Where.ca - December 2011
10 Toronto Shops for Unique Holiday Gifts
THE YEAR’S BIGGEST SHOPPING SEASON IS UPON US. IF YOU’RE FEELING THE PRESSURE TO FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THAT ONE-OF-A-KIND FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER, HEAD TO THESE WELL-CURATED TORONTO STORES FOR UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFTS, MANY OF WHICH ARE HANDMADE TO ENSURE QUALITY AND AUTHENTICITY.
Hot Shopping: Find “It” at Blackbird Vintage
photo by Craig Moy
If you’re in the market for some whimsy, look no further than Blackbird Vintage Finds, a new boutique in the Distillery Historic District. Owner Paula DiRenzo knows the city’s vintage decor scene well, having previously owned the posh uptown giftware shop Fleur de Terre. But don’t expect to find the same stock at these new digs. In place of the prim and proper are fun, even edgy items both big and small. DiRenzo has filled her exposed-brick space with a curious and eclectic selection that ranges from vintage typewriters, antique trophies and birdcages to metal letter blocks, religious crosses and globes. Looking for a holiday gift or a piece to take back to the folks at home? How about some notebooks, soaps or jewellery? Or for something really unexpected, a taxidermy bird?