The cute little exterior of this Granville Island shop belies the expansive interior filled with items from around the world, including musical instruments. While the shop isn't exclusively for music, it's worth checking out. The fun atmosphere and myriad of worldly collectibles will keep you browsing for far longer than anticipated. You can find eclectic instruments such as shakers, rain sticks, singing bowls and unusual flutes, among many other fascinating items.
It’s not just the little guys and gals running social enterprises in Vancouver. Ten Thousand Villages is the largest and oldest Fair Trade business in North America and has a collection of global gifts that give back to international projects. Head here for handicrafts from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East and pick up home accessories, holiday decorations and stocking stuffers from around the world.
If you’re looking to shop with a clear conscience, look no further than Ten Thousand Villages, the oldest Fair Trade organization in North America that imports artisan-made goods for the home from countries around the world. The design vibe here, then, is global, with lots of dark wood benches, stools, bowls and accessories as well as stunning fabrics used for throw pillows and table linens. Woven baskets, pleasingly shaped vases and mosaic tiles all will add a touch of the exotic to your personal home style.