I can’t say I’m one for a Hallmark card – or even a Carlton card for that matter.

I love funny, thoughtful and beautiful cards and I’m even willing to pay a little bit more for one that isn’t mass produced or specially designed for the Bar Mitzvah of your fourth cousin twice removed.

I have a penchant for small card shops and Valhalla Cards & Gifts (located at 823 Queen West) is my Mecca.

Valhalla is a small, independently owned shop located at Queen St. West and Manning. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a wall of hilarious postcards, featuring cheeky Toronto-based messages and some featuring your favourite superheroes.

You’ll also find racks of cards (see image on left), some of which are pretty, some of which are beautifully designed and some of which are filled with poetic verses. In fact, I’ve never come here without buying a card.

In the back they feature moleskin notepads, board games, beautiful wrapping paper and boxes, books, knick-knacks and some great stuff to give as a gift if you’re in a pinch.

I can’t say the staff is super helpful. Every time I come in here they’re usually sitting on a chair reading and don’t even seem to notice the door chime ring, but that doesn’t stop me from coming back.

Call me crazy, but I’ve never needed help finding a greeting card (just a lot of time). They have a club card (buy 10 get one free) which has come in handy for me.

The best part of Valhalla has to be the reactions to the cards I give – people have remarked on several occasions on the great cards I give. Probably couldn’t say the same about a Hallmark Bar Mitzvah card.

Vanessa