Toronto's Best Unique Gift Shops + Hidden Local Gems (2024 Guide)
Looking for unusual gifts in Toronto that aren't the same old touristy trinkets? As a lifelong Torontonian (well, Scarberian 😉), I’ve sourced this guide to the city’s most Unique Gift Shops, hidden foodie haunts, and unexpected nature escapes… perfect for finding gifts with actual personality.
🎁 Best Quirky Gift Shops in Toronto
1. Glad Day Bookshop (Church-Wellesley)
Why go? The world’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore is so much more... part café, part event space, and 100% community hub.
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Open since 1970... the world’s oldest surviving LGBTQ+ bookstore
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A nonprofit with deep roots: born from activism (a 1970s mobile library), courtroom battles over censorship (The Joy of Gay Sex in the ’80s), and grassroots rescue efforts (crowdfunding campaigns in 2011 and 2024)
📍 (Now at) 499 Lisgar St | gladdaybookshop.com
Local Tip: In 2024, Glad Day relocated from Church Street to Lisgar — a move made possible by community support. Shop here to help keep Toronto’s queer spaces thriving!
2. Type Books (Queen West)
For: The book lover who has everything
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Curated fiction selections
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Literary-themed gifts & journals
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Handmade cards by local artists
📍 883 Queen St W | typebooks.com
3. Danna Bananas (Toronto-based online)
Our pick for: Funny gifts, novelty games, gag gifts, socks & mugs that appeel to your funny bone.
🍌 Why we're the top banana of comedy gifts:
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"Un-peel-ievable laughs!" – Ridiculous novelty gifts that spark joy (and questionable life choices)
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"No bananas about it!" – Gag gifts so clever they should be illegal (but thankfully aren’t)
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"Comedy gold (with free shipping on qualifying orders!)”* – Laugh-worthy games, puzzles, and toys for adults who refuse to grow up and kids who aren’t trying
Our A-Peeling Best Sellers:
✔ Hilarious home goods you didn’t know you needed (until now)
✔ Conversation-starting games for your next "boring" family gathering
✔ Unique humor for gift-givers who like it weird
🛍️ Slip into something more a-peeling at dannabananas.com
🍽️ Secret Foodie Spots Only Locals Know
Breakfast: Fika Café (Kensington)
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Swedish-style cardamom lattes
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Cozy book-lined patio
Lunch: Parallel (Geary Ave)
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Must-try: Crispy herb falafel + multiple hummus varieties with their famous tahini
Dinner: Esquire Restaurant (Scarborough)
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3 AM souvlaki cravings? They’ve got you.
🌳 Peaceful Nature Escapes
Scarborough Bluffs: Been here a hundred billion times (last night included—pre–choco-dip cone).
Towering cliffs, turquoise water, and views that feel more Mediterranean than the GTA. This east-end escape is perfect for a laid-back nature break without leaving the city.
Pro Tip: Head to Bluffer’s Park and walk past the main parking lot toward the marina trail... you’ll find a quieter beach access point tucked between the boat slips and the base of the bluffs. It’s less crowded, more scenic, and ideal for chill vibes.
In this day in age and during summer months, avoid Saturdays and Sundays.
Pack: A picnic, a camera… and your Top banana socks from Danna Bananas. Because nothing says “beach day” like breathable cotton and a bit of fruit-themed flair. 🍌
Bonus Tip: Stop at Dairy Queen on Kingston Road for a post-bluff chocolate-dipped cone. Trust me.
Evergreen Brick Works
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Sunday farmers’ market
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Hiking trails + skyline views
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Perfect for an aimless wander with a good coffee in hand
