I have three favourite places to shop for special gifts for special people: Galerie Zone Orange in Old Montreal, Fait Ici in Little Burgundy and the annual Souk @ Sat! All three of these places have something for everyone and most importantly, what they have are amazing things made by very creative people, right here in Montreal! If you’re looking for cool gift ideas, here are my five favourite things/designers from these three places. I just hope that my favourite people who give ME special gifts read this, too!
JANE HELLER
Put a little Montreal-pride in your home or hand – Montreal photographer, Jane takes photos of our favourite landmarks (Farine Five Roses, the vintage MONTREAL airport sign, Orange Julep) and then has them printed onto iPhone cases, pillow cases and calendars. Find her items at Fait Ici, Galerie Zone Orange, Souk @ Sat, Smart Design Mart (another holiday market much like the Souk) and on her Etsy store.
JANICK GRAVEL
Gravel is the busy girl behind Nea {Jewellery & Wall Wear} who makes dainty jewellery like these adorable acorn pendants, but it’s her old-school, but mod embroidery that I really love. A perfect vintage-y gift for a deserving gal on your xmas list! Find her jewellery and wall accessories at many of zurbaines’ favourite boutiques, including: Fait Ici, Galerie Zone Orange, Unicorn, Bruxe General Store, Buk & Nola, Etsy and this weekend at the Souk @ Sat.
MARIANNE CHÉNARD
Marianne makes these beautiful antique-style maple syrup containers. I’ve seen them both at Fait Ici and Galerie Zone Orange and I finally bought myself one (with a fleur de lys design) at Fait Ici last weekend. Each container perfectly holds the contents of a can of maple syrup. A chic addition to any brunch setting. Aside from Fait Ici and Zone Orange, Marianne will be selling these at the Smart Design Mart.
EM + BELLE
Fait Ici has always carried great hand stamped and embossed greeting cards, but when I stopped by this past weekend, I noticed a new collection made in Montreal by the cute and crafty duo Hillary Goddard and Karen Moore. I couldn’t help but pick up a few. Find their cards as well at Zone Orange and these other retailers.
C COMME ÇA
Cindy Cantin’s custom-made carrying bags, laptop sleeves, iPhone and iPad cases are made of felt and recycled leather and are gorgeous gifts for the guy or gal who love sleek design. Available at Fait Ici, Zone Orange, Etsy and the Souk @ Sat.
PS: Three important shopping TIPs for you:
1. At FAIT ICI you can enjoy a cookie or a sandwich while you shop! (I recommend the apple, cheddar & bacon sandwich – yum!)
2. Galerie Orange is right beside Olive & Gourmando, so reward yourselves after hitting the boutique.
3. At Souk @ Sat you can mix & mingle while you drink & shop because the SAT has a nice big bar where you can pick up a G n’ T or glass of vino before browsing the Souk. Note: you must be over 18 to hit the Souk this year.
Addresses:
FAIT ICI – 2519, Notre-Dame O (corner of Charlevoix)
Galerie Zone Orange – 410 Saint Pierre
Souk @ SAT (Nov 30–Dec 2)
Société des arts technologiques [SAT]
1201 Saint-Laurent boulevard
Smart Design Mart (Dec 7–9)
5505 avenue casgrain
