We tend to think of gift giving as a you-got-it-or-you-don’t talent. Truth is, becoming a good gifter is as simple as stepping into a well-stocked, thoroughly-curated store. Here, we name our top gift shops in Toronto (and no, not the ones carrying CN Tower magnets and maple leaf-embellished beach towels.) These six boutiques are home to covetable gift ideas for pretty much every person in your life.

Easy Tiger

 

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Every highly giftable pick at this Dundas West institution — from confetti-painted earthenware to chic puzzles and coffee-table-worthy photography books — is meant to brighten your every day. If consciously designed clothing is calling you, skip across the street to its sister store Ease which stocks contemporary brands like Lisa Says Gah and Paloma Wool.

1447 Dundas St. W., easytigergoods.com

Type Books Junction

 

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The written word always makes for a considered gift. At Type Books in the Junction, you can peruse their thoughtfully stocked shelves of popular releases, top cookbooks and riveting non-fiction. Stuck on what to select? Try the spot-on staff picks or snag one of their Mystery Bags, a stack of books specially chosen to be compatible with your literary tastes.

2887 Dundas St. W., typebooks.ca

Good Neighbour

 

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A newer addition to the Roncesvalles strip, Good Neighbour is just that: a well-stocked community shop purveying always-appreciated bits and bobs. You name it, they got it: marbled bar soap, monogram catchalls, botanical face masks, concrete planters and, best of all, artisanal cookie butter chocolate bars.

415 Roncesvalles Ave., goodnbr.com

Souvenir

 

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You’ll find a trove of minimalist-rooted goods at Souvenir (sculptural jewelry, closet staples, unfussy planners and the like) but owner Danielle Suppa’s bread and butter is artisan-made ceramics. Expect large-scale vessels, tiny bud vases and ruffled-rim nesting dishes — all sourced from small designers around the world — that would fit in on any tablescape.

1232 Dundas St. W., souvenir-studios.com

Likely General 

At Likely General, owner Brooke Manning curates unconventional (and completely beautiful) wares sourced from independent makers and community artists. The result? A little something for everyone. For witchy types, black cat-shaped candles, tarot decks and ethically sourced palo santo; niche fragrances and flora-covered claw clips for the style obsessed; and a whole bunch of one-off pieces (think tartan blankets, cottage socks and local zines) that’ll delight just about anyone.

389 Roncesvalles Ave., likelygeneral.com

V de V

If your to-buy-for list includes a picky mother-in-law, bride-to-be, even someone you don’t know too well, check out V de V, a Montreal-founded design store that’s opened its newest doors on Dundas West. Here, you’ll find stunning home accents with modest price tags to match: pastel-tinted glassware, Turkish bath towels, minimalist planters and shapely candlesticks.

797 Dundas St. W., vdevmaison.com

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