A cool place that has a lot of intriguing collections in antique maps, collections, prints and…read morepaintings. As a map geek myself, I found the gallery to have a lot of items never seen or heard about before. To complement their extensive inventory, the owner is very informative and helpful, as are the staff. If you're looking for a different sort of gift for a birthday or christmas present, this place is a good place to start.

I visited a couple of consignment shops with my friend when I was in Ottawa. The Clothes Secret was…read moreone of them. I normally don't visit consignment shops. It's a lot of fun when you do on vacation. I like seeing what folks don't want and what I would wear. My friend pointed out a colour-coding discount legend. Depending on what colour tags are on items, you get a certain percentage off the ticketed price. The discount system ranged from 20 to 80 percent off. This store targets women only. Sorry, guys. I liked how organized everything was. Each rack had specific clothing sizes, with shoe sizes resting on top. I liked a beaver cap and a bunch of purses. I didn't need any, but it was nice to browse. Sadly, women's shoes go up to a size 10.5. I'm an 11. Why can't this store round up?! I did like a pair of pink sparkly sandals. It had velcro straps. It was nearly my size. Bummer. I kind of wish that they had both shoes available, so folks can try them on immediately. Instead, you have to flag a staffer for the other shoe, in a reverse Cinderella situation of sorts. You don't get a prince, but you will get to try both shoes on and walk around in them. There were a fair number of folks in this store. It was cool to see. It was a fun visit. I saw some nice blouses and also some hideous articles of clothing that I never want to see again. I enjoyed browsing around and getting out of the heat. (266)

The Clothes Secret is a consignment shop in Old Ottawa South. They don't have a lot of high end…read morestuff, but they aren't super junky either. They have a colour coding system where every week certain colour tags are a certain percentage off (10-80% off). At the end of the season they will have crazy sales like 90% off. Their regular prices are a bit on the higher side, but with every passing few weeks, the prices drop. If a piece has been there for several months you can score it for 80% off their regular price. They have a good number of pieces that are still brand new with original store tags! I tend to gravitate towards these, lol. I guess they have lots of consignors who a) buy online at sites with inaccurate sizing charts and can't be bothered to return their purchases, b) buy things on impulse then change their minds after the return/exchange period, c) buy items and keep them in their closet then lose or gain weight and they no longer fit, or d) buy items as "goal size/weight" pieces then give up on their goals. To the latter I say: Never give up! Follow your dreams! Well, unless the piece is my size and pretty, then you should definitely put it up for consignment, lol. Staff are nice. The store is fairly large and well organized into sections. They sell clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories (scarves, belts, etc.) and jewelry. Only women's stuff, no men's stuff. Street parking only.

D. Grandeur is a wood furniture and assorted wood-product store on Bank Street just south of the…read moreGlebe. Look, I am not going to lie to you. D. Grandeur is not cheap. But, the furniture they sell is hand-made, solid and - unlike Amish or Mennonite furniture - isn't stuck in that timewarp/country style. There is some pretty cool stuff in there, and it isn't all rickety like the furniture our Swedish friends sell. Beyond furniture, D. Grandeur also sells wall-hanging carvings and decorative masks. The masks are very interesting - but I find masks in general a little disconcerting! You can also find that wooden carved American bald eagle statue you have been looking for.

Visited this store during a trip to Ottawa a couple of weeks ago, what a nice shop! Great selection…read moreof a variety of goods, like you would expect in a thrift store. Owner is also very personable and committed to providing excellent service. Prices definitely offer good value for money, as a great alternative to buying new items. I will certainly be back when visiting Ottawa again!

Zone is such a playful and fun store to browse around…read more Great place to shop for home and gifts for friends. The vibe here is youthful but not overboard. BTW, this is the first place I saw an extendable selfie stick for selfie lover. Yes they do carry up to date gadget!

Dropped in for a coffee press today and found a very neat store with amazing prices. They carry a…read morelot of Bodum items for prices you'd find online unlike other stores I've come across with Bodum items in Ottawa. The store has many items for the house as well as lighting and furniture. I'll be back to pick up some other items from this store in the near future. http://www.zonemaison.com/english/magasins/ottawa.htm

This is one of the nicest gift shops I have seen associated with a museum - wide variety which…read moreincluded books, clothing, ornaments, crafts etc. associated with either the museum itself or exhibits. I picked up a very nice book related to their current temporary exhibit as well as some mementos - everything was well displayed & not overly pricey as far as traditional gift shops go. Staff were knowledgeable about their products and very helpful. Great way to wrap up your visit to the museum!

I must have been in 100 gift shops over my 10 days in Ontario and Québec. Over that time, there…read morewasn't one with better quality items that the Canadian Museum of History (Musée Canadien de l'Histoire) gift shop/boutique. Let's start with the more standard stuff: High quality hoodies, sweaters, t-shirts, hats, mugs, bags, keychains, cards, and lanyards (to name a few) ... most bright red, emblazoned with maple leaves and other famous Canadian locales placed front-and-center. Then there's plenty in French and things that may specifically appeal to the French and French-Canadian. My personal fave is the whole section (with shirts, books, etc.) dedicated to the famed Astérix et Obélix cartoon -- a staple in French humor since the late 1950s. And, of course, the thing that sets this gift shop apart is all the books, bags, t-shirts, posters, jewelry, blankets, scarves, shawls, plush toys, keychains, magnets, boxes, ties, totes, carvings, ornaments, brooches, journals, etc., specifically related to the Museum's exhibits past and present. I can't stress it enough how exceptional a place this is if you want a book on all facets of Canadian history ... both publications by the Museum itself and those seminal works on Canadian history and life. As well, no store I've been to in Canada compares when it comes to carvings, totems, and other items related to the Inuit and First Nations. It's such a great store, I'll say make sure you don't forget to see the Museum itself!!!!

Great for Home Decor and books. The service is non existent. The value is great tho. But be ready…read moreto look and look for a while.

Whoever does the window displays in this store must have been inspired by New York's fifth avenue…read more The diplays change often according to the season and the holiday, whether Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, Remembrance Day, Hallwe'en etc. Inside is an excellent selection of donated items for sale, run by cheerful and dedicated staff. Everything from clothing to furniture to books to dishes. Prices, as you might expect, are excellent and a real plus to anyone living on a reduced income, but also just a great store to browse in anyway to find something that can find a second life somewhere else.

Cute curated vintage store, with great clothes, well organized…read more Fun colours and the most awesome rag rug runner in the front half of the store. Leather jackets, a beautiful pair of brown leather boots, tops, bottoms and other are all fun to look through. If you love Vintage this is worth a look.