[Tati]

I like to go to Ten Thousand Villages if I can. There is a shop downtown, and they also have a website. Everything is hand-crafted by artisans in developing nations, who work through co-ops or the store itself to establish fair-trade practices. (There are many outlets in North America.) Surprisingly, though, things are very inexpensive there. I would not have expected that, when you look at how expensive things like fair-trade coffee are. And you can find out the backstory and all the details on what group of people made your pillow or trinket.

It's not a shop for things like linens and everyday items, however. There is some furniture, some textiles, but mostly more gift-oriented stuff. For general items I visit craft shows so I can get something unique, Chinatown for something unique and dirt-cheap, or Home Outfitters if I'm mainly looking to save money and be able to find whatever I want. (HO is related to The Bay and Zellers.)