The Perfect Gifts for Everyone from Toronto’s Best Shops

Zodiac Books Toronto

Dec 20, 2020 | Explore Toronto, Shopping

Behind on your holiday shopping? It’s not too late to find the perfect gifts this year! Below is a roundup of some of Toronto’s best shops that have unique, beautiful and functional gifts that are sure to stand out. Most of these stores have pickup available through to the 24th (double check their websites for cutoff dates), giving you a few extra days to get your shopping done. I’ve even highlighted some of my favourite products below, making it incredibly easy to shop local!

Toronto’s best Shops for gifts

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Easy Tiger

Website. Photos courtesy of Easy Tiger.

Middle of Somewhere Fast Casual Burger Checklist

Fast-Casual Burger Checklist

Yes! You can purchase the Middle of Somewhere checklists at Easy Tiger! Part burger guide & part checklist, the card includes a list of 12 great fast-casual burger joints along with descriptions that will ignite your cravings, checkboxes to mark off as you try each spot, and a scale to rank each location so you can keep track of your favourites. Love a spot that is not included on the list? Add it to the space at the bottom!

You can also purchase the Pizza List and the Dessert List!

Fort Standard Metal Bottle Opener

Fort Standard Bottle Opener

Gift this stunning, solid brass minimalist bottle opener to your cocktail-loving friend.

Made by Fort Standard, a contemporary design studio out of Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Sarisha Hair Oil

Sarisha Hair & Scalp Oil

The Sarisha hair oil is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, great for your hair and scalp. The perfect gift for someone who need to wind down this season.

Sarisha Beauty is a Toronto-based beauty brand that is seeking to provide affordable, natural, plant-based beauty and fragrance, while not compromising on quality or aesthetic.

Pictus Goods

Website. All photos courtesy of Pictus Goods.

Pictus Goods Beeswax Pillar Candle

Pictus Goods Beeswax Candle

These stunning, 100% beeswax Pictus Goods candles are made in house. They come in a variety of beautiful hues.

Pictus Goods Citrus Juicer

Stranger Studio Citrus Juicer

A Stranger Studio citrus juicer is the perfect kitchen accessory for your foodie friend. They are handmade in Edmonton, Alberta and offer such a lovely pop of colour. I have the pink one and it brings me joy every time I use it.

Toronto Planter Vicky Makes Things

Vicky Makes Things Planter

A planter from Toronto-based Vicky Makes Things will certainly bring a smile to the face of any green thumb. The planters come in different colours and sizes.

Merchant of York

Website. All photos courtesy of Merchant of York.

Yield French Press

Yield French Press

This glass number from Yield has to be one of the most beautiful French Presses I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I don’t even drink coffee, but I am longing for one of these in my kitchen.

It comes in three colours and is made by Yield, an independent design studio based out of St. Augustine, Florida.

Pictus Goods Citrus Juicer

Yield Wick Trimmer

Another beauty from Yield, this wick trimmer is not only functional (trimming your candle wicks make them last longer!) but it is a great accessory that you can easily leave out and incorporate into your living room design.

Alison Roman's Dining In

Alison Roman's Dining In Cookbook

Alison Roman has garnered a strong following through the release of a couple of NYT best-selling cookbooks and an Instagram page that will have you dreaming of what to make next. Dining In is perfect for that person in your life who is deeply missing restaurant dinners out – give them the gift of being able to whip something incredible up at home.

Labour of Love

Website. All photos courtesy of Labour of Love.

Kanel Sea Salt

Kanel Salt Set

Montreal-based Kanel created this set of all-natural finishing salts to elevate weeknight dinners to everyday luxuries.

This set includes: Fiery Sea Salt, Holy Grail Garlic Salt, Summer Black Truffle Salt, and Cold Smoked Sea Salt.

Lumette London Dry Non-Alcoholic Spirit

Lumette London Dry Alt-Spirit

Canadian-based Lumette is serving up 100% non-alcoholic juniper-forward citrus spirit alternatives. Perfect for when you want to enjoy a cocktail without the alcohol, or for the designated drivers.

Uncommon Goods Dream Decoder

Uncommon Goods Dream Decoder

Perfect for the person who always wakes up trying to decipher their dreams. Gift them with this book to help them find some answers.

Majesty’s Pleasure

Website. All photos courtesy of Majesty’s Pleasure.

Louvelle Amelie Shower Cap

Louvelle Amelie Shower Cap

Louvelle is a female-owned brand creating vintage-inspired products designed in Australia.

Their patented turban-style design “elevates the shower cap from a passé necessity to an everyday luxury”.

Her Majesty's Pleasure Gift Set

Wind it Down Giftset

Spoil someone with the “Wind it Down” giftset, curated by Her Majesty’s Pleasure. The box includes: Skin Gym Silk Eye Mask, Cardea AuSet Candle, Good Goddess Sedatonic Tincture, LAPCOS Collagen Sleeping Cream, KNC Eye Mask, Gift Box, Spotify Playlist & More.

Note: Her Majesty’s Pleasure has a number of expertly curated giftsets.

The Silk Labs Tortoise Shell Comb

The Silk Labs Tortoise Shell Comb

I’ve been following and collecting goods from Toronto-based Silk Labs for some time now. Their comb is made with environmentally friendly acetate which is often used while creating higher-end sunglasses, rather than plastic and is perfect for detangling.

Good Neighbour

Website. All photos courtesy of Good Neighbour.

Bitossi Coupe Glasses Good Neighbour Toronto

Botissi Diseguale Coupe Glass

Botissi Coupe Glasses are available in a variety of beautiful pastel shades. These glasses are handmade in Italy and will surely elevate any home bar.

Zodiac Books Toronto

Horoscope Books

These horoscope books are perfect as we turn the page into 2021 and reflect on our journey of self-discovery. The books are filled with wisdom and details based on birth charts.

Modern Sprout Brass Plant Mister

Modern Sprout Brass Planter

Any plant lover will swoon over this stunning brass planter from Chicago-based Modern Sprout. Modern Sprout was started by a husband and wife duo who wanted to simplify home gardening.

Collected Joy

Website. All photos courtesy of Collected Joy.

Collected Joy Cocktail Napkin

Sapling Press Cocktail Napkins

I laughed so hard I snorted when I read this napkin. A great gift for the hostess, wine lover or someone who needs a good laugh.

Brought to you by Sapling Press, a letterpress design and print shop based of of Pittsburgh. They have some of the best cards and napkins – and Collected Joy carries plenty of them!

Stasis Preserves Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce

Stasis Preserves Ghost Chili Hot Sauce

Stasis Preserves Ghost Chili Hot Sauce is made in Toronto and is 100% natural, with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. This is the perfect gift for someone who likes it hot … like really hot.

Note: Collected Joy also carries different variations of Stasis hot sauce, if you are looking for something a little less spicy.

Cilque Queen Silk Pillow Case White

Cilque Queen Silk Pillowcase White

Send someone the gift of a better sleep this year, with Clique’s silk pillowcases. Sleeping on silk is better for your skin, and it helps prevent bed head and sleep creases.

Bonus: Clique is Toronto-based & their pillow cases are machine washable!

Cocktail Emporium

Website. All photos courtesy of Cocktail Emporium.

Deluxe Gunmetal Bar Tool Set Cocktail Emporium

Deluxe Gunmetal Bar Tool Set

This deluxe bar tool set is perfect for helping set up someone’s home bar. It includes the following: Ada Mixing Glass, Shaker, Hawthorne Strainer, Bell Jigger, Teardrop Bar Spoon, Muddler.

Brought to you by Sapling Press, a letterpress design and print shop based of of Pittsburgh. They have some of the best cards and napkins – and Collected Joy carries plenty of them!

Paloma Cocktail Kit

Paloma Lovers Cocktail Kit

This set makes it easy to make the perfect Paloma. It includes: Prosyro Grapefruit Syrup, Salty Paloma Fiesta Salt Rimmer, and Dehydrated Lime Wheels. Both Prosyo and Salty Paloma are Canadian brands!

Death & Co Cocktail Book

Death & Co Cocktail Book

Hailing from one of the world’s most influential cocktail bars, this book features hundreds of cocktail recipes. It also provides cocktail education, with chapters on theory and philosophy and guides on spirits, tools and ingredients to make a great bar.

Scout

Website. All photos courtesy of Scout.

Four Point Gradient Puzzle

Four Point 1000 Piece Puzzle

Keep someone occupied during the pandemic with this challenging 1000 piece gradient puzzle from Four Point. Four Point Puzzles is a Canadian jigsaw company, and this particular puzzle features art from Sara Andreasson, a Swedish artist currently living and working in London, UK.

Canada Made Earrings by Kara Yoo

Kara Yoo Freeform Hoops

Kara Yoo hand makes these stunning interlocking hoop earrings in Vancouver, BC. Sure to be a showstopper on any fashionista, you can purchase them in sterling silver and 18K gold vermeil.

Well Kept Safety Razor

Well Kept Safety Razor

Well Kept is another brand from Vancouver. Their safety razors offer a gentle shave and are meant to last a lifetime, making them a more sustainable choice than disposable razors. The blades also come in minimal packaging and can be recycled.

Crying Out Loud

Website. All photos courtesy of Crying Out Loud.

Riot Theory Nightie

Riot Theory Elliot Nightie

Riot Theory is a Canadian sleep and loungewear company with a keen focus on sustainability. ep someone occupied during the pandemic with this challenging 1000 piece gradient puzzle from Four Point. Four Point Puzzles is a Canadian jigsaw company, and this particular puzzle features art from Sara Andreasson, a Swedish artist currently living and working in London, UK.

B Yoga Yoga Mat

B Yoga Mat

The popular yoga mat from Canadian-based B Yoga is a thoughtful gift for someone who is looking to focus on their health and mindfulness in the new year.

BKIND Hand Lotion

BKIND Balsam, Pine and Cedar Hand Balm

Canadian-made hand balm from BKIND is especially perfect this season, when so many hands are cracked from the oh so frequent application of hand sanitizer. Help keep knuckles nourished by gifting this wonderfully scented hand cream.

Rose City Goods

Website. All photos courtesy of Rose City Goods.

Unwrapped Life THE HYDRATOR TRAVEL SET

Unwrapped Life THE HYDRATOR TRAVEL SET

A great eco-friendly gift for the world traveller (perfect when the pandemic ends!). The travel kit comes with shampoo and conditioner bars in gold tins. Removing the packaging is much better for the environment, and the ingredients are great for nourishing hair. Good for 50-75 washes!

Eau Claire Resin JEWEL PAPERWEIGHT

Eau Claire Resin JEWEL PAPERWEIGHT

Eau Claire Resin is based out of Hamilton, Ontario. The owner, Lee, makes the most stunning objects with pressed flowers. These paperweights would be a stunning addition to any home office.

Friends Colouring Book

Party Mountain Paper Friend's Colouring Book

Ideal for your friend who can’t stop doodling, this Friends Colouring Book will keep them occupied as they (hopefully) take some time to chill out this season.

Common People Shop

Website. All photos courtesy of Common People Shop.

The Moody Blooms Dried Bouquet

The Moody Blooms Dried Bouquet

Made by local The Moody Blooms out of Parkdale, Toronto these stunning dried bouquets are incredibly easy to take care of (no water needed).

Moglea Handpainted Planner

Moglea Hand Painted Notebook

I own this notebook and am obsessed. It is handpainted by US-based Moglea and the inside is incredibly versatile. Each page has weekdays, but no dates – making it easy to update without wasting pages, if you accidentally skip a week or two.

Mast Chocolate

Mast Sea Salt Chocolate

Sometimes the most perfect gift is a beautiful bar of chocolate. Mast, based out of Brooklyn, NY, makes this stunning & delicious bar of chocolate from ethically sourced ingredients and traditional procedures.

Likely General

Website. All photos courtesy of Likely General.

Bronze Age Sport Scrunchie

Bronze Age Sport Scrunchie 3-Pack

These Canadian-made sport scrunchies by Bronze Age are perfect for the person who likes to stay active but doesn’t want to compromise on style. Silk scrunchies are incredible for your hair, with no pulls or tears.

by Rosie Jane Perfume

by Rosie Jane Perfume Collection

We’ve all been spending a lot of time indoors lately, and if you’re anything like me, it’s been a while since you got dressed up and put on perfume. Spoil someone with this set of California-made little luxuries to add a little pizazz to their at-home routine.

ABSINTHE HAND SOAP AND LOTION

Tatine Absinthe Hand Soap & Lotion

This sleek set of hand soap and lotion will be a standout on any countertop. In an age where we are washing our hands every 5 seconds, the least we can do is make the experience a little more luxe.

Brodawka & Friends

Website. All photos courtesy of Brodawka & Friends.

X-S Unified Cuffed Wool Beanie Dark Olive

X-S Unified Cuffed Wool Beanie

X-S Unified beanies are designed in Canada and perfect for heading into colder weather. Available in plenty of colours!

Corkcicle Canteen

Corkcicle Canteen

The Corkcicle Canteen is perfect for hot or cold beverages, as the stainless steel fabrication retains heat for 12 hours and cold for 25 hours. Great for the person who has a New Year’s resolution to drink more water. Available in multiple colours, though this gunmetal version is particularly sleek.

Modern Sprout Lavender Planter

Modern Sprout - Lavender Planter

Since many people are spending more time at home, a perfect hobby to pick up is home gardening. Modern Sprout has a number of planters available at Brodawka & Friends, including this Lavender number that will add a relaxing scent to any space. Plenty of other variations available online!

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