MONTREAL, Nov. 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Whether pampering your loved ones or to delighting your own senses, the Montréal Space for Life gift shops offer presents that bring you closer to nature. For those with green thumbs, a plant produced especially by the Botanical Garden horticulturists; for the more adventurous, spiced insects from the Insectarium; for fans of the Universe, a space shuttle to assemble and, for children of all ages, a great selection of stuffed animals. Here are 20 favourites for a greener and more inspiring holiday season!
EXCLUSIVE PLANT COLLECTION
The Botanical Garden horticultural team experts have produced this exclusive collection of poinsettias (red, white and pink) and plants for the holiday season, including orchids, holly, cyclamen, wintergreen (teaberry), spikemoss (Selaginella) and others to brighten your decor with a floral note and add to your guests' enjoyment at festive gatherings!
100% NATURAL SOAPS
Inspired by the Biodôme's ecosystems, these soaps, made with all-natural products, are produced in Eastman in the Eastern Townships ($5.99 each). Fragrances are refined and carefully composed: maple and evergreen (Laurentian Maple Forest), Labrador tea (Labrador coast), citrus explosion (Tropical Rainforest), marine mud (Gulf of St. Lawrence) and polar icebreaker (Sub-Antarctic Islands) .
BOOKS AND GAMES FOR THE ASTRO-CURIOUS
Two picture books that will plunge you into the heart of the stars are: La Terre, la Lune et le Soleil from Pierre Chastenay, astronomer and host of the Code Chastenay on Télé-Québec, (published by Quintin - $24.95) and L'Univers - Questions et réponses (published by Nathan, $9.95). Also available: Le Planétarium, projecteur lumineux de la voûte céleste ($79.99) and a space shuttle, specially developed at the request of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium ($24.99).
NATURAL AND RECYCLED PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
For a chic and natural picnic, consider these hand-made maple place settings by the Justenbois company in the Estrie, which deliver the full flavour of food (from $32.99) as well as the Space for Life bags made from recycled banners (from $19.99). They're beautiful and practical, even for the office!
JEWELLERY MADE FROM NATURAL
AND RECYCLED MATERIALS
For many artists, nature is a constant source of inspiration. The proof is this original jewellery made from recycled materials and a section of organic materials, such as pieces of recycled sofa leather, recycled resin, leaf skeletons, orchids and more. From $14.99.
GARDENERS' TREASURES
Good work requires good tools! Felco limited edition pruning shears, produced in collaboration with the leather artisans at D&C Manufacture, is an exceptional object that is a collector's item. Quantities are limited ($300.00). For yard work, weeding, picking berries or an outdoor show, what could be better than the gardener's bench? Made of hardwood, this item is produced by Québec wood turner Eric Dumais. Sold exclusively at the Botanical Garden Boutique. From $54.99.
BOREAL HARVEST AND
ORIGINAL CREATIONS
Enjoy quality Origina products made from the roots, leaves, and flowers of Québec's boreal forest. Choose from a wide selection of teas and spices (Pine Forest Spikenard, Subtlety of Wild Currant Wonder, Cabbage Rose Petals, Labrador Tea Spice and others). Certified organic (from $6.99). Cheer up your table with pieces from Créations RATTÉ, a small Québec ceramics factory, Fired at high temperatures and oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, these original and colourful creations include teapots, cups and more. From $4.99.
BOOKS AND TOYS FOR
ANIMAL LOVERS
To accompany story-time, an original selection of stuffed animals (foxes, penguins, lynx and others) of the ecosystems of the Americas (from $9.99). There is also a nice little collection of children's books: Animals in the wild. The book Planète Vivante, produced in collaboration with experts from the Biodome, invites families to explore the varied landscapes of our planet to understand and help preserve its biodiversity (published by Québec-Amérique, $22.95).
ECO-FRIENDLY AND ORGANIC TOYS
Nature conservation also translates to toys made of natural and recycled materials. We have a myriad of trucks, planes and other vehicles, made entirely from recycled plastic (from $ 19.99). Bamboo, woo-hoo! These toys and strategy games are made from plantation-grown bamboo (from $11.99).
TASTY INSECTS
Did you know that some insects are also little culinary treats? Share the joys of entomophagy with your friends over bacon and cheddar crickets and spicy barbecue mealworms ($3.99 each) —and how about a mealworm lollipop?
Information (contact details, opening hours) : http://espacepourlavie.ca/en/gift-shops
SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Biodôme de Montréal
Karine Jalbert
Communications co-ordinator
514 872-1453/ 514 250-3230
[email protected]
Nadine Fortin
Communications co-ordinator
514 868-3053/514 250-7753
[email protected]
Share this article