Shop the world at the Third World Bazaar

This photo from a past sale is courtesy of the Third World Bazaar.

I know it’s early. Heck, it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet! But for many Ottawans, the opening of the Third World Bazaar marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. This year, the family who runs this annual event—Peggy and Dick Bakker, and their children Case and Anneka—started the festivities last weekend, a week earlier than usual. So now you have seven weekends (instead of the usual six) to browse through their huge barn near Manotick on a quest for colourful, glittery or just plain offbeat gifts.

The Bakkers spend much of the year travelling the world and shipping back nifty things you won’t see in your local Pier 1. Stops on this year’s itinerary included Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, Ecuador, Turkey, Thailand and Indonesia. If you’re into sleek, beige minimalism, you’ll hate most of the stuff on sale. If, like me, you have a magpie’s eye for all things bright and cheery, you’ll be in heaven.

It’s hard to describe just what a sensory overload this place can create. Don’t assume you’ll be in and out in 15 minutes; plan to linger and bring a friend. Dangly earrings, silk scarves, woven carpets, smiling Buddhas, intricately patterned bowls, varnished drums…Truly, you need at least an hour to peruse it all. Check out the slideshow below for a glimpse into the bazaar.

Don’t forget to bring non-perishable food items for the Shepherds of Good Hope; the bazaar also donates to Habitat for Humanity and Doctors Without Borders.

The bazaar is open Fridays through Sundays (as well as Thanksgiving Monday) until November 16 from 10am to 5pm.

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If you go

Distance from downtown Ottawa: 26km

Information: Third World Bazaar