Tote bags, tees, masks and other cool swag from Toronto restaurants for last-minute gifting
With only a few shopping days left until Christmas, there’s no time like the present (pun fully intended) to shop local—curbside pickup is your best bet to guarantee gifts will end up under the tree on time. This year, many of Toronto’s restaurants have released stylish, limited-run merchandise, perfect for the hard-to-buy-for foodie on your list—and a great way to support local eateries during this second lockdown. Here, a short but sweet list of local restaurant merch you can put in your virtual cart.
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A Harry’s hoodie
Grant van Gameren’s burger joint, which is now operating out of the former Woodlot space on Palmerston, has its roots in Parkdale, and this hoodie pays homage to Harry’s original Springhurst location ($65). Recent additions to the merch shop include everyone’s favourite style of bottoms right now: sweatpants. harrys.ambassador.ai
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A Baldassarre ball cap
This limited-run snapback features Famiglia Baldassare’s famous B logo at the front, and the number 10 on the side — a nod to the pasta shop’s 10-year run, and to Roman football player Francesco Totti ($39.99). They also have good-looking long-sleeve shirts, an adorable tortellino-shaped keychain and a professional pasta cutter. famiglia-baldassarre.myshopify.com
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Bernhardt’s very fancy wine carrier
Here we have an embossed vinyl wine tote from Bernhardt’s that can hold two bottles—perfect for the wine buff who’s a little extra about everything. $90. shop.dreyfustoronto.com
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Grape Witches’ less fancy wine carrier
This stylish, sturdy four-bottle tote from Grape Witches features the design above by Toronto-based artist Negin Shamshiri ($20). Also in the Witches’ tuck shop: corkscrews, ball caps and zines. grapewitches.com/tuck-shop
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Hong Shing’s skateboard
Yes, you read that right: Chinatown mainstay Hong Shing has branched out into lifestyle merch, including tops, bottoms, basketballs and skateboard decks emblazoned with the restaurant’s logo and an image of the Toronto skyline. $90. shop.hongshing.com
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Sugo’s Garfield tee for a good cause
The casual Italian eatery is selling this t-shirt, a collaboration with Parkdale Road Runners, to fund The Marinara Boys, a joint initiative between Sugo, Famiglia Baldassare and Bar Ape that distributes homemade food to community kitchens and shelters. $42. sugotoronto.com
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Mattachioni’s cheeky toque
Finally: the perfect present for the peperoncini-popping person on your list. $25. mattachioni.com
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Donna’s hip tee
Bloorcourt restaurant Donna’s is known for its incredible food as well as for its dining room’s curated, vintage aesthetic. This t-shirt provides ample ’70s vibes, to tide would-be restaurant goers over until in-person dining is allowed again. $30. shopoffmenu.com
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Piquette’s bottle opener
A classic wine key emblazoned with Piquette’s stylized logo ($9). We think it would pair nicely with the bar’s blowfish-emblazoned tote. barpiquette.com/collections/merch
Paradise Grapevine’s crystal stemware
Toronto has truly become a wine city during the pandemic. Toast to the city’s newfound oenophilia with a four-pack of goblets from Paradise. $45. shop.paradisegrapevine.com
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Pilot Coffee dress socks
For the coffee fanatic who truly has everything: a pair of socks to slip on while they sip their favourite brew. $20. pilotcoffeeroasters.com/merchandise
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Godspeed’s beer label-inspired masks
A pandemic-perfect gift: these handmade masks use the same patterns as Godspeed’s flagship beer labels. $13. godspeedbrewery.com/shop
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Union’s cozy blankets
Union’s branded blankie is ideal for keeping cozy during socially distant outdoor hangs this winter. $25. unionrestaurant.ambassador.ai
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Roywoods’ track suit
The Caribbean mainstay just released its cheeky “home of the jerks” tracksuit, which will be perfect for those who are working from home this winter. $40. DM @roywoodstoronto to order.
A baby onesie from Borrell
The east-end Dutch eatery is selling onesies printed with a truly adorable scene: a cone of Dutch frites riding a bicycle, perfect for any future fried-foods fanatics. $25. borrel.ca
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Cooking from Home cookbook
Some of Toronto’s top chefs—including Suzanne Barr (True True), Craig Harding (La Palma), and Bruce Lee and Stephanie Duong (Roselle)—have contributed recipes to this digital cookbook, proceeds from which go towards Not 9 to 5, an organization dedicated to creating mental health and wellness resources for food industry pros. Donate $25 or more to download. cookingfromhomethebook.com
