By Hedy Korbee and Shelley Allen
There’s an undeniable buzz in Birch Cliff this holiday season.
The opening of Rustico, The Birchcliff Coffee Bar and M & J’s Eastside deli, all in a single month, has many people hoping that the long-awaited revitalization of Kingston Road is either under way or on its way soon.
Saturday was “Shop the Neighbourhood” Day but the reality is that if we want a viable, walkable main street running through the heart Birch Cliff we need to shop the neighbourhood every day.
It’s the only way that our local businesses, old and new, will survive and thrive.
And so in that spirit, we present to you the Birch Cliff Christmas shopping guide – 20 Christmas gifts that you can purchase by simply walking along Kingston Road.
Whether you’re dashing out at the last minute or thoughtfully planning ahead of time please consider shopping locally this holiday season.
Win A Mart Variety, 1572 Kingston Rd. (at Eastwood)
It may be a convenience store but Win A Mart Variety has developed a devoted following among Birch Cliff gardeners because of its wide selection of all-season planters and hanging baskets. The Christmas planters come in a range of prices and the pretty arrangements pictured below are $39.99.
Salvage Shop, 1492 Kingston Rd. (at Manderley), 416-469-2557
The Salvage Shop is a go-to place for discerning home renovators, movie set stylists and collectors. Owner Roy Clifford is always on the hunt for unique pieces and has one of the largest and best selections of antique and vintage hardware in the city. These antique door knockers range in price from $30 to $125.
The House and Garden Co., 1660 Kingston Rd., (at Birchcliff) 416-690-6987
House and Garden Co. is the kind of store that takes your breath away the moment you walk inside. There are two floors filled with gorgeous furniture and accessories and right now there’s a phenomenal selection of Christmas items in traditional red, winter white and woodland themes. There are so many beautiful gift ideas we had trouble settling on these three: Pretty poinsettia with pines $20; Tartan wool mittens made in Canada $45; Santa ornaments from $20.
Dollarama, 1450 Kingston Rd. (at Warden) 416-265-1443
From gift wrapping and greeting cards to decorations and tableware, if you want something reasonably priced for Christmas chances are the Dollarama’s got it. It’s also a good place to find gifts and stocking stuffers. We scoured the shelves for popular name brand toys and assembled this basket of fun stuff for just $23.50.
Fastlane Hair Studio, 1541 Kingston Rd. (at Valhalla), 416-690-0193
Fastlane Hair Studio has been providing hairstyling and beauty services in Birch Cliff for more than 20 years. Why go to Shopper’s Drug Mart to buy your beauty stocking stuffers when you can support a local business? And if you’re looking to add a little bling to the holiday season, check out this handcrafted clutch! They come in several sizes ranging from $60 to $100.
Magnattude Hair Studio, 1647 Kingston Rd. (at Birchcliff)
When you stop for your Christmas haircut at Magnattude Hair Studio why not pick up this beautifully packaged flat iron for your wife, daughter, girlfriend or even yourself? Flat iron $140; Black Caviar shampoo $22; Black Caviar conditioner $22 and hair mask $20.
Rustico, 1458 Kingston Rd. (at Warden)
Rustico has taken Birch Cliff by storm since it opened in early November with a steady stream of customers stopping buy to try owner Joe Scorcia’s homemade soups, focaccia and cannoli. They’ve got lovely gift baskets for sale ranging from $14.99 to $39.99. And if you’re a fan of pannetone, the traditional Italian Christmas dessert bread, Rustico’s are $45 and beautifully packaged.
M & J’s Eastside Deli, 1433 Kingston Rd. (at Warden) 416-686-2347
Looking for a Christmas dessert or need something to bring to a family dinner? Check out this amazing Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cake from M & J’s Eastside Deli for $35. The deli has been open for just two weeks and James and Michelle are building a loyal clientele with their delicious deli food. We’ve tried the cake, the bagels and hand-cut fries (with aioli) and according to the grapevine the pastrami, BBQ pork and burgers are also delicious.
The Birchcliff Coffee Bar, 1666 Kingston Rd. (at Birchcliff)
Probably the most anticipated opening on Kingston Rd. in recent memory has to be The Birchcliff Coffee Bar owned by 20-year old Olivia Peters. The downtown aesthetic in the heart of the suburbs is going over very well with the neighbours and gift certificates are available for as low as $5. Can you say teacher present?
Royal Young Market, 1678 Kingston Rd. (at Avalon)
Birch Cliff residents have already started decorating for holiday and there’s no need to get in the car and head to a garden centre to buy your Christmas decor. Royal Young Market has some gorgeous Christmas planters on sale for $44.99
Cove Creek Vintage, 1460 Kingston Rd. (at Warden)
Birch Cliff has more than its share of vintage stores and if you’ve got a discerning eye and the time to explore there are some wonderful deals to be had. Check out this antique washstand for $125 at Cove Creek Vintage.
Won Studio, 1567 Kingston Rd. (at Kildonan) 416-690-9513
If you’re gifting someone a print or poster why not head over to Won Studio Art Gallery for professional framing? Poster frames range from $50 – $100 and artwork ranges from $150 – $200. There’s also some lovely art exhibited on the walls that is for sale.
The Kingston Social, 1427 Kingston Rd., (at Warden), 647-727-5464
The Kingston Social is a dynamic, friendly, affordable community space that can be rented for everything from art exhibits to dinner parties. It was recently named by BlogTO as one of the top five new places to take workshops in Toronto. From Dec. 9 – 23, The Kingston Social will be holding a holiday market where you can buy gifts such as small art pieces, candles, soap, ornaments, aprons, kids stuff, gift baskets, jewelry, and more. The Christmas tree below, made of reclaimed wood, retails for $350 and there will be smaller versions for sale as well.
Fearless Fitness, 1429 Kingston Rd. (at Warden) 416.792.8244
If getting fit is on the list of a loved one this holiday season consider Fearless Fitness, which offers personal training, private group sessions and small group classes. Gift certificates are available. They also sell granola and protein
Serenity Massage Therapy, 1443 Kingston Rd. (at Warden) 647-351-3338
Given all the stress that the holidays can invoke, how about giving a loved one a gift certificate to Serenity Massage Therapy? Therapies provided include reflexology, thai massage, shiatsu, hot stone, back massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, relaxation massage, and reiki massage.
Affordable Dog Grooming, 1470 Kingston Rd. (at Manderley)
If you’ve got a dog you’re probably give it a stocking, right? Why not include a gift certificate from Affordable Dog Grooming to make sure that Fido looks his/her best over the holidays? Dog grooming ranges from $50 to $90, depending on the breed and gift certificates are available.
Bluff’s Vintage Couture, 1434 Kingston Rd. (at Warden)
There’s nothing worse than cowboy boots that look like they came right out of the box. Bargain hunters can have a field day shopping at Bluff’s Vintage Couture, where they’re selling pretty much anything you can think of that’s vintage. The cowboy boots are $55 and the Fry boots in the middle are $70.
Yoga Yoga East, 1400 Kingston Rd., (at Cornell)
There’s a brand new yoga studio in Birch Cliff, which is perfect for everyone on your list who’s vowing to get more fit in the New Year. There’s a $45 one-month unlimited yoga promotion for new students and single drop-in class fee is $22. Gift certificates are available.
Muay Thai, 1480 Kingston Rd. (at Manderley)
If someone on your list is looking for personal training of a more strenuous sort Muay Thai could be just the place for a gift certificate. Muay Thai is a form of martial arts from Thailand and they also have “Munchkin Muay Thai”, a class that focuses on a fun, safe environment for kids to grow and develop physically and mentally through fitness and interaction. Personal training is also available. A one-month pass for all classes is $140.
Wimpy’s Diner, 1496 Kingston Rd. (at Manderley) 416-694-1557
Who doesn’t love Wimpy’s diner? A Birch Cliff institution since God knows when and gift certificates are available for as low as $5. A perfect stocking stuffer for young teens who are just learning to spread their wings and explore the neighbourhood alone.
Great article! I’d like to see even more about the shops in the neighbourhood.