When it comes to holiday shopping, I prefer to avoid the crowds at the malls and hit the streets instead. Bayview and Eglinton, known also as South Bayview, is the main shopping strip for the Leaside community. A busy thoroughfare, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, home decor shops, boutiques, specialty stores and more, making it a choice destination for a day of holiday shopping. Here are five spots worth checking out.
Write Impressions
1515 Bayview Avenue │ www.write-impressions.ca
Write Impressions is much more than a source of quality paper products and pens. There’s something for everyone on your list here — man, woman and child. You’ll find gifts for the home, holiday decorations, gift wrap, children’s novelty toys … and of course, fine writing instruments and quality cards and paper.
Teaopia
1592 Bayview Avenue │www.teaopia.ca
You’ll find everything you need to brew the perfect cup of tea at Teaopia. For the tea lover on your list, you’ll find several gift sets to choose from as well as some lovely accessories, including tea pots, brewing systems, cups and tea sets. They carry an impressive selection of teas from around the world — black tea, green tea, white tea, yerba mate … there are too many to name. And if you need a serenity break amidst your holiday shopping, you might just want to stop and stay for a cup.
Oddjects
1643 Bayview Avenue │ www.oddjects.ca
photo courtesy Oddjects
Here’s a place to find unique, quirky gifts for the home that are beautiful, functional and affordable. You’ll find everything from furnishings and lighting to mirrors and candles. They even have an adorable selection of novelty children’s toys that make great gifts for a child’s room or nursery.
Academy of Culinary Arts
1703 Bayview Avenue 416-486-1859
If there’s a home chef or foodie on your list, or you want to get a start on your holiday baking and cooking, you can’t walk past the Academy of Culinary Arts. Quality kitchenware and cooking utensils is all they do. The friendly staff can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for the perfect kitchen knife or a set of holiday cookie cutters, you’ll be sure to find it here.
Chocolate Messenger
1645 Bayview Avenue │ www.chocolatemessenger.com
The holidays aren’t complete without chocolate. Chocolate Messenger makes an assortment of chocolate delights in the tradition of the Swiss chocolatiers — right in their own factory on the premises. Choose from their many, many varieties of truffles or chocolate moulds to give as hostess, teacher or corporate gifts. And if you’re done with your shopping, or you just need a break, grab a table and warm up with a hot cocoa and a yummy treat from the Crepe Bar.
So tell us: Where do you prefer to do your holiday shopping?
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About the Author: Tamara Sztainbok
Tamara loves children’s books, running, and pie. After nearly a decade working in children’s publishing, she launched Puzzle Box Communications - an agency offering editorial services to small businesses. Running her own business affords her the luxury and pleasure of walking her two children to school, and gives her the opportunity to rediscover her Midtown Toronto neighbourhood. Related Posts
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I haven’t spent a lot of time in the Bayview and Eglinton area, but now I will!