Fun. Funky. Quirky. Kitschy. There are more than a few shops on Toronto's Queen Street West that tick these boxes, but the  Drake General Store is always fantastic place to kick-off your Christmas shopping. In fact, this year's lineup of potential prezzies feels fresher than ever; the Drake's buyers having pulled together some really unique design finds that could be the perfect thing for those tough nuts on your list that are always impossible to buy for. The best part is, you don't need to catch that awful Queen streetcar to snag all of these goodies: in addition to the Drake's two other Toronto locations (one at Yonge & Eglinton, and a boutique in the Hudson's Bay at Yonge & Queen) everything on offer can be shipped across the country.

PIXELLATED PULLOVER: Ever wondered what the Mounties would look like if they'd starred in their own Atari video game in the early '80s? Unisex Mountie Cashmere sweater, $175, Drake General Store. Photography courtesy of Drake General Store.

 

THIRST QUENCHERS: Foster a burgeoning greenthumb with one of these gorgeous watering cans. (I'll have the copper, if you don't mind.) Loebach watering cans, $125 (copper); $65 (maroon), Drake General Store. Photography courtesy of Drake General Store.

     

KNOTTY OR NICE? Cast in resin and marble, this beautiful bowl takes nautical style in a contemporary direction. Areaware Harry Allen rope bowl, $90, Drake General Store. Photography courtesy of Drake General Store.

     

SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE: Just the ticket for the tea aficionado who has everything: a mod melding of two fussy china patterns in one teacup and saucer. Valdrada Hybrid tea cup and saucer, $36, Drake General Store. Photography courtesy of Drake General Store.

     

RETRO REINVENTED: An analog classic gets an update for the Digital Age. Bruno digital flip clock in red, $65, Drake General Store. Photography courtesy of Drake General Store.

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