I just love this store!…read more Many of the artisan or unique household accessories I've personally looked up online in the past few months were actually here on display, available for purchase! The types of items stocked here are totally down my alley, so I admit, I am biased. I love modern, clever, functional, non-fussy things, items with clean lines, nothing superfluous (I hate clutter. So things have to be practical!), smart and contemporary. It's like the buyer at this shop totally read my mind. I loved practically everything here. They have the coolest binoculars, lightweight puff blankets in a bag (light as a feather. Really!), candles, decanters, baskets, placemats and trivets and coasters, reflective tags and pins, cards, stunning jewelry, thick "butcher" aprons with the coolest hardware clips, organic baby linen bundles and gifts, contemporary tea infusers, glassware, adult card games and notebooks.... I could go on and on. Everything is cool here and beautiful to look at. The ladies who work here were all super nice and totally let us browse at our leisure. They were also very knowledgeable about all the merchandise. I've seen some of these items at local craft fairs, so I know they are locally made, by local artisans. There's a small section by the rear counter with sale items. Nice! This is an amazing shop, and the perfect place to get a hostess gift - or something for yourself!

Always find something new when we visit. Caroline is very inviting and most gracious "host" as we…read moreshopped. They even gift wrapped our items which saves me time when I get home. So if you're looking for a unique gift and still be within budget, visit Walrus on Cambie. You won't be disappointed.

Living in Tsawwassen the D H Auxiliary thrift shop has been my favorite thrift store. Most of the…read morevolunteers have been friendly and fun to visit. Recently, though, the volunteers have been more anxious and I have noticed a change in the way the shop is operating. Previously, prices were kept low to keep stock moving, to take the worry out of purchasing items or clothing you can't try on or return (unlike the Salvation Army or Value Village). Now, though, prices are increasing a lot, on many items. I hope this doesn't become the trend. In Tsawwassen we had a thrift store that did the same thing - prices went up, they lost their good reputation, stock stopped moving, and they are currently working hard to rebuild their business. I would hate to see the same thing happen to the Ladner store because of someone's aggressive business plan.

I think this is the best thrift store in the lower mainland. I donated a lot of stuff after I…read moredownsized and was mote than happy for the proceeds to go to a good cause. I always stop by too to pick up the odd bargain. I love that the stores don't smell like Value Village , are tidy and well organized and the volunteer staff are top notch! You couldn't get staff like that even if you paid for the labour. They are always so helpful, friendly and polite. They are simply the best!

This place is truly the catch-all for gifts of all kind…read more Anytime I have a birthday, anniversary, holiday etc.. this is where I go for all my gifting needs. They have something for everyone on your list. Delicious food options that help elevate your friends cooking or baking obsession. Hot sauce for all spice lovers. Clothing aimed at vancourites. Books that focus on continued reconciliation and education of our history and communities. Soaps, candles, footwear... The list goes on and on and the owner is constantly bringing in new products. You will have a hard time not picking up something for yourself.

Fun little store full of local small businesses and lots of small businesses of products across…read moreNorth America. Many food items such as East Van Bees, Sriracha Revolver and Mungy just to name a few. Mike is an awesome owner and always finding new products. Always friendly and welcoming.

Old Faithful is one of those shops that is merchandised so well where if you remove something off…read moreof a shelf someone else could tell exactly what you moved. I have been to the Old Faithful shop many times and it hasn't disappointed. It is very true to their theme of artisan, home-made or well-crafted-and-the-woodsy-bent items, which speaks to a particular customer. Some may love this shop and others may find it expensive and too specific to integrate into their personal style. I appreciate the care in the selection of the goods and the kindness of the employees. The first time I was in the shop (being overwhelmed by the visuals) I just bought several journals. When I got home, I realized that I wanted more and ordered them by phone because they don't use their website for special orders. They were very nice and when the package arrived, it was beautiful. Brown paper package, tied up with string... no kidding. This time I bought a huge wool blanket that I thought I could fit in my luggage (I couldn't) and it made a perfect gift. The thing about the blanket purchase was how much banter I had the the employees while I was purchasing it. While we were talking, THEY referenced that I had bought the journals the previous year. What memory. Their attention to detail gets me every time. I will always go back to Old Faithful when I am in Vancouver... whether or not I can fit what I buy into my luggage.

This shop is really really really cool. It is a great place to buy someone a gift. Everything here…read moreis like Japanese themed. They have a lot of stuff good for a home. This place is definitely expensive, would not recommend if you're broke, I'm not though. But yea I bought a soap shaped as a fish. I thought this was the coolest thing ever, I've never seen that before. Yea I paid $50 CAD for a soap. Yea that's absolutely ridiculous and yes you can call me stupid BUT at least it's cool though, amirite. Also, it smells good. But yea it's a gift, however I think I need to come back here and buy one for me. I think this is one of the coolest shops in gastown, this isn't a place you're going to read a review for and go, you just kinda walk into it like I did. Also, this place has really good books, I ended up buying the same book I saw here on amazon for half the price. But hey, at least I bought that fish soap.

Great selection of local artists design collection. Service was thoughtful and welcoming. Thank you!read more

As far as locally designed jewelry, handbags, clothing, gifts and stationary goes, Favourite is my…read morefavourite! The owner, Carol Hyslop has does a fantastic job of stocking her adorable shop with beautiful, locally designed items that would be fabulous as gifts but also lovely as a treat for yourself! Unique jewelry designs by Toodlebunny and Filou will capture your imagination and beautiful handbags by Kairo will have you wanting one in every colour! There are also yummy scented bath and body products by Trillium and fracking hilarious cards by Hug & Kiss ("Congratulations! I always thought you'd die alone.") The profound t-shirt line from Help Gives Hope, created by local teenagers to help support the West Coast Alternative Society is a perfect way to give a gift and give back as well.

I am so grateful for this beautiful store, thankfully right in my neighbourhood! In this day and…read moreage when so many are just "clicking" a purchase online, ... it feels so wonderful to to be able to see it, touch it and treasure it immediately. I love to shop local and seeing so many Canadian products that the store promotes is refreshing to say the least. Having a small business in this day and age is extremely hard and I applaud this store for it's longevity in the village, they have been there since as long as I can remember. Obviously the owner has an amazing talent for choosing very unique items and I have purchased many gifts but usually also walk out with some beautiful clothing or jewelry for myself as well lol ... also always enjoy the friendly staff who have on many occasions steered me in the right direction and then to top it off, gift wrapped my selection too! Win Win all the way! PS the new Houston Llew tile selection is amazing.

It surprises me that more people don't know about little 'ol "Newport Village" in Port Moody. When…read moreit was in it's first phase in the late '90's it was dubbed a "Little Whistler." Wish On A Star fits in perfectly with the life of the village. Lots of great gifts for any occasion. Pet, guys, wedding, baby, bath, body and of course furnishings adorn this store. The best part is that all of the gifts are wrapped with lovely scented potpourri, tissue and ribbons. If you buy a gift from here, it will likely be the one on the gift table that's admired while the recipient carefully opens and saves the wrapping to use again. And if that wasn't enough, there's two love birds that live in a cage, chirping away while you admire all of the lovelies.

Another bustling home decor boutique store, along this Gastown stretch, beside the parkade…read more Quality and fashionable products here, home and kitchen, with the headboards at the front, and a bit of kitchen ware by the store front window, a glass holder for butter, though not sure if I'd leave this on the table at room temperature but I digress. Some dishware sets, teapots... What did piqued my eye are these measuring spoons in the shape of a heart, a set for $28, and you bet it's stainless steel, so a nice fun secondary gift to get in time for Valentine's ;), and especially for a great cook. Friendly service, offered a few suggestions.

The comfortable and warm service in this cozy establishment is always such a joy for my shopping…read moreexperience. The selection of vintage and vintage-inspired goods is wide-ranging, from tea cup candles, to metal furniture, to quaint decor like phrenology hands and puppy dog tail hooks. It's always a pleasure to pass by to see whether they have anything new in store! They also have a website in which you can browse through their collection and later ring them to hold for you (as they understandably don't hold everything in-store). And the other useful services they offer are upcycling your used furniture and a finding service in which you can submit photographs of what you're looking for and have the store help you in your search. Very nifty! Overall, L'Atelier offers extensive services and a remarkable array of home decor, and the people have never failed to provide excellent hospitality. This is definitely one of my favourite shops in the area for all these reasons!

The Handpicked Home has a very welcoming spirit. You're made to feel at home. They have a lot of…read moreinteresting items which is great when you want to give a unique gift. There's never any pressure to buy but personally, I never walk out empty handed. It's where I got my favorite mug.

It was a bad experience. Enough for me to confidently say that I will not be returning…read more Fortunately, there were plenty of other stores that were happy to take my money and appreciate customers.