Shopping on Roncesvalles Part 1

And my Christmas shopping is finally done. I finished it off earlier today along Roncesvalles, which, as you might have heard, has some great little shops.

In fact, there are so many wonderful stores on Roncey, I’ve decided to write up two posts highlighting my favourites.

Scout – 405 Roncesvalles Ave.
One of Roncesvalles’ newest additions is all about gifts. It sells a wide variety of products, from throw pillows to baby clothes to handmade cards, which makes it a great place to start shopping on Roncey.

The store seems to have a heavy focus on products with a Canadian or nature-angle to them, including a Maple Leaf-themed wine bag and a necklace that features gold antlers.

Fresh Collective – 401 Roncesvalles Ave.
The Roncesvalles location of this “designer-run boutique” only opened this past summer but it’s already a must-stop for anyone looking for locally made women’s clothes. While dresses and skirts seem to be particularly well represented, this shop also sells everything from coats to jewelry.

Prices do vary by line, expect to pay $80-$200 for most dresses, a completely fair price given that you’re buying a locally made and produced piece.


She Said Boom – 393 Roncesvalle Ave.
This small space is filled with gift ideas for music lovers: CDs, vinyl, DVDs, even books. And because this store buys and sells used CDs and vinyl, you can sometimes find some hard-to-find items on its racks.

The store is also currently selling Spacing Magazine’s latest batch of buttons and magnets.


The Chocolateria – 361 Roncesvalles Ave.
I’ve written about this place’s turtles, as well as its chocolate-dipped potato chips, before but this shop sells so much more including chocolate-dipped pretzels, sponge toffee and a wide variety of chocolate bars (including bacon chocolate). Pre-made gift baskets are available and when you’re done shopping, you can grab a cup of rich, made-right-there, hot chocolate


Another Story Bookshop – 315 Roncesvalles Ave.
“Specializing in social justice, equity, and diversity”, this independent book store has a mix of bestsellers and harder-to-find speciality books. There are also a ton of books perfect for any foodies in your life and a good-sized kids’ section.

Besides books, this shop sells a great variety of independent magazines, handmade cards and fun, little gift items like feminist-themed magnets.

Check back tomorrow for more store suggestions.