How far are you in to the Black Friday Frenzy?
Most of the city’s big malls opened between 6 and 7 am this morning and many shoppers rolled up their sleeves and got down to business.
If you’re not an early bird, fear not the malls don’t close until 9:30 pm tonight.
So head on over to Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, Fairview, Scarborough Town or Erin Mills Town Centre– but brace yourself for long lines and piles of, well, stuff.
On the outskirts of the city are the Toronto Premium Outlets where you can get your designer gifts at an even lower than outlet mall price – Michael Kors, Kate Spade and J.Crew to name a few. Also popular are Vaughan Mills and Dixie Outlet Mall.
Then there’s Toronto – yes, Toronto is a big city with a lot to offer. As much as we love malls, there is so much shopping to be done outside of the malls and here are a few options below.
Whether you’re looking for toys, clothes, crafts or knickknacks to fill those Christmas stockings we have your store listings right here!
Without further ado…
There’s a reason they call it the One of a Kind Christmas Show– it’s, well, one of a kind. The most anticipated Christmas shopping show of the year is back at the Direct Energy Centre from Friday through December 7th. Featuring over 700 artisans, you can shop for hand-crafted ceramics, jewellery, furniture, clothes and accessories and enjoy art exhibits as well as fashion show. Plus take part in artistic holiday activities and hands-on workshops where you can make unique gifts. This way each gift you give will truly be – One of a Kind.
Inspired by European style Christmas Markets, local vendors and craftsmen invite you to the Distillery District to shop at the Toronto Christmas Market.You can also enjoy musical performances, carolers, ride a Ferris Wheel, have a pint in one of the beer gardens and of course Mr. Ho Ho Ho himself will be there – with all his reindeer! Vendors include Maple Leaf Fudge, Petit Thuet, Retro Festive and more! After you shop, indulge in Belgian waffles, Bavarian nuts, poutine and corned beef sandwiches.
Get lost in Chinatown’s selection of stores where you’re likely to find some hidden gems. Start with the AGO’s gift shop. You’d be surprised what neat items you’ll find here such as handmade jewellery. Next we suggest B&J, Chinatown’s answer to a local dollar store which features an array of things on a budget. Then there’s Chinatown Centre, one of two malls in Chinatown with great fashion pieces and trinkets to choose from. At Cubeshops, you will find helpful knickknacks or great electronics from Dragon City Mall. The Plaiter Place has small household items and Toronto’s fave in Chinatown, Tap Phong, sells every item of kitchen accessory you can imagine. All great gifts!
If you’ve got more than a couple of bucks to spare, Yorkville is where you need to- or shall we say, CAN be for your high-end shopping spree. Known for its exclusive American and European brands, hit the streets of Bloor, Holt Renfrew, Yorkville Avenue and Hazelton Lanes.
We know that some of you will be shopping for toys – not just for your own kids, but nieces, nephews or just something to donate to the “Make a Wish Foundation” or other great kids’ charities.
The best toys stores in town are more than just Toy’R’Us. Let’s take a quick tour around our city’s toy kingdoms. Toytown in midtown is the city’s oldest indie toy shop. Magic Pony rides in the Queen West area. Little Peeps can be found in Riverside where you’ll find healthy and eco-friendly options. Also on that wavelength are The Swag Sisters in the east end and Scooter Girl in Parkdale. As you walk by the Queen’s Quay Terminal spot, you will notice Noah’s Ark in the display window – that’s the Toy Terminal for you. Silly Goose Kids and Mastermind both offer comfortable spaces where customers can hang out with their kids and connect before shopping. Kidding Awound is known for its upbeat environment and Treasure Island (no, not Vegas) and Toys Toys Toys have all the barbies and Sesame Street products you could ever ask for. Last, but certainly not least, the LEGO Store, because let’s admit it, most grown-ups have fond memories of building with LEGOs, so this one is for you too!
The small town boutique feel is why people love to shop at the Beaches.Places like the Artisans, Arts on Queen, Wisteria Way (not Lane), LaManna Fashion for Men, The Embellished Room, Posh Boutique, V.I.C.S. Resale Centre and The Nutty Chocolatier (candy lovers and those who know candy lovers – so everyone!) to end on a sweet note.
Support local designers(most located in the Queen West area) and find awesome treasures at places like Fresh Collective, Preloved, Ziliotto and Coal Minor’s Daughter for women’s fashion. The men can head over to Gerhard or Model Citizen. Accessorize at Wise Daughters Craft Market, Lavishy and Hoi Boi for your PVC bags and silver-plated jewellery.
Not a size 2 – not 2 worry. Your Big Sisters Closet has just what you need, just as you would find in your actual big sister’s closet. Other great finds are hidden at Pomp & Pageantry, Gussied Up, Allistyle, Voluptuous, SexyPlus Clothing, ToniPlus, Marina Rinaldi and The Answer. For your vintage looks you can hit up You Lucky Bird Vintage, Fat Chance and Curvaceous Consignment.
Love Liberty Village? Even though they cater for their residents, you don’t have to live there to shop there. Find anything from condo accessories (West Elm) to women’s fashion (Vocado), bedroom likes (EQ3), bikes (Liberty Street Cyclery) and furniture (Casalife).
We left the best for last because no matter where in the city (or out) you live, locals love Queen West.When tourists ask about the best shopping in the city, Queen West most definitely makes the list. It’s Toronto’s hippest stretch of real estate for all your chic or eclectic shopping.
You have Peach Beserk and Balisi, Black Market Vintage, Affordable Textiles Inc. and EuroFab for your clothing and textile junkies. Yes, we roll ultra-chic with ultra-vintage all in to one because Queen West has it all. Go antiquing with Neat, Mobra, Urban Barn, Design Republic, Abraham’s Trading Co. and
The Umbra Concept Store. Musically inclined? The spin your way to Neurotica or Rotate this for all your vinyl, tape and CD needs.
Phew! That was a task and one that deserves a great meal. Plan a relaxed Sunday and start with a good brunch from Gilead Café. Since your teeth into The Fried Halloumi Sandwich with Roasted Red Peppers or better yet, the Beer Braised Beef Poutine with Caramelized Onions! Uh huh –drool worthy.
Now, who’s going to wrap all those presents? That one is on you!
