard need more shape? Slip some of this into their stocking. Generation Green is where it can be found.
13. S'well Water Bottle: Keeps hot drinks HOT and iced drinks ICED for hours. Generation Green has a large selection of reusable water bottles to choose from.
14. Gorp Bar: A healthy way to stuff their stocking, this Manitoba-made treat will keep them full. Find all three delicious flavours at Generation Green.
15. Watuko Headband: From crazy patterns to solid colours, there are a variety of headbands Hipsters adore at Generation Green.

So there you have it — things for The Hipster. Still to come... The Parents! Hopefully your shopping has been as happy as ours. 

Help for the Holidays

With only a few days till Christmas, we know there can be stress (and maybe some panic) when it comes to buying gifts for some of the people on your list. So, we’re here to help over the next few days with our “Top Holiday Gift Hunt” for your teens, your hipster friends, the parents and last but not least, your friend who says they never want anything, but you want to get them something because they just deserve it.

Today we tackle the hardest first: THE TEENS. You know, the ones that live on their phones and who only seem to want cash?! Ya, those ones. Now, you might not instinctively think of going to The Forks to find them something, but we've got some great gift giving ideas that we think your teens (no matter how apathetic they are) will like {or dare we even say... love?!}

1. Look slick and support the local skate scene with a Sk8 Hoodie: $64.95 from Sk8.

2. Keep it Riel t-shirt: $19.99 from Two Rivers (You can also find Jets shirts here)

3. Get a unique iPhone case: $20 from Teekca's

4. Sk8 shoes. They  have wide selection to choose from for both the serious skaters or for just wondering around town.

5. Classic black frame glasses: Complete pair starting at $59 (including single vision lenses and anti-glare, scratch guard and UV protection from Eye GO

6. Everyone needs a Mountie Bobblehead: $12.99 from Two Rivers  (They also have other classic Canadian gear)

7. Diamond Toque + Plan B True DVD, both are selling out at Sk8 so you might want to stop by soon. 

8. Skateboard: $129.99 (assembled) from Sk8

1. Is she obsessed with the 80's? How about a book on Blondie: $24.95 from Pylon (Also, check out their Audrey Hepburn wallets or Marilyn Monroe photos)
2. Wide rimmed glasses: These ones are $79 from Eye GO (includes frames and lenses)

3. Dream Catcher: $19.99 from Teekca's

4. Don't want to dig through a huge purse? Keep your cash and cell in the same spot with this gold Volom Cell Case/Wallet: $33.95 from Sk8

5. Girls just want to have fun... and a cozy pair of moccasins for their feet. These beauties are from Teekca's, who also sell Mukluks.

6. Need something to fill a stocking? How about a cute Russian Nesting Doll Magnet from SF Imports

7. Nothing says winter like pairing a plaid shirt ($49.95) and studded sweater by Joy Ride ($59.95). You can find both at Sk8

8. This organic, fair trade infinity scarf is also eco-friendly. Find this scarf and more at Hempryean 

Now that we've checked off the teen on your list stay tuned for the hipster! 

Pop-Culture Presents from Pylon

If you have a particular teen or pop-culture buff to buy for look no further than The Forks Market.  One store in particular is as unique as it’s name.  Pylon is a pop-culture retailer that features many niche, funny, and quirky items. 

If you’re shopping for a peace loving Beatles fan, look no further. Pylon carries a variety of Beatles items sure to satisfy their John, Paul, George, or Ringo craving. Pictured here is a Beatles glass collection. 

For a music lover they sell clocks that are made out of classic record cases. They also sell mini replicas of guitars famous musicians have been known for over the years. Kurt Cobain’s guitar caught our eye. The tiny replica is just approximately 12 inches tall and features Kurt’s signature and a tiny detailed guitar case to go with it.

Pylon also has great gift ideas for the TV aficionado. If you’re shopping for someone who says, “bazinga!” at every opportunity, why not buy them a Sheldon bobble-head? Pylon has bobble heads of the whole cast of the Big Bang Theory if you want to start a collection. 

Doctor Who celebrates their 50th anniversary this year and fans are rejoicing. Pylon carries Doctor Who journals, Doctor Who coasters, and Doctor Who coffee mugs just to name a few.

Maybe the Walking Dead fan in your life is sad now that the season is over. Check out the bobble-head of our favourite character Daryl Dixon. Even as a bobble-head he’s still hardcore.

Visit Pylon on the second floor of The Forks Market for all types of pop-culture gift ideas from Elvis and Betty Boop to Mario and My Little Pony.