Give back to your community this holiday season by shopping in your neighbourhood for Christmas gifts. Toronto is FULL of amazing smalll businesses with locally made and sourced products. There really is something for everyone on your list. Here is a list of our favourite local gems to shop for the kids on your list.
This Little Piggy is located in Toronto's vibrant Parkdale neighbourhood. The product is all carefully curated by the owner, and it shows. There isn't anything in the shop I don't want to take with me. If you're looking to find products eco, mom and baby friendly products that you're like not to see anywhere else, this is the place. Also, a newly added change area for your baby makes shopping here with your baby or tot an absolute breeze.
Location: 1594 Queen Street West (Queen and Sorauren)
Hours: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 5pm
Contact: faye@thislittlepiggyshop.ca
This used to me my local toy store, and we definitely put it to the test. It came to the rescue on many panicked, last minute birthday party runs. It has an amazing collection of toys for all age groups and interests. They pride themselves on the eco-friendly quality, safety, value and fun element to all their toys, which wherever possible are sourced locally. The perfect spot to find a gift for someone who might already have "everything". Play is encouraged onsite, which helps keeps little ones busy while you browse. Added bonus, if you can't make it in, there is also an online shop!
Location: 581 Danforth Ave (Pape and Danforth)
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am – 9pm, Sat 9:30am – 7pm, Sun 10am – 6pm
Contact: 416-778-4913
They're tagline, "urban.natural.simple." is true. They have thoughtfully selected eco-friendly, sustainable product with style. With everything from maternity, to pre-school, including clothing, toys, strollers, diapers, bathing and feeding, you will absolutely find unique products you can proudly support.
Locations: 969 Queen St East (Queen and Carlaw) AND 786 College St (College and Shaw)
Hours: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 5pm
Contact: Queen: 416.465.4141, College: 647.427.1484, info@babyonthehip.ca
If being located next door to The Lazy Daisy Cafe isn't enough, this store is a gem all it's own and warrants the trip to Gerrard East to take a peek. I love their philosophy of providing toys that are more locally, socially and environmentally sensitive. I also love that they are raging against the loot bag, and are committed to providing high quality items in an effort to reduce the typical, cheap, plastic disposable filler we have all been weighed down with time and time again. So whether it's a birthday party, a holiday oarty, or a just becuase, pop in, you'll be so happy you did.
Location: 1511 Gerrard St E (near Coxwell and Gerrard)
Hours: Mon – Thu 10am – 6:30pm, Fri 10am – 7pm, Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 5pm
Contact: 416-628-1280
Located in the Carrot Common on the Danforth 100 Mile Child is a pioneer when it comes to offering children's products with a conscience. Their products have been carefully selected with educational, environmental, social and safety considerations. A great place to find unique games that encourage cooperation, clothes made from natural fibres, toys handcrafted from recycled materials and much more. And as added incentive it's located next to The Big Carrot.
Location: 348 Danforth Ave (near Broadview and Danforth)
Hours: Mon – Wed 10am – 6pm, Thu – Fri 10am – 7pm, Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 12pm – 5pm
Contact: 416-254-0150
This sweet store has become a destination in the community as a "go to" for necessitates, gifts and workshops for all things baby and child. Both in-store and online (yay online!) they have a large selection of non-toxic, eco-friendly products, some of which are focused on not only Canadian but Toronto artists, which we love. From toys, to clothes, to gear, to decor, you will find what you need and a lot that you want.
Location: 1360 Bathurst St (near St.Clair and Bathurst)
Hours: Tues – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 5pm. (Check website for extended holiday hours starting Dec 13)
Contact: 647-347-4588, info@balafatboutik.ca
