Don't feel like fighting the holiday mall mob? Shop online with these Canadian retailers and get the goods delivered right to your door—or directly to your lucky friend or family member.
All-in-one sites
www.ebay.ca Want the bargain of the century on a Prada bag? How about a sewing machine or hockey cards? You'll find thousands of items at eBay's Canadian site. Take note: many of the online sellers are Americans who are willing to ship to Canada, but you'll still be dealing with customs fees and U.S. dollars. Click on Search Items Located in Canada for Canadian-based auctions.
www.canadashoppinglinks.com If you're in an online mall mood, browse here. There are all kinds of links to small retailers and big stores. Check out retailers such as Robeez, Blue Mountain Pottery and more.
www.theshoppingchannel.com Check The Shopping Channel's site for an incredible variety of items: home accents, jewelry, fashion, cosmetics and more. (Owned by Chatelaine's parent company.)
Gift baskets and flowers
www.afeelgoodthing.com Got a best friend you can't be with over the holidays? Send a treat-filled gift basket. Choose from baskets such as Luxury Lather (bath products, $95) or The Sweet Tooth (gourmet goodies, $35).
www.flowerscanada.com Send a poinsettia just about anywhere in the country. Bouquets are about $60. Delivery is free and there are links to international flower delivery sites as well.
Books, music and movies
www.maplemusic.com Love Canadian music? Groove on over to MapleMusic. Check out up-and-comers, read reviews and buy concert tickets.
www.eharlequin.com Buy more than $15 worth of romance novels (often at 25 per cent off) and get them shipped to your door for free. Not in the mood for a lusty read? Visit Winnipeg's www.mcnallyrobinson.com to find all kinds of fiction and non-fiction titles, with 30 per cent off selected new books. And don't forget www.indigo.chapters.ca!
www.rogers.com/video Shopping for the world's pickiest person? Can't go wrong with a Rogers Video gift certificate, shipped free. You can buy movies online, too. (Owned by Chatelaine's parent company.)
And more...
www.comfortshopping.com Like finding an excellent little gift shop in your living room. Choose from bath products, home accents, gourmet goodies and more. Stuck for ideas? Click on Personal Shopper, fill out a form and receive a list of suggestions by e-mail.
www.stylocracy.com This Prince Albert, Sask., site is bursting with beautiful things for your home. While prices are in U.S. dollars, they're still affordable: a stoneware bottle vase for $9 U.S,, a retro- style clock for $29 U.S. Shipping is $5 U.S.; gift wrapping is free.