Our Faves

Ivory Parade

760 A College St., Toronto, ON, M6G 1C4

Rated this place:

posted Jul 14 2008

fun gifts and cards: I often have to buy a gift for the person that seems to have everything, so when I'm uncertain as to what to get, I stop by Ivory Parade. There's a huge assortment of unique gift items such as quirky and fun books, games and toys, quotable magnets and cups, photo albums, accessories, jewelry and lots more. I also love their selection of cards -- there's a card for everyone you know -- sarcastic, humorous, vegan, romantic and artistic, you name it. This is also a great shop when you're in the mood to spoil yourself with a little luxury. They carry a great selection of Thymes Indigenous fragrant poured candles that smell amazing and a variety of stylish hangbags from Suede.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• card shop

Red Letter

128 Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1A6

Rated this place:

posted Mar 20 2009

delightful gifts: Red letter is a charming gift boutique for all occasions. You'll find pretty stationery and notebooks, fun little gifts like shrunken designer toy chairs from World of Design, girly cup and saucer sets (in the shape of hearts or in patterns like polka dot), candles in scents like buttercream, and bath and body products from Cake. Take your time as there's lots to look at in this store. And don't forget to pick up a couple of the colourful gift boxes, available in different sizes. They are so adorable and dainty.

Valhalla Cards & Gifts

823 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6J 1G1

Rated this place:

posted Mar 25 2009

wide variety of gifts: A lazy Saturday afternoon for me usually involves meeting friends on Queen West for coffee or brunch, window shopping and walking into stores like Valhalla Cards & Gifts, where I stop to check out all the cool and fun items. You'll definitely find something that's suitable for almost every person you know. They carry a lot of grown up toys and games, candles, stationery, and gifts for all occasions including baby showers, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations etc. I really like their selection of unique cards and pretty journals and notebooks. The shop also has a good selection of the famous Quotable mugs.

Red Pegasus

628 College St, Toronto, ON, M6G1B4

Rated this place:

posted Apr 4 2007

gift/novelty shop: Red Pegasus might be a tiny shop but that doesn't mean that there isn't a ton of great gift ideas here. I love the stylish housewares including kitchen accessories and unique coffee mugs. There's also toys for kids and cuddly stuffed animals, accessories such as hats, scarves and handbags, and a great selection of sterling silver jewelry made in-house and brought in from local and well-known designers. They've expanded their assortment of bath and body products as well, including items from Burt's Bees and Dirty Girl. A variety of quality greeting cards are also available.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• gift/novelty shop

Pistachio

3401 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 2T9

Rated this place:

posted Apr 6 2009

eco-friendly products and gifts: Pistachio, part of the Indigo and Chapters' empire, sells green lifestyle products. Everything in this store is eco-friendly. Items include stationery and greeting cards, home and garden accessories, toys and baby gifts, skincare and bath products. I especially like the invitations made from recycled paper -- they are as nice as custom made ones. For baby gifts check out the selection of wooden toys, clothing and baby books. And for adults, the Apothecary section features exclusive skincare lines like Jurlique from Australia, made from pure plant-based ingredients. You'll also fine Mrs. Meyers biodegradable household cleaning products, great for moms who want to keep a green environment in the home.