I love to support local business in Toronto, especially during Christmas because they often have the most unique and unusual presents to gift to my family and friends. These are some of my favourite spots to shop this season, any season!
Absolutely Inc.
This shop is a mecca for stylists, decorators and lovers of design. It offers a very chic mix of antique and contemporary lighting, home accessories, furniture and one-of-a-kind gifts. You can always pick up something special here, especially around the holidays. With so much to choose from it’s hard not to walk out with something for yourself also!
Studio Corbo
Highly edited and highly curated collections of ready-to-wear amazingness! (Think: Norma Kamali, Filippa K and IRO, to name but a few.) This clothing store recently relocated to a much larger boutique on Cumberland near Bellair. The owner Teresa has been in business for years, and her eye for women’s clothes is really unparalleled. I never get out the door without buying something here – her incredible staff is wonderful at knowing what styles, brands and designers I like. For the women who want quality at a reasonable price point, and are tired of the fast, throw away fashion available in many stores these days, Studio Corbo is the place. Their selections are timeless, yet modern, and you get personalized service, which is also very hard to find.
Hopson Grace
Their website says it all: “We specialize in life’s joyful essentials: food, wine, family and great design.” I love that! It is a gorgeous space: they carry housewares from dishes to cutlery, and everything you need to set a spectacular table. I often walk around and just take it all in – it’s that inspiring of a place. What’s also fun is their kid’s section full of the sweetest dishware and even mini aprons for the little chefs in your life!
Cheese Boutique
This is a gem for your foodie friend you’re trying to buy a gift for this Christmas. Their gourmet emporium is full of delectable pastries, baked breads and a variety of cheeses, along with some great cookware and cutlery. They even have a “Cheese Vault” – a first of its kind in Canadian retail, the vault offers customers a chance to learn and appreciate the process of aging cheese. They have the longest-aging wheels of cheese on the globe here, along with a wheel of nutty Parmigiano that has been aging since 2002.
Holt Renfrew
This is a staple luxury retailer in Toronto, and with obvious good reason. I especially love visiting Holt’s during the holiday season: it’s always bustling and full of pretty decorations, music and people. They have a wonderful gift section for both men and women, and I always find that perfect scarf, gloves, chocolates or something unique in their edited list.
