Whether you love it, hate it or don’t care about it, Valentine’s Day is coming up on Tuesday. If buying gifts for someone else isn’t on your to-do list, consider this post as ideas for showing a little love to yourself!
As you can imagine, February isn’t the greatest month for retail. So as you contemplate the pros and cons of Valentine’s Day, consider that it’s a chance to give a little boost to our awesome local businesses.
Some thoughts and links below:
Off Danforth
Len: Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art & Beautiful Things
A few doors north of Danforth on Coxwell, this award-winning shop has something for everyone. Witty cards, beautiful art and jewelry, soaps and candles, Toronto-themed artisan gifts, Canadiana, and so much more. Len was one of our first pop-up shops so we love telling you about them again and again.
Follow their fb page for specific gift ideas and if you are a procrastinator, visit them on Monday until 6pm and they’ll have treats! They also put together this post with lots of ideas.
Old’s Cool General Store – 250 Westlake @ Lumden
Lots of awesomeness at Old’s Cool too but this line of cards is pretty awesome. (You can guess what the Coxwell card might say)
Gotamago – 1231 Woodbine @ Mortimer/Lumsden
Have you been yet? This newish shop is an emerging local gem with lots of handmade things to buy! Their fb page featured this card the other day, for the bearded fellow in your life.
On Danforth
There are too many options to go into a lot of detail, but a few have specifically posted for Valentine’s Day so here they are.
Press coffee books vinyl 2442 Danforth (across from Sobey’s)
If you live east of Woodbine, you have likely spent hours at Press, sipping on a tea or latte and perusing the vast selection of new and used vinyl and used books. Add in a delicious scone to snack on and an eclectic gift selection, and you get the full Press experience. Worth following their fb page even if just for the witty sign boards!
Here are some of their latest gifts on offer (pro tip: you can also by their delicious coffee by the pound)
Moberley Natural Foods, 2044 Danforth
We don’t need to tell you what to buy because they’ve written a blog post to walk you through their best options!
http://www.moberlynaturalfoods.com/2017/02/10/valentines-day-gift-ideas-2017
Nooks (multiple locations)
Unless you live under a rock, you know about the Nooks. There are three around East Lynn Park and their Instagram feed is so full of beautiful and delicious looking things, you won’t believe it. Check them out! @thenookstoronto @nicenookslife @nooksgeneralstore.
Today they are having a Valentine’s Day market!
Silly Goose Kids, 2054 Danforth
Because this store is so awesome. And they wrap things for you! If there’s a kid on your list, come here but there are lots so great adult gifts too.
VII Design & Gifts, 1434 Danforth
Formerly the Pillow Shoppe, VII has a great selection of pillows, decor and gifts. Look at their beautiful window! Make sure to like their fb page.
Broad Lingerie, 1763 Danforth
We are so lucky to have this specialty store in our neighbourhood that caters to “busty” women. Every woman deserves a bra that fits – and there are other things for sale that might help with the Valentine’s Day celebrating.
http://broadlingerie.com/home/
Merrily, merrily, 1854 Danforth
Another options for kids stuff, new and used as well as maternity clothes and some handmade gifts. Also, they are having a grand reopening event today (Saturday) so check that out if you can. The expanded store looks beautiful! And we love telling you that they are another pop-up success!
Other shops
Handwork Dept, 1898 Danforth
Artisans at Work, 2071 Danforth
Face to Face Games, 2077 Danforth
Nail House, 2171 Danforth
Flower Shops
NaNa Florist, 2454 Danforth (east of Woodbine)
Percy Waters Florists, 1360 Danforth
https://percywatersflorist.com
Restaurants/Cafes
Pretty much all the places along the Danforth will do giftcards so if you don’t want to deal with the crowds this week, buy your special someone a date for another day!
We’ve done lots of local shopping posts in the past so feel free to look through them if this doesn’t do it for you….
https://deca.to/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/13/keep-it-local-for-valentines-day/
https://deca.to/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/06/mothers-day-weve-got-you-covered
https://deca.to/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/28/shop-your-neighbourhood/
https://deca.to/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/28/shop-your-neighbourhood/