Nothing says “I love Toronto” like shopping local and supporting small businesses. Check out a few of our favourite finds. You in?
BLACK OWNED TO
Developed by a Torontonian who began an Instagram project to promote local Black owned businesses, this store in Scarborough Town Centre features a variety of products from different Black Canadian businesses and creators.
THE LEMON SQUARE
Ever dreamed of getting lemon squares in your letterbox? Us neither, until we discovered The Lemon Square. They’ll ship the most delicious homemade lemon squares right to your front door. They’re one of our favourite booths at the One of a Kind Show every year.
GREY WILLOW GIFTS INC.
A staple for our business and our personal lives! GWG not only makes beautifully curated gift boxes full of local artisanal goods, but they do it with heart and precision. A go to for sure!
RONCY PACKS
Starting out as a hobby in 2020, the lovely owners of Roncy Packs create sustainable fanny packs, tote bags, and more, all locally in Toronto.
TEALISH
Put the fun back in wellness with natural and stylish loose-leaf teas from one of Toronto’s top tea retailers—Canadian owned since 2005.
BODY BLITZ
Nothing says relaxation like a day at the spa. Body Blitz is Toronto’s go-to spa for women boasting 3 different pools, a eucalyptus steam room, and infrared sauna.
CHOP VALUE
We stumbled upon this hidden gem at the National Home Show and couldn’t wait to share it with you. Chop Value creates products like kitchenware, décor, and more—all made from recycled chop sticks.
OLENA CERAMICS
Combining a passion for pottery with a love for visual texture and earthy tones, Olena pours her heart into every stunning piece she creates.
THE BARE HOME
Bring more sustainability to your home by making small swaps and replacing liquids you use every day with greener options. Start with cleaning products from The Bare Home—they’re effective, environmentally-friendly, and come in refillable bottles.
SEVENTH & OAK
Especially during this extra frigid period, setting time aside for self-care is essential. Seventh & Oak make it simple with wooden wick candles expertly poured in recycled jars.
BUCKS HARD GOODS
JOHNNY’S FINISHING SHOP
From furniture repairs to refinishing and even creating pieces brand new, Johnny’s Finishing Shop is known throughout the GTA and beyond for their passion and expertise.
THE GOOD CARD
I can’t gush about The Good Card enough. Every card is plantable and grows beautiful wildflowers—an eco-friendly option that truly keeps on giving!
GATTO WOOD OVEN PIZZAS
GATTO (pronounced Ga-toh) means Cat in Italian. Gatto Wood Oven is a restaurant that brings authentic Italian recipies, and outstanding hospitality to Toronto’s West End restaurant scene. Weekly specials and a lovely little patio, makes this a go-to for us!
BOAKVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY
Looking for a photographer who just gets it? Boakview Photography knows how to ask for what you want and deliver results even more impressive than you could’ve ever imagined. They did my rebrand shoot and I can’t help but gush about the entire experience.
TRIGS AND TEDDY
If you’re looking for a way to style your pup, look no further! Trigs and Teddy has an assortment of colourful collars and leashes for an assortment of activities. They have designed everyday statement pieces as well as a waterproof collection for those adventurous days.
YELLOW CUP CAFE
I like to think of this Etobicoke coffee spot as a hidden gem, but the truth is, they’re known far and wide for their scrumptious menu and huge selection of hot beverages—not to mention, 44+ types of crêpes!
BABY POINT BARBERSHOP
This local trendy barbershop not only gives updated cuts and original old school shaves, but their talented, friendly staff ensure you leave feeling happy you stopped by.
GRAYDON SKINCARE
Finding the right skin routine can be a bit of a mission, but Graydon Skincare makes it simple. Discover results-driven products formulated with clinically-proven ingredients—created by Toronto Life’s Resident Beauty Advisor, Graydon. Their Fullmoon Serum and Mineral Mist are my favourites!
THYME STUDIO
If you’re searching for unique florals, fresh or dried arrangements, for an upcoming event or just for fun, Thyme Studio has you covered. Located in Toronto’s popular Stackt market, Thyme specializes in crafting dreamy and unconventional grab and go bouquets, Floret Boxes and more.
MEKS
If you’re searching for a piece of furniture or home décor but can’t quite find the right fit, get in touch with Michael and Elysse from meks. They work with you to build exactly what you’re dreaming of—all designed and handmade in Hamilton, ON. They also recently released their “Essentials” collection that is an absolute must see!
TRIXIE
Daniela and Joe have selected an amazing variety of unique pieces at an affordable price! From family life to work life and everything in between they’ve got you covered.
This is the perfect little gem of a store in the heart of Bloor West Village.
LA VECCHIA
With 25 years of Italian tradition in Toronto, their second location by the waterfront in Etobicoke has an expansive patio that is the perfect spot for summer night meals.
Book A Table
lavecchia.ca | @lavecchia_lakeshore
JESS’ PAPER CO
A modern boho paper product genius whose also working from and travelling across Canada in a VAN. It doesn’t get anymore awesome.Jess is constantly producing new paper products ranging from cards and notepads to the cutest prints and stickers (like her animals in floral crowns series). She even has subscription boxes featuring other artisans.
Buy A Sticker or Two!
jesspaperco.com | @jesspaperco
EVERYTHING BEAN STUDIO
We found this gem on Etsy on a matchstick hunt! In mini glass jars, they are perfect add on to candle gifts.Then we noticed her candles…
Made in small batches, they are soy and coconut based with wood wicks that crackle as they burn. LOVE.
Light Up Your Life
everythingbeanstudio.com | @everythingbeanstudio
PINK PAMPLEMOUSSE FLORAL STUDIO
Unique blooms for every occasion always made with love and tremendous talent. Aneta is not a creator of your typical arrangement, but instead has a beautiful eye for abstract florals you could stare at for hours on end.
Trust us when we say you will not be disappointed.
See For Yourself
pinkpamplemousse.co | @pinkpamplemoussefloralstudio
HOTEL X TORONTO
Looking for a place to book your next staycation? Hotel X is one we would definitely go back to. “It’s about you. It’s about the view”. Not only do they have a spa, gorgeous hotel suites and a variety of delicious meal options, they have stunning views of the water and the city.
Take A Look
hotelxtoronto.com | @hotelxtoronto
GOOD WOOF GROOMING
Both luxurious and convenient, you can relax and stay at home, while your pet is getting styled and pampered in our state-of-the-art spa on wheels. No stressful car rides or cages. Your pet will get one-on-one attention from start to finish only steps away from their home.
Get Grooming
goodwoofgrooming.com | @goodwoofgrooming
