About Us

West Coast Gifts headquarters, as seen in a dream, had by our chief glass designer on August 8th, 2009

Who We Are

West Coast Gifts is North America’s largest designer, manufacturer and distributor of award winning glass pipes, vaporizers and smoking accessories for the cannabis connoisseur. We offer over 7,000 products at competitive prices with speedy shipping and superior customer service.

Our story

Spiritual likeness of our founder and CEO, 'H' (not actual likeness)

Our story

Our company was founded by several young entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to get into the cannabis industry just a couple of years ago.

Just kidding. Our story is a little more interesting than that (no offence to all the cannabros out there). Basically, we owe our existence to the godfather of colour changing glass pipes. It all started from the imagination of a Dead Head we affectionately refer to as ‘H’.

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Would you believe us if we told you that the founder of West Coast Gifts discovered the magic of colour changing glass pipes while following the Grateful Dead across North America in the early ‘90s? You can’t make this stuff up. But seriously, our founder Howard ‘H’ Franklin knew he had found something special and made it his mission to spread the word about colour changing glass pipes from coast to coast. Soon, H’s pipes were flying off the shelves at every store he could stock.

Of course H didn’t stop there – after retiring to a giant tree on Vancouver, BC’s Wreck Beach (ok maybe not an actual tree, but close), he made tons of zany friends (as you would expect) and was inspired to start a wholesale distribution company so people far and wide could experience the wonder of glass pipes that change colour. He called them Red Eye Glass pipes, built a website and decided to start a business. When H tried to secure a business loan, however, the banks were less than excited about giving money to a guy in a tree selling magic pipes (fair enough) so our boy H got creative. He re-designed the front page of his website and rebranded it from Red Eye Glass to West Coast Gifts where he promoted incense and candles. The bank finally agreed to give him a loan and he launched his wholesale distribution business.

Today, H’s original Red Eye Glass® brand is one of the most widely recognized glass pipe brands in the world. Since 2003, West Coast Gifts has grown to become the largest distributor of smoking accessories and vaporizers in North America. All thanks to a creative and resourceful Dead Head named Howard and our loyal customers to whom we are eternally grateful.

Timeline

  • 1991
    Howard ‘H’ Franklin starts following the Grateful Dead on tour with other devoted fans and selling t-shirts and stickers to pay his way.
  • 1992
    During his travels, H is captivated by a magical glass pipe that changes colour. He tries his hand at making them and sells them under the name Chameleon Glass—the first branded colour changing glass pipes in the world!
  • 1994
    H releases his first Chameleon Glass catalogue, the earliest iteration of things to come for this industrious travelling salesman.
  • 1995
    Jerry Garcia passes on to that billowing cloud of smoke in the sky, leaving H and legions of Dead Heads heartbroken.
  • 2002
    While on vacation in Amsterdam, H falls in love with a Canadian, sells his Chameleon Glass business and moves to Vancouver.
  • 2003
    H finds his community on Vancouver’s famous Wreck Beach, where he starts to rekindle his pipe dreams. He decides to call his new glass pipe company Red Eye Glass®.
  • 2004
    H continues to expand his glass pipe offerings to include an innovative new product line called GEAR Premium®—the first scientific glass pipe brand in Canada. Weed geeks everywhere rejoice.
  • 2006
    After an unsuccessful attempt to get a bank loan for his business, H finds a creative way to get financing—by starting an online gift shop called West Coast Gifts.
  • 2011
    West Coast Gifts is such a hit with the glass pipe crowd, H moves his growing business to a 20,000 square foot warehouse.
  • 2012
    The West Coast Gifts catalogue expands even further to include the Red Eye Tek® Collection.
  • 2014
    Two of the greatest legends in the game approve of H’s business savvy and Cheech & Chong® Glass officially joins the family.
  • 2019
    With a booming business that’s picking up steam as cannabis is legalized in more places, H is still fulfilling his dreams of changing the world one colour changing glass pipe at a time.
  • 2021
    Canadian comedy troupe, The Kids in the Hall™, officially partners with West Coast Gifts to release one of many exclusive collections. Cabbage heads, unite!
  • 2022
    U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issues H a patent for his innovative water pipe with an integrated lighter receptacle sold and marketed under the GEAR Premium® Sidekick brand.
  • 2023
    West Coast Gifts celebrates its 20 year anniversary. Time flies when you're having fun!

Our Brands

  • Red Eye Glass®
    Red Eye Glass®

    Red Eye Glass®

    Our original house brand since 2003, Red Eye Glass® continues to be a source of creative collaboration. Classic with a twist of tie-dye, this collection always provides a high quality experience that honours our colourful history.
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    Red Eye Glass®

    Our original house brand since 2003, Red Eye Glass® continues to be a source of creative collaboration. Classic with a twist of tie-dye, this collection always provides a high quality experience that honours our colourful history.
    Shop Now
  • Red Eye Tek®
    Red Eye Tek®

    Red Eye Tek®

    Red Eye Tek® is our premium collection of bongs and oil rigs developed in a top secret underground lab using classified technology. It’s everything on the advanced cannabis enthusiast’s must-have list.
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    Red Eye Tek®

    Red Eye Tek® is our premium collection of bongs and oil rigs developed in a top secret underground lab using classified technology. It’s everything on the advanced cannabis enthusiast’s must-have list.
    Shop Now
  • Cheech & Chong® Glass
    Cheech & Chong® Glass

    Cheech & Chong® Glass

    This collection pays homage to the roots of cannabis culture with a nod to two of the most beloved pioneers in the game (and their licensed trademark of course). Smoke with the originals, smoke with Cheech & Chong® Glass!
    Shop Now

    Cheech & Chong® Glass

    This collection pays homage to the roots of cannabis culture with a nod to two of the most beloved pioneers in the game (and their licensed trademark of course). Smoke with the originals, smoke with Cheech & Chong® Glass!
    Shop Now
  • GEAR Premium®
    GEAR Premium®

    GEAR Premium®

    The self-driving sports car fleet of cannabis vessels, our GEAR Premium® line represents the pinnacle of expertly engineered bongs and oil rigs that inspire people to push the boundaries of maximum adjectives tolerated in one sentence.
    Shop Now

    GEAR Premium®

    The self-driving sports car fleet of cannabis vessels, our GEAR Premium® line represents the pinnacle of expertly engineered bongs and oil rigs that inspire people to push the boundaries of maximum adjectives tolerated in one sentence.
    Shop Now

Careers

Junior Product/Graphic Designer

About West Coast Gifts (WCG)
West Coast Gifts (WCG) is Canada’s largest designer, manufacturer, and distributor of award-winning glass pipes, vaporizers, and smoking accessories for cannabis enthusiasts. With over 7,000 products, we’re known for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and exceptional customer service.

Our renowned brands include Red Eye Glass®, GEAR® Premium, Cheech & Chong® Glass, Red Eye Tek®, iRie™, Retro Glass™, and LIT™ Silicone.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a talented and innovative Junior Product Designer to join our team and help shape the future of our iconic products.

Position Details
Full-time, in-office role with hours from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 4:20 pm on Fridays.

Why Join West Coast Gifts?
• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Benefits Package (includes medical and dental insurance)
• Paid Time Off
• 20% Team Member Discount
• Casual Dress Code
• Dog-Friendly Office
• Supportive, Collaborative Team Culture
• Training & Development Opportunities
• Growth-Oriented: We value promoting from within.

About the Role
As a Junior Product/Graphic Designer, you will design and develop new products as well as use your graphic design skills to design packaging to help bring our brand and products to life through unique, eye-catching packaging and point-of-sale (POS) displays. Role will be split 50/50 whereby 50% of your time will be focused on graphic design projects and the other 50% of the role will be dedicated to product design.

Staying on the cutting edge of cannabis delivery device trends, you’ll ensure our product lines remain innovative and relevant in the marketplace. Your work will play a key role in enhancing our products' presence in retail environments and ensuring they stand out in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities
Product Design & Development: Design and develop new glass products for WCG’s in-house and licensed brands, focusing on water pipes, hand pipes, and oil rigs.
Graphic Design: Design and develop creative packaging concepts for borosilicate glass water pipes, hand pipes, and related accessories. Also use your graphic design talents to design decals to be fired right onto our glass pipes.
Illustration & Specifications: Create detailed illustrations for sample requests, product or packaging specifications, and line sheets.
Prototype Review: Evaluate prototype product and packaging samples, perform hands-on testing, and provide feedback or revisions to the Production Team.
Trend Analysis: Research and integrate emerging trends in color, material, and retail design into product lines and packaging to ensure market relevance.
Collaboration: Collaborate with the marketing and product teams to understand the brand, product features, and target audience. Work closely with the Sales Team to align product and packaging designs with customer needs and account opportunities.
Quality Control: Collaborate with Sales, Warehouse processing teams, and vendors to resolve quality control issues and uphold product standards.
Line Sheet Management: Generate and manage visual line sheets to support product and packaging development and marketing efforts.
Trade Show Representation: Potentially represent WCG at industry events and trade shows to stay informed on market trends and showcase new designs.

Required Skills & Qualifications
• College degree or 4-5 years of related design experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven product and graphic design experience, designing for retail packaging, POS displays, or consumer goods.
• 3D rendering skills with knowledge of CAD/Fusion 360 software.
• Experience creating .STEP/.IGES 3D files.
• Strong understanding of print production processes, materials, and finishes.
• Proficiency in digital illustration using Adobe Illustrator/Fresco is an asset.
• Deep knowledge of the Adobe software suite.
• Basic knowledge and experience in borosilicate glassblowing techniques.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and well-organized.
• Familiarity with 3D printing is an asset.
• Knowledge and interest in the cannabis delivery device market are a plus.

If you're ready to make an impact with your design skills, we'd love to see your portfolio and learn how your creativity can elevate our brands. Send us your resume, portfolio and cover letter and tell us why you’re excited to join the West Coast Gifts team!

Order Picker (Warehouse)

Cannabis markets are quickly growing in Canada and worldwide. This is a tremendous opportunity to join the largest distributor of award-winning delivery devices for the cannabis connoisseur as we build upon our established brands.

Since 2003, West Coast Gifts has provided its retail customers with the largest selection of cannabis accessories at competitive prices, speedy shipping, and superior customer service. We are the exclusive designer, manufacturer and distributor of some of the most recognized brands in the industry, including Red Eye Glass®, GEAR Premium®, Cheech & Chong® Glass, Red Eye Tek®, LIT® Silicone, iRie™ and Retro Glass.

We are looking for Order Pickers to join us in our expanding Warehouse team.

The Role:
Order pickers are responsible for filling customer orders and delivering them to the delivery dock in a manner that meets company standards for safety, security and productivity, to ensure accurate and timely delivery of products.

In this job you will:
– Receive and check incoming pick tickets to make sure orders are picked accurately and in a timely manner
– Restock Inventory manually or using a lift picker
– Keep records of damaged or broken stock, to ensure accurate information is available at all times
– Locate product using scanner technology
– Maintain a safe working environment, adhering to all relevant OHS regulations and company guidelines
– Ship out orders, utilizing various shipping companies software solutions.
– Maintain the warehouse space clean and organized, maintain equipment and report on any malfunctions.

Education, Skills and Experience:
– High School Diploma or above
– Previous experience working in a warehouse/supply chain environment
– Able to read and write in English
– Good organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail
– Ability to meet tight deadlines and confidently work in a fast-passed environment
– Good physical strength and stamina, able to lift and carry over short distances 50-75lbs, and to stand for prolonged periods of time.
– Good math skills and general computer skills, including vendor specialized shipping software solutions, such as Canpar, FedEx software, etc.
– Or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job.
– Knowledge of industry and Company products will be considered a strong advantage

If you think we could be a good match, apply now by sending your resume to hr@westcoastgifts.ca, and tell us why!

We’re looking forward to meeting you!