I đ Am. Canadian. (Finally!)
November 14, 2022 10:24 AM Subscribe
My partner is going to become a citizen of Canada this month. Yay! What are some Canada-themed presents or experiences I can give to him, to commemorate the occasion?
My partner is American, and four years ago he became a Canadian permanent resident through me. He passed the citizenship exam and interview, so he will be taking the Oath of Citizenship this month, and swearing his allegiance to King Charles III! I would like to gift him with a number of Canada-themed items or experiences to make it extra special.
Why not just give him Timbits drenched in maple syrup, you ask? We have been living in Vancouver for the past five years, so typical stuff from tourist shops wouldn't cut it. This is the main stumbling block for me: How do you make Canadian-ness new and exciting and momentous, when we've been here for a while?
Considerations:
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My partner is American, and four years ago he became a Canadian permanent resident through me. He passed the citizenship exam and interview, so he will be taking the Oath of Citizenship this month, and swearing his allegiance to King Charles III! I would like to gift him with a number of Canada-themed items or experiences to make it extra special.
Why not just give him Timbits drenched in maple syrup, you ask? We have been living in Vancouver for the past five years, so typical stuff from tourist shops wouldn't cut it. This is the main stumbling block for me: How do you make Canadian-ness new and exciting and momentous, when we've been here for a while?
Considerations:
- He likes sports and video games. Commutes via bicycle. We go car camping sometimes. We garden and have a cat.
- He also likes food. He is a decent cook and baker, I'm a little more advanced. Make-food-together present would work, though I have to say we already have a weekly meal kit delivery.
- He also likes to read, mostly non-fiction and business-themed books. I think he would enjoy reading about Canadian history from an Indigenous Peoples' perspective, or maybe Canadian/BC politics?
- He cannot have chocolate. Not a big fan of coffee. Other than that, he is an omnivore. He likes beer and whisky.
- A collection of food/drinks/books/etc. from all the Canadian provinces and territories could be super cool, I just don't know how to even start with that?
- Practical and/or consumable gifts preferred, he's not really a luxury watch kinda guy. Experience-type gift is also good!
- Budget: up to $300 for physical items, and up to $2000 for experiences.
A note about MeFiGiftGuide2022: These next two weeks, we are collecting questions on ask.metafilter.com that help people find fantastic holiday gifts that show love for friend, family, nature, and our global community. These questions, tagged with #MeFiGiftGuide2022, will be collected into an FPP on Nov 24, the night before Black Friday, to spread our communityâs love and wisdom across the universe (or at least to the hearts of our future MeFi members).
If youâre new to MetaFilter, why donât you join? Itâs $5 for a lifetime membership, and that $5 is mostly to keep the spammers out. If you end up buying something based on what you read, why not donate to MetaFilter as part of our November Fundraiser Drive.
Murchie's is an excellent Canadian tea company, and they even sell Canadian themed teas. If you visit their stores in person, they also have Canadian themed art, made by local artists, available for purchase.
posted by spinifex23 at 10:39 AM on November 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by spinifex23 at 10:39 AM on November 14, 2022 [3 favorites]
Sports and video games? Play into the hockey stereotype and grab a copy of NHL 23?
posted by cgg at 10:51 AM on November 14, 2022
posted by cgg at 10:51 AM on November 14, 2022
How about a Parks Canada yearly pass, if he doesn't already have one? I'm an American who's been living in Canada for 6 years, and I'd love receiving that pass as a "Congratulations on being officially Canadian!" sort of gift. The Discovery Pass gives access to most parks, but you can also buy yearly passes to individual parks if that makes more sense for you.
Just quickly check whether or not you already get one when you become a citizen, because I did.
posted by rpophessagr at 11:01 AM on November 14, 2022 [8 favorites]
Just quickly check whether or not you already get one when you become a citizen, because I did.
posted by rpophessagr at 11:01 AM on November 14, 2022 [8 favorites]
OK but maybe buy a box of Kraft Dinner too?
posted by kevinbelt at 11:01 AM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by kevinbelt at 11:01 AM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
See you covered TH's and Molson's in your post, but those were the first things I thought of. Maple Syrup was likely in there somewhere as well...
Some cool ideas above.
But, you have already given your partner one of the best gifts I can think of as an American. Getting to be Canadian...
posted by Windopaene at 11:04 AM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
Some cool ideas above.
But, you have already given your partner one of the best gifts I can think of as an American. Getting to be Canadian...
posted by Windopaene at 11:04 AM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
Canadian's eat the most mac & cheese (aka Kraft Dinner), so maybe a selection of both Kraft and other mac & cheese kits.
posted by brookeb at 11:12 AM on November 14, 2022
posted by brookeb at 11:12 AM on November 14, 2022
I am American, but thinking of things that scream Canada to me:
Something from Roots, either a warm layer, if they still sell Team Canada olympics gear, or some of their blankets and things could be nice for the home or camping.
For the outdoorsman, you can always tell a Canadian in the Pacific Northwest by their MEC clothes. A gift card might be nice, although I heard they've had an ownership change and may not be Canadian now.
A supported bike tour, either through Jasper in Alberta, or perhaps between Ottawa and Toronto so he can see the other side of Canada. Montreal might be bike friendly too. IIRC new Canadians have to have some basic french so he can practice it there.
posted by Narrow Harbor at 11:12 AM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Something from Roots, either a warm layer, if they still sell Team Canada olympics gear, or some of their blankets and things could be nice for the home or camping.
For the outdoorsman, you can always tell a Canadian in the Pacific Northwest by their MEC clothes. A gift card might be nice, although I heard they've had an ownership change and may not be Canadian now.
A supported bike tour, either through Jasper in Alberta, or perhaps between Ottawa and Toronto so he can see the other side of Canada. Montreal might be bike friendly too. IIRC new Canadians have to have some basic french so he can practice it there.
posted by Narrow Harbor at 11:12 AM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
You should watch this official Canadian video about waking up Canadian for gift/experience inspiration, then watch it again with your partner on his waking up Canadian day.
posted by A Blue Moon at 11:47 AM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by A Blue Moon at 11:47 AM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
There are lots of great places to visit from Vancouver. Get out into the coast mountains. Take a tent and kayak around the Gulf Islands. Ski or hike or mountain bike in Squamish and Whistler. For more wildness, go to the Haida Gwaii.
posted by sindark at 12:01 PM on November 14, 2022
posted by sindark at 12:01 PM on November 14, 2022
If tall ship sailing appeals, SALTS has some marvellous ones.
posted by sindark at 12:02 PM on November 14, 2022
posted by sindark at 12:02 PM on November 14, 2022
Canucks tickets?
posted by toxic at 12:18 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by toxic at 12:18 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Five years on the Pacific coast? Why not fly him and yourself across the entire country, landing on the opposite side in St. John's, Newfoundland. From there, head to the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the easternmost tip of Canada (and North America)! Ad mari usque ad mare!
Flight will set you back $1,500 though, so it would probably have to be a short trip on a shoestring budget. I'd probably wait till the spring for warmer weather too.
Although... if you're okay with the cold, and if you're okay traveling on Swoop or Flair, you could probably cut that price in half or more and fly as far as Halifax in early December or in Jan/Feb. A few hours driving and then you could hike some Cabot Trail in the snow.
posted by Kabanos at 12:22 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Flight will set you back $1,500 though, so it would probably have to be a short trip on a shoestring budget. I'd probably wait till the spring for warmer weather too.
Although... if you're okay with the cold, and if you're okay traveling on Swoop or Flair, you could probably cut that price in half or more and fly as far as Halifax in early December or in Jan/Feb. A few hours driving and then you could hike some Cabot Trail in the snow.
posted by Kabanos at 12:22 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Vancouver has at least three community bike shops and Canada is a big part of the community bike project community. So this is definitely Canada-themed:
Here's a 5-week bike mechanic course (3 hours once a week) at Our Community Bikes. They are also offering a one-off wheel building class.
posted by aniola at 12:28 PM on November 14, 2022
Here's a 5-week bike mechanic course (3 hours once a week) at Our Community Bikes. They are also offering a one-off wheel building class.
posted by aniola at 12:28 PM on November 14, 2022
A Cowichan sweater knit by a Coast Salish knitter will run you $400-$500 but it will last you a decade.
I would also invite you to increase your price point and consider masks, cedar plaques, prints, or other artwork from the Coast Salish people.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the First Nations people who are hosting you.
posted by shock muppet at 12:30 PM on November 14, 2022 [4 favorites]
I would also invite you to increase your price point and consider masks, cedar plaques, prints, or other artwork from the Coast Salish people.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the First Nations people who are hosting you.
posted by shock muppet at 12:30 PM on November 14, 2022 [4 favorites]
Glen Breton's website says they will ship across Canada
A quick perusal of the BC Liquor site says they carry Dillon's out of Ontario. So maybe that combined with a whiskey from Vancouver Island will at least start the cross-Canada theme?
You should bake Nanaimo Bars!
And Butter Tarts. Just leave out the raisins from at least some of them. ;)
posted by TORunner at 12:53 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
A quick perusal of the BC Liquor site says they carry Dillon's out of Ontario. So maybe that combined with a whiskey from Vancouver Island will at least start the cross-Canada theme?
You should bake Nanaimo Bars!
And Butter Tarts. Just leave out the raisins from at least some of them. ;)
posted by TORunner at 12:53 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
These are all great. But no one has mentioned the classic red and black plaid flannel shirt/jacket that is a Canadian wardrobe staple. I am also aiming for citizenship, and my friends have already decided I will receive one of these as my official gift
posted by ananci at 12:59 PM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by ananci at 12:59 PM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
if you DM me I can give you a lead, direct to the producer, to a bottle of Nova Scotia maple syrup. I just ordered a case, the producer/business owner is a good person and he fills orders quickly.
locally-sourced honey is good.. some very good honeys produced in Alberta, I can get you a lead on a N. Albertan producer also.
nothing cooler than a hockey jersey from the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, in my opinion. Or shop e-Bay for a classic Team Canada from the Summit Series.
a Quebec company makes a nice, well-priced spiced rum (Chic Choc). There are some great NS rums. Someone upthread mentioned Glen Breton ("scotch" distillery in Cape Breton). too many beer companies to mention, nothing wrong with Big Spruce though.
Plan a date night and watch "Last Night," Canada's answer to "Armageddon." Put the NFB site on your fellow's bookmarks and direct him to watch all the great oldies: the Hockey Sweater, the Big Snit, Log Driver's Waltz, Cat Came Back, Special Delivery. Then keep going: Blades & Brass is a sumptuous dose of old-time hockey. So much to find on the NFB site.
Get your hands on some of the old chestnuts.. Pierre Berton's 1812: Flames Across the Border is popular history at its finest. Marshall McLuhan, John Ralston Saul (Reflections of a Siamese Twin). A recent book that is quite lovely is Dawn Dumont's "Prairie Chicken Dance Tour" and a Canada Reads selection from a few years back is worth finding: "Fifteen Dogs" by Andre Alexis
What fun, hope you have a blast with your newly-minted Canadian partner :)
posted by elkevelvet at 1:52 PM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
locally-sourced honey is good.. some very good honeys produced in Alberta, I can get you a lead on a N. Albertan producer also.
nothing cooler than a hockey jersey from the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, in my opinion. Or shop e-Bay for a classic Team Canada from the Summit Series.
a Quebec company makes a nice, well-priced spiced rum (Chic Choc). There are some great NS rums. Someone upthread mentioned Glen Breton ("scotch" distillery in Cape Breton). too many beer companies to mention, nothing wrong with Big Spruce though.
Plan a date night and watch "Last Night," Canada's answer to "Armageddon." Put the NFB site on your fellow's bookmarks and direct him to watch all the great oldies: the Hockey Sweater, the Big Snit, Log Driver's Waltz, Cat Came Back, Special Delivery. Then keep going: Blades & Brass is a sumptuous dose of old-time hockey. So much to find on the NFB site.
Get your hands on some of the old chestnuts.. Pierre Berton's 1812: Flames Across the Border is popular history at its finest. Marshall McLuhan, John Ralston Saul (Reflections of a Siamese Twin). A recent book that is quite lovely is Dawn Dumont's "Prairie Chicken Dance Tour" and a Canada Reads selection from a few years back is worth finding: "Fifteen Dogs" by Andre Alexis
What fun, hope you have a blast with your newly-minted Canadian partner :)
posted by elkevelvet at 1:52 PM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
Itâs traditional to get a maple leaf flag or pin. To go to the next level on that, you can get a pin made from the original copper roof from Parliament Hill.
I got a paperweight version of that when I became a citizen and treasure it.
I would also recommend considering some indigenous art or practical products, and highly recommend the Uâmista Cultural Society.
posted by valleys at 1:53 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
I got a paperweight version of that when I became a citizen and treasure it.
I would also recommend considering some indigenous art or practical products, and highly recommend the Uâmista Cultural Society.
posted by valleys at 1:53 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you folks for all your cool and creative suggestions so far! A couple of notes & responses:
posted by tinydancer at 2:09 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
- I may have oversold the cycling bit. He's more of a ride-around-town-to-run-errands kind of guy than a Whistler-Gran-Fondo, cycle-up-Mount-Seymour-for-funsies.
- Within BC we've been to: Squamish, Whistler, Osoyoos, Vancouver Island (Victoria, Nanaimo, Malahat area, Ucluelet / Tofino), Sunshine Coast (Gibsons up to Sechelt), and Gulf Islands (Bowen, Pender, Gabriola Island). The more far out ideas like Haida Gwaii and Newfoundland are great!
- First Nations art also great. And yes I can increase my budget for something like that. Although I am always concerned that I may just be buying mass-produced stuff with artwork stolen from the original artists. Any recommendations for brick-and-mortar or online stores that legit give the $ to the artists and communities? We've been to the tourist shops in Gastown and Granville Island many times.
- As for the Canucks... sigh. I guess he should get used to the annual drama of dashed hopes, like the rest of us, right?
posted by tinydancer at 2:09 PM on November 14, 2022 [1 favorite]
Uâmista that I linked in my comment above is 100% legit for indigenous products. We were there in June. The work they have done for the community, preserving traditional craft techniques, and repatriating potlatch items is incredible. Itâs in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, a ferry ride from Port McNeil. It was a major highlight of our 2 week trip around Vancouver Island. We have a carving in pride of place in our home. They can give you information about the creators.
posted by valleys at 2:16 PM on November 14, 2022
posted by valleys at 2:16 PM on November 14, 2022
Indigenous gift possibilities:
Raven Reads
Manitobah Mukluks
Food picks whether to buy or make:
- Nanaimo bars oui
- Butter tarts
- Pouding ChĂ´meur
- Sugar pie/Tarte au Sucre
- Saskatoon Berry Grunt (Blueberry grunt works too)
While I'm mentioning Saskatoon berries, Haskap berry jam is pretty uniquely Canadian.
Or some provincial drinks:
- Newfoundland Screech of course (as a bonus, kiss the cod)
- Elderberry wine a la Anne of Green Gables - couldn't source it from PEI, but
- Rum running (not just screech) is a Nova Scotia tradition
- New Brunswick has a fruit wine tradition
- Sortilège maple whiskey from Quebec
- Butter Tart Vodka from Ontario (or could get ice wine from Niagara)
- Manitoba grass vodka
- Saskatoon berry wine
- the Bloody Caesar was invented in Calgary but I'd also think about craft beer from Alberta
- BC has to be Okanagan wines or Cider
- I couldn't find an actual Arctic source for cloudberry liqueur but bakeapples/cloudberries def grow there. I did find the non-alcoholic DĂŠlice BorĂŠal teas
- same issue with Birch Syrup (which goes in drinks) - this one is from Yukon. It's really Canadian, this thing.
- And of course... Yukon Jack - I've had it, be careful!
posted by warriorqueen at 3:52 PM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
Raven Reads
Manitobah Mukluks
Food picks whether to buy or make:
- Nanaimo bars oui
- Butter tarts
- Pouding ChĂ´meur
- Sugar pie/Tarte au Sucre
- Saskatoon Berry Grunt (Blueberry grunt works too)
While I'm mentioning Saskatoon berries, Haskap berry jam is pretty uniquely Canadian.
Or some provincial drinks:
- Newfoundland Screech of course (as a bonus, kiss the cod)
- Elderberry wine a la Anne of Green Gables - couldn't source it from PEI, but
- Rum running (not just screech) is a Nova Scotia tradition
- New Brunswick has a fruit wine tradition
- Sortilège maple whiskey from Quebec
- Butter Tart Vodka from Ontario (or could get ice wine from Niagara)
- Manitoba grass vodka
- Saskatoon berry wine
- the Bloody Caesar was invented in Calgary but I'd also think about craft beer from Alberta
- BC has to be Okanagan wines or Cider
- I couldn't find an actual Arctic source for cloudberry liqueur but bakeapples/cloudberries def grow there. I did find the non-alcoholic DĂŠlice BorĂŠal teas
- same issue with Birch Syrup (which goes in drinks) - this one is from Yukon. It's really Canadian, this thing.
- And of course... Yukon Jack - I've had it, be careful!
posted by warriorqueen at 3:52 PM on November 14, 2022 [2 favorites]
The Never-Ending Present: The Story of Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip
posted by yqxnflld at 7:48 PM on November 14, 2022
posted by yqxnflld at 7:48 PM on November 14, 2022
The Inukshuk Gallery on Granville Island carries some legit artwork along with the mass produced stuff. Chat with the staff, theyâll steer you in the right direction.
I have bought from My Mondo Trading, that was a good experience.
I last bought a Cowichan sweater from Hills Native Art, but theyâre in retirement. I saw some at the House of Hitwitsa this summer. Youâll have to call them to see how to get a hold of one.
posted by shock muppet at 10:36 PM on November 14, 2022
I have bought from My Mondo Trading, that was a good experience.
I last bought a Cowichan sweater from Hills Native Art, but theyâre in retirement. I saw some at the House of Hitwitsa this summer. Youâll have to call them to see how to get a hold of one.
posted by shock muppet at 10:36 PM on November 14, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mekily at 10:39 AM on November 14, 2022 [7 favorites]