Shop for creative gifts from these Toronto boutiques
This holiday, give that special someone a gift they will remember for years to come, one that will make them smile every time they look at it, or pee their pants laughing. Normally you’d have to go to the ends of the earth to find something that fits the bill, but we’ve scoped out some of Toronto’s best shops for finding creative gifts that will leave a lasting impression. [Photo courtesy of Labour of Love]
Juxtapose Cards & Gifts
430 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X5This Annex shop is all about inside jokes and hobby-related gifts. Hilariously cute blank-interior cards with cover messages like “Deck yourself before you wreck yourself,” are perfect for the holidays, while the bookworms in your life will love Juxtapose’s “I like big books and I cannot lie” tote (it doubles as a gift bag!). Purchase a camera lens travel mug – so realistic, you can prank a photographer with it. And, their Mr. Tea novelty tea infuser is too cute. I mean, you put the tealeaves in his trousers…#genius!
Good Neighbour
935 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J6If life were a movie, Good Neighbour would be that friend next door who has everything you want. With a stellar selection of apparel and accessories by brands like Nobis, Citizens of Humanity, and Daniel Wellington, Good Neighbour also carries some not-so-typical gift options. Think: adult colouring books that will bring out the creative in anyone, and “motor robe” Pendleton blankets that come with their own leather carrying straps (perfect for the wanderlust in your life). Looking for a quick and cute option? Check out the set of metal jacks, sure to bring back some serious good-old-days vibes.
Labour of Love
223 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5A 2L2Gifts that’ll have people say, “OMG, where did you get this?” – that’s what you’ll find at Labour of Love. From mini donut soaps (complete with pink glaze, of course), mason jar shot glasses, and Toronto city coasters. The selection of handmade Canadian jewellery is as beautiful as it is unique – The Book of Life necklace, for instance, is a symbolic piece that represents strength and courage. Shopping for a youngling? The Original Miracle Melting Snowman is a fun pastime-themed gift (the snowman slowly melts after it’s made, to then be rebuilt again).
Outer Layer
577 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B6In hot pursuit of a unicorn poncho or a moustache pacifier? These Queen West cool guys can help you with that. And for those who are that obsessed with bacon, check out the bacon body wash on offer. Plus, don’t miss out on the greeting cards that will have you ROTFL. The best ones are too inappropriate for me to mention in detail, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. They also have lovely things like maple syrup tin candles and Moroccan string lights.
Hanji - Handmade Paper and Gifts
619 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K8Hanji is a small shop with tons of handmade and paper-made items from Korea and Toronto. A beautiful bonding gift idea for your child: pass down your own youth diary tied to a new one (choose from the many cute options at the shop), and start a family tradition of sharing memories. They also have the most darling pop-up greeting cards and holiday-themed messages in a bottle – not to mention, they have lots of arts-and-craft goodies like printed paper, ribbons, ties, and book-making pieces for a serious DIY session.
Coco Crafted Organic Chocolates
365 Jane St, Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3What’s better than chocolate? Handcrafted organic chocolates, of course. At Coco, you’ll find lots of certified organic and fair-trade delicious sweetness, like truffles, sweet and salty walnut dark chocolate, ice cream, and hot chocolate. But, the best gifts to give are their moulded goodies. They design chocolate shoes in a real size six – the perfect present for your chocolate-loving fashionista pal. During Christmas, Coco also makes Santa chocolates for the kiddies that are accompanied by a letter from Jolly Old St. Nick himself (psst: you actually get to write it yourself).
The Den Toronto
1960 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 1C2The most meaningful gifts are the ones you create yourself and The Den is one of the top spots in the city to make your jewellery vision into a reality. Instructors take your vision and help you turn it into something tangibly beautiful. Learn how to mould and shape metal using fire and power tools, and create silver and spinner rings, money clips, wedding bands, bracelets, pendants, and even bottle openers. Engrave them with personal messages for an extra special touch. Or, purchase a workshop for your friend, family, or partner and share the learning experience together.
Redletter
128 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A6Mix sugar and spice, and everything nice and you’ll get Redletter. A gift shop unlike any other, this boutique has some sweet little luxuries to surprise someone’s interest-buds. Tea lovers will gush over the beautiful tea sets that will make for a truly grown-up tea party. Got a mom who loves to bake? You can find some elegant two-tier pastry stands that she’ll adore. Makeup and beauty fanatics will love the red lipstick flask, macaroon lip glosses and cupcake hand creams. Fashionistas, on the other hand, will be pumped to receive a stiletto-shaped phone case.
Your Feel Good Soap
616 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E4Natural, handmade bath and body products created by you – now that’s something to feel good about! Your Feel Good Soap is a boutique where you can design your own soaps, body lotions, creams, butters, shampoos, conditioners, and body wash, using paraben- and sodium lauryl sulphate-free ingredients. Fragranced with essential and aromatic oils, you can keep it unscented or choose up to three scents. A “blendista” mixes your choices and your finished creation is ready to be gifted to someone special. They’ve also created products for purchase, like mason jar candles and drink-inspired soaps packaged in a disposable coffee cup.
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