As long as General Tao is around, I will never again question where to get gifts to lavish my co-workers, friends and family with on all special occasions. As well as where to get pretty things for myself. All the time.

General Tao only opened its doors a few months ago at 853a Bloor (just east of Ossington) and already the neighbourhood is talking, and walking their way over, falling head over heels in love with the variety of items. There are simply tons of amazing things under one roof at very reasonable prices. One excited SDTC staffer called it “The Drake General Store on crack.”

Friendly saleslady Reena says the variety is intentional. “No focus is the fun of the store,” she says. Other than really, really cool things, General Tao believes in the importance of carrying fair trade items and works by local artisans in Toronto and throughout Ontario and Canada. Items range from $1 -$1000 and you can expect stationery, journals, vintage and new items, cooking, baking and kitchen items, shelves made of reclaimed wood, home decor, novelty party items, lighting, blankets and pillows, clocks, cards, craft supplies, books, jewelry, home decor, pottery, ceramics and more. Major retail-drools up in here, you guys.

Some special things that stopped me in my tracks and made me speak only in tongues momentarily:

• Bowls made of warped vinyl records: $9.95
• Artwork of dogs (and other stuff) printed on vintage paper: $21
• Blanket satchel (the perfect picnic-motivator): $79
• Deer-head wall hook: $45
• Robot Tea infuser: $10
• Ninjabread Men cookie cutters: $10
• Brass Knuckles meat tenderizer: $11.95
• Paper pinhole camera: $11.50
• Crayon diamonds and rings: $5.95
• Silver, Black and Red dinosaur, gorilla and other figurines: $28 and up

General Tao, 853a Bloor Street West, 416 516 4404, Monday – Saturday 11:00am – 7:30pm, Sunday 11:00am – 6pm

General Tao is always interested in being contacted by artists who want to sell their work. Please contact generaltaostaff@gmail.com

~ Becca Lemire