With Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, gifts for teachers, engagement parties, and all sorts of events coming up on the horizon, it pays to wander the aisles of Le Panier to buy everything you need for any occasion in one place and get the job done.

Le Panier won the title of best gift store in Canada so this store worth a trip from anywhere. The huge shop is chock full of gourmet food, kitchenware,  and gifts at prices mostly under $25. You will not walk out empty-handed when you can choose amongst the jewelry, jams, hot sauces, kitchen gadgets, wearables and much, much more

If you can’t decide, there are ready-made gift baskets or custom-made ones too.

Here’s some ideas:

You can carry wine in an insulated pretty Wine Bag tote handbags. Michael Designs shea butter soaps, handwash and lotions,  For chocolate lovers there’s Louis Sherry New York chocolates in beautiful keepsake metallic tin boxes. I just love the Mighty Mug which won’t fall over – EVER; You can have your coffee near a keyboard without worries ($19.99). Grumpy Butcher’s Maple Bacon is hand-made here in Montreal in small batches from local Quebec pork farmers

For years people have been buying Mike’s Hot Honey which spice up all kinds of food ($14.99). Wrendale pottery makes adorable mugs with kittens, owls, ducks and there also a big selection of teapots. Willow Tree Figurines are popular too.    

For anyone, a cool gift might be the “upside-down” umbrella which closes without water dripping on you. There’s a big display of everything lavender. You can always buy Montreal’s favorite humbugs (now in different flavors), or someone might enjoy their own 5-year-old cheddar or their homemade fudge.

Location: 274 Bord du Lac, Pointe Claire
corner: de Lourdes
Tel: 514-695-7038
Hours: Regular plus Sun 10-5
www.thepanier.com

If you ever wondered what happens to items which are not sold at a famous world known low Cost warehouse chain, then I  have an answer for you. Whether you live in the Montreal area or are closer to the Laurentiens, you have access to these secret liquidation centers. Vaudreuil/Dorion or now those of you further North, can shop closer to home in St-Jerome.

What you will discover there are fab prices –  you get a further 30% or more off on the price you saw at the warehouse club – on: phones, toys, clothing, household appliances, electronics, etc and  also on products in broken boxes. Merchandise which has been cleared out from their huge shelves (except fresh food) are sent to this location every week. All items are checked to make sure they work.

For me the amazing part is that the friendly proprietors even keep a reservation book and will call you if an item you are looking for shows up. Not only do you get bargains but you get top notch service too. Wow.

Locations: 341 ave. Ranger, Vaudreuil – Dorion J7V 2X3 (450-424-0998) and
850 Boul. des Laurentides St. Jerome QC J7Z 4N1 (450-438-8631)
corner (Vaudreuil-Dorion): rue Chicoine
Times: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

http://simcentredeliquidation.ca/

Once a year, on a Saturday, Le Panier gift store holds its  one and only sale, called The Citrus Sale. Everything (gourmet food, scarves, toys, gadgets, kitchenware, home decor) that needs to be cleared out is sold really cheaply from 50% to 90% off. Come early – things go fast and it’s cash and carry – no cards.

Location: 274 Bord du Lac, Pointe Claire
corner: de Lourdes
Date: Sat, Aug 19, raindate Aug 20
Hours: 8:30 – 3pm
Tel: 514-695-7038
www.thepanier.com

The word “diamond” evokes images of beauty, elegance and romance, yet the diamond is also the hardest, most abrasive stone known to man. Diamancel has captured each of these qualities, creating a unique line of genuine diamond files. I have used these for years and love them – and stock up on them for gifts.

Each flexible diamond nail file in the Diamancel family has been designed for specific nail types to beautifully shape and enhance both natural and sculptured nails. The Diamancel Diamond Hand and Foot Callus Files are ideal for removing and softening rough, dry skin.

They provide effective fast, easy and effortless filing. They are durable and will outlast all your files, which make them a money saver.

• The files are washable/sanitizable as they all can be washed with soap and water
• They are hygienic too as they can be soaked and disinfected in medical grade solution.
• The fiberglass base is both resistant and flexible making filing easier

These are  effortless to use as you can use a light hand and the diamonds will do the work for you. All files have been salon tested for maximum performance.

Now is the time to buy them at the Diamancel warehouse sale where you will be able to save 50% off retail prices.

This sale accepts Visa, Mastercard and Cash.

Location: 4345 boul Poirier, V.S.L. H4R 2A4
Dates: June 8-10
Hours: Thurs 10-8, Fri 10-6, Sat 9-5
Tel: 514-856-9711
http://www.diamancel.com/