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Blue Banana Market
Categories: Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Shopping Jewellery Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Home Decor, Jewellery, Cards & Stationery [Edit]
250 Augusta AveToronto, ON M5T 2L7
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 594-6600
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 6:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Blue Banana Market
Review Highlights
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"...booths are the old-school kids toys (right as you walk in..." In 3 reviews -
"...baby shower, including the cutest baby clothes and toys." In 2 reviews -
"I personally go in there to buy beeswax candles." In 2 reviews
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Michael U.
4/13/2012
Super cool spot in the Kensington area - a great place to find that "gift for someone who has everything" with items ranging from high end locally roasted coffees and unique chocolates to Redneck wine glasses (Mason Jar on a Crystal Stem) and unique clothing.
For me? A pound of locally roasted coffee and a pair of bacon cuff links. I don't have everything.....but if I lived locally I'd probably end up with a lot of things I don't need (but totally love) from Blue Banana. -
Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
2/20/2012
If Timothy Eaton and sons had been dirty hippies, they would have opened a store like Blue Banana,
Nestled in the heart of Kensington Market, TBB is your source for all manner of crafty, kitschy giftware. From the hot sauce stall towards the front, to the make-your-own-lip-gloss booth at the back, shoppers yearning to express themselves can find something of interest.
At one point, the banana was bigger, sprawled across two warehouse-like floors. Up a stairwell lined with funky jewelry and knicknacks, to a series of vendors promising art from the developing world and the kind of clothing your high school English teacher would wear. Caftan, anyone?
The selection has now been consolidated on the main floor, but it's still pretty fun. A stall just right of dead-centre offers old-school sneakers in a blinding array of colours. A "manly" booth across the way features leather-bound recycled paper journals, pornographic card games and blown-out-beer-bottle glasses.
The back wall features some favourites; a tiny shop featuring Canadian military-themed clothing (I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier), and some of the cutest kitchenware I've ever seen. If only the Mr. Men mugs came in grown-up sizes. I'll leave you to decide which one I'd be. Gently subversive baby gifts are probably the biggest draw. I'd hate to think of the recall possibilities that come with some of these items, but there's nothing better than a bundle of joy bundled in a horribly inappropriate hipster-ironic t-shirt.
Sadly, I have yet to find a Gordon Gartrell shirt on offer.
Adventurous foodies will find a selection of hot sauces at the front; perfect for settling bets and debilitating annoying relatives. Candyphiles can snack from a world's worth of choices. Sadly, the coffee shop that used to inhabit the front corner is no more; apparently there's a bit of caffeinated competition in Kensington.
Staff aren't always knowledgeable but they mean awfully well.
Even in the dead of winter, TBB can melt the most jaded shopper's heart.Listed in: February Non-Food Reviews
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Review from Patio M.
Toronto, ON
2/6/2012
If you have to buy a gift for someone that either has everything or is very difficult to buy for, I would suggest going to this store. They have so much and at every price point.
It is conveniently located in funky Kensington market.
There are so many great things that it is almost impossible to walk out without buying something! -
Review from Tiffany G.
Toronto, ON
2/5/2012
This store is my go to gift store. I always, always find some useful item that fits someones personality. My favorite is their art section where you can - no joke - get an original painting for $25. Original art that is good and costs less than $100 is truly unheard of in this day and age.
Need to decorate your apartment on the cheap?! This is the place!!! Need to buy a gift for that hard to please friend/family member this is the place!! Why run all over the city - when you can come to one store that carries all things creative and interesting. -
Review from Gary S.
1/31/2012
I like this store, it's one of those random knick knack store that has everything you don't need but could use kinda stores. It looks small'ish from the outside but once inside it's quite large with a 2nd floor as well. It ranges from kitchen stuff, snacks, toys, etc.
I'm giving it 4 stars because I was able to find a Toronto http://www.orkposters.... unframed, typically I've seen it sold for $100+ framed at other specialty stores but I purchased it for $30 unframed and later got it custom framed for only $50tax-in (in my other review), score!Listed in: Awesome Unknown Shops and…
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Review from Lauren M.
11/18/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Blue Banana is awesome because it's flippin' GINORMOUS.
So yes, it carries the same type of stuff as a lot of the other quirky Toronto gift stores (Outer Layer, Propaghanda, etc) but the awesome thing about Blue Banana is it's 20 times bigger with 20 times the inventory of all the smaller shops. Yet it still has that independent/local shop vibe.
Good place to browse, kill time and find unique gifts.
Not a lot of staff so it's somewhat annoying to actually find help.
Hot sauce selection is out of control! -
Review from Diane C.
12/13/2011
In my effort to take part in this year's Yelp Shops Local Pledge (and avoid mall shopping as much as possible), today I decided to take a chance on Blue Banana Market.
I honestly didn't know what to expect, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. They have SO MUCH stuff. I was sucked in for a good hour to 90 minutes just looking at stuff, picking it up, putting it down, picking it up, putting it in my basket, taking it out of my basket, walking away and then walking back and putting the recently rejected item BACK in my basket, because it just seemed too neat to leave behind.
As other Yelpers have mentioned, they definitely have lots of items with "unique gift" potential.
(One question: how do you get to the second floor? I tried looking for it - because I noticed that their Web site advertised rugs for sale - and all I saw was a little upstairs section where all the jewellery was, that abruptly stopped.)
But thanks to Blue Banana Market (and my fellow Yelpers' reviews), Christmas Shopping 2011 has gotten off to a blazing start. -
Review from shyni y.
8/7/2011
I was told that this store was made for me and it was possibly dangerous for me to go in there, particularly with my wallet in my own hands.
THIS TURNED OUT TO BE THE TRUEST STATEMENT I'VE HEARD IN MY LIFE.
Initially I went in to cool off and recollect myself from a puddle state, from the killer summer heat; I didn't read the massive blue signage and walked in - I really wouldn't have if I read the sign first, even if I was melting away.
I came to a hault; my jaw was on the floor - from the awesome AC and from the awesome collection of STUFF I LOVE.
So many a times, i picked up something - or stood there caressing something, looked at the price, bit my lip and put it back...only to come back and do the same thing - I think I circled the place at least 4 times.
Keep Calm and Carry On? pffft. whatever - not possible here- for me anyway.
Lots to see and touch and read - great place to get distinctive gifts - or for eye candying.
But hold on to your wallet very very tight - or give it to someone - you WILL find something to open it for - consider yourself warned.Listed in: Eyecandy stores.
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Review from Zoe R.
7/26/2011
What a great place to find some neat gifts.
Some prices are tip top ($$$), but if you're looking for something unique or haven't yet found something despite visiting a mall, BB might be your answer. Some items don't seem mass-produced, you won't be walking down the street and easily spotting another person with the same item.
From artisan fudge, to locally made sauces and jams, baby gifts, gags (ex: kid's magic tricks, fake vomit), toys, clocks, magnets, vegan bags, shoes, clothing!, hats and other accessories, stockings, new age items, huge bean bags (currently on promotion, feel free to correct me), to jewelery, BBQ items, candies, stationary, special occasion cards, and a make your own customized lip gloss counter... this store spells eclectic fun for all ages and types. You'll find lots of colourful and patterned items in the Blue Banana.
Worth a stop.
Bonus: browsing around here is a great way to beat the heat! -
Review from Jen W.
Scarborough, ON
12/3/2011
When I walked in I was overwelmed with how big it was and how I could have bought everything in the store. I told myself earlier on that I was olny going to buy some Rob Ford hot sauce, but I walked out with a few different sauces, some crude candy, and cards. I was really impressed with their selection of hot sauces, and how they were not that over priced for how crazy some of them seemed. A big bottle of Hank Willams hot bbq sauce was 10 bucks. Im not sure how good it is, because its a gift for my dad but im sure ill hear his honest opion on it soon.
So happy to make it there since I was not happy to be in the area I normally love for a boring workshop. -
Review from Kathy H.
Mississauga, ON
11/30/2011
such a huuge place, two floors!!! Specifically bused all the way here, actually... in the rain, jammed in the streetcar, and followed my linepaper map.
So many things to see, and like someone said... it's exactly like the local/independent gift shops in Toronto, but BIIGGER. I adore their card selections. I bought one for a friend's birthday, and it's sooo cute! AND NOT SEEN ANYWHERE ELSE, YES!
Unfortunately, not a 5-star for me. There were SO many things to see, but nothing for me to buy... I wasn't really interested in little items to put in the house/kitchen/living room, which were majority of items. They didn't have that OOMPH to make me buy.... but I'm coming back here soon to search for Christmas presents though! :)
p.s. their 2nd floor is like their sales section, plus vintage fashions and accessories. -
Review from Susan G.
5/10/2011 ROTD 5/2/2012
Blue Banana is a definite stop if you're in the Kensington Market area.
It's the kind of place you can spend hours in if you're not careful, wandering around the different booths and seeing what's available. They have SO much stuff - it's the perfect place to visit if you need a gift for someone and aren't sure what to get, because there is something for everyone!!
My personal favorite booths are the old-school kids toys (right as you walk in) and the British booth, full of "Keep Calm and Carry On" stuff, at the back. Upstairs there is clothing and jewelery, but somehow I never make it up there on my visits!
I've also noticed that when I visit on Saturdays, a lot of the vendors are there, and you can chat with them about their stuff!
So, the reason this is a 4 instead of a 5 is because they used to have this great cafe in the front where you could buy Turkish Delight - but on my last visit there it had closed! I need to find a new place that sells Turkish Delight (i'm open to suggestions!)Listed in: Gems of Kensington Market
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Review from Shirley D.
Montréal, QC
1/16/2012
I'm from Montreal, and we don't have many shops, in fact barely any shops like these. I mean shops that sell bizarre knick knacks. I loved this place!! (I visited summer of 09)I bought a condiment gun (gun that shoots out ketchup/mustard), wind up moving cockroaches, a chinese take out box with yellow tomato seeds! They have a great variety of weird products which i'm a huge fan of. I also received a present from Blue Banana actually and it was called the Magic Garden. Basically its a piece of plastic with special "paper" plants and you sprinkle a special liquid on it. few hours later, it grows into little tiny crystals i think? It was an awesome gift. I am going to Toronto again, and i will definitely stop by this cute shop
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Review from Tanya N.
4/21/2011
I'm usually in and out of shops but this place is stocked with a variety of items that it's hard not to linger and look at everything. The 'booths/sections' are stocked with different items from teas, bbq sauce, drums, jewellery, dresses, lighting fixtures, candy, toys, bags, etc, etc, etc.
It's a great place to get that unconventional gift for family/friends.
They have a coffee shop with cupcakes in the front for those plus-ones that couldn't care less for these things and just want to sit and play on their phones (eg. the boyfriends).Listed in: Kensington Market, you give me…
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Review from Kat T.
7/20/2011
Do you like to SHOP????
I brought a friend here and I knew she could spend hours and hours here, but I wasn't in the mood. I ended up rushing here- Sorry Smily- but I did get some mustard. What can I say? I like food/ingredients.
All the other "stuff" is just that, "Stuff" Ugh. -
Review from jocelyn l.
3/13/2011
LOVE this store!
Full of cute, interesting, unqiue gifts, kitchen utensils, baby goodies and...stuff!
Huge space, and it seems to be a collective of small designers and retailers. Will be my go-to place for cute, unique giftsListed in: Faves in TO
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Review from john l.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2011
A good place for finding neat gifts. Heck, it's a good place to wander and look at all those one of a kind items. There used to be a second floor with stuff as well as a mini-cafe but those are gone now (at least for now).
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Review from Joanna G.
Toronto, ON
3/18/2011
I can't resist this place? Can you? Bet you can't.
Blue Banana makes me feel like a tourist in my own city. Hey, it's not always a bad thing! Maybe it's because I'm still young, but I always find laughs here in this enormous haven of beanbags, expensive hats, kitschy paintings, silly sock monkeys, fair trade teeshirts, jackets made out of burlap, jack-in-a-boxes, overpriced confectionery, mass-produced pins and packs of gum with obscene packaging. -
Review from Alexa M.
Toronto, ON
5/5/2011
Awesome little trinkets and unique items that are placed in such a way throughout the store that it's a real pleasure to discover.
There are tons of gift ideas and I felt like I had found a wonderful treasure chest in the heart of TO. There was even a coffee shop right inside.
Things like this I only find when travelling through other parts of the world...glad to see that TO is getting its culture on. :-) -
Review from Karen G.
Toronto, ON
3/30/2011
I just scored a new apartment, and ever since the call of "blue banana, blue banana, blue banana...." has echoed in my brain.
Got some extra cash to throw around for incredibly unique ,and possibly useless, decor? Need to get a really great gift for that person who has everything (or you've known for 20 years and now you're thinking "what's left to possibly get you?")? Forgot to get your friend a souvenier when you were on vacation and now you've got to fake it ? (oops...that was probably just me.)
Well head on down to Blue Banana. The house of oddities, and boring stuff for your place now made super cool.
I'm a big fan of the British selection of candies and products, super inflated in price, but cheaper than grabbing a flight to the British Isles, so I can't complain. Also love the selection of hot sauces - the best I've found in the city to date. Stock is always changing and you'll never find the same thing twice, so if you see something you love, grab it and go - it's likely it won't be there when you get back. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
9/21/2010 3 photos
So much fun just browsing around in Blue Banana Market Place!
It is a great place to shop for unique gifts for your friends and loved one since you cannot find them in the Suburbia Malls. And the good thing is they are all in one location so you really get something that is the perfect gift!
Advice: leave your boyfriend/hubby at a coffeeshop nearby or better at home.. because they won't be happy when you take forever and hopping around and admiring everything insight! -
Review from susan c.
9/10/2009
Whenever I'm in Kensington Market and I get an attack of the sweats, I pop into Blue Banana. The space is highly air-conditioned and nobody minds that I'm loitering/faux browsing as I let the pit stains dry.
That doesn't mean the place isn't browse-worthy. The various stalls are rife with the kind of fun merch and gag gifts I used to trade with my BFF in junior high, Vivian Carlucci.
If I still kept in touch with Vivian today, I'd sooo buy her the corrugated cardboard bust of a moose that you put together like a 3-D puzzle. And she'd really get a kick out of the blue Banana Guard*; a plastic banana-shaped case to protect your banana from bruising.** And it's BLUE! Get it? A blue banana at Blue Banana Market!!
OTHER STUFF I WOULD LIKE TO BUY AT BBM
candy: Sugar Daddy, Charleston Chew, mints in cool tins
Canadiana: maple syrup, maple candy, smoked wild salmon
housewares: Umbra products (F-U Karim Rashid!), juice glasses made from Boylan soda bottles
decor: vintage Soviet propaganda posters (reproductions)
bath & beauty: pretty soaps that aren't too stinky, lip balm in a zebra-patterned ball
random: fake mustaches
On top of all this hypothetical purchasing, I've actually bought real stuff at Blue Banana:
- long, skinny birthday candles in orange
- a groovy stainless-steel chip 'n dip bowl with polka-dot cutouts
- Semikolon address book
- a really sarcastic birthday card because I reserve genuine emotion on stationery for Dear John letters
BOTTOM LINE: A literally and figuratively cool place for shopping (imaginary and real).
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* On second thought, I really need to go back and buy this so that my life will be complete.
** This is not a euphemism. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
12/7/2009
I like going to Blue Banana whenever I'm in the market. It's just a fun place to browse.
There are little booths for different vendors all over the store and you never know what's going to be for sale in the next one! From kids clothing to African artifacts and funky cooking supplies, it's a great store for browsing, or looking for a gift for someone. The downstairs houses more the gifts and the upstairs has art and clothing.
Some of the clothing is really stylish and cool; some is matronly and fug, and some is appropriate for teenage girls or maybe Lady Gaga. I always see something I want to try on, even if I have only bought a hat there. I like the hat! It keeps my head warm, is black soft wooly material, and cost less than $20.
This place has a lot of variety. Clothes, food products, paintings, African artifiacts, kids toys. You could probably buy a present for your 5 yo nephew, your grandma and your boss all in one store! Pretty cool.Listed in: Kensington Market
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Review from Marie F.
4/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Do you LOVE stuff?! Trinkets, campy theme objects, useful crap and random shit? If so Blue Banana is for you! Two floors of commodity madness make up this super fun ADD filled mecca of STUFF.
Ranging from jewellery and accessories, to swords, ironic Jesus paraphernalia and witty magnets this place is great for finding the perfect gift for the friend that has everything.Listed in: Places I wouldn't mind being…
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Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/14/2008
Those who know me, know that words that words that typically don't describe me well are ones like "fashion plate", "fashionista", or "anything-derived-from-or-including-the-word-'fash ion'". Ditto my sense of kitschy décor. Typically my selections I hope to be taken as "ironic" turn out to be "moronic". So when I take trips into Kensington Market to peruse the shops, I'm typically looking for food. But the Blue Banana Market made me feel a little bit better about myself.
The shop is divided into several sections of furnishings, nick-knacks, and clothing. Some items are unabashedly novelty-driven and would make cute quick gifts or stocking-stuffers for the holidays. Delving deeper into the store you see the range of items that are available for purchase. The word "market" in the title is well-served here, as the store is sectioned off into different areas, each very unique from the one that surrounds it, giving it a very distinct feel that you are in fact in a market setting with each vendor taking his or her own cut. Fret not, it's all under the same roof. Blue Banana gets it all. It's probably one of the more upscale places that you'll find in Kensington, but it still has the alt-culture feel of the neighbourhood.
I bought a hat there much to the disgust of a guy standing right beside me. He thought it totally looked awful on me, but when I saw his fanny-pack, I figured I could possibly be on to something good. In conversations with the more well-attired amongst my friends, it appears to be a step away from my fashion-cluelessness. -
Review from Ted A.
Toronto, ON
1/25/2011
There are plenty of unique gifts and other items here. Lots of those funny home cooking utensils, random toys, interesting books and crafty fashion wear. We often take friends who are visiting to this place, because just walking through and exploring the store can be a fun and lengthy experience.
My only problem is the price. There's a lot of mark-up. Sometimes you can even see the original price hiding faintly behind one of their labels. If you aren't in a rush, I would just come here for ideas and do your shopping online whenever possible. -
Review from Emily T.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2009
Blue Banana is a funny name for a massive market of vendors and exhibits (minus the exhibitor) in Kensington market. I had walked by this place many times and finally my curiousity got to the best of me as I wandered inside, not really sure of what I was getting myself into...
This place is GINORMOUS! It is a huge space filled with hundreds of different booths. You will find ceramics, candy, clothing, art, cook ware, preserves and condiments, jewelry, and just about anything else you can imagine. It is like the One Of A Kind Show store.
I spoke to a few of the clerks and learned that the store displays products and unique hand crafted pieces from artists and stores and these vendors use the space as a place to sell their goods. Blue Banana takes a commission on products sold and renting vendor space, but most of the profits go to the vendors themselves. What a great idea!
I was surprised to find a second floor, quieter, but just as full with funky clothing and art. Many of the items were decently priced, while some were extremely expensive and bidder prices, so I guess it depends on your pocketbook.
I really liked the spice and herb vendor and the ceramics I found, and many of the prices on the first floor were reasonable and comparable to other such places. It is a fun place to browse around in and I'd recommend it to anyone who is indecisive when shopping for gifts, or short on time. You can save a handful of hours going from one place to the next, while you can find just about anything at Blue Banana.
I recommend Blue Banana to anyone who likes crafty, eclectic kind of shops where there is a lot to look at, to people who love markets and collectibles and to anyone wanting to spend an hour getting your browse on. A great concept and a fun place, all in all. -
Review from Helen L.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2009
Home of the best vegan cupcake!
Ever since I discovered vegan cupcakes at the Blue Banana Cafe, the market became a must stop for me whenever I am in Kensington Market. It's not just good for a vegan cupcake, its simply one of the best cupcakes I've had in the city. The girl that works there told me the cupcakes are made by a lady that runs a home based business and she delivers them daily.
So far, I've only seen chocolate ones with different types of frosting. I am not a huge chocolate fan but these are fantastic.
Aside from the Cafe, Blue Banana Market is a great place to shop for presents. There are a wide variety of merchandise from Paul Frank tees to outdoor rugs made from recycled PET bottles. You'll definitely find something even for that person in your life that already has everything. -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
3/25/2010
I don't believe I've ever encountered such a vast space of unique and fun items. It's almost overwhelming!
When I give someone a gift, I tend to purchase one good thing, or a bunch of smaller presents. Come to this place for either! Especially funny gifts and cards that you will not find elsewhere be it that they are particularly hilarious or just inappropriate.
Thing is, items can get pricey. Sure, if I have a friend in a funk I might want to get them the "anti-depression kit" or whatever it is. It's cute! It's got a bunch of random things like elastic bands and paper clips, each with thoughtful explanations for their presence (ex. rubber band- you'll snap out of it!). But six dollars? I'll make my own, thanks for the inspiration, Blue Banana.
If you want to get something pretty, useful, funny, cool and/or inventive (bag that turns into a shower cap, anyone?), for gifts and for much more, then make the trip here! -
Review from Daphne B.
Toronto, ON
7/26/2011
Always a pit stop if you're on a stroll... lots of cool and fun gift ideas.. but their are a few booths that don't own up to unique ... you can find the same stuff elsewhere!!! Grab a coffee and wander, the jewellery is beautifully crafted and the food section is always interesting. A great way to spend an hour.
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Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/21/2008
If you're in need of something hand-batiked for your vegan sister-in-law's baby shower, then head on over to the Blue Banana Market. I had never noticed this behemoth of a store in the historic Kensington Market neighborhood until a friend was in from out of town. As we walked through the coffee shops, fruit stalls and vintage stores, the Blue Banana suddenly loomed in front of us. He asked me what it was and I had to honestly say I had no idea. We walked in and our eyes grew saucer-like.
Imagine a Winner's size store, except replace everything in it with "artisan" products made from sustainable products at fair trade prices. With literally hundreds of items from what I'll presume to be different sellers housed under one roof, they certainly have a handle on volume. And while this really isn't my type of thing, they do have some nice handmade and organic bath products, as well as a really fun candy section. Overall though, the store irked me in a way that's hard to describe. It's a huge, upscale, overpriced tribute to social awareness-driven consumption. No, I don't want the handpainted tea towels made from sustainably-harvested bamboo. But if that is your cup of tea, you will love this place. -
Review from Tara A.
8/5/2009
I frequent Blue Banana. Whenever I have a Birthday, Wedding, Shower, or am just feeling like I need a treat, I head there. I love the structure of this venue.
You can fine one of a kind gifts at this location. I personally go in there to buy beeswax candles. They are a weakness of mine!
Each pocket within the Blue Banana sells items from some of the most talented artists. You can get anything from an antique tricycle to an organic baby shirt to a martini glass. There is such a wide variety and the prices are reasonable.
This is definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
11/12/2008
Blue Banana Market is not a store, believe it or not. It is a market. A "market" generally hosts the collections of different vendors who may not have much in common but do all sell things under the same roof.
And unbelievably, this kind of place does appeal to people without the so-called artists' "short attention span" referenced by another reviewer. You don't need to suffer from ADD to find this place endearing -- it has something for everyone, from locally-made bags, scarves and jewelry to home decor items and even baby clothes. On the upper floor, there is a huge showcasing of local art for sale, fun to look at and even more fun if you have tons of money to spend.
Blue Banana Market has the same atmosphere and some of the same items as events like the One of a Kind Craft Show or the Clothing Show. Except it's open all year round, and you don't have to pay to get in. Take a look around for furniture, candles, specialty teas, and those cute knit hats with animal faces on them. Check out the website, they literally have it all!
If you have a personality and a unique sense of style, the Blue Banana Market will appeal to you because it ties in to the feel of Kensington Market but contained indoors -- especially handy during the winter months. It's a great place to pick up accessories and home decor to go with all the vintage stuff you scored down the street. Personally, I love stopping by to pick up cute fun items for myself or to find that something extra to finish off a perfect gift.
For tourists, this place is a great stop inside Kensington -- grab a coffee from the shop to warm you up from the winter cold and grab some great souvenirs to bring your friends and family a little taste of the talent of Toronto's many designers and artists. And as long as you can appreciate the eclecticism of it all, Blue Banana Market has something for everyone. -
Review from Suzie G.
East York, ON
7/5/2009
Kensington's Blue Banana Market claims to turn "seen it, have it, bored with it" into "love it, want it, gotta get it" -- and this statement couldn't be more true.
This market-style shop features one-of-a-kind items from more than 150 of today's most inspired artists. Throughout this two-story wonderland you'll find clothing, furniture, jewelery, art, bath & spa products and much, much more. One of my favourite areas of the store is the books and stationery section near the front which is filled with hilariously quirky books, (perfect for those friends you never know what to buy!) such as How to Tell If Your Boyfriend is the Antichrist and the Porn for Women series.
Truly this store is a great place to visit when you've got some serious gift buying to do because you'll always find what you're looking for -- even if you don't know what that is in the first place! Their selection of gourmet sauces and teas are excellent choices for your favourite foodies with expensive tastes. They also have a wide variety of gifts perfect for your next baby shower, including the cutest baby clothes and toys.
And when you're done shopping (or as an energizing break before you start!), be sure to stop at the Blue Banana Market Coffee Shop just to the left of the entrance. The shop prides itself on selling only fair-trade coffee, as well as baked goods only from local Kensington bakeries Wanda's Pie in the Sky and Miss Cora's Kitchen. They also carry kid-friendly and healthy snacks too!
With its ever-changing stock showcasing some of the best T.O.'s creative side has to offer, the Blue Banana Market is a great place to visit when you're looking for that perfect gift -- or you just want a little something special for yourself.
(Originally written for http://www.iheartintor...) -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
3/18/2010
If you're looking for gifts, this is the place to go.
I always love gift stores. Small things that I would never buy on my own, but want so badly. My boyfriend runs around the store in about 5 mins and finds me back at the first booth area wondering why I am taking so long. There are PLENTY of thing here to look at. If you like the One of a Kind show, this is the permanent exhibit.
Amazing. Highlight of my sunday to browse around in here. -
Review from Susan N.
Toronto, ON
8/10/2011
Blue Banana would get my vote for the best gift-shop in the city. It has a really open, bright layout; it's very down-to-earth, with plenty of organic/ecological/locally-handmade things (and plenty of craft-supplies, including grab-bags of leftover fabric, yarn, and other odds and ends); and the selection is unparalleled. If you have any interest whatsoever in jewellery, indie-fashion, tea, retro-ish kids' toys, handwoven textiles, playful kitchen gadgets, stickers, magnets, pretty walking-sticks, gift-books, funny napkins, maple everything, nice stationery, British candy, and so on, go have a look.
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Review from Micki M.
Toronto, ON
2/17/2010
Blue Banana is a neat market store with a tonne of cute, thoughtful, unique gifts. Lot's of silly things for your girlfriends, and nice decor for the home.
My only beef is their endless stock of "green" gifts which are really just green-washed made-in-China 'goods', usually made of new plastics etc. I understand they are trying to offer eco-friendly alternative gifts but I would prefer to see actual green products, more local products, and less overseas novelties. -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2009
Blue Banana is one of those places I wish I liked and always forget that I don't until I go back for whatever reason. Today's reason was Chanukah candles, and being that the entire store is filled with tchatckies, I had a hunch I'd find what I was looking for (and I did).
The store has little sections for various things, but there are only four sections that come to mind that always entertain me. The first is Marmalade, upstairs. I know the designer and am a HUGE fan of her work. She does cool 60s mod looks and her pieces are a real treat, especially because I think BBM is the only store that carries them in person.
The other sections are things I have seen before but I like: the Tintin collection, the fun kitchen appliances (like speech bubbles for various cheese...yeah.), and the retro lacy hairpieces.
Having a Paul Frank section is not appropriate for Kensington. Selling incense is not particularly impressive. That "Moroccan" style art I have seen before. The clothes are nothing special.
Maybe you'll go and find something. It's hard to not find one thing, especially given that they have an amazing and eclectic food section, but overall, I am not impressed. (Paul Frank, really?)
The one thing you should know is that they have chocolate vegan cupcakes. -
Review from N.J. G.
Toronto, ON
9/5/2009
This place is very unique and a fun way to spend a relaxing Sunday.
I recommend checking this place out for a few hours, especially on a Pedestrian Sunday. Some of these items are from local craftspeople whereas some are easily found in other store.
A place full of flare and culture. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2008 1 photo
I don't get stores like the Blue Banana, it is a store that is a mishmash of different vendors all under one roof. In the Blue Banana they have beeswax candles as well as vintages lunch boxes and to me these are not easily combined products. Blue Banana is a store that is very much at home in Kensington Market; it is a store that appeals to the short attention span and eclecticism of artists. It is a very nice store on the inside and is light and airy and the whole atmosphere makes you want to buy something, if you are into what they are selling which for the most part I am not. I would recommend this store for you if you are an artist or at least think that you are an artist. It is a good store to find a unique gift but it is not a store that would frequent with any regularity.
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