So, you think you’re on top of all things Christmas. You’ve planned out a fun-filled December break for the kids, bought the stocking stuffers, and even ordered a delicious dinner for Christmas Day. But then you remember, you still need to grab a gift for little cousin Olivia. And did you remember to get something for your sister’s third kid? Or maybe you thought you had everything crossed off your shopping list but then that national retailer that you bought your kid’s big gift from emailed you a cancellation notice and now you need to scramble for a replacement. Yup, you have to face last minute holiday shopping in Toronto.
Don’t panic; despite concerns about the supply chain, there are still plenty of great gifts out there. While anything involving delivery is a bit risky at this stage, most Toronto bricks-and-mortar stores are still well stocked and plan on being open right up until the big day. This includes all the usual big box stores and chains (including Mastermind). But given the past couple of years we’ve had, we thought we’d show small businesses a little love by rounding up 11 Toronto stores where you can buy last-minute Christmas gifts.
While we’ve included their December 24 closing times, note that many of these businesses told us that those hours are somewhat flexible. Depending on how busy they are, some shops might close things up a bit earlier. If you plan to do some shopping on December 24, we recommend that you call ahead, just to make sure that your intended stores are still open.
Where to Do Your Last-Minute Holiday Shopping in Toronto
Blue Banana Market
250 Augusta Ave., Toronto
Need presents for a wide variety of people, including adults? Then head down to Kensington Market and stop in at the Blue Banana. This large space is filled with all kinds of cute, cool, and quirky gift ideas, many from Ontario-based makers. Options include tasty food items, Toronto-themed almost everything, and a wide variety of products that reference all kinds of pop-culture shows and characters including Schitt’s Creek, superheroes, and Star Wars. There are also dozens of colourful and often humorous cards to choose from. Blue Banana is open until 5pm on Christmas Eve for in-person shopping or order online and then pick up your gifts in-store or sidewalk-side.
Jill and the Beanstalk
814 College St., Toronto
Little Italy’s favourite kids store is ready to help you with your last-minute holiday shopping in Toronto. Its carefully curated selection of toys includes lots of open and pretend play options and a small but mighty selection of award-winning books. Jill and the Beanstalk also sells high quality consignment clothing and baby gear, some of which still has the tags on! Free local delivery is available in central Toronto for orders for $60, and yes, the last round of deliveries will be made right on Christmas Eve. The store is also open for in-person shopping until the afternoon of December 24.
KolKid
674 Queen St. W, Toronto
The aptly named KolKid is home to some of the hippest and cutest kids’ outfits in the city from such brands as Tea, Mini Rodini, and Quincy Mae. The shop is also packed with a great selection of books and toys including high-quality wooden figurines. Need to liven up your children’s rooms? Check out KolKid’s selection of adorable —but practical—home decor. KolKid is open on Christmas Eve until the late afternoon and its same-day pickup for items sold online will also be available on December 24.
Midoco Art & Office Supplies
555 Bloor St. W, 1964 Queen St. E & 146 Danforth Ave., Toronto
Don’t let the inclusion of “office supplies” in this store’s official name fool you; Midoco is a trio of shops packed with everything a creative a child (or adult) could ever want. Besides the expected art supplies, you’ll find a wide variety of craft kits for people of all ages and skill levels, puzzles, puppets and so much more. All three of Midoco’s stores are open on Christmas Eve until 5pm for both in-store shopping and curbside pickup.
My Gifted Child
2883 St Clair Ave. E, Toronto
On the hunt for a hard-to-find play Playmobile or LEGO set? Then you need to stop by My Gifted Child. The store has dozens upon dozens of Playmobil and LEGO options, as well as products from many leading toy companies including Schleich, Melissa & Doug, and Crayola. As its name suggests, My Gifted Child has a heavy focus on products that aim to get kids learning and thinking critically so if you’re looking for a present that is both fun and educational, this is your must-visit shop. My Gifted Child is open on Christmas Even until 5pm.
Ode to Toy
Online only; local delivery available
Help save the planet and some cash with Ode to Toy. This seller of preloved items retails toys, books, and games for babies to teens. Nothing runs over $100 and while most products are used, some still-in-original-packaging products are available. While Ode to Toy is an online-only retailer, it offers to-your-
door delivery in time for Christmas so long as you submit your order by 8pm on December 22. Delivery is free for orders over $60 and is always free for Ode to Toy’s neighbours in Corso Italia, Wychwood, and Oakwood village.
Scooter Girl Toys
187 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto
This always popular west-end toy store has something for every kid on your list, from babies to tweens. There are even games and puzzles that adults will be happy to find under the tree. Scooter Girl does offer free delivery on orders over $100 but to take advantage of that offer, you need to get your order in by the end of this week, just to be on the safe side. However, in-person shopping and sidewalk pick-up are available up to and including Christmas Eve. Just try to get there by noon, as Scooter Girl is hoping to close up shop early afternoon.
Silly Goose Kids
2054 Danforth Ave., Toronto
Silly Goose Kids is the go-to toy store for countless East York families, so you know it has your back when it comes to last-minute holiday shopping in Toronto. All kinds of classic and creative presents can be found here including board games, Great Pretenders dress-up items, and Jellycat stuffies. Silly Goose is open on Christmas Eve until 3pm and will also be opening an extra half-hour early (at 9:30am) to allow for even more shopping time.
Toy Town
1754 Avenue Rd., Toronto
The city’s longest-running independent toy store has plenty of experience with last-minute holiday shopping in Toronto. As such, it knows the importance of being open Christmas Eve, so that panicked parents can shop its extensive selection that includes sensory toys, Melissa & Doug products, and adorable TY Beanies. Toy Town even offers an impressive selection of candy, just in case you also need stocking stuffers. The shop is closing a bit earlier than its usual 5pm on Christmas Eve but will be open most of the afternoon for both in-store shopping and curbside pick-up. Toy Town also offers free delivery for purchases over $50 and within a two-kilometre radius of its North York location but those orders must be placed by early next week.
Treasure Island Toys
581 Danforth Ave., Toronto
Set sail for last-minute gift ideas at this east-end toy store. In addition to such popular brands as Playmobile, Brio, and Great Pretenders, Treasure Island also has a great selection of craft kits and STEM- focused activities. And if your kid asked for a specific fluffy stuffed animal, this shop might have the creature you’re looking for (some of its stuffies even double as puppets). Treasure Island is open on December 24 until about 4pm.
V de V
797 Dundas St. W, Toronto
If, come 9pm on December 23, your significant other mentions that oh yeah, they haven’t gotten your
mother-in-law a gift yet, tell them that they’re heading to V de V on Christmas Eve to do some shopping. There they’ll find stylish home décor items, personal care products, jewelry, and other accessories, all ideal for gift-giving. Much of V de V’s inventory is also very reasonably priced. Just make sure that your Other Half stops by V de V by 4pm on December 24.
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