Don’t let a rotten economy trick you into thinking that you have to make a trip to Walmart for inexpensive gifts this year. Buying in your own back yard is smart for so many reasons, not the least of which is that you are supporting local artisans and business owners. So even if you’re buying less this holiday season, buy local. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing my favourite Vancouver shops and sweet finds at each.

Emily Carr Studio Shop
Studioshop carries clothing, artwork and crafts produced by the best and brightest that Emily Carr has to offer. Stay ahead of the masses. This is design sense that won’t hit the mainstream until next Christmas. Not only will anything you buy here be on the cutting edge of hip – your purchase will help out a starving art student. Talk about good karma!
My favourites: The 2009 Calendar ($30) by Cindy Jaswal (actually, anything by Cindy Jaswal is pretty great). I also love the AuMarché – persimmons shopping bag ($28) by Keiko Lee-Hem, the Boombox Toddler T by Alanna Scott and the ($23) Mouse and lilac knee socks by Katherine Soucie. Don’t think you can face the prospect of finding parking on Granville Island? Buy online. I did.

Lavish & Lime
Lavish & Lime is an online shop run by a local husband and wife team. Although not exclusively local, the couple make a point of sourcing a great many of their products from Canada. “Naturally made products and those that are friendly to the environment are [also] a priority.” The website has six categories: Accessories, Body & Bath, House & Home, Jewelery, Stationery and Baby & Kids. I love the Canadian made square pendant necklace, everything Astrosatchel (created by Vancouver designer Janna Hurtzig) and, on a more practical note, the reusable sandwich wraps. Check out their blog for a list of eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas.

BTW: Lavish & Lime is hosting a one day ‘live’ sale this coming Thursday – A cool way to see all of their great merchandise in person. Check out their web site for details.