The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Canadian ceramist Rachael Kroeker’s new misty mountain series evokes the beauty of the landscape. Each piece is slip-cast, colour-layered and glazed in the interior for functional use. This modern porcelain planter comes with three drainage holes—it’s the perfect handmade holiday gift.

Etsy entrepreneur Bonnie Hertzog refashions the classic ’80s board game with photos of her customers’ nearest and dearest.

With movie theatres iffy for the foreseeable future, Kodak’s HD Luma projector will transform living room walls, garage doors and hanging sheets into Cineplex screens.

This holiday season, treat your skin to luxurious 24-karat gold hydrogel masks from Radford Studio. Infused with gold, hyaluronic acid, sea moss and love, the mask instantly cools, soothes and nourishes the skin—making for the perfect at-home spa treatment.

BSC bandwagon-jumpers who love the Netflix series will appreciate this box set of the original books, complete with those gloriously ’80s covers.

The KidiZoom—which comes with a hi-def camera, dozens of animated backdrops, a built-in mic and an editing suite—is an excellent time-guzzler for fame-seeking quaranteens.

Beyoncé served a ton of fierce fashion moments in her visual album Black is King—one of which included these embellished yellow sunnies.

Thanks to Rosen’s (of cinnamon bun fame), the twisty babka comes in its very own jar, which means even the humblest piece of toast can be slathered with some of that gooey deliciousness—just add streusel.

Serge Ibaka gave each of his fellow Raptors a six-foot camo scarf from the Canadian brand Nobis at the start of the 2020 season.

This classic Napa Valley cab delivers intense blackberry fruit, with complex hints of clove and cardamom spice. Tannins add structure to the fruit’s juicy fullness, followed by a lingering, velvety finish.

Worn on the fingers, this apparatus gives its wearer the superhuman ability to type characters onto any surface, which will then appear on your smart TV, laptop, smartphone or projector.

for 20 De Mello Coffee crams all the intensity of Vietnamese coffee into instant sachets. Just add water and serve hot or cold—though there’s nothing wrong with throwing in a little condensed milk.

3rd Ritual’s aromatherapy kit comes with tubes of soothingly scented body lotion, cream and shower gel.

These pints are only available on Thursdays, but the rich custardy taste and nostalgic flavour combinations (like Ontario apple pie and honeycomb cereal) are well worth the trouble.

The Toronto start-up Just Vertical makes a gorgeous hydroponic kitchen garden that can grow up to 10 pounds of food each month, including peppers, kale, cucumbers and strawberries.

and up For remote gifting, Penny Paper Co. will send a selection of delightfully kitschy holiday goodies—including Christmas crackers, vegan gingerbread and glittery ornaments—to the doors of faraway friends and relatives.

These super-comfortable booties were designed by an osteopath who specializes in improving posture; her client list includes celebs like Jamie Foxx.

Each jar of Malty and Hoppy Delicacy’s beer jelly (yes, we said beer) is made with a different Ontario craft beer: an imperial IPA from Black Oak Brewing, a pale ale from Great Lakes Brewing and, our favourite, an oatmeal brown ale from Left Field Brewery in Leslieville.

per order General Assembly will flash-freeze their signature pies and deliver stacks of Garden Smash, the Cheese Wizard and Domino Effect to your door every month.

and up Print Nest turns photos of your furry family and friends into beautifully bold, digitally illustrated portraits perfect for any pet parent’s home.

Say farewell to S’well: once drained, the space-saving reusable Origami bottle folds down flat and fits right into your back pocket.

Designer Ashaka Givens mimics the frilly cameos of the 19th century, except her pieces feature Black women instead of ivory silhouettes.

This epic rainbow block tower is as tall as a three-year-old and destined to be the envy of the neighbourhood kids.

For every celebration this season, there’s a Jackson-Triggs wine. This gift set—including a fruity and crisp white meritage and an earthy, cherry-rich meritage—is the perfect gift for any wine lover on your list. And the best part? You don’t even have to wrap it.

Mini Michelangelos can create complex works of art with 24 different colours of super-soft, easy-to-mold clay.

Singer’s neat and petite Start 1304 comes with six pre-loaded stitches, and zipper and buttonhole feet. It’s tailor-made (so to speak) for beginners who want to make their own masks.

Inspired by 170 years of distilling expertise and heritage, Tanqueray No. Ten is the product of passion and attention to detail. Distilled with whole fresh citrus fruits and select botanicals, this luxury gin provides an exquisite burst of flavour in every sip. Tanqueray No. Ten has been recognized with more than 40 international awards since its launch, and is one of the first gins to be inducted into the San Francisco Spirits Competition Hall of Fame.

This simple cooking tool adds a boost of natural iron to your daily meal. Simply drop it in boiling water or liquid-based meals for 10 minutes to release a significant portion of your daily recommended iron. A portion of every sale goes to help undernourished communities around the world.

Surprise the dog lover or DIYer in your life with this dog needle felting kit from Teatro Verde. Choose from a range of breeds and get crafty this season.

Meghan Markle is a fan of the zodiac pendants from Toronto brand Suetables. (She’s a Leo, but wears Sagittarius for Harry and Taurus for Archie.)

Thom Browne’s pleated wool kilt was a lucky charm for Dan Levy when Schitt’s Creek swept the Emmys in September.

Crafted in Niagara, this small-batch premium gin is distilled from Ontario potatoes and infused with 34 botanicals. Citrusy and floral on the nose, followed by flavours of juniper and coriander with a long, spicy finish, the pretty-in-pink spirit is excellent chilled on its own or in your favourite gin cocktail.

Who said we were done with cubicles? Dwellito’s prefab, eight-by-12-foot outdoor office is the child-free fortress of solitude your work life needs right now.

Your grandma’s old glasses chain has found new life as a handy mask holder. This snazzy tortoiseshell version is by designer Lele Sadoughi.

Biden was the name at the top of the ticket, but Harris is the face we want on our merch.

and up For extra-adorable family uniforms, Province of Canada makes minimalist sweatsuits stitched with “Mom,” “Dad” or “Kid.

Sleeper’s ostrich-feathered PJs—a favourite of Brie Larson—are comfy enough for bed and fancy enough for Zoom.

Designer Sama Rakk makes these kaleidoscopic earrings out of iridescent acrylic.

GermGuardian’s gadget includes a HEPA air filter that purports to destroy 99.7 per cent of dust and allergens, plus UV technology to kill airborne bacteria and virus particles.

This rich and seamless barrel-fermented chardonnay offers classic stone fruit—white peach, pear, apricot—underlaid by subtle tones of exotic fruits such as melons and papayas. Indulge in this sustainably farmed choice.

Toronto carpenter Jack Fouracre creates adjustable standing desks from Ontario cherry wood for ergonomically minded WFHers.

The kitchen gadget du jour is beloved for its ability to quickly crispify nearly every kind of food with no added oils.

These leaden comforters are supposed to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. If ever there was a year to finally see what all the hype was about, this is the one.

and up Give the gift of choice with Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls gift cards, available online or in-store. One card, three stores, more merry.

A collaboration between wine shop Paradise Grapevine and cocktail bar Civil Liberties, this refreshing blend of pineapple distillate and naturally fermented Ontario riesling is the ideal way to make a homebound brunch feel festive.

P.E.I.-raised oyster expert Jason Kun brings bivalves right to your door. His DIY kits come with everything you need for an at-home oyster experience: oysters by the dozen and all the requisite accoutrements (apple-shallot mignonette, habanero hot sauces, horseradish root).

Australian winemaker Frank Hellwig believes in stepping aside and letting the grapes express themselves. And what do the grapes in this particular bottle have to say? The juicy, full-bodied red blend is overflowing with fresh, fruity flavours and just a touch of oak.

Ibram X. Kendi’s bestselling manual How to Be an Antiracist gets the board-book treatment, schooling kids on the basics of equality before they’re out of diapers.

A pearl-studded version of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s iconic dissent collar honours the beloved Supreme Court justice (and instantly upgrades a basic black sweater).

The Toronto-based designer Rahyma Awanife makes gorgeous matching sets from vibrant, reversible African prints.

No, not that kind of mask. Skincare fanatics who aren’t too sick of covering their face will adore Sulwhasoo, a sheet mask that coddles skin with ingredients like green tea and honey.

This hat is emblazoned with the Kanienke’haka word for Toronto, meaning, “where there are trees standing in the water.”

AOR’s groundbreaking MyBlueprint ​is a DNA-based nutrition and lifestyle report that uses cutting-edge technology to identify your unique genetic variations. The information in the test provides 84 SNPs, 65 genes, 41 ​clinical endpoints and eight key health categories.

for two The Scruncheroo is made from microfibre material, doubling as a cleansing cloth for smudgy screens or lenses.

Culinary Adventure Co.’s curated assortments of edibles bring together items from Toronto and beyond. Items like Blackbird sourdough and Tabule falafel are joined by rarer finds such as toffees from Winnipeg’s Utoffeea, two kinds of chips from Manitoba’s Indigenous-owned Tomahawk Chips, and blueberry gin jam from Ottawa’s Top Shelf Preserves.

Aged in bourbon casks, triple distilled and tasting of stone fruit, honey and vanilla, this award-winning whiskey is like drinking liquid gold. Enjoy it neat or over ice, and paired with a roaring backyard bonfire (long johns sold separately).

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fights the good fight with a coat of Stila’s 12-hour Stay All Day lipstick in Beso.

The Hamilton-based brewery Collective Arts is about more than just beer now. Made with rhubarb, hibiscus and a whimsical blend of botanicals, their award-winning gin juicy, floral and fruity up front, with a tart and warm ginger finish. And with a bottle featuring stunning artwork by illustrator Nate Williams, this gin looks as good as it tastes. Doorstep delivery available across Ontario.

Lemonade never looked as good as it does in Sophie Lou Jacobsen’s playful hand-blown jug.

Among the many impressive pieces in Drake’s outrageously tricked-out Bridle Path mansion is the Esfera armchair, which evokes a 1970s lounge pit in the best possible way.

per month Every month, Grape Witches will deliver a selection of their favourite chuggable reds, wild pet-nats and other funky bottles that you won’t find in the LCBO.

Starchitects-in-training can create endless housing configurations using Arckit’s modernist, modular design kit.

Your Zoom background could use an original oil painting from the Japanese-Canadian artist Keita Morimoto, who depicts everyday Toronto streetscapes with a Dutch Golden Age lens.

This va-va-voom table lamp is made with ethically sourced ostrich feathers, lending an otherwise staid bedroom some big boudoir energy.

The Loog Pro VI six-string comes with a built-in amp and an app that teaches basic songs and scales using augmented reality.

The Lottie doll comes in a variety of styles: artist, dancer, athlete, even fossil hunter. We especially like the Gen Z–appropriate activist incarnation, who wouldn’t be out of place at a Queen’s Park protest.

for six It may look like a magical fairy elixir, but Lark’s herb and bluebell vine–infused sparkling spring water tastes more like an earthy cola.

This full-bodied red blend is intense and complex, with aromas of dark fruits and berries followed by floral notes, hints of spiced cinnamon and cloves. It’s the perfect addition to any wine and cheese party—even if it’s just a party for one.

This locally designed, butter-soft robe is divine on the skin—especially after an epic bubble bath.

More than 500 million people fell in love with this greaser jacket when BTS heartthrob Jimin sported it in the group’s record-shattering video for “Dynamite.”

The latest addition to Robert Mondavi’s private-selection tier of spirit barrel–aged wines is a unique blend that brings together the craftsmanship of California winemaking with the time honoured tradition of rye whisky–aging. The result is an incredibly bold and unique red that’s sure to impress anyone who loves whisky as much as they love wine.

Daan Go’s mini white chocolate lime passionfruit cheesecakes look like a sharp wodge of cheddar.

Illustrator Monica Ahanonu transforms iconic Black figures—including Diana Ross, Colin Kaepernick and I May Destroy You’s Michaela Coel—into luminous Pop Art paintings.

If you plan on drinking your share of red wine over the holidays—and really, who isn’t?— you may as well buy the best-selling rioja in the world. An oh-so-seasonal deep garnet, Campo Viejo Reserva is smokey and spicy on the nose but chock full of ripe fruit flavours, with just a touch of oak and a lush finish.

and up Each of Lata’s gorgeous conservas tins is filled with ethically caught Portuguese seafood—squid in ragout, codfish with chickpeas, sardines in tomato—and they all make for excellent additions to festive snack spreads or as meals on their own.

Thanks to The Crown, the people’s princess is back in vogue this year—and Rowing Blazers has reissued her memorable black sheep jumper to celebrate.

This California chardonnay has aromas and flavours of vanilla, apple and spice, with subtle citrus and oak notes. It’s perfect with poultry or fish—or with nothing but the glass it’s poured in. Save $2 from November 30 to January 3.

Succession cultists will have to wait until well into 2021 for a new season, but a Kendall Roy lapel pin provides instant gratification.

Kid-friendly poses like cat, airplane and gorilla will keep little ones limber between virtual learning sessions.

This 100-per-cent Weber blue agave añejo is aged in American and French oak barrels, resulting in full flavours of caramel, toffee and black pepper. Nerdy details aside, any tequila-lover on your list will be more than happy to receive a bottle of this sweet-and-spicy elixir. It’s excellent on its own, but just as good in a mug of hot apple cider.

Montreal author Saleema Nawaz’s quasi-apocalyptic tale follows a group of characters living through a plague, but its underlying stories of hope and connection are a surprisingly soothing balm.

for three months When it’s time to travel again, this intuitive language-learning subscription will be a must-have, offering 10,000 hours of content in 14 languages like Italian, Danish and Indonesian.

Scout’s sustainably sourced family pack includes Atlantic lobster, Ontario trout, P.E.I. mussels and two flavours of albacore tuna.

The Toronto startup RetroKid plumbs the depths of our collective childhood with tees and sweats featuring Today’s Special, Inspector Gadget, and, in their new CBC collection, Mr. Dressup (with a side of Casey and Finnigan).

From the song of the summer comes the must-have sweatshirt of the winter, with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion airbrushed on the front and “WAP” scrawled in graffiti along the back.

Johnnie Walker Black Label is aged at least 12 years in the finest casks, masterfully blended to create an offering of a wide range in flavour, complexity and depth. With rich flavours of fruit, vanilla and smoke, this blend is a great gift for those enjoy unique whiskies with a story to tell. It can be enjoyed neat, mixed or in a cocktail.

Made using organically farmed fruit from three of Mission Hill’s estate vineyards—Oliver, Osoyoos, Naramata Ranch—this bottle showcases the excellence of Okanagan Valley wines. The Reserve Chardonnay is unbelievably well-balanced, bursting with notes of apple, lemon and tropical fruit, as well as just a bit of baking spice.

With a rich distilling heritage that stretches back over 11 generations, the Nolet family has been making fine spirits for 325 years. The heart of Ketel One is the meticulous craftsmanship, creating a smooth vodka with an incomparable finish. Its unique distilling process and premium taste makes for the perfect gift, upping your at-home cocktailing experience.

The design of Flos’s wireless Bellhop lamp was inspired by a candle, and it can hold its charge for up to 24 hours.

Equal parts love letter, cookbook, and memoir, County Heirlooms collects stories and recipes from chefs, farmers, and other food producers making their mark in Prince Edward County. Each contributor offers a glimpse into what fuels their love for food, from cultivating honeybees to cooking locally inspired meals. Royalties from book sales support Food to Share, a PEC-based initiative working to address food insecurity.

While most kombuchas contain trace amounts of alcohol, Solid Olive Victuals specializes in fully fermented “hard kombucha” that packs a wine-like punch. It’s made with green tea and honey sourced from Beamsville’s Rosewood Winery, and it’s great for refreshing the palate between heavy holiday meals.

If this past summer taught us anything, it’s that even grown-ups can appreciate a backyard wading pool. Designer Kristin Myllenbeck makes them in stylish checked, ombré and terrazzo prints.

Bulleit’s unique high rye content and distinct spicy flavour make it a great bourbon for any cocktail. It’s a favourite among bartenders, and its attractive taste and long, lingering finish makes it the perfect gift for those who enjoy premium quality.

For self-care maximalists, this tool features a vibrating 24-karat gold bar that purports to lift and tighten the skin.

Desperate times call for desperate splurges—like this hulking, arcade-calibre retro Street Fighter machine for your rec room.

Surprise the beer lovers on your list with a box full of tasty brews and local goodies. Each reusable crate comes with 20 of Henderson’s beers, including award-winners and a seasonal one-off. On top of that, there’s an assortment of local pantry products made with Henderson ingredients, including Drake Commissary mustard, Ethica coffee, and Spent grains crisps, plus Henderson’s 2020 toque. Free delivery anywhere within the GTA.

and up A Go Resorting gift certificate opens the door to amazing experiences at over 100 resorts and inns across Ontario. These certificates can be used for experiences or services such as spa, skiing, fishing, golfing or dining. Gift certificates are available in single or multiple denominations of $50, $100, $250 and $500.

In the ’70s, the Canadian composer Mort Garson created an album of synthesizer music designed to help plants flourish. It was recently reissued on vinyl, with tracks like “Symphony for a Spider Plant” and “Ode to an African Violet.”

During the thick of the pandemic, baker Alicia Didow showed her support for the city’s struggling restaurants—in cookie form. Options include Square Boy, the Real Jerk, La Cubana, the George Street Diner and many more.

Huawei’s FreeBuds Pro are the world’s first true wireless stereo earphones: they intelligently identify ambient noise based on the user’s immediate surroundings and switch between three profiles—General, Cozy and Ultimate. Enjoy up to 30 hours of music playback with the charging case.

Reading the delightful first instalment of Ms. Marvel is a show of hometown pride: 18-year-old Iman Vellani of Markham was recently cast in the role on Disney+.

Deborah Torr, the baker at Baby Point’s Coco Chocolates, creates chunky shards of feather-light golden honeycomb covered in a layer of milk chocolate. It’s Crunchie for grown-ups.

Puzzling is the new partying, which means Jonathan Adler’s 1,000-piece Vertigo is the ideal project for a homebound New Year’s Eve.

The resin in these hypnotic, hand-crafted utensils is made using waste materials from the American oil industry.

This is a literal magic wand: wave it over any item—cellphone, doorknob, car keys—and it will release a high-wattage ultraviolet beam that vanquishes lingering germs, Covid or otherwise.

This patriotic tee pays homage to Canada’s female Covid celebridocs—and 100 per cent of proceeds go to Conquer Covid-19. Silvericing.com

This reinvented 1944 design from Danish designer Philip Arctander is the perfect perch for cozying up in your living room all winter.

Don Julio Blanco Tequila makes a great gift for the tequila fan in your life. The crisp agave aromas blend with hints of citrus: lemon, lime and grapefruit. The finish is clean with a touch of black pepper, perfect for pairing with appetizers.

While Stanley Tucci’s quarantine negroni tutorial may have soothed the internet back in the spring, this phase of the pandemic requires more immediate relief.

and up Italy’s San Marzano tomato was once the only choice for red-sauce aficionados. But word’s gotten out about California’s Bianco DiNapoli, whose tomatoes have become the holy grail for pizzaiolos of all stripes.

Those hour-long baths you’ve been taking will benefit from this handy ledge, with which soakers can sip a glass of pinot and read a good book while soothing sore muscles.

Luxton’s sleek down-filled onesie is an essential uniform for outdoor, Covid-safe winter socializing.

True oenophiles—the ones who claim to taste notes of gunpowder and fresh-cut straw in their sauv blanc—will appreciate Le Nez du Vin’s hard-core kit, which comes with 50-plus wine aromas to master.

One side of this reversible jacket is made of warm, plush fleece with a ski lodge–inspired graphic; the other is smooth and crisp with sharp contrasting angles.

With its glare-free screen, Kobo Nia reads just like printed paper and holds up to 6,000 e-books. The latest device from Canadian digital reading company, Rakuten Kobo, comes with a battery life measured in weeks, not hours, and is the perfect device to check out the new all-you-can-read e-book subscription, Kobo Plus ($9.99 per month).

This colourful 200-piece jigsaw shouts out every library location in Toronto (and $20 from each sale goes to the Toronto Public Library).

The hills of the Italian Alps along the Adige valley offer perfect climatic conditions for this demanding varietal. Displaying bright red cherry, blackberry and brown spice, with a welcoming bouquet and taste, this is the perfect complement to any holiday charcuterie, roasted turkey or red meat. It won the silver medal at Mundus Vini 2020.

and up These colourful Japanese doughnuts come in flavours like banana black sesame, houjicha (green tea) crunch, cinnamon roll and White Rabbit, that oh-so-popular chewy milk candy from China.

The country’s best exports—from dairy to seafood, honey and wines—are full of flavour. Here, just in time for the holidays, we spotlight our selection of NZ’s finest.

Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end this holiday season, this sauvignon blanc from Stoneleigh—situated in New Zealand’s Golden Mile—is the perfect choice. The vibrant wine bursts with mouth-watering acidity and notes of tropical fruit and citrus. It’s an ideal pairing for a traditional turkey dinner or lemon-and-dill-herbed fish dishes.

per month Each month, the green gurus at Saponetti will come by to refill your reusable sanitizer bottles, reducing Covid risk and plastic waste all in one go.

This classic design—a favourite of Chadwick Boseman’s—pays tribute to both the late actor and one of his most memorable characters.

per month The Underground’s online hip-hop, funk and jazz sessions offer all the fun of a regular dance class with none of the embarrassment.

For those who missed out on the sourdough craze back in April, there’s still time to master the art of the crunchy-crusted, bubble-filled bread.

These days, there are everyday sweatpants and special-occasion sweatpants. This super-cozy retro pair falls into the latter category.

Capture your pet in the most playful way with a custom picassiette mosaic portrait. Each one is made with hand-picked and hand-shaped crockery and stained glass. Bonus: a portion of the proceeds from each portrait will be donated to the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.

This easy-drinking IPA—brewed as a tribute to the UP Express that runs past the Junction Triangle brewery all day long—delivers a mix of tropical fruit flavours with some oh-so-seasonal light pine and spice notes.

Les Gambettes’s vintage classroom desk—with a storage drawer and pencil holder—is a fun way to make home school feel like the real thing.

Yeti’s outdoor-friendly goblet is a discreet wine-delivery mechanism for socially distanced park hangs.

Félix and Lucie have romance locked up—a couple’s chance encounter in Paris, a moment in time captured in a glass, a lifetime of adventures. This holiday season, celebrate with your closest loved ones and this luscious, fruit-forward, easy-drinking wine.

Justin Bieber sported a similarly Cookie Monster–esque coat in Drake’s “Popstar” video.

This smooth, naturally rich single malt scotch has sweet fruity notes and a lingering warmth. It’s perfect to enjoy neat, on the rocks or in your favourite cocktail. Why not try a warm drink this holiday season? The Singleton hot toddy is an excellent choice for those cold winter nights.

Ashforth Press creates surprisingly hilarious, mugshot-inspired watercolour portraits of goats, donkeys, alpacas, sheep and ostriches.

Any pooch that wears a classic jean jacket from DL1961 will be joining an exclusive club—the brand’s other acolytes include Gigi Hadid and Rihanna.

Bring Snoop Dogg home for the holidays. No, seriously. The entertainment icon has partnered with 19 Crimes on the winery’s first-ever California wine. Cali Red is 65 per cent petite syrah, 30 per cent zinfandel and five per cent merlot for 100 per cent deliciousness. Full and dense with strong fruit notes up front, the red blend is rounded out by darkly toasted oak and a slightly sweet finish. Available exclusively at LCBO.com beginning November 25.

Pizzaiolo Mark Alousis cuts few corners with his ingredients, even going so far as to make some of his own hot honey that he infuses with Thai chili peppers. The little jars fly off the shelves, so get ’em while they’re hot.

and up These little jars of supremely spicy shutta, or hot pepper paste, are made using olive oil that travelled all the way from Madame Levant chef Himi Hunaidi’s family farm in Jordan before landing at the Gerrard East takeaway spot.

The stunning solar-powered Living Vehicle RV is the perfect choice for varsity-level vanlifers, with all-night AC, queen-size Murphy bed, kitchen (with island!), patio and even closet space.

If you’re seeking an alternative to expensive bubbly, look no further than this delightful Italian sparkler. The citrus-forward fizz is wonderfully versatile, pairing well with all kinds of food (did someone say oysters?). It turns any occasion into a celebration.

Teddy bears are out, lop-eared Jedi aliens are in. This version of The Mandalorian’s shearling-clad breakout baby moves, giggles and uses the Force.

Made with fruit sourced throughout California’s Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties, this ruby-red cab is basically the holidays in a bottle—bursting with the aromas of blackberries, vanilla, currants and baking spices. The palate is rich and round, with velvety tannins and flavours of cherry, cedar and licorice on a long finish.

Bala Bangles are stretchy one-pound wearable ankle or wrist weights that will crank your daily walks and bike rides up a notch.

Hypebeast brand Supreme makes a satin boxing robe worthy of the Italian Stallion himself.

This hands-free hack is ideal for yoga-mat workouts, Zoom multitasking and bingeing Netflix in bed.

This blender-juicer hybrid is for non-committal types who want to switch between hearty smoothies and cleansing green juices.

and up Michelle Rabin started Nobrega’s, the baked-good biz that supplies Taverne Bernhardt’s, during lockdown. Each creation is equal parts dessert and centrepiece. Message her to order a seasonal option like this stunning apple swirl pie.

A twist on the ’90s slap bracelet, the SlapOn Sanitizer comes with a refillable pouch for your favourite disinfectant.

Joe Biden’s German shepherd Major will be the first rescue dog to live at the White House, and fellow animal lovers can show their support for local adoption groups with these adorable totes from Save Our Scruff.

and up Available in three sizes, Couple’s diamond eternity bands are their most coveted holiday gift. Diamonds adorn 18-karat gold or platinum bands made from recycled gold and ethical, sustainable, lab-grown diamonds. All of Couple’s rings are handset in New York City, and you can try them on at their Yorkville flagship store.

The perfect gift for the Schitthead on your list, with pencil-crayon-ready renderings of the Rosebud Motel, “A Little Bit Alexis” and each of Moira’s prized wigs.

Surprise the beer lover in your life (even if that person is you and it won’t be much of a surprise) with a package curated by Toronto’s own Society of Beer Drinking Ladies. Each Beer Squad Box comes packed with all kinds of SOBDL swag, a bunch of great products from local makers and (of course) four Ontario-made beers.

Oban Distillers Edition is double-matured in ex-bodega Montilla Fino cask wood for rich fruitiness and maritime flavours. This single malt is perfect for that scotch aficionado looking to add rare and limited releases to their collection. Enjoy Oban Distillers Edition neat or on the rocks.

per half-litre tub Roshan Kanagarajah of Ksira Gelato puts a South Asian spin on dessert with a line of frozen flavours like rose sherbet with basil seeds, and watalappam, a creamy cardamom treat with palm syrup and roasted cashews.

This biodegradable bamboo receptacle is as eco-friendly as the green waste that goes in it.

Kim Crawford offers something sophisticated and special in every glass, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for all occasions—and in this holiday edition bottle, it looks particularly festive.

Lonely WFHers will appreciate a daily dose of positive reinforcement.

The Toronto-based country crooner was sporting masks long before the rest of the world caught on. His latest album is classic honky-tonk with a cheeky queer twist.

This award-winning, Ontario-crafted, small-batch London Dry–style gin is made using wild juniper that’s been hand-picked from the shores of Georgian Bay. It doesn’t get any more artisanal than that. It took more fhan a year and—get this—48 recipes to develop. Bursting with juniper and citrus notes, it will elevate any cocktail.

Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky is named after Nikka’s second distillery located near Sendai. It has an elegant fruitiness and a distinctive aroma; on the palate, flavours of pear, blossom and honey give way to subtle smoke and white pepper notes. It’s a perfect gift for any novice or expert whisky enthusiast.

Peace and quiet are the gifts everyone wants this year, and the Annex Hotel is delivering, offering up its Scandinavian-inspired rooms by the day for solitary work retreats.

The holidays can be stressful, so give the gift of relaxation with Steam Whistle’s ingenious gift pack. It comes with six cans of Steam Whistle’s Premium Pilsner and—get this—a shower caddy with an adhesive backing. Throw in some bubble bath or soap on a rope and prepare to unwind.

and up Now shipping to Canada, lab-grown diamond studs from Clean Origin are the perfect gift for this holiday season. Ranging from ¾ carat to tw0 carats, these sparklers come complete with their own diamond certificate from the IGI.

We’ve rounded up the best cannabis-themed products for that special person on your holiday shopping list. Find the perfect gift now.

Cargo bikes are the new minivans. The handsome, electric-powered Urban Arrow Bosch holds up to 160 pounds—that’s four five-year-olds—in its front compartment.

Yes, it’s a genuine boom box of the Lloyd Dobler variety—but this one lets audiophiles play their decades-old cassette mixtapes and convert them to MP3s.

Technically, we’ve been trapped in our own personal escape rooms for the better part of a year, but this London-themed box set adds slightly ludicrous logic puzzles to the mix.

Made with merino wool, these luxe Toronto-crafted balaclavas will keep little heads toasty—and are far less likely to get lost on the playground.

Working from kitchen chairs and sofas for nine months has transformed some of us into gnarled old crones. The Norwegian-designed Balans kneeling stool redistributes weight to take pressure off the lower back.

This innovative blend of zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, syrah and charbono grapes features enticing aromas of Bing cherry, dark chocolate, clove and roasted fig. The seasonal scents give way raspberry, boysenberry and pomegranate, followed by some vanilla on the finish.

These plates, made from bamboo fibre, add some vibrancy to your kitchen table this winter—and will be perfect for picnics come spring.

Connoisseurs like Pouilly-Fuissé for its elegance and lively, silky texture. Manually harvested in small cases and matured for nine to 10 months in 10-per-cent oak, it rests in stainless steel vats. With a delicate bouquet of fruit and floral notes, this elegant wine will be welcomed at any holiday table.

Ontario is known for its baco, and this reserve bottle from Sandbanks is no exception. The full-bodied and robust red has intense dark fruit and chocolate flavours, and nine months spent aging in American oak gives it a lovely smoky finish.

Unlike monochrome crayons, these speckled slabs create trippy, multihued streaks—and erode into craggy new shapes with each colouring session.

If ever there was a time we could all use a bathtub Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a wine glass holder, it’s right now.

The snuggly shearling Fluff Yeah Uggs are the foot-warmers of choice for A-listers like Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga.

Mrkt Gallery sells bundled collections of complementary art pieces, lending any home office a curated, cultured vibe.

This embellished sweater has a sweeping rhinestone and stone motif and floral scroll that follows the deep, round neckline, which delicately reveals the back. The batwing sleeves add a final stylish note. With multiple refined details, it’s the uber-feminine sweater you want. Ba&sh, 118 Yorkville Ave., 416-968-9282

The Colombian-born Toronto designer Jessica Sanchez creates dazzling accessories inspired by the Indigenous Emberá Chamí group. This one, called an okama, takes 120 hours to bead by hand.

This rum has been aged in oak barrels for at least 15 years, then blended using in a variety of stills. It has a full nose packed with dark coffee, candied orange, almonds, dark chocolate, pepper and rich vanilla.

The Canadian company CuGrip is capitalizing on copper’s anti-microbial properties to create adhesive, germ-zapping covers for doorknobs, light switches and even toilet flushers.

and up Jess Maiorano sells all kinds of fresh pasta—from classic shapes to ones rarely seen on restaurant menus, like caramelle, little stuffed bundles that look like wrapped candies—on their own or as part of meal kits with homemade sauce and freshly baked focaccia.

Admit it: after nine months of quarantine, you kind of miss the TTC. This pineapple-scented candle offers all the charm of Toronto streetcars with none of the crowds.

When chef Marvin Flores Palomo isn’t making wood-fired pies and mushroom-truffle cannelloni at Oakville’s 7 Enoteca, you’ll find him working on his passion project: XOXO sauce. The jammy, funky, spicy, sweet and sour condiment adds a whomp of umami to fried rice, dumplings, tacos, scrambled eggs, or really just about anything.

This trendy dried flower arrangement will beautify your house well into the new year.

The casual hair tie gets a glamorous gold upgrade in Completedworks’s sculptural earrings.

It’s no longer necessary (or feasible) to travel around the world to learn the ins and outs of Scotland’s national drink straight from the source.

and up When kids are masked up at school, this organic cotton shirt will convey friendliness from a six-foot distance.

and up Give the gift of choice with Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls gift cards, available online or in-store. One card, three stores, more merry.

Made from single-estate blue agave and aged in oak barrels for up to 30 years, Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra-Añejo is the world’s first extra-añejo tequila. Tasting of vanilla, toasted almonds and cinnamon, it’s best enjoyed lightly chilled, neat and sipped slowly.

Legendary aviators and explorers like Amelia Earhart, Paul-Émile Victor, Elinor Smith and Howard Hughes put their trust in Longines watches on their incredible journeys. Now, the Longines Spirit collection presents new timepieces that honour their pioneering spirit. All watches come with a five-year warranty and state-of-the-art technology, resulting in highly accurate movements that are all chronometer-certified. They’re available at European Jewellery boutiques in the GTA.

For TikTokkers the world over, maskne is not a curse but an opportunity to wear Starface’s adorable star-shaped pimple patches. The whole line—zit stickers included—finally debuted in Canada earlier this year.

and up CommUNITY’s two-layer reusable masks are made of 100-per-cent cotton and have space for a filter (they sell washable filters too). The holder and organizers have easy-access pockets that keep them clean and ready to go. Perfect stocking stuffers!

Eleven-year-old Toronto artist Leeloominai Tronleon doodles adorable takes on fashion logos. Recently, her little sister has gotten in on the action: this interpretation of Versace’s Medusa head comes courtesy of seven-year-old Daenerys.

per year A BritBox annual subscription (or 8.99 per month) is the perfect gift for the Anglophile in your life who loves watching British TV shows and movies. Watch Death in Paradise, Father Brown, Vera, A Confession, Harlots, Gavin and Stacey, QI, the largest collection of Agatha Christie, plus more British hits.

Vodka is often described as an odourless, tasteless spirit—but we couldn’t disagree more. Recognized by Forbes and the International Wine and Spirits Competition as one of the top 10 vodkas in the world, this small-batch, award-winning vodka is just as good in a mixed cocktail as it is enjoyed neat or over ice.

Shaped like the sinking Titanic, this kitschy inflatable provides endless opportunities for backyard frolicking and “you jump, I jump” jokes.

The simple functionality of the wood-and-glass Yama cold-brew drip tower is rivalled only by its hypnotic, Rube Goldberg–esque beauty

The city’s foremost Thai chef, Nuit Regular, started batching and selling her own blend when the pandemic hit. It sits nicely between medium spicy and full-on hot and, like the sriracha we already know and love, goes on just about anything.

With a silhouette inspired by 1980s power suits, this ultra-soft French terry belted sweater blurs the line between workwear and loungewear.

We’ve rounded up the best cannabis-themed products for that special person on your holiday shopping list. Find the perfect gift now.

Whether you’ve dyed it pink or chopped it all off, your hair could still probably use a midday touch-up.

The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro combines premium materials like sapphire glass, titanium and ceramic, with best-in-class smart watch features, like a two-week battery life and wireless charging. The GT 2 Pro provides more accurate heart-rate readings; monitors SpO2, sleep and stress levels throughout the day; and includes 100-plus workout modes, including Golf and Ski.

Ciroc Vodka is distilled from fine French grapes, rather than grain. Distilled five times, the process is inspired by more than a century of wine-making craftsmanship. Refined citrus aromas lead to a smooth, light and sweet taste. This is the perfect gift for the vodka enthusiast who wants to elevate their vodka game.

Lagavulin 8 is big and smoky, with a magnificently sweet and warming Lagavulin taste. The finish is clean and long with mint and dark chocolate. It’s a terrific gift idea for anyone who enjoys big and powerful single malts—perfect for relaxing by the fire and enjoying time well-spent. Enjoy Lagavulin 8 neat or on the rocks.

The Human Being Journal is perfect for the busy go-getter seeking a mindfulness practice that decreases stress and enhances wellbeing. With guided questions rooted in the fundamental pillars of a happy life—including health, career, and relationships—the journal bridges the gap between our human selves and the deeper sense of being so many of us are craving in this modern world.

After the Raptors were eliminated from the NBA playoffs, the stellar performance from 23-year-old Kitchener native and Denver guard Jamal Murray gave Canadian fans something to root for.

Toronto jeweller Corey Moranis lovingly twists each of her sherbet-coloured Lucite rings by hand.

We’ve rounded up the best cannabis-themed products for that special person on your holiday shopping list. Find the perfect gift now.

This glowing vanilla cone looks like it was plucked from the window of Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe on Riverdale.

This fabulous, fresh and fruity prosecco turns any occasion into a celebration. Its zippy bubbles and zesty acidity make it an excellent aperitif, and it works with all kinds of antipasti.

Available for a limited time only, this 12-pack includes strawberry Smashed Soda, plus two brand-new flavours: lime and mandarin. Each is made with a refreshing blend of Georgian Bay craft spirits, natural flavours, botanicals and only two (yes, two) grams of sugar and 106 calories per can.

Winter backyard hangouts just got a lot easier: the Solo Stove uses convection technology to create a toasty fire and all but obliterate any smoke.

The charismatic Toronto drag queen and inaugural winner of Canada’s Drag Race will create personalized videos for your best squirrel friends.

The Toronto furniture brand Gus Modern’s mid-century-inspired seat is upholstered with leather made from upcycled apple skins.

The 1989 vintage of this icewine won the Grand Prix d’Honneur at Vinexpo and put Canada on the global wine map. Aromatics of tropical fruit including mango and orange dominate, while on the palate an abundance of fruit flavours including peach, nectarine and citrus are balanced by crisp, bright acidity.

Aspiring arborists can sprout their own oak saplings in this chic receptacle (and each one comes with an acorn).

Ashley Alexis McFarlane’s baubles are inspired by ancient queens and crafted in her Toronto studio from fair-trade, conflict-free African gems and metals.

Cleanse, tone, hydrate, and moisturize with this limited-edition set of Belif favourites. It’s an ultra-hydrating, four-step routine that locks in moisture for up to 26 hours.

There’s a good chance that at least one person on your list missed out on a tropical getaway this year. Give them a bottle of Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Platino and bring Mexico straight to them. With notes of honeydew melon, this sweet and spicy sip is the perfect way to ease into winter. Drink it on its own to let the flavours shine.

Lex Pott’s serpentine, double-wicked creation renders candleholders delightfully obsolete.

Because your Christmas trees could use the extra sparkle this year.

Upload a photo of your pet and the folks at Sweaterhound will custom-knit his or her furry face onto a nubbly recycled-cotton pullover.

Antler co-owner Michael Hunter released his cookbook this fall, which provides over 100 meaty, apocalypse-approved recipes for wannabe hunters, fishers and foragers.

Parasite’s now-iconic dish blends Korean chapagetti and neoguri noodles—available in a ready-made kit (BYO sirloin and class warfare).

Our Place’s Always pan is quarantine’s most coveted kitchen item, both for its Instagram bona fides and its claim to combine eight distinct cookware pieces in one.

This hand-painted chalice is both beautiful and bottomless, holding a whopping 18 ounces of whatever you’re drinking to get through those long Covid nights.

Koncept’s sleek portable lantern casts a soft glow, includes a USB port for mobile charging and comes with a faux leather strap for easy tree-or porch-hanging.