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
I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!
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"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room
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From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.
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It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.
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With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.
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Founded over 15 years ago as a purveyor of vintage goods at local markets and pop-ups, Philistine now has two shops of its own, both on Queen Street.
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"Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!
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"Swatow" Toronto's been my go-to for that kind of Chinese food for years -- you know, the comforting, inexpensive stuff that's still plentiful & delicious.
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"La Salumeria" is always where I go when I need something delicious on-the-go during the day. It's a delicatessen that also makes the best sandwiches!
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"The One in the Only" in Toronto is an eclectic coffee shop that just exudes positivity. Most of the decoration is a random mix of old photos & art prints.
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145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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