Top 10 places to find unique gifts in London
Anyone can go to the mall and plop down
a credit card on an item that can be found
in umpteen look-a-like stores around the
country, but it takes a real shop-a-holic to
know where the real unique goods are in
London.
1. Commander Salamander
360 Talbot Street
www.commandersalamander.ca
Attached to the equally unique clothing store Frilly Lizard, Commander Salamander is for the comic book geek in all of us. It's like pop culture from the last five decades exploded in this store and left behind all the cool toys, graphic t-shirts and kitch-i-ness. You have to go there to believe all the fun stuff they have packed in such a small space.
2. City Lights Bookshop
356 Richmond Street
In business for over 30 years in London and a staple in the art of used books in London, City Lights Bookshop used to be owned by Canada's Prince of Pot, Mark Emery. It's been called the most unusual bookstore in Canada, but this joint also specializes in rare DVDs, records, CDs and collectables, which will keep your eyes occupied.
3. Over Her Shoulder
595-615 Fanshawe Park Road
www.overhershoulder.com
If you, or someone you know, has a purse fetish look no further. Over Her Shoulder carries unique bags and rarely carries two of any one designer purse, so there is no chance of seeing a repeat around town. Well-known brands like Diesel, Kathy Van Zeeland, Guess and Fossil are well represented, not to mention a hordes of American and Canadian designers you haven't heard of yet.
4. Funky Monkey
515 Richmond Street
Spit, diapers, throw up, who doesn't love babies? The holidays are about little ones and Funky Monkey will make any kid look cool. They have clothes, accessories, decor and everything you could think of for people under three feet tall, as well as prep materials for the parents.
5. Grooves
353 Clarence Street
www.groovesrecordstore.com
Specializing in new and used vinyl and CDs, Grooves should be the first place to look if you are gift hunting for a music lover. What they do best is rare finds and if they don't have it, they will track it down. Grooves also features artists in store so check in regularly to keep updated.
6. MESH boutique
204 John Street
If vintage is your new black, then Mesh Boutique will be your new haven. They offer new and ‘pre-loved' clothing guaranteed not to be found elsewhere in the city. If you really want unique, Mesh Boutique sells Joy Tshirts, which feature a graphic representation of each its customers on each shirt. Buy a Joy t-shirt, upload your picture to the website and your face could end up on a shirt half way across the world.
Sin City
1560 Dundas Street East
Ok, I know what you are thinking. Remember, sex is natural and most college-aged people like it, so why not make it better! Sin City is a clean, relaxed way to shop for adult sex toys, movies and products, which just happen to be at lower prices than other stores. The shop provides everything you and your partner need for a night of passion, curiosity and diversity.
Kiss The Cook
551 Richmond Street
www.kissthecookonline.com
If you or anyone on your list is into cooking, baking or having a great looking kitchen, Kiss The Cook on Richmond is like the aphrodisiac of gastronomy. Books, blenders, bowls, ice buckets and baking sheets, they even offer cooking classes for those who need a little help.
Weezi
Second floor at 204 Albert Street
www.weezi.com
You have to support the home team, and Weezi is owned, operated and features designs by a Fanshawe Fashion Design grad. Inspired by vintage looks of the ‘40s, ‘50s and 60, this one-of-a-kind boutique incorporates old and new designs and fabrics to create “girly” pieces that will last a lifetime.
10. Tribal Mountain Trade
575 Richmond Street 310 Springbank Drive
www.tribalmountaintrade.com
Tribal Mountain can take you around the word by just opening their store doors. By collection handmade fold art and goods from countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico, you are bound to find a unique item for the traveler on your list. Warning: the jewelry and paper products are hard to put down so you will probably end up getting something for yourself.
1. Commander Salamander
360 Talbot Street
www.commandersalamander.ca
Attached to the equally unique clothing store Frilly Lizard, Commander Salamander is for the comic book geek in all of us. It's like pop culture from the last five decades exploded in this store and left behind all the cool toys, graphic t-shirts and kitch-i-ness. You have to go there to believe all the fun stuff they have packed in such a small space.
2. City Lights Bookshop
356 Richmond Street
In business for over 30 years in London and a staple in the art of used books in London, City Lights Bookshop used to be owned by Canada's Prince of Pot, Mark Emery. It's been called the most unusual bookstore in Canada, but this joint also specializes in rare DVDs, records, CDs and collectables, which will keep your eyes occupied.
3. Over Her Shoulder
595-615 Fanshawe Park Road
www.overhershoulder.com
If you, or someone you know, has a purse fetish look no further. Over Her Shoulder carries unique bags and rarely carries two of any one designer purse, so there is no chance of seeing a repeat around town. Well-known brands like Diesel, Kathy Van Zeeland, Guess and Fossil are well represented, not to mention a hordes of American and Canadian designers you haven't heard of yet.
4. Funky Monkey
515 Richmond Street
Spit, diapers, throw up, who doesn't love babies? The holidays are about little ones and Funky Monkey will make any kid look cool. They have clothes, accessories, decor and everything you could think of for people under three feet tall, as well as prep materials for the parents.
5. Grooves
353 Clarence Street
www.groovesrecordstore.com
Specializing in new and used vinyl and CDs, Grooves should be the first place to look if you are gift hunting for a music lover. What they do best is rare finds and if they don't have it, they will track it down. Grooves also features artists in store so check in regularly to keep updated.
6. MESH boutique
204 John Street
If vintage is your new black, then Mesh Boutique will be your new haven. They offer new and ‘pre-loved' clothing guaranteed not to be found elsewhere in the city. If you really want unique, Mesh Boutique sells Joy Tshirts, which feature a graphic representation of each its customers on each shirt. Buy a Joy t-shirt, upload your picture to the website and your face could end up on a shirt half way across the world.
Sin City
1560 Dundas Street East
Ok, I know what you are thinking. Remember, sex is natural and most college-aged people like it, so why not make it better! Sin City is a clean, relaxed way to shop for adult sex toys, movies and products, which just happen to be at lower prices than other stores. The shop provides everything you and your partner need for a night of passion, curiosity and diversity.
Kiss The Cook
551 Richmond Street
www.kissthecookonline.com
If you or anyone on your list is into cooking, baking or having a great looking kitchen, Kiss The Cook on Richmond is like the aphrodisiac of gastronomy. Books, blenders, bowls, ice buckets and baking sheets, they even offer cooking classes for those who need a little help.
Weezi
Second floor at 204 Albert Street
www.weezi.com
You have to support the home team, and Weezi is owned, operated and features designs by a Fanshawe Fashion Design grad. Inspired by vintage looks of the ‘40s, ‘50s and 60, this one-of-a-kind boutique incorporates old and new designs and fabrics to create “girly” pieces that will last a lifetime.
10. Tribal Mountain Trade
575 Richmond Street 310 Springbank Drive
www.tribalmountaintrade.com
Tribal Mountain can take you around the word by just opening their store doors. By collection handmade fold art and goods from countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico, you are bound to find a unique item for the traveler on your list. Warning: the jewelry and paper products are hard to put down so you will probably end up getting something for yourself.
