Holiday Shopping Guide 2009 |
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Inspiration from some of our favourite local boutiques for matching the perfect gift with every person on your list. |
Shopping Winnipeg
By Alison Gillmor |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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