Toronto’s Museum of Bad Gifts Welcomes Your Unwanted Presents

The Museum of Bad Gifts in Toronto is actively inviting the public to donate unwanted presents that may not have hit the mark. This unique initiative allows recipients of poorly considered gifts to part with them, transforming them into amusing exhibits rather than leaving them to languish in closets.

Located at the Northern Contemporary Gallery on Roncesvalles Avenue, the museum has become a quirky destination for those wishing to share their experiences with unappreciated presents. Co-curator Shari Kasman emphasized that the museum accepts contributions throughout the exhibition period, encouraging anyone with a less-than-stellar gift to bring it by.

What Defines a Bad Gift?

The museum’s definition of a “bad gift” is broad. “We spotlight anything someone personally deems a bad gift, and generally don’t turn submissions away unless an item clearly falls outside the spirit of the exhibition,” Kasman explained. Each item is accompanied by a short description from its contributor, detailing why the gift was deemed unsatisfactory. The museum thrives on the idea that one person’s trash can indeed be another’s treasure.

What makes this exhibition engaging is the variety of items on display. Kasman noted that it is “hard to choose” the worst among them, but she highlighted three particularly memorable contributions. One is an antique doll with a rotating porcelain head, featuring facial expressions that range from “creepy to terrifying.” Another is a sculpture dubbed the “shell beast,” which is crafted from numerous sharp shells to form a snail-like creature. Lastly, a tiny copper pan with an amusing backstory stands out. Purchased online for $140, the buyer was misled by a misleading image that suggested it was a full-sized item. Instead, it arrived only a few inches in diameter, suitable for a dollhouse.

Supporting Local Causes Through Unwanted Gifts

The museum’s approach not only provides a humorous outlet for bad gifts but also serves a charitable purpose. Gifts that are donated are either displayed as part of the exhibition or auctioned off. Proceeds from these auctions go to support the Daily Bread Food Bank, aiding those in need within the community. Some items even receive a creative makeover from local artists, offering an opportunity for them to be repurposed as unique pieces for sale.

The Museum of Bad Gifts is open daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., excluding New Year’s Day, and will run until January 4, 2024. Visitors are invited to explore this unconventional collection and consider contributing their own unwanted gifts, all while supporting a good cause.