Web shopping
modernpoverty.com
Despite the low-budget name, there's a wealth of urbane, cutting-edge wares on this site. Shop by room or by category. And while you're browsing, click on Lighting -- you won't want to miss the stunning pendant lights; each one is a work of art.
FLAT RATE SHIPPING Packages to Canada are shipped via UPS at a wallet-friendly flat rate of $20 per order.

rosannainc.com
For all things girlie and pretty, rosannainc.com delivers. Polka-dots, florals, cute motifs -- this fun, fashionable and downright fabulous tableware and flatware will turn every meal into a special occasion.
SHOP FOR A CAUSE A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of the pretty Pink Tea line, which features teacups, saucers, dessert plates and more, will go to a Seattle cancer research centre.

hotelboutique.com
Bring the feeling of luxurious hotel living home with you. Brought to you by the Germain family, owners of sumptuous hotels in Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto, hotelboutique.com offers the pamper-yourself selections you'll find in their hotels.
GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT Give yourself sweet dreams every night with top-of-the-line bedding like a white goose-down duvet or premium feather pillow.

roots.ca
Roots.ca is the quintessential Canadian shopping experience. Powered by sears.ca, the site now offers the great classic goods you've seen and loved in-store.
TRUE NORTH COMFORT Outfit your home with beautiful bath and bedding products like duck-down-filled comforters and cosy 100 per cent pure wool throws. Plus, there's free delivery to most Sears locations.

uncommongoods.com
No need to spend hours scouring boutiques for something unique: give your feet a break and surf your way to the perfect conversation piece. The aptly named New York-based site has gathered an assortment of fun and funky stuff from cute doormats to bright dishware you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS We guarantee you won't leave this site with an empty shopping cart. Search gifts by keyword or occasion. Not to miss: pet decor items, and gifts just for kids.

shopunicef.ca
The selection at shopunicef.ca is small but great. You'll find unique handcrafted gifts from around the globe: candles from South Africa, stationery from Bangladesh, photo frames from Indonesia.
THE POWER OF GIVING Last year marked UNICEF Canada's 50th anniversary. By shopping online at shopunicef.ca, you can support one of the country's most important charities.

totalhomestore.ca
Totalhomestore.ca is the place to find brand names you know and love; everything from bakeware, dishware, linens, even small appliances. You're certain to find just the thing to deck out your house in style. A Francis-Francis espresso machine in red, perhaps?
WHAT A STEAL Click on Specials to track down fantastic deals.

Catalogue shopping
Make room, Sears! Four great Canadian
catalogues you didn't know about...till now!

1 Hafatzim Order a catalogue for $5 at 877-739-9903 or hafatzim.com
This Vancouver-based shop has charming decor goodies sourced from all over the world.
GREAT BUYS Small kilim wool rug, $179, hand-painted floral tray, $22

2 Harvest House Get a catalogue at 888-241-9960 or harvesthouse.ca
This purveyor of masterfully built furniture lets you choose wood type, stain colour and decorative hardware from the comfort of your own sofa.
CHECK OUT Pine or oak single sweater cupboards with your choice of finish, from $1,044, single-door jam cupboards, from $507, both from the Country Classics collection

3 EQ3 Get a catalogue in-store or download from eq3.com
Through shops across the country, its website and catalogue, this doyen of modern living offers everything you need for a well-groomed, totally Canadian home.
BEST PICKS Contemporary chiming cuckoo clocks, from $75, 2Morrow glass-top nightstands, from $149

4 Lee Valley Tools Get a catalogue at 800-267-8767 or leevalley.com
For more than 25 years, this hardware chain has been proving that with beautifully detailed tools, home improvement is a craft with class.
TOP CHOICES Warren Beginner's Carving Tool Kit, $60, cast-iron Victorian-style plant stand, $139
- Melissa Carter