Where to go holiday shopping on Queen West this season

Queen West has no shortage of cute indie boutiques, hipster shops and lively bars and cafes. The range of selection is what makes this neighbourhood a hotspot for holiday shopping. We’ve put together a ย shopping list to get you familiar with some small Queen West businesses and help get everyone crossed off your holiday shopping list!

BAMini Ring

For the jewel-lover: Great things come in small packages. Thatโ€™s why Faris has made this mini version of their stunning BAM Ring. This piece of jewelry is just as striking with a bronze finishing and lapis or carnelian jewel. The BAMini is also available with silver ring and a jade jewel, and can be found at FAWN ($275).

Where: 967 Queen St. W.

WINNIE Lounge Set


For the homebody: You might go to Durumi to buy the Winnie Lounge Set ($109) for a friend and end up walking out with one for yourself as well. This 100 per cent polyester set comes one-size-fits-all in five subtle colours for the winter. The oversized sweater and elastic waist on the shorts mean this set was made for Sunday afternoons spent curled up in bed.

Where: 630A Queen St. W.

Bubble Poppers

Photo Courtesy: Kolkid.ca

For the fidgety kid (or adult): Remember when fidget spinners were all the rage? Now weโ€™ve moved on to a new fidget toy, the bubble popper, which can be found in different shapes at Kol Kid ($9.95). These are perfect to keep any child entertained at home or any adult entertained at work.

Where: 674 Queen St. W.

Terroni Essentials


For the Italian food lover: For any fan of Terroni, this gift basket includes some of their staple items like the tozetti, alongside special holiday treats like terrone and panettone artigianale. Also included is a bottle of deep red wine from Carvinea. These essentials are all contained in a custom-designed basket inspired by those used at farmer’s markets ($199).

Where: 720 Queen St. W.

Tassel Scarf

For the friend whoโ€™s always cold: Zumel & Co. has plenty of beautifully coloured blanket scarves that anyone on your list is sure to love. This includes the tasselled, multi-coloured zigzag scarf which will keep you warm in any weather and keep you stylish in any outfit ($60).

Where: 863 Queen St. W.

Rose Wine Bath Bombs

For the relaxer โ€“ย Bath bombs are an easy and affordable stocking stuffer for that friend whoโ€™s always stressed. This package comes with 10 rosรฉ-scented bath bombs that will welcome a worry-free mindset after just a few minutes. Itโ€™s the sweet enjoyment of rosรฉ without the hangover! Pick them up at Outer Layer Cards and Gifts ($14.95).

Where: 577 Queen St. W.

The Biodegradable Fleece Pullover in Rooibos


The eco-conscious friend: This pullover looks and works like regular fleece, but the special material is engineered to accelerate its bio-degradation. Get this mock neck fleece at Frank and Oak ($129). Who knew saving the planet could look so good?

Where: 735 Queen St. W.

Mulled Wine Goose box

Photo Courtesy: mother-cocktail-bar.myshopify.com

For the cocktail drinker: The gift boxes from Mother Cocktail Bar feature delicious holiday cocktails for any vodka lovers on your list. The Mulled Wine Goose box ($119) comes filled with a Grey Goose Vodka cocktail, complete with a homemade pickled cherry mulled wine and orange and clover cordial. Also included are premium bottles of cider and rosรฉ and the Mother kombucha of the week.

Where: 874 Queen St. W.

NOร‹L Collection of Eclairs


For the holiday party host: Nugateau Patisserie has announced its new collection of holiday eclairs, presented in an original box designed by renowned local artist Jason Zante. The box holds six assorted eclairs, including a cheesecake and black forest cake flavour ($50).

Where: 717 Queen St. W.

Josie Belt

Photo Courtesy: megbymeghankinney.ca

For the bling queen: This belt provides a classic yet modern style with its double rings. The smooth, black Argentinean leather is a nice match with almost anything in the closet. The Josie Belt can be found at meg ($140).

Where: 849 Queen St. W.

Buncheong Large Green Tree Ceramic Mug


For the coffee drinker: This ceramic mug is made through a form of traditional Korean stoneware and is 100 per cent handmade. That means itโ€™s as one-of-a-kind and original as the person youโ€™ll be gifting it to. The hand-painted tree adds a touch of colour to the natural ceramics. The mug, perfect for tea of coffee, can be found at Hanji Gifts ($36.50).

Where: 940 Queen St. W.

Daily Self Care Gift Box


For the giver: We all deserve some self-care, and this gift box is the perfect treat for anyone whoโ€™s too busy caring about others to think about themselves. The box is complete with a super food tea, a deluxe set of inspiring joy cards, a beauty massage tool, a mineral mist, a face food and daily hand cream. The box comes packaged with a personalized greeting of your choice and can be found at Logan & Finley ($115).

Where: 670 Queen St. W.

The Big Bloom Cardigan


For the vintage hipster: Get transported back to the ’70s with this psychedelic cardigan with smiling daisies and colourful mushrooms. The abstract print and retro style arenโ€™t for everyone but itโ€™s sure to put a smile on your face. The Big Bloom Cardigan from House of Sunny can be found at Tusk ($165).

Where: 888 Queen St. W.

Poivre Linen Full Apron

For the home cook: From Lino e Lina, this apron is a stunning gift for the chef in the family. The practical design has a large front pocket, adjustable neck strap and adjustable waist band to fit all sizes. The linen is absorbable, hypoallergenic, lint-free, dries quick and can be picked up at Sydneyโ€™s ($125).

Where: 682 Queen St. W.

Lugano Watch

Photo Courtesy: larssonjennings.com

For your special beau: These minimalist watches from Larsson & Jennings combine a modern large-dial design with a touch of traditional elegance from the Roman numerals. That special person on your list is sure to love the extra shine from the silver touch. Find it at ZANE ($319).

Where: 753 Queen St. W.

Holiday Donuts


For the sweet tooth: Thereโ€™s no shortage of holiday treats available along Queen Street, which is great for shopping and great for snacking. This holiday season, Bloomers is offering packages of 24 nut-free holiday donuts ($98). Customers can choose a single flavour or choose an assortment, which includes four each of gingerbread, eggnog cheesecake, crรจme brulee, candy cane, peppermint mocha and cranberry orange. Smaller boxes are also available.

Where: 715 Queen St. W.

Cheese Sex Death

For the cheese head: Cheese Sex Death is book from Erika Kubick, cheesemonger and creator of the popular blog of the same name. This is a cheese bible for anyone who is passionately dedicated to cheese โ€“ and honestly, who isnโ€™t? The bible provides the 10 Cheese Commandments, offers delicious recipes, and explores the many, many different types of cheese to be enjoyed. Find this must-have at Type Books ($37.99).

Where: 883 Queen St. W.

Bucket Hat


For the trend setter: Bucket hats were very in this summer, but it can be tough to find one thatโ€™s a good quality but also stylish. At Oak + Fort, the smooth cotton bucket hat ($48) has a wide brim to protect your face from a day spent in the summer sun.ย  These hats, which come in five colours, are a must-have on any trend-setterโ€™s wish list.

Where: 666 Queen St. W.

Succulent Planter

For the plant mom: Who doesnโ€™t love a good plant pun? This 4 or 6 inch planter reads โ€œsocial distancing succs,โ€ a perfect gift for any succulent lover and social distancing hater. Sealed with acrylic to protect against water damage and chipping, each pot is hand-painted and can be found at BRIKA ($30).

Where: 642 Queen St. W.

Make a day of it

While you’re shopping away, visit these coffee shops for a break and a caffeine recharge along the way:

HotBlack Coffee: Fans of this tiny spot will say the coffee is better here than anywhere else. Pick up a latte and a treat, and maybe rest your feet for a little inside if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot.

Where: 245 Queen St. W.

Early Bird Espresso: Visit this shop for the classic Queen West vibes โ€“ exposed brick, industrial lights, oh, and some pretty good coffee too!

Where: 613 Queen St. W.

White Squirrel Coffee: A beloved spot in the neighbourhood, White Squirrel Coffee’s cozy interior might convince you to sit down for a minute and get a sandwich along with your coffee.

Where: 907 Queen St. W.

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