Blue Banana Market

Smashing IT! Blue Banana Market in the heart of Kensington Market is a well valued gem! They have everything you could ever imagine and more. From kitchen aids to fancy cups to outlandish socks! Amazing items and amazing customer service as well.

Toilets are on the next floor that you access by elevator but when I went, both bathrooms had no sink working. This is the best souvenir shop/ gift shop/ home decor/ spot for sock lovers. Socks ranged from $15-25. Trinkets were around $10. Plates and kitchen decor was around $25 (prices on pictures included). LOTS of candy with awesome flavours. Hot sauces used during the Hot Ones interviews were here. There’s a gift for everyone and the price ranges drastically.

Wonderful place for your shopping session in good, old Kensington Market. A lot of items to choose from: coffee mug, shocks, wrap paper, hand soap, candy,... People are very nice. The decorations is on point, look lovely and cozy. If you don't want to buy anything, just go check it out, worth a visit.

This place is amazing, so many brands to shop from and great prices. If your looking for a gift this is the place to come, they have socks, candles, jewelry, toys, games, pillows, blankets,stickers, food, candy and lots of fun/odd things. I bought some novelty candy and a few pins for friends. Employees were great and we had a nice conversation. I’d highly recommend this store

What an adorable place! Full of quirky, cute, niche-specific items, all gift worthy. The variety of sock designs is simply amazing and a lot of fun! You can't go wrong gifting socks especially when they are cute and edgy like these. There are designated spaces for different themes like kitchen, gardening, honey and bees, Christmas, stickers, plushies, British things, hot sauces, jewelry, games, etc etc. Great place to visit, can't leave here without getting something either for yourself or for someone else. Washrooms are upstairs via the elevator but you must ask a store employee for a code to get up there.

2022 July 4★ Your here at Kensington market and this store has the nicnaks your looking for. While not much has changed inside, some of their products have changed slightly. Though, mostly remains the same. They do pick up some items from local artists once in a while and sell them at the store. Either way, you can certainly find interesting and unusual items that will please the individual. Items include: specialty hot sauces, pop up cards, toys, baby items, UK foods, drinks, candles, socks, cushions, pet items and many more. Overall, remains a great gift shop to check out. 2020 4★ This store is a gem with the many novelty items both useful and some unuseful. If you're looking for something special or unique, you've come to the right place. You'll feel welcomed by the staff and by the cozy atmosphere. Prices might be negligibly or marginally higher, but finding these type of items is certainly worth it.

Awesome gift store in Kensington Market. So many fun and funny things for yourself or your friends. Massive selection of socks!

Massive amounts of gifts for all, installed by sections which definitely makes it easier to browse. Ample and organized, you are sure to find every little single thing that you don't need. Great spot to cool down and shop at reasonable prices when visiting the Kensington Market area. Friendly service.

Cute gift shop conglomerate in Kensington Market. Blue Banana Market opened its doors in 2007 as an artists' market with stalls featuring the wares of different vendors. Since then they have gradually transformed into a retail gift and greeting card store with a distinctive layout, vibe, and character. Today there are over 70 vendors selling many type of gifts like colorful socks, stationary, kitchen ware, light clothing, wall decor, etc... A fun place to wander around....

Super cute gift shop in Kensington market. They have all kinds of stuff. Bags, socks, hats, whatever you need, you can find. Everyone loved the stuff that I bought there. Not the cheapest prices in town but definitely a good variety

If you need a gift for $30 or less this is the place for cool candy, witty socks, kitchen stuff, Canadian... I could go on and on.

Blue Banana is one incredible store for any kitch, Knick knack and specialty gifts. You are bound to find here those perfect silly socks or fridge magnet. It is huge. And it's very aptly located in grungy Kensington market.

Blue Banana is everything. Literally they have everything. This is one of my favorite stores because they have such a crazy variety of gifts, home foods, foods, jewelry, some fashions, put supplies, candles, travel things, you name it. The store goes on and on and on! It's organized and group together with similar items - like there's a Canadian candy and snacks section, card section (amazing selection by the way!), garden and outdoor, kids and toys, etc. I could stay here all day! An array of local and imported goods.

Ok so, first off 10/10. I came for a blue banana because I never heard tell or seen one before. The man said, we don't] really have blue bananas, in fact we don't even sell food. I so asked if they sell and stationary or stationary related items. He looked me square in the eye and said " You've come to the right place son". I bought 5 blue sharpies, bolted to the fruit stand down the street, got home as quickly as possible and ATE 3 blue bananas!! I'm still giving 5 stars even though the name was a bit misleading. The staff was very friendly and somewhat confused. FREE PARKING!!! Drew

I've reviewed Blue Banana twice, but I've still got more to say! This artists market has yet again rearranged the stalls and made room for more goodness! Current favourites include Judaica goodness and allll of the kids stuff on the first floor at the back. You into unicorns, fuzzy slippers or cuteness? Blue Banana is where you need to buy your next gift!

If you love looking at random, quirky things, then this is the store for you! Blue Banana Market is filled with these sectioned off areas/ booths with various items of a certain subcategory. (ie, kitchen section, bathroom section, cleaning section, socks, toys, pillow cases/home style, etc) Some things are $ while others can be $$$, so there's literally something for everyone! I love getting the little gold rings for $5.00 each, and the designs are cute. It's just a place to pick up some fun random gifts for friends or for yourself! It can get a bit crowded in there on a busy weekend, but I have yet to actually have any trouble looking around or asking for help. They also have a bathroom conveniently located just upstairs so you just have to take the elevator up to the second floor. Mind you, there's only 2 stalls and sometimes it's under repairs because people don't know how to use the washrooms respectfully. I spend about half an hour in there usually (because I've been there a few times and already seen most the stuff) but the first time I was there, I think I spent almost an hour looking at everything. I love the Pillow case section! Have a look through if you're in Kensington Market, but be sure you paid for long enough parking haha!

We love coming here when we are in Kensington and checking out their nostalgia induced items. I love pop culture especially my love of all things 80's and 90's. This place has items that I may not need but I want as it tugs my nostalgic sentiments. This market is clean and spacious but items are packed tightly together. They carry all kinds of items ranging from clothing, teddy bears, pop culture items, groceries and candies. On this visit, we ended up buying fridge magnets with pop culture references. As I said before I'm a sucker for pop culture and as long as they carry those types of items, I'm sure I'll come back to "browse". #37 of 2018

One of my absolute favourite places to frequent when I'm in the Kensington area. I usually walk through here after eating lunch in Kensington to walk off what I just ate, and I usually leave this place with something. The last time I was here, I spent a good 1.5 hours just browsing and looking at all the cool items. This place has EVERYTHING you can imagine and is a great place to find a small gift for someone. They have everything from fun socks, mugs, kitchen items, buttons, hot sauces, stationery, Canadian souvenirs, locally made jewelry, phone cases, and plush stuffed animals. I didn't even list everything! This place is definitely a place you need to check out while you're in Kensington. You will not regret it.

Place The blue banana is the perfect gift market and for those shoppers that like weird stuff to have. It literally has everything and anything you could think of!!! Literally a possible shoppers dream all in one store service There are a lot of workers that facilitate the busy shoppers and can help you find what you are looking for /price The price is pretty up there for certain things like the fancy socks, jewelry is a hit and super cheap with a good condition, and finally all the cool gadgets are within the price you would expect. I'm not exaggerating with how much stuff that they sell audience It is for young kids to young adults to adults! There is a gift that you can find for yourself or others recommendation/tip I highly recommend you at least stop by Bc you will find you something you will like!

Tons of little trinkets, also items are on the expensive side. But there's lots of unique items and locally made products. It was an interesting trip indeed.

Wandered into this cute shop with my kid this morning in search of stocking stuffers and gifts. There were so many great gift ideas from mugs, tea, candles, trinkets, jewelry to imported snacks. We left with sea salt caramel (same kind we had bought in Atlantic Canada on a road trip!), pop rocks, a necklace, tiny pins, magnets and a pet rock.

Blue Banana is like no other store in Toronto! I love to shop here for cooking utensils, birthday cards, jewellery, art supplies, socks and unique chocolates. During Toronto Lockdown, they set up a well-organized curb-side pick-up which was always efficient. Whether you are looking for something in particular or just browsing, their website also makes it easy to shop online. In normal times, even if you aren't looking for anything in particular, it's worth stopping by and getting lost in their quirky aisles. I mean where else are you going to find a Poutine Candle, O-balm-a Lip Balm or a Social Distancing Zapper? Located in the heart of Kensington Market, there really is something for everyone at Blue Banana and I promise, you will come across an item you never knew you needed.

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!

You name it, there's a fair chance you can buy it here. Essentially it's a multitude of individual vendors co-located within one store, with a single cashier. The selection truly is eclectic, selling anything from hot sauces, Canadian souvenirs, bamboo kitchenware to art prints, t-shirts and glassware. Every time I visit I find some new stall selling something different and unexpected. It is certainly worth a detour to browse here.

As I was checking out Kensington Market, I found this place. It looked extremely fun from the outside so I knew the inside wouldn't disappoint, and it didn't! Blue Banana Market is filled with so many unique gifts and it all appeared to be organized by themes and uses. For example, all the kitchen tools were together. Canadian maple syrups and breakfast mixes were grouped together. There was a really cool corner of just all the socks you can imagine. You can find almost any gift in this store. I purchased a fill-in-the-blank birthday book in addition to a Toronto Raptors t-shirt. My friend really enjoyed the completed birthday book. Plus, since Christmas was coming up, there were lots of holiday items to choose from. If you're looking for something that you can't find anywhere else, Blue Banana Market is your place!

Blue Banana is one of those places where you can find literally ANYTHING. While it's definitely a tourist trap, I can't help but drop by every now and again to see what weird and wonderful things they have on display. Need some bubble bath? Check. Gourmet hot chocolate? Check. Kitchen utensils? Check. You get the idea. There is also an extensive hot sauce collection with hilarious names and they usually have a rotating holiday section near the door. Towards the back of the store there's a clothing section and some kids toys which always seems to keep families entertained. My favourite part of the store is the imported candies where you'll find chips, chocolate and other treats from around the world, but especially the UK. If you're in the market and need to kill some time or entertain visiting guests, Blue Banana definitely needs to be on your list. There's also an outdoor seating/patio area where you can rest up during the summer months.

Really cute selection of quirky items and a rather large store in Kensington market. Blue Banana Market has a really clean crisp exterior that's white and blue. Walking into the store, there were a wide selection of really fun products. There are multiple sections in the blue banana market including gardening items, mother's day products, candy section, cartoon sections, cool and fun socks, hot sauce section, healing and spiritual section and many more! The items are a little expensive, but it's worth it considering that it's a one stop shop for items that you don't see much of in other stores. Blue Banana Market is great for gift ideas!

This store is awesome. The review could end at that, but I'll add some more detail so you know WHY it's awesome. First off, you can't describe this store. What is it? Is it a souvenir shop? Gadget store? Stuff store? My answer is, it's all three and more! There's souvenirs, there's gadgets, and....get ready for it....there's stuff! Yeah, it's all that and a bag of chips! Greeting cards? Artwork? Kitchen stuff? Hot sauces and salt water toffee? Drinks? It's got it all, and it's awesome! And the staff are friendly! GO!

I want my current umbrella to break so I can justify buying the one contained inside a bottle. My BFF from Barcelona gave me an extraordinary pendulum she picked in here for Christmas. I found her birthstone, mine, some chakra diagrams with it's favorable stones, a book about fairies, and all in the esoteric section of this unbeatable store. If you want to prank a Mexican, you'll find the appropriate salsa in here. They sell salsas big time... cool logos, small containers, dangerous peppers, like the ghost - Watch out- some salsas are hard core. Once I tried some chips of a brand I saw in here, omg! that kind of spiciness made the habanero chilli feel like tickles: my stomach hasn't been the same since then. My kitch mom was given a fancy heel bottle holder that she treasures (she loves to display things: the weirder the better). This store has the perfect souvenir, gift, decoration, or game you could imagine. I would say that Blue Banana is an obligated stop while in Kensington Market. They have hand crafted jewelry at affordable prices; drinking games; ingenious devices to contain boost; crazy patterned soaks; candles; sweaters; Paris inspired deco; shower helpful items; popcorn enjoyment stuff. Recommendation: go with someone patient. If you are about to travel and you already gave the usual maple syrup and ice wine souvenirs, go bananas and show Canadian sense of humor. Just be aware of the chain reaction some items generate. For instance, every Mexican girl who saw the foldable shoes my cousin has wanted a pair! My sister saw the shoe my mom got and wanted one. My friend saw my pendulum and he wants the same...

I love this place! The store is very well organized and each little "cubical" has a different theme. There are all sorts of paraphernalia. It's all a bunch of really cute/cool/niche/general objects. They have socks, salt water taffy (taffy town), glasses, toys, magic sets, pillows, Rubik's cubes, soaps, etc. If a bunch of your friends are having birthdays soon, this would be a great place to find them something special and tailored to their hobbies. Really worth checking out!

Oh the Blue Banana, why are you so awesome? As many others have stated, you can literally find anything for anyone at this store. It can be a bit overwhelming when you step into the place, but breath and take your time exploring. The store has been curated and divided into little nooks housing various like items, most of which are totally rad. I was here on a Yelp Elite Tasty Tour and got to sample some Valhrona chocolates, which were very tasty and would be a nice gift for yourself (or someone else, if you can resist the temptation lol). Very fun place to check out while in Kensington Market!

Lot of overpriced items but also a NICE selection! It's a good addition to Kensington Mkt. Big store with lots of interesting items.

Blue banana was introduced to me by a friend last year and now I can't stop myself from wanting to stop in. The store is larger than you would think and is packed to the brim with such fun and quirky knick knacks! You'll find some rather useful items that you never thought about but now can't live without. You can find so many unique gifts for yourself and for your friends (trust me, you'll want to buy yourself a bunch of things from here). They also have some displays that contain items from etsy, so you may find little unique trinkets there too!

I have wandered in this store for years and I can't believe I've never written a review. I love looking around here but honestly haven't bought anything only because I can't justify spending $$$. They definitely do have unique and quirky items in here - everything from clothing to food items (jams, coffee, teas, candy..etc.) jewellry, kitchen items, toys....it's like a giant flea market without the junky crap. If you are looking for an interesting gift for someone I would definitely check this place out - you won't find these items elsewhere and. If I lived closer to Kensignton I'm sure I would stop by more often but sadly I don't. I just like wandering around seeing what's new. There is also a section in the back that is clearance - when I went all clearance items were $1. It was pretty picked over but still there were a few things I saw that were nice.

Pretty cute market. I bought some matcha from the tea store. Lovely man from Calcutta inside giving tea samples. Tons of gifts.

Blue Banana Market is the grown up of Kensington Market. Unlike some of its more wild and adolescent counterparts, Blue Banana manages to roll out of bed on time, brush its teeth, bathe regularly, and still be that fun person you want to spend time with. The space has a little bit of everything funky from designer jewelry to crass birthday cards to odd Toronto souvenirs. It is all laid-out tastefully in a way you can see the merchandise and interact with it without having to dig through a pile or pick it up off the floor. It is a perfect spot to find that souvenir from your trip to Toronto or that special gift for a friend or colleague who will appreciate something unique.

I've been here a bunch of times and never really buy anything. They just don't have anything I want... This store is fun, funny and strange. They have stuff that you really do not need to buy here but a lot of the stuff is cool. It sort of reminds me of a flea market with little pockets of booths that sell different things in each booth. One booth for socks, one for hot sauce, one for pillow cases, one for hand bags, etc etc etc. I'm not quite sure what the point is... gifts sure that would do. Lots of wine stuff in one booth, spices in another, UK goods and foods in another with Jelly Belly. If you're looking for impulse stuff to buy that you just want to spend money on, this is the place. Besides that some keen gadgets and things but just no niche I can think of.

Blue Banana has been around long enough that people come from far and wide to find a one-of-a-kind gift for their loved ones. Far from looking junky and messy, this store has had thought put into the layout making it welcome you with open arms. It's full of interesting nooks and cranny's and well lit with natural light streaming in with the windows across the front of the store. They have it all. From candies to silk scarves, Tabasco chocolates and grumpy cat mugs, you can't go wrong at Blue Banana.

Need a posh purse? A pop-culture plushy pillows? Tasty treats? Jammin' jewlery? Step right up and enjoy! There's something for everyone in this fantastical fabulous foyer of festive fabrications!

I haven't been to Blue Banana in some time, but decided to drop in here before I started my grocery shopping in Kensington market. Upon entering through the front door, I felt overwhelmed by all the merchandise. They have everything you can possibly need, but the layout was a little claustrophobic because everything is crammed in there. The aisles were narrow and somewhat went zig zag through the market. Not quite like the open market with parallel stalls you expect to see, but set-up was somewhat mishmash and just looked chaotic and unorganized to me. I was just browsing, so didn't spend too much time in any particular section. Unless, you know what you want, you'll be walking around aimlessly. They definitely have lots of unusual and unique items, so it'll be great if you want to purchase a gift or splurge on miscellaneous items. Definitely an abundance of everything. The market wasn't busy as I came Friday mid-afternoon, but I imagine on the weekends it gets overcrowded and I cannot imagine wandering around here when it gets busy. The place is pretty narrow to walk as is, so add a crowd, no thank you for me, it's not my kind of place to shop. In addition, the prices are somewhat high, probably because I'm so used to shopping at Winners/Marshalls where prices are so low haha. I know most vendors and merchandise support local artists/entrepreneurs, but I cannot justify some of the prices. There's an upstairs which I didn't venture up to, but I believe they have their clearance items and furniture on the second floor. There was no staff to greet me or offer assistance while I was there. Even the cashiers didn't even acknowledge me, not the friendly place I would expect from a local market.

Blue Banana is a fantastic place to just visit on a weekend. Tons of fun and quirky items. If you're looking for local or Canadian products, there's a great section of maple candy. I recently bought doorknobs here to fix a dresser.

An interesting spot in Kensington market and usually very unique. You can find Russian fur hats, gourmet mustard's and handmade jewelry all under one roof. Its quite a large space sub-divided into little kiosks with a particular theme. There is a Red Canoe booth (Canadian Apperel), one kiosk devoted to the USSR and several to handmade jewelry. Toronto themed stuff and eclectic jams and cards you won't find anywhere else round out the selection. Worth a visit if you are in Kensington.

This place surprised me not only with the sheer size of the space but also the variety of interesting items available here. The closest similar store I can think of is the World Market in US. Interesting layout as there is a display area for each type of items. There are areas that are dedicated to specific kind of items like coffee, tea, ceramics and then there were some areas dedicated to specific region i.e. stuff from Britain etc. I saw some interesting items that I have not seen elsewhere. I didn't get a chance to go to the 2nd floor as I didn't have enough time. Will do that on my next visit for sure. Prices seemed reasonable and some knick knacks were tempting (now only if they carried beer like the world market it would be a perfect place in this area) High recommendations here folks.

Let's get the con out of the way: this is an extremely overpriced store. BUT! It's located in Kensington Market, and it's super cute and quirky. It's huge and offers a ton of knick knacks and goodies, so if you're looking for a special gift, you're certain to find one here. The employees are always helpful, and this store is always packed with eager people. I myself start getting excited when I enter because of all the whimsical and eclectic items. This store definitely is snap worthy, and it has quite a few unique items you won't find anywhere else. If you're in Kensington, definitely check this place out. Even if you don't buy anything, it'll still spice up your day to see the unique items available!

Fantastic store. Amazing soft toys and I'm very fond of soft toys. They have extremes quality toys. I bought some keyrings for my younger sister and she really loved it. Specially minion keyring.

I love this place. I think if I was to bring a friend around who was visiting downtown Toronto, this would be one of the top spots. It's like a big indoor market divided up into tinier booths, each selling unique, quirky things - like water bottles, kitchen stuff, mugs, warm socks, jewelry, quoted t-shirts, Asian characters/plush animals. I think their stock turns over really fast so there is always new stuff to check out. Best part is that for most, the prices are really reasonable compared to something like Etsy. Main reason why I am writing this - I found my favourite earring/ring/necklace stop in the middle aisle. I think it really depends on style but I love very simple, geometric stuff i.e. triangles LOL, especially studs. I bought a few pairs and they were only 4 - 5 dollars each! Plus if you buy 2 pairs, it is 10% off!!!!

This is the place you go to if youre bad at buying gifts for people. There is so much for everyone from art to kitchen supplies, toys, wood crafts and clothes. Honestly, I only come here if it's last minute and I haven't bought a friend/family member something. I try to drop by ever 3 months or so since their stock is always changing based on what moves. The place is a lot larger than in seems, with about 8 isles stocked high with all sorts of stuff, it really does take about 30-45 min to properly browse everything here. The only real issue is how they have the registers set up, the lines end up snaking through the store especially when only 1-2 registers are open. If you're in the area, browse a bit, there are no pushy salespeople here, just a lot of neat stuff.

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!)

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). _______________ * On second thought, I really need to go back and buy this so that my life will be complete. ** This is not a euphemism.

I love here. I went there when I got some gifts. One of my memory was getting a wall picture. It's about farming thing like a bacon and pigs. It's hung on my room now in Japan. I'll be back here if I am in Toronto ;)

My favorite place at Kensington, never missed a visit everytime I'm at the area. Eccentric gadgets, and a collection of random things are sold in this place. Only draw back is I think they're overpriced. I still enjoy browsing around.

How do I describe Blue Banana? Have you ever been to Honest Ed's, and wondered what it would be like if it didn't suck and wasn't enormous? That's Blue Banana. This place sells everything, which makes it one of my favorite gift-shopping spots in the city. There's a tea vendor with absolutely wonderful teas - check out the Cinnabeet blend in particular, which smells of chocolate and warm nuttiness despite being made of beet. There's some sort of beet alchemy going on in that bag that I don't understand, transmuting root vegetables into candy. There are cooking implements shaped like tiny, disconcerting people with whisks and spatulas for faces. There's an exceptional range of hip greeting cards you'll actually like giving, and the recipients will enjoy receiving. There's an imported British candy store, which also sells those crazy wire head massager things that look insane but feel divine for reasons I can't understand. There's a bunch of cute, custom-crafted jewelry mixed with some pieced-together-anyone-could-have-made-this schlocky jewelry. There are hipster goods. There's a giant coat rack covered in puppets that makes me feel vaguely suspicious. There are lovely things, and garish things,and things you'll want to eat, and things you'll feel embarrassed just to stand in front of. I bring guests here from out of town, and they always walk away with something for somebody back home that they never would have thought to seek out and find themselves. I've yet to find someone who didn't enjoy at least gandering about the place. Oh, and they have a public washroom, and it's NOT terrifying - a rarity in Kensington.

A very lovely store with almost anything you can think of in terms of the exotic, novelty and creative gifts. In the store, you'll find anything from little kitchen gizmos, hipster stationary, variety-pack BBQ sauces, funky socks to a little fun anime section. The store always has me feeling the Urban Outfitters vibe (usually their gizmo/books/toys section) without the heavy focus on clothes and shoes. A must see store if you're visiting the Kensington Market.

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.

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!

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!

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.