Holiday Shopping Guide 2009 |
 |
Inspiration from some of our favourite local boutiques for matching the perfect gift with every person on your list. |
Shopping Winnipeg
By Alison Gillmor |
 |
For the Easy Rider
E-RidE WINNIPEG is now the city’s exclusive distributor for the Vancouver-based Motorino electric scooter (from $1,900), a zippy, economical and easy-to-operate form of urban transport. The Motorino can be recharged from an ordinary electrical outlet and, because it’s classified as an amped-up bicycle, its drivers don’t require a licence or insurance. Plus, it gives a dolce vita charm to running errands.
8382 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg, 204-837-8748, e-ridewinnipeg.ca |
For the Bohemian
Moulé brings a global design aesthetic home. Hand-carved cheese knives from Claude Dozorme ($140) are elemental and elegant; Jonathan Adler channels Woodstock with his “Hashish” candles ($115), with notes of green apple and patchouli.
443 Academy Rd., Winnipeg, 204-488-1891, moule.stores.com |
 |
For the Night Owl
For a good night’s sleep, natural health store Aviva offers luxury that goes beyond thread count. Natural bedding products include the Natura silk-filled duvet (right) with a whisper-soft silk-cotton cover that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
52 Adelaide St., Winnipeg, 204-947-6789, aviva.ca |
 |
For the Jet Setter
U.N. Luggage is the frequent-flyer destination for functional style, whether it’s the colour-happy stripes of a Paul Smith courier bag ($185), the old-school Don Draper classicism of a briefcase from Jack Georges or J. Fold’s sleek modern take on the wallet. The store even offers demonstrations on how to pack efficiently.
175 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, 204-943-1068, unluggage.mb.ca
|
For the Cook
An Osborne Village fixture for 30 years, the Happy Cooker has ingenious kitchen gadgets and state-of-the-art appliances; we love the mortar and pestles from British designer John Sainsbury ($290 to $350), sculptural enough to keep them out on the counter.
464 Stradbrook Ave., Winnipeg, 204-453-2665, thehappycooker.ca |
 |
For the Eco-Conscious
For folks who would rather plant a tree than cut one down, Botanical Paperworks offers seasonal cards and gift tags embedded with white spruce seeds. After these good-looking cards have exhausted their holiday wishes, plant them for many green Christmases to come.
111 Pacific Ave., Winnipeg, 204-956-7393, botanicalpaperworks.com |
For the Non-Cook
Baked Expectations lets you fake home-baked with its dishy seasonal cakes. Order up a Yule log with fudgy icing or a white chocolate cranberry mousse cake ($45 to $65). Or bring in your own bowl to be filled with a custardy sherry-spiked holiday trifle.
161 Osborne St., Winnipeg, 204-452-5176, bakedexpectations.ca |
For the Beauty Queen
Along with full salon services, Edward Carriere offers beauty-to-go in its boutiques. Look for skin and hair products from Kiehl’s; soaps from Claus Porto; bags from Kooba; and, downstairs, housewares like smoky-shaded vases from glass artist Joe Cariati.
162 Spence St., Winnipeg, 204-987-6441, edwardcarriere.com |
Shopping Winnipeg
By Alison Gillmor |
For the Aesthete
Bid bland white walls goodbye with a trip to Rouge Gallery, where December’s featured artist is Calgarian Chris Bowman. Bowman’s textured painting—not quite landscape, not quite abstract—is laced with palpable energy ($1,350 to $5,700).
208 3rd Ave. S, Saskatoon, 306-955-8882, rougegallery.ca |
 |
For the Romantic
What better gift than undying love, in the form of a ring? Pay a visit to Regina’s east end Victoria Jewellers to see Claude Thibaudeau’s stunning creations for men and women ($2,500 to $100,000)—this is the only store in town that carries them. Then get down on one knee and propose, already!
2591 Quance St. E, Regina, 306-352-4001, victoriajewellers.com |
For the Wine Lover
Now that the age of obscene bonuses is on the wane, the holidays are a time to splurge on a bottle that’s out of reach for everyday drinking. A good bet is the approachable Salmos from Spain’s burgeoning Priorat region, the current darling of oenophiles (about $30).
At SLGA stores, saskliquor.com |
 |
For the Eco-Conscious
A breath of fresh, sustainable air, the Better Good opened earlier this year, stocking eco-friendly bags, books, body care, coffee and more. The store donates 10 percent of profits to local and international charities, which makes a fitting holiday gift, indeed.
640 Broadway Ave., Saskatoon, 306-242-4663,thebettergoodstore.blogspot.com |
For the Caffeinated
Step back in time at quaint Broadway Avenue standby McQuarries Tea and Coffee Merchants. You’ll be surprised by the varieties you never knew existed. Match a few green teas with a Japanese teapot that will help keep a loved one warm all winter.
708 Broadway Ave., Saskatoon, 306-242-6016, mcquarries.ca |
For the Nester
Skyline Home Décor offers plenty of gorgeous accessories for the home, including mirrors by Somerset and a huge selection of coffee tables. Get cozy on one of the store’s cushy sectional sofas as you dream of roasting chestnuts and other holiday pleasures.
1938 Dewdney Ave., Regina, 306-565-0797, skylinehomedecor.com |
For the Design-Savvy
The Mackenzie Art Gallery’s shop has whimsical, vibrantly coloured log bowls by Alberta’s Loyal Loot Collective that will make you smile ($68 to $204). If you’re seeking a great local souvenir, check out the wooden vases, bowls and candle holders by Norman Manweiler of Theodore, Saskatchewan ($42 to $499).
3475 Albert St., Regina, 306-584-4250, mackenzieartgallery.ca |
For the Traditionalist
Stained glass isn’t just for church anymore. The Renaissance Glaziers workshop will make custom designs ($35 to $30,000) or even teach you how to make your own. The store sells glass by the foot, for the home enthusiast.
2014 14th Ave., Regina, 306-585-7275 |
 |
For One-Stop Shopping
This downtown boutique does it all: giftware, foodstuffs, art, chocolate, clothing and even goods for baby (plus a café where you can recharge) make Henry’s three floors a true local score. Artwork by Henry Ripplinger (Harvest Sunset giclée, above), the original and eponymous proprietor—and father of the current owner—is also on display and for sale here.
2320 14th Ave., Regina, 306-791-7889, henrysonline.vpweb.ca |
For the Sweet Tooth
Chocolate Moose Fudge Factory is worth the trip to Moose Jaw for its dozens of mouth-watering fudge varieties (tops in our books: saskatoon berry cream), each of them perfect as a sweet stocking stuffer.
108 Main St. N, Moose Jaw, 306-692-4647, fudgefix.com |
|
|
|
|
|
OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS
  |
ADVERTISEMENT
|
| |
|
