This One’s for Dad

Finding the right Father’s Day gift for Dad isn’t always easy, especially when he insists he doesn’t need anything. But the truth is, he deserves something great. Whether he’s the kind of guy who’s always fixing something around the house, has an eye for sharp details, or just loves a good pair of sneakers, Willowbrook has a gift (or two) that’ll make him feel seen and maybe even a little spoiled.

For the Hands-On Dad

For the dad who thrives on movement, whether it’s tackling home renos, perfecting his golf swing, or heading to the gym, gifts that keep up with his pace are always a win. The Therabody Mini Massager from Sport Chek is powerful yet portable, perfect for post-workout recovery. Complete his vibe with the relaxed-fit cargo pants from H&M or the Pro Standard MLB Toronto Pinstripe Jacket from Foot Locker for his on-the-go days. If he’s the kind who never misses a step, the Garmin smartwatch from Sport Chek will keep him tracking goals in style. And when he’s taking a breather, he’ll appreciate the relaxing yet purposeful vibe of the Pitmaster Cookbook, alongside a sleek olive apron from Coles made for backyard BBQ domination.

For the Polished Dad

Some dads are all about the finer details, the ones who never leave the house without a watch, a spritz of cologne, and perfectly polished shoes. For him, thoughtful and elevated pieces go a long way. Gift him the sandalwood-scented grooming duo from Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, or the leather Steve Madden dress shoes from SoftMoc that strike the right balance between work and weekend. The YSL cologne for men from Sephora brings a sophisticated edge to his routine, while the leather belt from Aldo and sleek briefcase from Bentley make Monday mornings feel a little more put together. Round it all out with a pocket watch from Peoples Jewellers or a set of engraved cufflinks from Michael Hill — small touches, big impact.

For the Cool (and Kinda Quirky) Dad

Then there’s the dad with style, the one who doesn’t just follow trends, he sets them. For him, go bold. The colourful graphic socks from Boathouse, vacation-ready printed swim shorts from Below The Belt, and a lightweight zip-up from Uniqlo are made for dads who like to stand out. Accessorize his everyday with a gold-accented Tudor watch from Golden Tree Jewellers or statement Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, and top it all off with a playful cap from Lids that says he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Looking for the perfect gift idea?

These are just a few of our favourite finds this year, and we’ve only scratched the surface. Want more ideas? Explore our full Father’s Day Gift Guide featuring handpicked gifts for every kind of dad, all shoppable right here at Willowbrook.

Father’s Day Giveaway Contest Rules

Celebrate Her in Style

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honour the incredible moms in our lives who do it all with grace and love. To celebrate, Willowbrook has curated a gift guide that captures the essence of every mom’s unique personality. From chic fashion items to luxurious pampering essentials and cozy home comforts, find the perfect gift to make her feel celebrated and cherished.

From Garden Parties to Cozy Corners 

Celebrate the spring season and your mom’s love for the outdoors and homely comforts with versatile gifts that go from garden chic to cozy in minutes. Start with the perfect floral midi dress from Plenty, ideal for a sunny day spent outside or a quaint tea party. Pair it with stylish Prada Sunglasses from Sunglass Hut and a wide-brimmed hat from H&M to keep her cool and fashionable. Don’t forget the picnic basket from WINNERS for a touch of spring charm to outdoor gatherings.

For those quieter moments indoors, gift her a Liz Ison’s A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year from Coles that she can enjoy while sipping her favourite tea from the new garden-themed collection from Murchie’s Tea & Coffee you picked out. Add a LEGO Set from Toys R Us for a fun project or the classic Bryan Adams Vinyl from Sunrise Records for a nostalgic touch to her relaxation time.

Fashion Finds & Luxe Accessories

Upgrade her wardrobe with the latest trends of the season, matched with timeless jewellery. A chic lime leather jacket from Aldila Boutique and a versatile polka dot dress from WINNERS provide the perfect update to her spring attire. Add a pair of sleek Daisylily heels from Aldo and a stylish wrap skirt from Aldila to round out her new season’s wardrobe.

Accessorize her outfits with an elegant Pandora cherry blossom necklace, a sparkling gold and diamond tennis bracelet from Ann-Louise, and a pair of classic 4-carat diamond studs from Golden Tree Jewellers. Each piece is chosen for its ability to add a refined finish to any look, making sure she feels as fabulous as she looks.

Pamper & Unwind

Mom deserves some TLC and relaxation, and a suite of products designed for ultimate relaxation and self-care is just what she needs. Help her recreate a spa experience at home with bath salts from Coles and a silk kimono from la Vie en Rose. After a deep clean with the Kerastase Gloss Absolu trio from Eccotique, the Dyson Hair Straightener from Sephora offers a quick and luxurious styling experience, perfect for her busy mornings or special evenings out.

Add a silk eye mask from QE Home for uninterrupted sleep, and complete her pamper kit with a Bath & Body Works gift set and a complete manicure set from House of Knives, making every day a chance for her to treat herself.

Looking for the perfect gift idea?

This Mother’s Day, let Willowbrook help you find a gift as unique as she is. From stylish wardrobe updates to cozy home essentials and luxurious pampering products, our gift guide is designed to cater to every mom’s taste and style. Visit us to pick the perfect present that says, “Thank you, Mom, for everything.” Don’t forget to explore our entire Mother’s Day Gift Guide for more inspiration and gift ideas!

THE COURTYARD

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 | 1PM – 6PM

Calling all families and foodies alike. Join us for this FREE, family-fun event as we officially celebrate the grand opening of THE COURTYARD! 

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the patio with: 

  • Musical performances by Andrew Allen and Ryan McAllister
  • Tastings and samples from the newest restaurants at Willowbrook
  • Oversized yard games and family fun 
  • The chance to win some great prizes, including lunch for a year!

* Celebrations will happen rain or shine! 

NOW OPEN!

Upscale Japanese dining including the only teppanyaki bar south of the Fraser.

Authentic Neapolitan style pizzas and salads for the whole family.

Gourmet sandwiches and comfort food.

Fresh, homemade tortillas and authentic fillings are at the heart of every Good Taco.

Lee's Donuts Logo

A mom and pop donut shop serving handmade, classic donuts.

An all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant that offers familiar classics.

Insanely delicious burgers and brews with an assortment of flavoursome appetizers.

Hot or iced, enjoy a caffeine pick-up.

Celebrating Dad

It’s that time of year again—Father’s Day is right around the corner and we’ve got gifts for that great guy. Whoever you’re celebrating—dads, stepdads, grandads, uncles, big brothers, or just a cool male role model—treat them to all the best this season, whatever they’re into.

For the one who needs a new look

Could Dad’s look use a little love? It might be time for a new ensemble. Whether he’s a casual jeans and tee guy, prefers a polo and golf shorts, or likes to dress it up with slacks and a sport coat, we can help with stores like American Eagle, H&M, or Jack and Jones. Try a comfy and classic dark wash pair of jeans, or a practical button-down that’s sure to have him looking and feeling his best every time.


 

For the outdoors lover

Camping, hiking, or just playing in the dirt—if Dad’s and outdoorsy type, we can help. Make sure Dad’s got the right shoes on (no more beat up New Balance) and let the Footlocker team help find a cool pair of Jordans or some casual slides for the beach. Then, treat him to some outdoor R&R with a cozy hammock from Mountain Warehouse—the big kid version of a classic tree swing.


 

For the technology buff

Gadgets, gizmos, tablets, smart watches—there’s no end to the new technology available and the cool cases and accessories you can get, too. Treat Dad to a smartwatch that does it all or a portable speaker for those jam sessions on the go. Not a fan of Dad’s playlist? Noise cancelling headphones make a great gift, too and The Source has it all and more.

For the one who has everything

Let’s face it, Dad isn’t always the easiest to shop for, even when you have a gift guide helping you out. If the dad in your life already has everything, get him a gift card and plan a fun shopping trip to Willowbrook. Hit up Dad’s favourite stores and stop for a snack to refuel or grab something to go and enjoy a sweet treat or cold drink on the run.

However you’re celebrating and whoever you’re celebrating with, we wish you a great Father’s Day and fun time with family.

Full of Thanks and Turkey, Too!

Family time, turkey, and too much food—it’s what makes Thanksgiving so great, but also, so much work. But if you’re taking on the hosting role this year, don’t stress. We’ve put together a few simple suggestions to make your celebration as easy (and delicious) as possible.

Step one: pick a new recipe

Thanksgiving is full of traditions, including the menu: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, and of course, pumpkin pie. But there’s nothing that says you can’t bust out your cookbooks from Coles or open up Pinterest and try a new recipe. Consider lightening up the menu with a delicious roast veggie side dish or look for recipes that use fresh herbs and seasonings for a burst of flavour.

Step two: set the table

Gone are the days of massive centrepieces and displays of pumpkins and squash. Instead, create a chic, modern, timeless arrangement with candles and simple floral accents from The Bay and swap grandma’s lace tablecloth for a patterned table runner and matching placemats.

Step three: carve the turkey

The centre of Thanksgiving dinner is always the bird. Whether you’re cooking a giant turkey, a simple chicken, or a vegetarian alternative, you’ll want to make sure you serve it in style. Grab a new roaster or upgrade your pots and pans with a new set from Hudson’s Bay before the big day. Not only will it make prepping and cooking easier, but new cookware cleans up easily, too.

Step four: put your comfy clothes on

After all that deliciousness we won’t blame you if you want to put your sweats on and hit the couch. But there’s nothing that says your comfy clothes can’t be cute! Slip into soft and stretchy joggers from Plenty and an oversized sweater from H&M and give extra thanks for loungewear this year.

From all of us at Willowbrook, have a happy, safe, and yummy Thanksgiving, however you choose to spend it!

Make It Fun

How do you entertain the whole family without leaving the house? With games, of course! Whether your family is big or small, full of tiny tots or too cool teens, the right game is sure to entertain everyone.

Feeling lucky? Games of chance are a fun way to kick-off your game night and test your luck. Card games are great for this and typically don’t need a ton of table space and can be set up quickly. But make sure you’re playing with a full deck. Count through the cards before you start, or better yet, invest in a new deck from Spencer’s. No one likes a cheater.

Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Classic party games like Monopoly, Clue, and Operation, can have your family working together to solve crimes—it was Colonel Mustard with the candlestick, right?—and test your steady hand as you fix your patient’s charley horse. Pull all your faves down off the shelf or see what’s new in-store at Toys R Us and look for a fresh twist on all the retro classics.

Don’t forget games for the digital age. Yes, even video games can be a great family activity and a fun way to spend time together. Test your driving skills as you race with Mario and the gang, unlock the legend of Zelda, and break out all your best dance moves with Just Dance! Pop by EB Games to find all these and more. Just remember to charge your controllers beforehand and save your top score to see who remains undefeated.

If you’re up for a creative challenge then clear the table, make some room, and start building! Puzzles have seen a huge boost in popularity, and we can see why. It’s both a relaxing and challenging way to pass the time, and there’s no better feeling than popping the last piece into place. If you’re up for an extra challenge, try a 3D puzzle from Coles or Sunrise Records instead for a finished display piece you’ll want to marvel at for weeks.

Having fun can work up an appetite so don’t forget the snacks. With dozens of restaurants at Willowbrook, it’s easy to order takeout to top off your fun night at home. Or, try out Gastronomer—our food concierge service that provides you (and your hungry family) with a curated collection of tasty treats and yummy eats. Whether pizza is calling your name, you’re craving a fresh stir fry, or you need something sweet, we’ve got you, and your family, covered.

Make Memories

We’re all guilty of taking a ton of photos on our phones and then doing nothing with them. A few lucky ones might end up on social media, but what happens to the rest? Instead of deleting them to make space or backing them up on a cloud, we want to share a few fun and inspirational ways to showcase your life’s biggest moments… think Instagram, just a hard copy.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then it stands to reason that a scrapbook is worth millions.

Scrapbooking is a sweet way to capture your memories and special moments. Whether it’s a new baby, an exotic vacation, or just a trip down memory lane, preserving your photos and other mementos (like tickets and brochures) is a fun and personal project you can relive over and over. Experiment with funky layouts, cool collages, and unique embellishments but be sure to use acid-free paper, glue, and photo stickers from Coles to avoid discolouration and keep your pics pristine.

Scrapbooks also make a heartfelt, one-of-a-kind gift that you know will never be exchanged for store credit. But if the idea of undertaking an art project seems daunting, we have two words for you: custom gift. Skip the DIY crafts and leave them to the pros who can turn your favourite photo into a personalized keepsake.

Did you know, Willowbrook Art Gallery offers canvas transfers? It’s where your photo is stretched over a wooden bar and is turned into a work of art, ready to hang! Makes quite a memorable gift, doesn’t it?

You can also get custom t-shirts, hoodies and more made at The Dog’s Ear to mark family milestones. Everyone loves a “World’s Best Mom” shirt! And that’s not all, you can head into The Source to find digital photo frames, a perfect gift for grandparents, where you can add a slideshow of several memories and watch it do its magic.

Don’t forget to head into Kerrisdale Cameras to buy your very own camera. Be it an expensive, professional DSLR, or a fun Instax Mini camera, the memories will still be precious when you look back at them. You can get your photos developed at Kerrisdale Cameras or Foto Stop. The choice is yours.

Celebrate your milestone moments, fun family times, and little laughs every day. And remember, make it memorable.

Flower Field

You are invited to step into an immersive floral experience at Willowbrook Shopping Centre, one that will transport you into an oasis of sunflowers. Designed to spark joy for our guests, the surprise and delight floral moment will provide a unique picture-perfect experience for the whole family. Perfect for selfies, family portraits or simply immerse yourself into floral heaven.

In collaboration with Gunnar Floral, the initiative aims to celebrate our homegrown floral bounty by using seasonal blooms grown by local growers.

September 17 – 19

Flower Field is a FREE immersive experience

Located in the Nordstrom Rack / WINNERS corridor

*In accordance with BC’s PHO, masks are required when you’re visiting Willowbrook.