It’s not just the diamonds and crystal decanters sparkling in the BIRKS store on Philips Square in downtown Montréal, QC these days, it’s also brimming wine glasses and melt-in-your mouth gems on your plate like smoked salmon tartare or handmade vanilla and pistachio ice cream at their BIRK

Oh Canada. You’re a big help when it comes to crossing off names on my holiday gift-giving list. From far and wide, I can tap into the best of Canuck goodies. Just surf this way:

For the foodie

Most fans of British Columbia know Victoria, with its British flair and the afternoon-tea-at-the-Empress requisite (which is, of course, lovely). But what about James Bay, the oldest neighbourhood in Victoria?

Shopaholics from Canada’s west—or similarly afflicted international visitors to Alberta‘s capital city—could be forgiven for assuming that Edmonton’s consumer cornucopia is basically a really big mall.

Get your glad rags ready: Monday (Oct. 18) marks the start of LG Fashion Week in Toronto, ON.

Manhattan is a mall. So is central London. What the savvy shopper knows is that as artists and craftsmen move to cities they can afford, the most original wares and purchases go with them. Finding the best boutiques is not just a way to shop memorably, but to have fun exploring streets that are frequently off the beaten track and say a lot about a city’s character.

Women are expert at conjuring reasons why we need a new pair of shoes. This time, I have the perfect excuse: the inimitable John Fluevog Boots & Shoes and I both turn 40 this year.

Every woman knows that one size fits all is a myth. She also knows that vacations designed for “to whom it may concern” don’t cut it. Women are as unique as ocean waves and deserve holidays to match.

Throw out any preconceived notions about Canadian culture. Even we poke fun at some of our cultural clichés.

My confession: I’m a strategic shopper. I need a reason to hit the stores to ward off buying guilt. But it’s summer and reasons are piling up—an awards gala, formal business dinner and wedding are all on the horizon. I have my motivation; where should I head?