by Véronique Alarie
Christmas is upon us. (And no, you won't escape it!) But what if you shun the crowds at large malls and turn toward nice neighbourhood shops where you can buy unique gifts? Here are five places in Montreal to get you started on your local Christmas shopping adventures.
This Petite-Patrie shop offers a wealth of fashion and decor items made by local artists. “We stock the creations of over 100 artisans and most products sell for between $10 and $40," says owner Sabrina Caron, very proudly (and rightly so). Everything here has a cocooning feel: cute ceramic cups dying to be filled with hot drinks, soft cushions, comfortable wool socks evoking the slow cottage life... The Flavie Loup dolls and Si simple brand jewellery are a big hit, too.
A true temple of good taste nestled in the Mile End, Vestibule offers a range of jewellery, decorative accessories and clothing for an urban and refined look. And the tea sets, gingerbread-scented candles and notebooks – very Pinterest – have what it takes to make you the undisputed champion of hosting gifts this year.
If you have some board game fans on your list, you’ll definitely find something to keep them busy at Randolph, located in Villeray. Besides great service, you’ll find everything you need (board games, role playing games, strategy games...) to liven up the evenings with family or friends. And you can take the opportunity to put a dent in your shopping list for the little ones, making sure their Christmas stockings are well stuffed.
It’s not easy to find a gift for the music lover and collector who has everything! Yet, if you do decide to give it a shot, it’s surely worth a visit to this independent record store in Plateau Mont-Royal, which has over 50,000 titles in its inventory from pretty much any genre you can think of. And let’s not forget its indispensable annual record sale (vinyl or CD) for $1, which is held just before the holidays! Does it get any better?
The undisputed rendezvous point for epicureans in eternal pursuit of culinary pleasures, the Marché des saveurs showcases local products. Its overflowing stalls of pickles, jams, oils, handcrafted spirits, pâtés, smoked fish and raw milk cheese from the fields of more than 400 producers from la belle provence. You can also find natural body products, kitchen accessories or cookbooks for inspiration.
Let it be said: when you combine your holiday shopping with a stroll through the beautiful neighbourhoods of Montreal, the chore suddenly becomes less irritating. Especially since it allows us to discover unique products and avoid giving a boring gift! Who says the holidays are stressful?
