This place was recommended to me by a friend when I was looking for gift ideas. They carry a ton of…read morestuff that would be suitable for what I was looking for, plus a lot more! They have plants - bamboo, money trees, jade plants, and more. They also have artificial flowers, floral arrangements, figurines, tons of costume jewellery, guitars, and much more. I ended up with a bamboo arrangement and a money tree, both for gifts. The plants were very healthy. Parking can be a bit challenging, with only one way in/out. Of course, winter conditions and snow/ice didn't help. Prices were more than reasonable. The owner, Yinly, was very friendly and helpful. Check out this place!

Haveli (which means a sprawling house in Hindi) is a gem of a furniture and home decor store in The…read moreJunction. My quest for Turkish Kilim pillows in Toronto (a futile one at that) led me to Haveli instead. Thank you Providence! Haveli's web presence is very indicative of its classy yet exuberant physicality. David Anderson has curated very cool things from India: ikat pillows, mango wood furniture, diaries, stately doors from South India, auto rickshaw models, scarves, shawls et al. A few of their embroidered chairs are a bit over the top; they would enhance the trip that one takes when one consumes certain chemicals! A quick browse through and I picked out ikat pillows that I liked and they were well within my budget. I noticed that the prices are very fair and they have items at various price points. Roula, the store manager, was very friendly and facilitated my search and my trip back home with excellent directions! Verdict: Haveli is A for awesome and E for explosions of design and color from the Indian sub-continent! If you want color and craftsmanship from India you'll feel at home in Haveli.

Small organized shop selling alters, incense, ghost money, ash pots, beads, etc. Some absolutely…read moregorgeous buddhas in stone, jade, ceramic, brass, wood, etc. Excellent sale on the ceramic pots in the store front. Good deals inside and some luxe items too. The owner/staff has a clerk-by-day and warrior-by-night vibe.

I dropped by into this shop trying to do some last minute holiday shopping. It's small and cute…read more Lots of unique items and lots to look at. The one woman who was manning the shop was incredibly welcoming. Didn't rush us and tolerated a 4 year-old wandering around (and rearranging a few arrangements). The items are on the pricier side but seems like a good quality. We didn't find anything for the person we were looking for but bought a beautiful hair clip for our nanny. I would certainly wander thru again if I didn't have anything specific in mind.

Disclaimer: I've only been to the Bayview Village location, which has been around for about 30…read moreyears. This location is much newer, and I haven't made it there ... yet. I've browsed online photos of the new store, and it appears to have the same variety and quality of great china, housewares, decor and gift items that the Bayview Village location has to offer. I have spoken to staff on the phone here, and they were very courteous in answering my inquiries about the additional location. Based on the "flagship" location, I can honestly say it's a great shopping experience. You can take a look at the reviews for a better idea of what's involved there. Hope to make it out to this location soon.

Tablecloths and pillows and pyjamas galore, all in pretty patterns that look so cheerful and fun!…read moreKochi has a wonderful selection and friendly staff, too. Their pyjama section is amazing, but their clothing is my personal favourite. There's something special about their collections-- great prices, gorgeous patterns, and very unique, too! I bought a tunic-style dress for $20 and my mom bought a blouse for $14; especially in downtown Toronto, these prices are amazing. And both purchases came with a free gift-- choice of a tote bag or a 3-layer face mask. Wonderful neighbourhood shop that won't break the bank!

Kochi is not just one of Toronto's most beautiful stores, offering up everything from beautiful…read morewhite nighties and robes, pillows, blankets and tableware to things so lovely and unique, you didn't know you needed them! I can't say enough about their staff who go above and beyond to help you. They are just wonderful people. If you go in looking for one particular item, it's just about guaranteed that you'll leave with an extra bag or two of treasures. This shop is an integral part of Toronto, and a breath of fresh air from "chain stores". It's a gem that I can always count on to find that perfect gift, and a little something for myself.

Saudade located along Dundas St W. near Montrose Ave across from Trinity Bellwoods Park is a gift…read moreshop and cafe celebrating Portuguese design, books and artisanal traditions. They actually reopened at this new location at 1006 Dundas St. W. late May this year. I remember visiting their old location closer to Ossington where the space was definitely smaller. This new location is bigger where there is also coffee and treats that you can grab (with some seating inside!). I stopped by Saudade on a Thurs morning to grab a coffee. The display of treats was mighty tempting and I did get a pastel de nata as well. For my drink I opted for an iced Americano which was made well. Service was great and staff let me take my time with deciding what to order. The new location and space is beautiful. When you walk in the coffee bar is to your left while on your right...there are cases filled with Portuguese products that you can purchase. You are also free to open the cases to look at things as well. Towards the back of the store there are books as well as a more hidden room filled with pottery. There are several tables to enjoy your beverages if you'd like to stay. The space is airy, bright, and cozy at the same time. It's a beautiful store where you can sip on your coffee while browsing all the products they offer. Overall, a beautiful new space! Will definitely return to grab more coffee as well as gifts in the future!

Everything about this store is lovely. From the selection to the owner! Definitely worth a visit.read more

Bloordale has long been host to many galleries and yet something has been missing. Until now! Zebuu…read moreoffer a beautiful collection of unique hand carved art pieces by Brazilian artisans, handmade soaps and candles along with a lovely gallery displaying the prints of local artist Geraldo Valèrio. The owner is super friendly, kind and extremely helpful. I did not want to leave. They are also getting some locally made furniture pieces soon. We will be back again! Yay to Zebuu for adding more beauty to Bloordale!

Beautiful tapestries and unique gifts from all over the world. I am definitely coming here before…read morethe next wedding I attend. Really well curated and the owner is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I was worried about bringing my 4 yr old in with me, but he was very, very cool. If you are looking for unique, authentic housewares and art, this is the place.

These guys used to own the adjoining shop and had hundreds of amazing statues, koi fish, chili…read moreplants, bonsai and chinese medicinal herbs throughout their store, but now confined to only have the space, much of the selection is hidden away or warehoused. I've seen everything from 5 foot carved statues, to shrines, to vases and so much more. You need to take the time and look through what you really think speaks to you and with a narrow walkway its hard to do on a busy day. Come on your off day when it isn't so busy and you'll be pleasantly surprised

A hidden gem in the Chinatown! The owners John and May are very friendly and helpful, their bonsai…read moreand porcelain vases and pots are very pretty, I always like to drop by to see what's new in their store if I every need a gift for my family or friends.