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Visiting shopaholics, consider this fair warning: Toronto is a very easy place to spend some serious coin. But instead of hitting recognizable chains, check out the best local fare at these boutiques.

Gardiner Museum Shop

Unlike other museum shops, which specialize in kitschy throwaways, this architecturally impressive destination offers ceramic-centric wares that are seriously collectible. Decorative and functional pieces showcase the talent of artisans from near (Stratford, Ont.) and far (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico).

Gift ideas abound: old-fashioned walnut wood rolling pins, oversized glass marbles, Torontonian Krystyne Griffin's silver jewellery, whimsical vases and handbags made from laminated newspaper.

111 Queen's Park; 416-586-8080;

http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca.

119 Corbo Buying pricey designer threads in Toronto is easy; less so is finding a place that edits trends down to statement looks. After renovating one of Yorkville's last Victorian townhouses two years ago, veteran retailer Linda Perisa opened a boutique filled with accessories from YSL, Lanvin and Alexander McQueen and clothes care of Belgium's finest (Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester) plus rock star fave Rick Owens. 119 Yorkville Ave., 416-928-0954; http://www.119corbo.com.

Lileo A store that draws its name from Galileo offers a philosophy that is equal parts indie fashion and healthy lifestyle. Against the backdrop of the Distillery District (heritage buildings converted into shops, galleries and cafés), the space is packed with lesser-known labels for men, women and children. Stacks of coffee-table books attract non-clothes horses while an in-house organic juice bar is an antioxidant-rich refuelling station.

55 Mill St., Building 35;

416-413-1410; http://www.lileo.ca.

Pusateri's Every tourist should take home a taste of Toronto, but at these two glorious gourmet shops, it's also possible to feast on the world. Decadent desserts and baked goods are sourced from the best purveyors in town (Dufflet, Rahier) and will probably be consumed on the spot.

As for the nearly 300 varieties of olive oil, aged vinegars, exotic teas and coffees (including famed Kopi Luwak), Sicilian Colle Vicario preserves and Amadei chocolate from Tuscany, well, these will make your visits to a grocery store feel like white bread in the presence of brioche. 1539 Avenue Rd. and 57 Yorkville Ave., 416-785-9100; http://www.pusateris.com

Ministry of the Interior

This hip home-design shop is among the trailblazers redefining a west-end street, Ossington Avenue, changing its style from grit to gloss.

Owner Jason MacIsaac gravitates toward iconic looks with a twist; lighting options from the likes of Jason Miller and Jaime Hayon and pieces from local furniture collectives Thout and Castor are working objets d'art worthy of Dwell.

For something more affordable and portable, pick up a spoofy $10 engagement-inspired acrylic ring or a pair of Retro Super Future sunglasses ($140).

80 Ossington Ave.;

416-533-6684;

http://www.ministryoftheinterior.net.