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5 Best Gift Shops in Toronto

4 Best Gift Shops in Toronto

  • Product Variety:  We chose shops that have a wide variety of options that can cater to different tastes and preferences.
  • Quality and Uniqueness: We selected shops that sell items that are well-crafted, durable, and stand out from generic or mass-produced gifts.
  • Customer Service: Exceptional customer service, including knowledgeable and friendly staff, can greatly enhance the shopping experience. We evaluated this by checking how each shop caters to the needs and inquiries of its customers.
  • Accessibility: We considered the shop's location within Toronto and its accessibility via public and private transport.
  • Pricing: We checked the prices in each shop and noted if there are options for customers with different budgets.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect present, a unique keepsake, or just a bit of retail therapy, you’re in the right place! In this list, we’re about to take you on a delightful tour of the best gift shops in Toronto. 

Whether you’re a local looking for that special something or a visitor hoping to find a piece of Toronto to take home, we’ve got you covered. Read on!

1. Blue Banana Market

Blue Banana Market's Homepage

Products Offered: Cards, Clothing, Bar Products, Water Bottles, Stationery, Local Goods, Queer Merch, Pop Culture Merch, Personal Accessories, Novelty Merch, Home Scents and Candles, Games/Activities, Kids Toys, Kitchen Products, Hots Sauce & BBQ

Website: https://www.bluebananamarket.com/

Address: 250 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L7, Canada

Contact Details: +14165946600

Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Google reviews score4.4/5
Facebook reviews score4.4/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.4/5
Product Variety5/5
Quality and Uniqueness5/5
Customer Service4/5
Accessibility5/5
Location5/5
Online Presence5/5
Pricing (A higher score means a better value)5/5

Pros

  • A treasure trove of eclectic and handmade items
  • Offers a delightful collection of unique gifts

Cons

  • Some visitors have mentioned encountering not-so-friendly staff 

Blue Banana Market is the home for a shopping adventure in the vibrant Kensington Market. What we like most is it’s a treasure trove of all things eclectic and offbeat, and it’s right in the heart of the action.

We love the variety of items on offer here as well! They have a delightful collection of quirky, handmade, and utterly unique gifts and goodies.

From what we’ve seen, there are many items here that will satisfy a wide variety of tastes, from funky clothing and accessories to all sorts of cool home decor and fascinating curiosities.

We also discovered that they offer an array of stuff from artisans around the globe. In our books, it’s like a shopping journey that takes customers from vintage-inspired gems to hipster must-haves.

While Blue Banana Market is a haven for all things quirky and unique, we did find a little hiccup in our exploration. 

It turns out that quite a few folks we surveyed mentioned that they encountered some not-so-friendly staff during their visits. Sojust keep it in mind when you head over – you might bump into a few not-so-cheerful faces. 

Nonetheless, we think this aspect shouldn’t stop customers from diving into the world of eclectic finds at Blue Banana Market. 

2. Royal Canadian Gifts

Royal Canadian Gifts' Homepage

Products Offered: Canadian Food, Canadian Clothing, Canadian Souvenirs, Premium Canadiana, Canadian Jewellery, Native Arts and Crafts, Baby and Kids Products, Nutritional Supplements, Premium Gifts

Website: https://www.ucanada.com/

Address: 229 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2E2, Canada

Contact Details: +14165981988

Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Google reviews score4.4/5
Yelp reviews score4/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.2/5
Product Variety5/5
Quality and Uniqueness5/5
Customer Service5/5
Accessibility5/5
Location5/5
Online Presence5/5
Pricing (A higher score means a better value)4/5

Pros

  • Offers a diverse selection of Canadian-made products
  • Provides the option to buy in bulk through their website
  • Offers free shipping on orders over 100 Canadian dollars

Cons

  • Prices can be on the higher side

For those on a quest for that ultimate Canadian gift, Royal Canadian Gifts is where the magic happens. We love how this charming shop is snugly tucked away in the historic Distillery District – a place that’s all about celebrating Canada’s incredible heritage.

We also find it commendable that they offer a world of Canadian-made treasures. They’ve got everything from stunning First Nations art to the iconic maple syrup that’s practically a national treasure. 

But, here’s the lowdown, we are quite iffy about the slight higher prices here. So those who are not in a rush to buy things may want to check out other stores first.  

However, a noteworthy aspect we found about Royal Canadian is their online shopping feature. The best part is that customers can buy in bulk on their website—so plus points for a savvy shopping experience!

Plus, we find it really great that when customers spend over 100 Canadian dollars on their website, they can get free shipping. No extra charges to worry about – just pure Canadian goodness delivered to their doorsteps! 

So, while it’s a fantastic spot to immerse yourself in Canada’s rich culture, it might be a bit heavy on the wallet. But hey, sometimes, that’s the price you pay for a genuine piece of Canada. 

3. Curiosa

Curiosa's Homepage

Products Offered: Harry Potter Merch, Trinkets, Cards, Collectibles, Jewelleries, Accessories, Stationery

Website: http://www.curiosasociety.com/

Address: 320 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1H1, Canada

Contact Details: +16473410394

Operating Hours: Monday: Closed; Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Google reviews score4.8/5
Facebook reviews score4.6/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.7/5
Product Variety5/5
Quality and Uniqueness5/5
Customer Service5/5
Accessibility5/5
Location5/5
Online Presence5/5
Pricing (A higher score means a better value)4/5

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of witchcraft-related items
  • A paradise for collectors and those who appreciate peculiar and unusual items
  • Inventory is constantly evolving

Cons

  • Prices may be on the higher side

Curiosa is an enchanting boutique right in the heart of the city. Upon checking them out, we fell in love with how they’re all about embracing the unexpected and celebrating the curious—their name is quite apt, right?

We were amazed about the things we found in the store! Curiosa is like a treasure trove of oddities, curiosities, and one-of-a-kind gems just waiting for customers to discover. 

We also love that they offer a wide range of antique trinkets and a vast collection of oracle cards, tarot cards, and everything needed to satisfy our inner witch or wizard.

What seriously impressed us is their inventory is constantly evolving, and it’s a goldmine of rare and remarkable finds. We think this place is a must-visit for collectors and fans of the peculiar and unusual.

There are vintage books, unique artefacts, and eccentric artwork that’ll seriously up a collector’s game. Even Potterheads (like us) will find paradise here because of Curiosa’s Harry Potter merchandise—something we love!

With that, we think it’s best that customers carve some time in their schedules if they’re planning to explore Curiosa for the best finds.

On the downside, we were quite disappointed to find that shopping in Curiosa can be a tad on the pricey side. However, we find this quite understandable considering the uniqueness and quality of the products.

4. Outer Layer

Outer Layer's Homepage

Products Offered: Pet Shop, Animal Hospital, Animal Hotel, Pet Grooming & Spa

Website: http://www.outerlayer.com/

Address: 577 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B6, Canada

Contact Details: +14168699889

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Google reviews score4.7/5
Facebook reviews score4.2/5
Yelp reviews score4/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.3/5
Product Variety5/5
Quality and Uniqueness5/5
Customer Service4/5
Accessibility4.5/5
Location5/5
Online Presence4/5
Pricing (A higher score means a better value)5/5

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of novelty gifts, witty greeting cards, retro toys, and fun accessories
  • Organises products by category

Cons

  • Reported issues with product delivery

Outer Layer on Queen Street West is all about adding a pinch of humour, a sprinkle of pop culture, and a generous dose of nostalgia to gift-giving.

We like that it’s not your ordinary store; it’s a treasure trove of novelty gifts, quirky stationery, and all-around fun accessories.

Upon walking in, we found ourselves surrounded by items that can’t help but make us smile. From witty greeting cards that had us chuckling to retro toys that transported us back in time, we love that this place is a nostalgia-filled paradise.

Another thing that we appreciate about Outer Layer is their effort in arranging their products by category. It makes the shopping experience a breeze!

We also think it’s commendable that customers can navigate the store with ease, thanks to their well-organised setup. 

However, it’s worth noting that there have been a few hiccups when it comes to product delivery. We were quite disappointed to discover that some customers have reported that certain items were either not delivered as expected or that they received incorrect products. 

So, while Outer Layer is a fantastic spot for quirky and fun finds, we think it might be a good idea to double-check your order to ensure everything is just right. 

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