Toronto's top spots to shop for Mom this Mother's Day

It's time to get real: Mother's Day is just around the corner. Does she go gaga over luxe skincare, is she a foodie, or a decor lover? Whichever she may be, Toronto’s many thoughtfully curated shops have you covered. Here are seven spots to find a one-of-a kind Mother's Day gift for the lady of the hour. [Feature image: Love the Design]

By Christina Gonzales

LEN Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art & BeautifulThings

1

698 Coxwell Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 3B9

• Phone Number
  • 647-894-3753Primary
• Directions

Len Toronto calls itself a purveyor of beautiful things. And what better time to give your mom something beautiful than on the day dedicated to her awesomeness? With fine art, homewares and bath and body products, you’re sure to find something unique. My top pick? Gorgeous Tunisian blankets and towels from Quebec brand Famille Nomade.

Love the Design

2

1226 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W3

• Phone Number
  • 416-855-9991Primary
• Directions

A well-thought-out collection of art sometimes says more than a thousand words. For the mom who loves framing beautiful things, look no further than Love The Design. Owner Christine Flynn offers a stunning collection of nature-inspired art and photography from her travels that will definitely add inspiration to Mum’s gallery wall.

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Wonder Pens

3

150-250 Carlaw Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 3L1

• Phone Number
  • 416-799-5935Primary
• Directions

Who says the art of putting pen to paper is dead? Tucked away in an alley along Carlaw Avenue in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood is Wonder Pens, a family biz run by husband-and-wife team Jon and Liz Chan. Contained in their brick-and-mortar shop are the city’s best array of fountain pens, dip pens and stationery for the mum who loves to write.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Toronto’s top shops for paper, stationery and notebooks

Blackbird Vintage Finds

4

11 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

• Phone Number
  • 416-681-0558Primary
• Directions

If you find yourself in the Distillery District, pop into Blackbird Vintage, a store where you’ll find antique-inspired home decor for Mum’s house. From classic wooden crates, to old typewriters and vintage radio horns, every gift you find here will add a bit of character to any shelf or side table.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Jacob & Sebastian

5

622 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E4

• Phone Number
  • 647-345-0478Primary
• Directions

If your mom is a lover of fine skincare, you must pay a visit to Jacob & Sebastian on the Queen West strip. The selection of luxury, high-end products from Canadian body-care brand Consonant, renowned Japanese line Paul & Joe, and cult-favourite scents from CB I Hate Perfume is on every mother’s wish list.

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Labour of Love

6

223 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5A 2L2

• Phone Number
  • 416-923-8988Primary
• Directions

From hand-made soaps, to intricate pendants and standout prints, the Labour of Love shop truly evokes its name. The well-curated selection of trinkets – all made by local Canadian designers – will make for a shopping session that both you and your sibs can get in on. Here’s an idea: put together a gift basket that your mom will love and top it off with one of the shop’s fab cards.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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More from Christina Gonzales

When Christina isn’t eating or drinking her way around Toronto, she’s chasing the next big story. She’s written for award-winning magazines like Toronto Life and Elle Canada, and has a master’s in international multimedia journalism from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England. Follow her daily ramblings on Twitter: @xtinagonzales

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