The first time I had attended the One of a Kind Show here in Toronto, my daughter was still a baby. I remember my husband and I taking turns pushing an empty stroller and carrying a fussy one-year-old through bustling aisles, barely able to fully appreciate the unique wares and merchandise up for grabs. So when my bestie called me up suggesting we take advantage of the late night shopping hours this past Thursday, sans enfants, I could hardly say no. And we lucked out with free parking!

This was one of the funnest shopping experiences I have had in a long time. It was the perfect opportunity to hang with my girlfriend, who drove in from out of town, all the while admiring and supporting the work of local and North American artisans. It was an added bonus that within the first five minutes I came across an unexpected vendor Cuillères Héritage Spoons. After attending the OMLTA Conference earlier this month, I knew I wanted to buy a pair of wooden spoons that I could use to introduce my students to French Canadian traditional music. When I heard the unmistakable clickity clack soon after I arrived at the One of a Kind Show, I ran right over to the booth that housed a variety of beautifully crafted wooden spoons designed by the one and only Richard Cyr. And yes, I bought myself la belle boîte à boîte, a newer design which offers more variations in sound than the traditional giboulée. I was also given a mini refresher course on how to play. Cause, yeah... I can play a mean spoon diddy.

Many of the remaining exhibitors that caught my eye consisted of children's clothing or clothing made of bamboo, natural, organic or recycled textiles. My friend nabbed some great end of season deals at the Kiki Kids Wear booth and is still debating on picking up one of these dresses for her daughters. Love the prints!

I ended up picking up this adorable cotton tennis dress by Mimimelon for my daughter at the Kid Canada Clothing & Gift Co. booth. She loves the colour and I love that it stretches and adjusts to fit as my daughter grows.

Seeing as I am going to need an outfit to wear when I meet Oprah in Hamilton, I was on the lookout for some fabulous fashion. I was tempted to pick up this signature design by Tokaya Écolo but ended up picking out a dress and sweater in a different colour. The versatility of these pieces are incredible and can either be worn together or with your existing wardrobe. They're made of bamboo and are veerrry stretchy so they can accommodate those rare times when I consume too much chocolate.

Speaking of chocolate, the One of a Kind Show is worth the trip just to be able to pick up a stash of Milsean demerara butter crunch. I bought five bars and it was the best $20 I spent. Wait, there are only four in this picture. Hmmm... Oh, and I also had to pick up some scrumptious chocolate almond brittle by Brook's Delectable Chocolates. Seriously, I need to go back for more samples...

Of course, there were also exhibitors with furniture show pieces for the home. This lounge chaise offered a perfect rest stop.