Even if we may still be in denial, we can’t forget that the holidays are only around a few more twists and turns in the road. If you’re like us and still haven’t started your shopping yet, or you are crazy-organized and only have a few last things to pick up, here are some unique stores in each of our favourite cities that carry a variety of interesting gift items for everyone on our list(s).
Urban Outfitters
Where else can you find items such as Moustache Bandages, The Original Ant Farm or a Rainbow in My Room Projector? This store has the perfect stocking stuffer, Hanukkah present or Secret Santa gift for everyone on your list, aged one to 101.
481 Queen Street, West; 416-203-8633
235 Yonge Street, 416-214-1466; www.urbanoutfitters.com
TIFF.Shop
The tiff.shop carries unique items like very cool line-drawing fake tattoos, original-looking notebooks, special product collections and artist multiples reflecting TIFF curated films, programs and gallery installations.
350 King St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 3X5; 416-599-8433; tiff.net
Queens Quay Terminal
Why not turn a shopping trip into an enjoyable whole-day experience with a beautiful view and a few great restaurants to break up the gift-buying? The Toy Terminal, the Canadian Naturalist and the Earth Collection all carry toys, gifts and clothing for adults and children. Break for lunch at Pearl Harbourfront or Watermark Irish Pub and then head back in for more serious shopping.
207 Queen Street, West; 416-203-0510; www.qqterminal.com
The Toy Space, Inc.
This family run independent toy store carefully selects and sells toys that inspire creativity, with an emphasis on learning through play. Find toys for babies and toddlers, as well as unique items for science, art, bath time, pretend, games, music, puzzles and more. Our favourite part? Rewarding ourselves with some Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream at the end of the shopping trip.
106 Bathurst Street; 416-203-0792; thetoyspace.com
Baby on the Hip
From books and craft supplies to clothes and toys, this totally green store has something for every hip(ster) child out there. Every item is chosen based on sustainability, non-toxicity and quality, and they understand that eco-friendly does not have to exclude style, which we (and our hipster kids) love.
969 Queen Street, East; 416-465-4101
786 College Street; 647-427-1484; babyonthehip.ca
Byward Market
Head to the market for brunch, lunch or dinner, and then go shopping for unique gifts. Within an area roughly four blocks square, you’ll find museums, cafés, specialty food shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
ByWard Market BIA: 55 ByWard Market Square; (613) 562-3325; byward-market.com.
3 Little Monkeys
Perfect for the baby, toddler or new parents on your shopping list, they specialize in high-quality gear for the under-5 set, such as handmade wooden toys, diaper bags, shoes, slings, bibs, cloth diapers, and stainless steel water bottles and sippy cups. They specialize in local, fair-trade, organic products and all toys are non-toxic.
1150 Bank Street; (613) 733-3993; 3littlemonkeysottawa.com.
Grace in the Kitchen
For the foodies on your list, check out this gourmet kitchen supplystore that also sells imported cheeses, coffees and other really amazing food-related items like vanilla caviar (to die for!) and Artisanal bakery goods.
1165 Bank Street; (613) 521-4818; www.graceinthekitchen.com
The Papery
From unique photo albums to gorgeous stationery products, this store is where to shop for that person on your list who has always loved school supplies. Unique wrapping paper by-the-sheet and a wall of ribbons will also mean your gifts will be wrapped to perfection after nipping into this haven.
850 Bank Street; 613-230-1313; papery.ca.
Andrew King Studio
Local artist Andrew King has released a line of T-shirts based on iconic signs from around Ottawa. Our personal favourite is the Towers logo T, but anyone who has lived in Ottawa will recognize most of them — including the Civic Pharmacy and The Cathay, a Chinese restaurant that used to be at Albert & Bank.
www.andrewkingstudio.com
Calgary
Hit the Mall(s)
So many favourite stores, so little time. Calgary really is a mall-shoppers mecca. If you want a bunch of great stores all in one place (and a warm shopping trip), head to Chinook Centre, CrossIron Mills (an outlet mall), Market Mall (situated away from the bustling downtown core, it can be less crowded during the holiday rush than its rivals) or Southcentre Mall, where when your shopping companion/driver starts to fade, he can be lovingly deposited in the Sports Zone – an area devoted to showing all-day action on two 65” HD TVs furnished with plush leather seats.
Art Central
Art Central is a feast for the eyes and soul with more than 50 artist studios, galleries, clothing and jewellery boutiques and cafes. It’s a relaxing and cultured way to enjoy the downtown scene while you find the rare gift you’ve been searching for.
100, 7th Avenue SW; @artcentral_yyc
10 Street and Kensington Road
Go in either direction and you will have loads of shops chock full of unique options like delicious teas, and funky accessories. You’ll also find boutiques stocked with stylish fashions for adults and kids alike. No matter which road you explore first, you’ll love the quaint, village feel of this area.
Livingstone & Cavell Extraordinary Toys
In this toy haven, even you might start to drool a wee bit. The store is brimming with the best of the old (think little red wagons) as well as vintage-inspired toys with a new twist. For the young and young-at-heart on your shopping list, there are novelty moustaches and classic gags. This is a workshop even Santa could learn from.
1124 Kensington Road NW; 403.270.4165
Steeling Home
At this modern day general store, you will find vintage toys, magnetic action figures and funky wooden puzzles. For those hostess gifts we dread buying, retro aprons and dazzling hair clips are sure to delight. Nip into Farm next door for a much-deserved shopping break of cheese fondue or homemade mac and cheese.
1010 17 Ave., S.W., 403-245-0777; www.steelinghomestore.com
Kids Market
Your kids will absolutely love the Kids Market. It’s home to dozens of shops, including the Granville Island Toy Company, Everything Wet (a boutique full of wet-weather gear for kids), and Kites & Puppets, whose assortment of colorful kites covers the market’s ceiling. There’s also an Adventure Zone playground out back–complete with a coffee shop for the parents.
1496 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
Front and Company
This Vancouver gem is a one-stop shopping destination. Awesome accessories, gorgeous home decor, clothes and jewelry and an excellent selection of gadgets, books and toys sure to please just about anyone on your list.
3772 Main Street; 604-879-8431, www.frontandcompany.ca
Dilly Dally
Tired of thinking you should buy stock in a battery company with every battery-powered toy you purchase for your child? This is the store for you. They have gone back-to-basics with toys and books that spark imaginations. We adore the pop-up books, puppets and games.
1161 Commercial Drive; 604-252-9727, www.dillydallykids.ca
Chinatown
Vancouver’s Chinatown holds more surprises than you may expect. It’s the ideal place to shop for Chinese imports, furniture and clothes, unique gifts, home decor (and not just Asian-inspired decor) and jewelry.
3635 Main Street; 604-873-5459,
Smoking Lily
This local shop oozes Vancouver style. Quirky screen-printed clothing in soft and comfortable fabrics are sure to be loved by all. The onesies are definitely our faves.
Pender Street; 604-681-3023
See? Shopping doesn’t have to be difficult or dreary…you just need to know where to go!
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