I’m always on the lookout for what’s new, trendy, or unique in Montreal, and it’s with those goals in mind that I made several trips over to rue Wellington in the southwest borough of Verdun, an area that continues to surprise me each time I’m there. On my most recent visit, I stumbled across Boutique Réunion, just a Maltéhops away (pun intended) from the grocery store featuring local microbrewery beers I’ve written about previously.

At Boutique Réunion you’ll find decorative household items, think candles and plant holders, but mostly kitchenware. There are also food items like jams and chocolates and a small section with stationery. The boutique shares floor space with a French bookstore which is convenient for book lovers. What piqued my interest was the mix of fine craft imports and artisanal products made by lesser-known local companies, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts. I’ll admit that most of the things here are not budget-friendly, but the expression “you get what you pay for” holds here and what you’re paying for is quality. If you don’t mind paying a little extra for a whiskey-scented candle made in Montreal, or jam from The Magdalen Islands, then this might be the place for you.