Features

Attention last-minute shoppers

Published on December 18, 2018 by David Wylie

Three perfect gift ideas, and some stocking stuffer suggestions

Did you leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute?

You’re in good company.

Chris Gayford, owner of Mary Jane’s Headquarters in Kelowna, says every year he sees a rush at his store a few days before Christmas.

“You know those stereotypes about potheads,” he said, raising his eyebrows.

“They’re all true.”

The store has been open in the Okanagan since 2001. Gayford was in radio advertising before taking over ownership about five years ago. He’s brightened up the inside, adding wood flooring and an open-concept layout.

“Since legalization, we have seen a big rush of people,” he told the oz., while showing us some of the best gifts a cannabis enthusiast could ask for.

1. For the newbie

This branded vape pen is used for concentrate and retails for $49.99.

Gayford said some of those coming in are bright-eyed and bushy tailed, curious about methods of partaking in legalization. Often they ask about vaporizers, a perfect gift for someone curious about cannabis but averse to smoking it.

“Vape technology has come a long way,” he said, adding many companies are currently on the third or fourth generation of products.

First, you pack cannabis into the chamber and set it to your desired temperature. It warms the herb to release vapour when you pull on the mouthpiece.

Vapes range in price from $100-$500, determined by five variables:

• Build quality
• Vapour quality
• Warranty
• Battery life
• Temperature control

2. For the experienced

Bongs are notoriously hard to photograph.

“We sell a ton of bongs at Christmas,” said Gayford.

“The bong purchasing experience is something unto itself.”

The price ranges from $50-$500 based on factors like ease of cleaning and how smooth the hits.

He said the bong-shopping experience is often a personal one and takes time, as people want them to match their personality.

For those looking for something a little more unique, colourful silicone bongs are $75. To clean them, you put them in the freezer for a few hours, then squeeze. Voila! Clean bong.

They’re also unbreakable.

3. For the hardcore

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkydL1znQvT/

For the very experienced cannabis enthusiast, consider a dab rig.

“There are a lot of ways to get high, and they’re quite scientific,” said Gayford.

Dabs are mesmerizing to watch; here’s instructions on how to do one.

But should you do it?

Those who venture this path require the right tools: a torch, a rig, and a banger. A locally made handcrafted dab tool is also a nice touch.

Getting someone a dab rig won’t be cheap, so make it a main gift.

Stocking stuffers

“When people are trying to buy a stocking stuffer, they want to give something relatively inexpensive and that they might not have.”

• Rolling papers on their own are a great stocking stuffer. Candy cane themed ones are particularly popular at Christmas time.
• One-hitters $29.99 – Fill the chamber with herb, pack it and light it.
• Pipes. Glass pipes are most popular. They average $25 and are locally made at Mary Jane’s Glass Blowing studio
• Every year Mary Jane’s Headquarters sells a stocking stuffed with a pipe, rolling papers and a lighter for $9.99.
• Multitasker $30. Coffee cup that doubles as a pipe. “It’s a cool novelty item for somebody that has everything already.”