The best record stores in Toronto to gift the vinyl-obsessed

In this digital culture, some still prefer the warmth and ritual of playing a full-length album on vinyl. Whether it's a mint-condition original or a well-loved second-hand reissue, there's no better gift for music geeks. Boost your hi-fi IQ and pick up a stack of wax for the vinyl enthusiast on your list.

The best record stores in Toronto to gift the vinyl-obsessed
Katharine Miller By

Token And Tiny Records Shop

1
777 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H5

Nestled in the back of Token, this boutique Leslieville record store is true to its name. The Tiny Record Shop is big on quality, offering a carefully curated collection of vinyl for discerning audiophiles, ranging from new releases by local and international musicians to vintage wax from old favourites. Are you looking for gift inspiration? The albums in the wall display are often arranged by theme, genre or artist.

June Records

2
662 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B8

For distraction-free record shopping, check out June Records. This bright, well-organized store boasts an all vinyl inventory, meticulously curated and inspected to ensure the highest quality fidelity for collectors. Have you got a stack of wax with more pops and crackles than a bowl of Rice Krispies? The store also offers a record cleaning service to restore old and well-loved LPs.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

LP's LPS

3
2227 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1X6

Lorenz Peter's long-playing records are what you'll find in stock at LP's LPs on Dundas West. The Roncesvalles shop is a casual, homelike space decorated with vintage knick-knacks and original artwork, inviting customers to hang out and browse the selection of new releases and reissues of avant garde music on vinyl. Fans of electronic, punk rock and psychedelic will discover rarities and European imports handpicked by Peter.

Neurotica Records And Cds

4
567 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 3W9

Relocated from its longtime location in Queen West, Neurotica Records keeps on rocking in the Annex's Mirvish Village. Discover out-of-print records in niche genres and kitschy reissues from old pop stars in this funky basement shop filled with collectibles and sentimental favourites. If your vinyl collection is more Burl Ives than Bon Iver, you'll find some amazing gems to add to your crates.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Pandemonium Books & Discs

5
2920 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8

Pandemonium is more than a used books and music store in The Junction; it's a treasure trove of vinyl gems spanning genres from easy listening to far-out funk. You could easily spend an afternoon browsing the extensive selection of rare and popular Canadian music in this low-key shop. Be sure to check out the discount bins for a peek – and a laugh – at record collections from the past.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Sonic Boom Music

6
215 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2C7

In its newest location on Spadina, Sonic Boom is a massive one-stop shop for records, music-related apparel, books and pop-culture gifts. Browse vinyl by genre or make your own one-of-a-kind vinyl EP through the store's Monotype Audio Disk cutting service. Need a new deck to play your new tunes? The store stocks a wide selection of turntables and record accessories.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Zoinks Music & Books

7
1019 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M1

Used books and LPs fill this cozy storefront in the Dufferin Grove section of Bloor West. Zoinks specializes in out-of-print, hard-to-find vintage records as well as high-quality favourites in music genres from reggae to rock and funk to folk. The friendly, knowledgeable staff is eager to help you locate that rare original pressing or reissue to complete your vinyl collection.

More from Katharine Miller Katharine Miller
Katharine Miller is a writer and lowbrow artist living in Toronto's Bloor West Village. Katharine likes to spend brisk autumn afternoons exploring the city's neighbourhoods with a coffee in hand and summer days seeking out the elusive peppermint stick ice cream. She always stops to say hello to outdoor cats.
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