Last time I went to Yorkdale Mall it took 35 minutes to find a parking spot and I then had to walk a kilometre to the store from where we parked, while pushing through crowds. Not fun. If you are looking for a different type of shopping experience, you can try this: buy local or buy Canadian.When you buy from a local store, you are helping a local business owner, but you are also avoiding the big crunch of holiday shoppers at the big stores. You also can find new things. And you can also get better deals.When you buy Canadian online, you are not only saving money because the Canadian loonie is not what it used to be, but you get your products faster too. Also, Canadians make cool things.Here is a handy list of places where you can find something unique for him or her, something you needed, something you did not need, but had to have. Do you know of a place to add to this list? Send us an email at info@downsviewadvocate.caBuy LocalTry this website. There are 2500 businesses in the DUKE Heights BIA and you can find anything you want here, shoes, fish, bespoke tailors, sucks, hats. It’s like a shopping Easter Egg hunt. DUKE Heights BIA – http://www.dukeheights.ca/exploreHere is a taste of what you can find:Gente Jewellers - http://www.gentejewellery.com/Pick up a new watch or have a ring custom made. Over 20 years in this location they have been around for a reasonRaj Tailoring - http://rajsinghbespoketailor.com/Get a suit or shirt made by a bespoke tailor. Great gift ideas.Picadelly Fashions - http://www.picadillyfashions.com/Outlet store for the factory on Chesswood Dr. You cannot get better prices on quality fashions. Made right here in Canada.…Buy CanadianHere is a link that list many Canadian entrepeneurs and their products: http://futurpreneur.ca/en/2015/holiday-guide/Winter Outfits from Joined at the HipStarting at $28.99 CDNhttp://www.joinedatthehip.ca/Have a little one in your life? Joined at the Hip Babywear has the perfect gift this holiday season. Joined at the Hip designs one-piece baby outfits that look like separates—they’re onesies but you would never know it! Available in sizes up to 24 months.Custom Dress Shirts from Eph ApparelStarting at $49.99 CDNhttps://ephapparel.com/Every man deserves a shirt that fits, and thanks to Eph Apparel, now they can have one without breaking the bank! Eph Apparel in Winnipeg is offering custom-made premium dress shirts for only $49.99 (reg. $84.99). Choose the fabric, customize it with your favorite cuff, collar, and personal monogramming, and receive your perfect-fitting shirt in four weeks. Not in Winnipeg? Order some of Eph Apparel’s other great dress shirts online.Blanket Scarves from In Pursuit Mobile Boutique$36.90 CDNhttp://www.inpursuittruck.caBlanket scarves are the must-have cold weather accessory this season! In Pursuit has them available in many different varieties from plaid to a rainbow of colours. If you’re searching for the perfect gift for someone whose size and preferences you don’t know, or if you just want to bring a little something to the hostess with the mostest, a blanket scarf is the perfect fit!Stained Glass Feather Pendant from Camrose Stained Glass$30.00 CDNhttp://www.camrosestainedglass.com/These stained glass pendants from Camrose Stained Glass make beautiful and unique gifts and are guaranteed to be one of a kind and made with a lead free solder.Mariner Lamp from Fleet ObjectsStarting at $100.00 CDNhttp://www.fleetobjects.comThe Mariner lamp collection is cast by hand in Fleet’s Vancouver studio with shapes drawn from fishing floats. Pieces from the Mariner lamp collection contrast warm glowing porcelain with a sharp, bright pool of light beaming through their mouths.Zipper Beaded Cuff from Fair Day$25.00 CDNhttp://www.shopfairday.caAdd some colour and shine to your holiday with this colourful zipper beaded cuff from Fair Day. Everything at Fair Day is made by amazing fair trade artisans, organizations and co-ops from developing communities around the world.All Natural, Fair Trade Facial Care Travel Set from Fable Naturals$35.00 CDNhttp://www.fablenaturals.com/Fable Naturals bestselling minis are ready for the holidays in this facial care gift set. These natural products feature organic and fair trade certified ingredients that are concentrated to give your skin the nourishment it needs during the winter season. This set features minis of everyday favourites that are great for all skin types: chamomile + shea moisturizer, rosehip + olive facial oil, lemon + petitgrain cleansing balm and quinoa + almond exfoliate.Happy shopping!