Where to find sweet Secret Santa gifts for under $30

We know, we know. Trying to find something excellent for your best pal while staying within the agreed-upon budget is just a big ol’ holiday can of worms. Lucky for us, Toronto is stocked with affordable and locally made treasures that cater to just about any hobby or taste. For this year’s gift exchange, check out these general stores, vintage spots, and specialty boutiques. [Photo courtesy of Northwood General]

By Alexandra Caufin

Ransack The Universe

1

1207 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N4

• Phone Number
  • 647-703-6675Primary
• Directions

If you’re looking for some vintage art, art deco cocktail glasses, or retro Pyrex mixing bowls in cute pastel hues, head to this wildly affordable vintage shop in Bloordale. Two floors of home goods and eccentricities will make for one hell of a treasure hunt, and you’re sure to come out with something memorable that won’t wear on your holiday-tuckered wallet. Plus if you’re looking for a cool vintage piece to wear to an upcoming holiday party, check out the apparel-centric back room.

Northwood

2

815 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M1

• Phone Number
  • 416-846-8324Primary
• Directions

One of TO’s classiest cocktail bars recently opened a general store and boutique across the street from its Bloor Street digs, and it’s stocked with tons of affordable finds. You know those golden pineapples making their way around Instagram? You can find ‘em here, tucked in some appropriate and so-cute tropical packaging. Jewellery selections, apothecary products, and cocktail accessories abound at the Bloorcourt shop, but don’t miss the selection of toques and other scarves, plus some very clutch traveller’s hats.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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• Sip on a cold brew coffee

North Standard Trading Post

3

1662 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1B2

• Phone Number
  • 647-348-7060Primary
• Directions

Got a Secret Santa with a beard or a great head of hair? North Standard duo Frank and Pam produce their own all-natural beard oil and pomade (lemongrass- and ginger-scented), both on offer for a cool $18. If you’re more in the market for a musky candle, this Parkdale Canadiana-themed lifestyle and apparel boutique can help with that too. Check out the Smells Like Canada handmade candle series, featuring scents like Yukon Yuletide, Saskatoon Wheat, and Toronto Smoke.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Soop Soop

4

1-1319 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X8

• Phone Number
  • 647-748-7667Primary
• Directions

For the emoji-loving Secret Santa, may we suggest a tee emblazoned with a ☺, a ☹, or a :|? These made-in-house shirts go for just $25 (there’s some other cool graphics on offer as well). Accent ‘em with a few pins from Toronto cool guy No Fun Press, a Woodlot candle, or a Lip Smackers chapstick in hard-to-find Dr. Pepper flavour (allowing your giftee a much-needed trip back to the early 2000s). Note if your pal is literary minded, Soop Soop also carries a stirring selection of pulp publications and independent magazines.

The Paper Place

5

887 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6J 1G5

• Phone Number
  • 416-703-0089Primary
• Directions

For your pen-to-paper kind of pal, this shop across from Trinity Bellwoods carries almost any kind of notebook you can imagine. Alongside gorgeous paper products like origami supplies and wrapping paper, this spot is about more than just the pulp. Design-minded folks will love the striking oversized calendars and those looking to up the magic vibes in their bedroom (so, everyone) will fall for the paper and wire lamps (you can switch out the paper shade with a new colour and pattern whenever you like).

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Blue Banana Market

6

250 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L7

• Phone Number
  • 416-594-9600Primary
• Directions

Whether you’re after a new teapot for Mum or some sassy novelties – like bacon bandaids and Sriracha sippy cups – for a pal, this sprawling indoor market in Kensington is a serious one-stop-shop for all your holiday shopping. Cute baby clothes, sleek dishware, and handmade cutting boards mingle with lol-inducing finds like a rocket-shaped cocktail shaker or a “Spiffy” cat clock.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Outer Layer

7

577 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B6

• Phone Number
  • 416-869-9889Primary
• Directions

Pick up some planetary-themed socks or a few sassy bath and beauty products at this wacky Queen West gift boutique. If your goal is to gift your best pal something that will evoke some serious giggles, this is the place to go (the novelty finger puppets will charm the pants off of even the scroogiest holiday hater). Those looking for something a little more customary will be happy to know that Outer Layer also stocks everything from cool bike accessories, to retro-style aprons, to trendy Swell water bottles.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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More from Alexandra Caufin

Alexandra is a writer and was formerly YP's Toronto City Editor. She will most likely be found playing pool in dives, eating one too many tacos, or hanging with the Highland cattle (to which she is probably overly attached) at the High Park zoo. Alexandra is also at work on her first novel via her Master's at the University of Toronto, and if you ask her how it’s going, she’ll bite your head right off.

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