Toronto Shopping Tips by MissAntarctica2002

Name of Shop: Arts on King

Carries a fantastic selection of crafts by local artists. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for because it is all very good quality, one of a kind stuff.

What To Buy: The jewellery and picture frames there are always nice. Lots of things to tickle your fancy.

Last time I stopped by they had a new line of clocks that I thought were pretty clever. They're called Crummy Clox and they are made from reclaimed toasters and things. I would have brought one home if it weren't for the $250 price tag.

What To Pay: $10-$2000.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Local Craft
Phone: 416-777-9617
Address: 169 King Street East
Directions: Downtown on King Street, East of Yonge at Jarvis.

Name of Shop: Japanese Paper Place

This shop sells all kinds of handmade papers, books and related paraphernalia. It is a real feast for the eyes. If you have the slightest interest in papermaking, origami, bookbinding, scrapbooking, or just like to write really beautiful letters, then YOU MUST GO THERE!

It is also a great place to shop for invitations and evelopes for special occasions such as weddings. You'll find things here that you won't find anywhere else, except maybe Japan.


What To Pay: Caters to every price range.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Art
Phone: 416-703-0089
Address: 887 Queen Street West
Directions: On 501 Streetcar Route
Website: http://www.japanesepaperplace.com

Name of Shop: GrassRoots Environmental Products

GrassRoots sells all manner of things related to sustainable living. Here are just a few to peak your interest:

-organic cotton bedlinens and towels
-natural and eco-friendly cleaning products
-organic cotton and hemp clothing and accessories
-recycled paper products
-activist stickers and buttons galore
-beeswax candles
-personal care products

GrassRoots has two locations. One is in the Annex neighbourhood and the other is on the Danforth in Carrot Common.

If you bring in your own empty containers for cleaning and personal care products, GrassRoots will refill them. This is a great way to divert a lot of junk from landfills. They also have a huge variety of books on many different environmental and sustainable living issues.


What To Pay: As much or as little as you want. You can get a button for fifty cents or spend hundreds of dollars on an organic bedding set.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Other
Phone: 1-888-633-5833
Directions: Stores in both the Annex and Riverdale neighborhoods.

Annex: 408 Bloor St. W.
Riverdale: 372 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway stop)
Website: www.grassrootsstore.com

Name of Shop: Aboveground Art Supplies

Aboveground has the best prices and selection of art supplies in the city, by far. No matter what medium you work in, Aboveground is likely to have everything you need.

It is located adjacent to the Ontario College of Art and Design. It used to be across the street in The Village By The Grange, but most of the retail space was converted to condos a couple of years ago. Aboveground worked with the City of Toronto to refurbish its current location, a historic house that had been condemned and slated for demolition.

If memory serves me, I believe they also give a discount if you show an ISIC card.


What To Pay: A wide range, but practically everything is a bargain at Aboveground.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Art
Phone: 1-800-591-1615
Address: 74 McCaul Street (McCaul & Queen W)
Directions: Next to Ontario College of Art and Design and down the street from the Art Gallery of Ontario.

They also sell to the public from their warehouse which is a 2 Pape Ave.
Website: www.abovegroundartsupplies.com

Name of Shop: Sanko Trading Co.

Sanko is treasured by those in the know. It carries all kinds of Japanese products. It serves the grocery needs of the Japanese community, but many folks of all stripes enjoy the funky finds it has in store.

It's closed on Tuesdays.

What To Buy: You can usually find lots of nifty kitschy items and I've boought a number of beautiful japanese pottery items there as well.

What To Pay: Most items are less than $10. Depends what you're looking for. There are always bargains to be had at Sanko.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Department Store
Phone: 416-703-4550
Address: 730 Queen Street West
Website: www.toronto-sanko.com

Name of Shop: The Cookbook Store

This store is just what the name says, a whole store devoted to cookbooks. They have a huge selection and often import cookbooks that aren't normally available in Canada.

They frequently have celebrity appearances at the store, so keep an eye out and maybe you can meet one of your favourite chefs.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Books
Phone: 1-800-268-6018
Address: 850 Yonge Street
Directions: On Yonge, two blocks north of Bloor.
Website: www.cook-book.com

Name of Shop: Specs & Specs Optical

If stylin' eyewear is your cup of tea, or you want some specs that are simply beyond the pale, head on over to Specs & Specs.

I recently bought a pair of funky, zebra-striped retro glasses for myself at this store. Not only do they have a great selection of distinctive styles, the service was amazing. When I picked up my glasses they spent a good 20 minutes with me adjusting them to make sure the fit was absolutely perfect.

It's a fun place to try on funky frames even if you're not ready to take the plunge and look like Dame Edna's love child.


What To Pay: $99-$500

Leave a Comment

Theme: Other
Phone: 416-979-EYES
Address: 311A Queen Street West
Directions: Queen West near John St.

Name of Shop: Romni Wools

Romni is the best yarn store in the city these days. It offers a full spectrum of materials for all kinds of knitting and crochet projects. I believe they also carry some supplies for weaving as well.

The owner of the shop is quite a character and they offer and number of classes and workshops.


What To Pay: as little or as much as you want.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hobbies
Phone: 416-703-0202
Address: 658 Queen Street West
Website: www.romniwools.com

Name of Shop: Nicholas Hoare Booksellers

These days when I go into a mega bookstore like Chapters/Indigo or Barnes and Noble I find myself getting bored pretty quickly. While the stores are big, the selection is usually limited to the top sellers.

To counteract this I love to shop at independent bookstores like Nicholas Hoare. This store has a wonderful ambiance with gorgeous wooden shelves. Although the shop is on the small side, it carries a tremendous selection of stimulating books on all kinds of topics.

At the centre of the store are nice comfy chairs.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Books
Phone: 416-777-2665
Address: 75 Front Street East
Directions: Near the Hummingbird Centre and St. Lawrence Market.

Name of Shop: Pages

Pages is another great alternative to the mega bookstore chains. It has a funky decor and an amazing selection of interesting books.

What To Buy: Pages carries lots of books you won't find at stores like Chapters/Indigo/Coles - topics such as LGBT lit, feminism, activism and such. Also many more high-brow books than you will find there. Whenever I go in I always get engrossed in a book on some topic or other.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Books
Phone: 416-598-1447
Address: 256 Queen Street West
Directions: If taking the TTC, take the 501 Queen streetcar and get off at John Street. Walking distance from lots of places such as St. Patrick and Osgoode subway stations, City TV building, Skydome, City Hall, Art Gallery of Ontario.