Where to shop for holiday gifts in Toronto's west end

Photo: Easy Tiger

Photo: Easy Tiger

There are few feelings that rival the giving of a truly befitting and much appreciated gift. But for every perfect gift there are at least three more to be purchased that cause stress and anxiety. While there is no one-gift-fits-all, there are some safer bets that appeal to a wider audience. 

EASY TIGER

Easy Tiger is a self-described lifestyle concept store that carries everything from home décor, jewelry and leather goods to apothecary, clothing and kid’s toys. The collection is well curated with the right balance of neutrality and quirk to suit almost all tastes. The goods are inoffensively trendy, with a touch of Wes Anderson, and are ideal for your female-in-laws and the bearded men in your life.

1447 Dundas St. W.
easytigergoods.com

CROWN FLORA STUDIO

Terrariums have popped up in just about every design feature over the last few years, therefore they are widely available at almost every florist. But not every terrarium comes with your choice of blue tyrannosaurus or yellow stegosaurus, does it? At Crown Flora Studio you can customize your terrarium with a variety of accoutrements or even register for one of the classic terrarium workshops. Make terrariums the new poinsettia.

740 Queen St. W.
crownflorastudio.com

BYOB COCKTAIL EMPORIUM

Alcohol is a reliable safety for your boss/secret Santa/personal trainer/person you know literally nothing about. Fortunately cocktail culture is more main stream than ever and a gift of bitters, floral water or acid phosphate (what?) might buy you more favor than the finest $12 dollar bottle Wine Rack has to offer.

972 Queen St. W.
cocktailemporium.ca

REIGNING CHAMP

Reigning Champ has been creating premium athletic wear for close to a decade and has collaborated with big brands such as Adidas, New Balance and MLS. The designs are minimalist and easily incorporated into existing wardrobes of any style. Suitable for any male in your life who’s over Lulu Lemon or American Apparel.  

41 Ossington Ave.
reigningchamp.com

PEACE COLLECTIVE

Peace Collective recently opened their first brick and mortar this year and have become well known for their upgraded version of Canadian pride attire. Toronto VS Everybody is the 21st centuries answer to the felt beaver and the collection has greatly expanded since inception and includes children’s attire too.

131 Ossington Ave.
peace-collective.com

KID ICARUS

With a focus on paper goods, Kid Icarus is a hidden gem that stocks locally made gifts, books, cards and accoutrements. Any lover of puns and letterpress could easily spend a small fortune on the carefully curated selection of handmade items for all ages. Kid Icarus is ideal for the crafty person who appreciates some creative inspiration.  

205 Augusta Ave.
kidicarus.ca