I love Vancouver and I've no doubt you'll enjoy your trip. I have actually done a hotel review in the review section of travel & dining. There are soem other nice locations such as the four season or the pan pacific.
As for cheap items try some of these;
Anything to do with ski / snowboarding
Mountain bikes (VERY cheap and Vancouver is the home of Kona)
Clothes but I don't get on with alot of their taste on clothing
SOME electrical. My parents bought an IBM laptop which worked out a little cheaper and the IBm stuff carries an international warranty. IIRC the exchange rate was better than that then.
Have fun in Vancouver and I hope my review is of some use.