Amy Watkins

Whether you’re feeling creative or just want save some money this Christmas, Vancouver is home to plenty of craft stores that sell everything from wool and woodcuts to paper and patterned fabric. Check out these shops for all the materials you need to turn into one of Santa’s elves and make DIY delights for the holiday season. [Photo © Yellow Pages / Pages Jaunes]

Perhaps your pooch has a more active social life than you do and needs an outfit for that special holiday party or maybe you just want to treat your fashion-loving furry friend to a gift this Christmas season. Either way, here are the best places in Vancouver to purchase the perfect present for your pup. [Photo © Yellow Pages / Pages Jaunes]

Being booze-free doesn’t mean that the party has to end early. From dessert bars and board game cafes to escape rooms and glow-in-the-dark bowling, there are plenty of ways to stay sober and have a good time after dark in Vancouver. [Photo courtesy of Grandview Lanes]

Congratulations, you’re getting married! Now comes the fun part - choosing a cake. Whether you want a classic tiered cake, a gluten-free gateau, or a mountain of bite-sized cupcakes, there’s a cake shop in Vancouver that can help make your sweet dreams come true for your special day.

Does your dog need new duds? If you’re looking for sweater for your spaniel or a new pair of pants for your Pomeranian, there’s a fashionable boutique for Fido to be found in Vancouver. Add the ‘bow-wow’ factor to your four-legged friend’s wardrobe at one of these pup boutiques.

You don’t need to leave the city to get a taste of traditional aboriginal art and cuisine – these restaurants, galleries, hotels and tours give visitors and locals a flavour of First Nations culture in Vancouver. Learn local legends as you discover another side to the city with an authentic aboriginal experience. [Image courtesy of the Museum of Anthropology]

A favourite old neighbourhood in Vancouver has recently seen a boost of new neighbours moving in, bringing a smorgasbord of fresh places for local residents and visitors to drink and dine. Here’s a round up of Davie and Denman’s new kids on the block, from underground bistros and beachside patios to new names and revamped restaurants. [Image courtesy of Beach Bay Cafe. Photo credit: Allison Kuhl Photography]

So, how are those New Year’s Resolutions holding up? There’s always time to get back on track and combine getting fit with saving money and helping out a charitable cause. Sign up for a community class at these caring fitness studios in Vancouver.

Sharing is caring and the holidays bring out the Christmas spirit in even the most hardened Scrooge. Buy your gifts from local Vancouver shops and charitable organizations that give something back to the community and you can feel warm and fuzzy about your splurges this season, and also help worthy causes at the most wonderful time of the year.

Mucky pups can get a makeover at one of these Vancouver dog spas. From a shampoo bath to a manicure or massage, lucky little furry friends are pampered as much as their humans at these day spas for canines, where creatures big and small can have some good clean fun. [Image credit: iStock.com/ Rich Legg]