The mom-and-pop shops, the cute cafes, the gourmet businesses and creative boutiques -- they’re what make our neighbourhoods livable and lovable. We asked around to find some off-the-beaten-path favourites, and thought we’d share our top picks with you so you can support local this season – or any time of the year!
Photo credit: @churchillsgourmetgifts
Churchill’s Fine Gourmet Gifts
Giftable desserts｜882 Millwood Rd
This place has been around for 17 years, with a hardworking team that’s all about laughter, patience and putting out a great product they really believe in. And the decadent desserts they make are truly delicious.
Photo credit @coalminersdaugher
Fashion shop｜Multiple locations
Like the idea of supporting slow fashion and local design talent? You’ll love Coal Miner’s daughter. They carry emerging and established Canadian fashion labels and lovely jewellery and accessories, all focusing on quality workmanship, small-batch production and innovative designs. If you want to pick up a unique wearable gift, this is the place!
Photo credit: @demosoap
Handmade glycerin soaps｜171 E Liberty St, # 123
Exquisite soaps, handmade, gluten-free, kosher, hypoallergenic, biodegradable…and yummy enough that you’ll want to eat them (though we don’t recommend it).
Photo credit: @wearfranc
Eco-friendly fashion basics｜Online
Sustainable, size-inclusive basics ethically made in Canada for people who are fed up with fast fashion.
Photo credit: @lemonandlavender
Gift store｜2314 Bloor St W｜
This pretty boutique with great service and an amazing selection of special gifts is a huge favourite with the Bloor West Village crowd.
Photo credit: @matsujewellery
Jeweller｜1235 Gorham St., Unit 1, Newmarket
Beautiful handcrafted pieces, mostly silver, in Matsu’s signature flowing, organic design. Owner Jennifer makes beautiful stuff and is always open to doing custom work
Photo credit: @soakwash
Modern laundry care｜Online and in retail stores
An awesome, women-run, GTA-based company that’s all about sustainability and community. Their laundry soap is super gentle and smells really good. You can even use it to hand wash wool and cashmere sweaters...no need for dry cleaning.
Photo credit: @somachocolatemaker
Chocolatier ｜Multiple locations
If you’re a chocolate lover who doesn’t know Soma, get thee to their fabulous Distillery shop, stat! It’s the place to go for gorgeous, grownup cacao-based treats.
Photo credit: @typebooks
Bookstore ｜ 883 Queen West | 2887 Dundas West | 427 Spadina
A friendly, old-fashioned neighbourhood bookstore for those who prefer to shop local and in person (though they definitely share their wares online, too!) It’s the perfect place to find gifts for all the readers on your list…or just while away a quiet afternoon browsing everything from the latest releases to the classics.
Photo credit: @wonderpens
Stationery store｜52 Clinton St.｜
Got someone on your list who loves a great pen or a perfect notebook? This family-run shop is a cult fave with Toronto stationery fans. We especially love their shop cats Chicken and Tuna, who feature heavily in the shop’s social media – and even have fountain pen inks named after them!
Got a biz you love that isn’t mentioned here? Share it with us on social! Happy holidays, everyone – and happy shopping!