Earlier this week I visited the Gardiner Shop for a sneak peek of their Holiday collection.

Oh, if only all my Christmas shopping excursions were like this – a glass of bubbly in one hand as I casually peruse the shelves, without the hostility of crazed holiday shoppers to contend with. It was great, and yes I did manage to cross a few people off my gift-giving to-do list.

Much more than your typical museum novelty gift shop, I first discovered this hidden gem not too long ago, and I’m glad I did.

Located at the base of The Gardiner Museum at 111 Queens Park, The Gardiner Shop, much like the museum that houses it, is definitely much more than your grandmother’s ceramics. It carries ceramics yes, but it also has a huge selection of Canadian designers, which makes me happy because it always feels good to support local talent and buy someone a gift with a story behind it.

A few of my favourite Canadian finds: Snake Skin Bud Vases by Filipa Pimentel – $62 each; “Canadiana” Ceramic Maple Syrup Jars by Marianne Chenard – $45 each; and dconstruct resin cuffs, from a unique eco-friendly accessories line that incorporates recycled resin, organics and textiles into their designs – $35 (for the medium one shown in the picture).

Take a look at the images below for more of what you’ll find at the Gardiner Shop.

So, have you started your Holiday shopping yet?

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