Looking for high quality junk

December 17, 2011 1:41 PM

MontrealShopping Filter: Yes, I am a Christmas shopping procrastinator. What are your favourite places to shop for pretty-looking things in Montreal?

I need to get presents for several 20-somethings and I hate shopping in malls. I'm looking for somewhere that I can find unique and/or handmade jewelry, bags, accessories, etc.

And also, I'm nearly broke so preferably I would be able to find such items for $15-20. Any suggestions? Pretty much open to anything not made in China.

posted by costanza to clothing, beauty, & fashion (7 answers total)

If I had to do this I'd go to the corner of Mont-Royal and Saint-Urbain and start walking east. There are many interesting boutiques along there and you're bound to find something nice.
posted by zadcat at 1:58 PM on December 17, 2011

The SMAQ has a few inexpensive gifts available, including a lot of local gift type foods -- ice cider, pear cider, chocolates, jams, etc.
posted by jeather at 2:52 PM on December 17, 2011

If you follow zadcat's advice, you'll find Le Port de Tete, a pretty amazing bookstore. Keep walking a few more blocks and you'll find Au Kouing-Amann, a bakery that makes what I think are the best French pastries in Montreal.
posted by yellowcandy at 4:03 PM on December 17, 2011

that's SMAQ...
posted by zadcat at 6:50 PM on December 17, 2011

You're right, zadcat! It's SMAQ. Le Port de Tete is great too, though.
posted by yellowcandy at 8:01 PM on December 17, 2011

Maybe, but isn't it a French bookshop? Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I had the impression (perhaps mistaken?) the OP was an anglo and looking for gifts for anglo friends.
posted by zadcat at 9:28 AM on December 18, 2011

Thanks for the SMAQ suggestion, I was able to get almost all of my gifts there.
posted by costanza at 9:28 PM on December 25, 2011