Okay, so you’re in Toronto and you want to bring a gift back home. What do you buy? A Mountie hat? A stuffed moose? A jug of maple syrup? How cliché- you’re better than that. Skip the overpriced souvenir shops along Spadina Road and head straight to Kensington Market to visit Blue Banana Market.
Kensington Market is one of my favourite spots in the city- small fruit, cheese and seafood vendors co-exist with organic juice shops and little restaurants. It’s eclectic, a little bit hippie, and always lively. Blue Banana Market is one of the largest stores in Kensington, and it’s devoted to selling unique gifts from various artisans and craftsmen, many of which are locally based. The store is separated into little stalls, each with its own flavour. Leather goods, pottery, jewelry, candy, lewd greeting cards… it’s all here. You are bound to find something here for anyone on your list. There is a wide range of prices here, so there’s no doubt you can leave here with something unique, no matter the budget. You could spend an hour in there browsing.
I recommend spending a leisurely afternoon in Kensington, grabbing some food to go, and dropping into the Blue Banana. You’ll be so glad you didn’t buy your mother a Maple Leaf-emblazoned beaver.
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The store offers containers for specialty recycling which would otherwise be tossed in the trash, and they even help with the hosting of recycling events.
By
"Allan Gardens Conservatory", strangely advertised as a major Toronto landmark, remains a well-kept secret. Have a picnic in 100s of flowers and old trees!
By
Throughout the experience, you’ll visit several different rooms, each with its own focus on threats to our precious planet, such as electronic waste.
By
From beautiful jewelry to handmade or vintage home decor, amazing artwork, and candles scented with classic Canadian smells, it’s a gift-givers heaven!
By
Each visit to The Latest Scoop is a like a little treasure hunt, with regularly updated inventory to keep up with the latest trends.
By
A couple of great finds I’ve gotten from this store are Braiding Sweetgrass, my favourite book of all time and The Intersectional Environmentalist...
By
Somewhat tucked away in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, this sweet shop welcomes you with a selection of locally made baked goods you can take to-go.
By
There is so much to see in this stunning space, and they have such a wide selection, you could spend hours inside and still not see it all!
By
Their guiding principles are rooted in the slow fashion movement of quality over quantity, meaning sustainably and ethically produced pieces!
By
I’ve bought plenty here from a beautiful, sustainably-made beach towel to a gorgeous gold-dipped necklace - both were gifts for myself!
By
"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...
By
145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 145 Insider Tips