2 different shopping experiences

Talked to my sister on Saturday afternoon. After trying to find a parking spot for 35 minutes at the mall, she went home. Apparently her family will be getting presents from the convenience store this Christmas (and 100 Mile Finds of course....)
I on the other hand spent the weekend frequenting the many Craft Shows on the 100 Mile Finds Show and Sale page. While we love the idea of customers buying directly from us through the site, we want to see more unique gifts purchased overall, any way that works for you.
I headed downtown (hardly any traffic going that way, btw) to 401 Richmond. Beautiful brick and wood space with crafters interspersed between unique pottery, music and bookstores. Look for the incredible work by Mary Kroetsch - she stitches over antique, computer manipulated photographs, really beautiful.
Kensington Market was a cinch.  Just parked right on College and walked down Augusta.  Blue Banana Market supports both local and imported. Our stockings are now full. Project 165, near the south end of Kensington, is a unique pop-up store with crafted items displayed as a 'life size diorama' - Pabrika pillows are there.

I have seen Yvonne from Torched Studio and pined over the silver ring with the round blue bead three times over the last 2 weeks. I am not convinced that she is not doing some experimental cloning in that jewellery lab of hers. 
Anyway, this last weekend try finishing up your shopping a little differently.  If it isn't on-line and local, visit some of our independent retailers or pop into a craft show.  Did I mention many of them have bake sales too (a ginger cupcake keeps you fortified between places).