Handmade toys from Blythe for the tots on your list (Image: Caroline Aksich)
The folks behind the second annual Toronto Christmas Market are trying to bring a touch of Old World European Christmas magic to a presently dreary—and snow-free—Toronto. With a 45-foot Christmas tree decked out with close to 20,000 lights, a charming carousel and a Ferris wheel that looks over the twinkling Distillery District, there’s enough to keep the kids occupied while you get some shopping out of the way. The Christmas Market is open daily until December 18 (weekdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., weekends from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.). We perused the 35 vendors’ wares to cull the treasures from the knick-knacks. See what made the cut after the jump.
These beautiful Persian rug–inspired carpet bags range in size from coin purses to full-on luggage. They’re made in England and imported by only one Ontarian vendor, so this might be your only chance to snatch up one of these unique, Mary Poppins–approved totes. $15–$200. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
A Weed Bit Natural
Toronto Christmas Market 2011 at the Distillery District
Both Vampire Weekend and Toronto-based designer Adrienne Butikoffer have been working to restore the reputation of the balaclava, which is not just for bank robbers anymore. The Caninja, designed by Butikoffer from old sweaters, comes in a myriad of patterns and colours and can be worn in three different ways: as a traditional balaclava with just your eyes showing, perfect for -40° C days (or for holding up a liquor store); as a hood; or scrunched down and styled like a scarf. $73. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
Butikoffer’s balaclavas
Toronto Christmas Market 2011 at the Distillery District
We loved the bold patterns on these eclectic earrings, which are made by a women’s co-op in Johannesburg. Made from ostrich egg shells, these earrings are surprisingly durable. $35. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
Angels Welcome
Toronto Christmas Market 2011 at the Distillery District
If the Old World flair of the Christmas market has inspired you to channel a Dickensian Christmas, these candle clips are a perfect way to give your tree a punch of panache (or, potentially, an early death sentence—be careful). $11.99. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
Christmas on the Beach
Toronto Christmas Market 2011 at the Distillery District
Just in time for the holiday season, repel men with a curiously fashionable poncho made from softer-than-cashmere Andean silk (better known as woven alpaca). Joel Mackillop and Andrew Graham, owners of Winterbourne Alpaca, have been working with the same indigenous Ecuadorian family for the past three and a half years. The duo designs the garments, but the family rears the alpaca herd and does the weaving. $110. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
Winterbourne Alpaca
Toronto Christmas Market 2011 at the Distillery District
Imported from Northern Germany, these delicate and intricate laser-cut ornaments—made from sustainably harvested Black Forest beechwood—are perfect for the tree, but don't hang them too close to the candles. Prices vary. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
EuroLiving
Toronto Christmas Market 2011 at the Distillery District
Unless you head up to Fergus regularly (hey, you might), it’s unlikely you’ll have a chance to snatch up one of these 98 per cent organic soaps, which smell good enough to eat. And, if you believe the advertising, apparently they cure both dry skin and profanity. These soaps are made by the hemp-loving people at A Weed Bit Natural, and the cleansing bars come in cinnamon latte, oatmeal clove, strawberry vanilla, peony, vanilla honey and mango papaya scents. $6 each. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
A Weed Bit Natural
Toronto Christmas Market 2011 at the Distillery District