and up. The Gardiner Museum is one of the city’s cultural gems. Art lovers on your list will appreciate a membership, which gives them first access to new exhibits and more. Coming in 2019? Ai Weiwei: Unbroken. Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen’s Park, 416-408-5076
A wooden cutout of Mama Ru, hand-painted by Peterborough artist Lucky Jackson, is a gag-worthy gift for any Drag Race superfan. TKVO, 1450 Dundas St. W., 416-551-2884
Fans of comic phenom Kate Beaton will love this teeny enamel pin, which depicts her delightfully plump, occasionally flatulent Shetland pony character.
This year, Inniskillin and Jackson-Triggs provide a perfect holiday gift for the wine lover in your life. The limited-edition holiday gift set includes a bottle of the new Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine and a bottle of sparkling Jackson-Triggs Entourage Brut.
Meghan Markle’s royal wedding look is meticulously reconstructed in miniature: the Givenchy gown in satin with scalloped lace, jewellery, and a tiara encrusted with Swarovski crystals.
Double aged and married in oak casks, Dewar’s scotch-whisky is the perfect gift to enjoy during the holidays. It has a light-bodied palate, a lingering finish, and flavours of vanilla, caramel, and raisin.
Between Sharp Objects and Hereditary, 2018 was the year of the dollhouse. Petit Pet House’s diorama lacks the fear factor but features just as much detail: you can outfit it with tiny iPads and peewee Perrier bottles.
This refreshing bubbly, made from pinot noir grapes, has aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, flint, sour cherry and citrus. Made for fine dining, it pairs beautifully with rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic.
and up. In this individually crafted cuckoo clock, the mechanism that counts the hours is natural, so the bellows sound warm and not electronic. Equipped with a light detector, the clock is quiet and does not chime during the night. It’s available in two sizes and colours. MUJI, various locations
The chirpy digital pet—and bane of ’90s parents everywhere—has been re-released for its 20th anniversary, ready to be loved, fed and inevitably killed all over again. Mastermind Toys, 1133 Yonge St., 416-922-2872
El Dorado’s 15-year-old special reserve is a fine, cognac-like rum with intriguing character—perfect for long sipping or on the rocks. This gift set includes a 750-millilitre bottle and two glasses.
Super-trendy Swedish brand Fjallraven makes its Re-Kanken satchel out of polyester extracted from used plastic bottles.
Fjallraven, 356 Queen St. W., 647-340-0197
Dolce and Gabbana teamed up with SMEG to create a line of radiant kitchen appliances inspired by Sicilian iconography. William Ashley, 131 Bloor St. W., 416-964-2900
Designed in collaboration with Face Stockholm, this bag is a timeless metallic neutral, with a matching pouch to stash makeup or other on-the-go essentials.
Soulmates on Ice follows Northern Ontario pairs skaters Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford en route to the top. The duo, who won a complete set of Olympic medals, reflect on their working relationship, how they honed their resilience in a sport that often left them bloodied and bruised, and their perfect storybook ending.
The 24-karat-gold-plated pin is modelled after the distinctive collar worn by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on dissent days. Fifty per cent of profits go to causes that RBG loves.
Matty Matheson’s new recipe collection features crave-worthy, caloric takes on comfort-food classics like gumbo, seafood chowder and Parts and Labour’s iconic burger.
Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez offers a blend of rums that have been aged in oak barrels under the Caribbean sun for at least 10 years, with notes of tropical fruits and sweet florals, in a smoky wood aroma.
This luxurious yoga pillow, crafted from a shiny patchwork of rich fabric, is made by Mai Handicrafts, a non-profit organization founded by social workers concerned about the plight of street children in Ho Chi Minh City. Ten Thousand Villages
This hand-painted wooden truck has sortable paper, metal and plastic blocks. It’s crafted by Sri Lankan toymakers, many of whom have been able to move to brick houses with galvanized steel roofs and leave their flimsy thatched-roof homes behind.
Ten Thousand Villages
The Alverstone Iconic Expedition Parka was inspired by the original Woods Arctic Parka, developed in 1903 for Captain Bernier to wear during his explorations on the CGS Arctic. The coat uses 800 Fill DownTek™ duck down and a waterproof and breathable SympaTex® membrane for shelter from winter’s harshest weather. Sport Chek, various locations
The Huawei Mate 20 Pro sets a new standard in the smartphone category. It’s powered by the world’s first 7-nm artificial intelligence chipset, Kirin 980, and comes with a Leica Triple Camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens and and AI-enhanced filmmaking features.
For the person who loves to be pampered, this trendy diffuser provides a spa-like experience, keeping the skin glowing during the cold Canadian months.
and up. This essential oil diffuser uses ultrasonic waves to disperse a fragrant mist around the room. An easy push of the button switches on the lamp for an ambient and calming glow. Available in two sizes. MUJI, various locations
Bombay Sapphire blends 10 botanicals, including juniper berries from Tuscany. The resulting gin has elegant aromas and complex flavours—it’s clean and balanced with a crisp finish.
Illustrator Raymond Biesinger commemorates 18 bulldozed Toronto landmarks, including Sam the Record Man, the Temple Building, the Toronto Star building and—sniff—Honest Ed’s. Labour of Love, 223 Carlton St., 416-923-8988
Weatherman’s contraption is an essential defence against Toronto’s biblical floods. It withstands winds of 55 miles per hour, connects to Bluetooth for tracking, and features industrial fibreglass and Teflon coating.
Meryl Streep and Reese Witherspoon have shown their support for
the Time’s Up movement by sporting Lingua Franca’s plush yet political handstitched cashmere pullover. Proceeds go to Time’s Up legal defence fund.
As a part of the Massey Hall Revitalization, the original wooden seat backs from 1894 have been decommissioned—and fans of the hall have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history. Mounted in a commemorative frame and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, these seat backs are available in limited quantities. 416-872-4255
Tiffany’s twisty tube, forged in silver and plated in rose gold vermeil, makes an eco-friendly alternative to disposable straws. Tiffany and Co., 150 Bloor St. W., 416-921-3900
Bose’s wireless plugs block out stentorian snorers and are pre-loaded with white-noise settings, from the inside of an airplane to the rush of the ocean. Bay Bloor Radio, 55 Bloor St. W., 416-967-1122
The folks at Saul Good Gift Co. have eaten their way through every neighbourhood in the city, from Roncy to the Beach, to collect the very best local snacks and sweets, including Evelyn’s crackers, Nude honey and Soul Chocolate.
Inside Kiyola’s sleek oak cabinet are all the frills of an electric piano: a sensory keyboard, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers and a digital metronome.
Remenyi, 210 Bloor St. W., 416-961-3111
A bright spot in Elon Musk’s unstoppable world takeover: this diminutive, customizable ride-on Tesla Model S, powered by eco-friendly lithium ion batteries.
per bottle Inspired by the terpenes found in Up Cannabis’s strains, Upothecary’s products are made in Canada with locally sourced ingredients, and are certified vegan, cruelty-free, SLES-free and paraben-free. The wake up! Sativa Shampoo features uplifting terpenes like limonene, terpinolene and pinene; the ease up! Indica Conditioner releases floral, grounding aromas such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang.
The 6,000-piece Hogwarts castle is a Lego geek’s Everest, with moving staircases, buildable stained-glass windows and a Chamber of Secrets complete with basilisk.
Condo-bound horticulturalists can grow their own herbs and veggies using Modern Sprout’s three-pot planter, nourished by a top-feed hydroponic system and window-friendly solar panels.
The British brand Abbeyhorn forges delicate dishware from renewable, ethically sourced bovine horns found in the wilds of Africa. Hopson Grace, 1120 Yonge St., 416-926-1120
Pét-Nat is Toronto’s newest wine craze. Adamo Estate Winery offers award-winning wines and a fabulous winery getaway, just 45 minutes from the GTA. Available online or in store.
Basketball BFFs DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry now play for different teams, but they’ll be together forever in Toronto artist LeeAndra Cianci’s wistful print.
per chick After years of prohibition, it’s finally legal to raise backyard birds in some neighbourhoods. This heritage breed is known for its handsome plumage and prodigious egg production.
Holt Renfrew’s H Project collaborates with ethical designers like Mercedes Salazar, who works with Indigenous Colombian artisans to create her whimsical, nature-inspired pieces.
Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333
The Ultimate Cleanse and Glow Trio from Dermalogica cleans and exfoliates for a lit-from-within glow. This set contains three best-selling products: PreCleanse (150 mL), Special Cleansing Gel (250 mL) and Daily Microfoliant (74 g).
Timothée Chalamet is the face that launched a thousand T-shirts. Call Me By Your Name screenwriter James Ivory wore a version of this soulful design to the 2018 Oscars.
Home bartenders can flavour their hooch with herbs, fruits and botanicals using Alkemista’s gorgeous glass vessel, equipped with a removable stainless steel filter ShopAGO, 317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6610
Fans of the plush-voiced Oshawa R&B star include Stevie Wonder, Chance the Rapper and Barack Obama, who shouted out Caesar’s track “Blessed” on a list of his favourite new songs.
The one thing Drake and Kanye can agree on is their shared love of Versace’s iconic baroque bathrobe. The silk version sets a new standard for ’80s opulence. Versace, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 416-551-6065
Aged at the base of an active volcano, this 12-year-old, gold medal–winning rum is stately and semi-sweet with seasonal holiday notes of wood, vanilla and baked apples.
New moms Cardi B., Kylie Jenner and Mindy Kaling parade their babies around in Jeremy Scott’s kitschy pram, festooned with cherubs and gold angel wings.
Michelle Obama sported these gold drop earrings by Toronto designer Jenny Bird during a recent shoot for Elle. They’ll look (almost) as good with your favourite festive cocktail dress.
Grey Goose vodka turns moments into celebrations. This chic flour tin is an extraordinary gift for any host and the perfect way to elevate a holiday gathering. Inside is a rich and full-bodied vodka that’s superb neat or in a cocktail.
For more than 30 years, Dennis Reid’s A Concise History of Canadian Painting has been the definitive volume on the art of a nation. Reid traces the development of the movements, techniques and subjects that would come to define Canadian art in the 20th century, and its evolution in the years beyond.
Anthropocene, the latest book by Edward Burtynsky, Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier, chronicles the irreversible impact of humans on the Earth. In photographs that are both stunning and disconcerting, the artists document species extinction. technofossils and terraforming. Ben McNally Books, 366 Bay St., 416-361-0032
Alessandro Mendini’s pointillist Proust chair—on display at London’s V&A museum and the MoMA—is as cozy as it is opulent. Quasi Modo, 1079 Queen St. W., 416-703-8300
Toronto’s mean streets are no match for Lumos’s helmet, equipped with lights for turning, brakes and nighttime visibility. Bateman’s Bicycle Company, 913 Bathurst St., 416-538-2453
per class This five-part, sommelier-led series covers wine-tasting fundamentals, food pairings, leading reds and whites of the world, and sparkling wines. Pick your favourite class, or sign up for the series at a discount. Gift certificates available. As seen in Toronto Life.
and up. Sommelier Krysta Oben and wine importer Nicole Campbell—also known as the Grape Witches—equip aspiring oenophiles with a bespoke collection of natural wines.
The enamel porcelain earrings, hand-painted by Toronto artist Julie Moon, are a charming way to show provincial pride. Shopgirls, 1342 Queen St. W., 416-534-7467
Elizabeth Taylor would covet this silk turban, which protects delicate tresses from abrasive bed linens and pairs perfectly with a printed caftan.
6 By Gee Beauty, 6 Roxborough St. W., 416-960-8080
The Kobo Forma is the largest and lightest eight-inch display e-reader, offering the utmost in reading comfort. Ravenous readers get waterproof reliability, an innovative lightweight design and the choice of landscape or portrait orientation,
This wine is made from from grapes grown in the hills of Valpolicella. It’s well-structured with cherry, dried fruit, fig and pressed-violet aromas. It pairs superbly with roasted meats like lamb, or more exotic dishes such as beef vindaloo.
for nine. Kata Ambrus’s exquisite chocolate domes are filled with intriguing flavours like yuzu-caramel and wild strawberry Lion Coffee, 881 St. Clair Ave. W.
Polaroid has re-released its ’90s-era 600 cam with all the old features—fixed focus lens, lightening slider—and a new look straight out of Saved by the Bell.
The Mirage Solo is the first self-contained VR apparatus—no smartphone or PC setup required. It pairs with Google’s Tron-calibre Worldsense technology, allowing users to duck, dodge, stroll and lean inside their simulated dimensions.
The future of fitness is now in Canada. Peloton brings live and on-demand boutique studio classes to the convenience and comfort of your own home (subscriptions cost $49 per month).
Jadeite, the milky green glass ubiquitous in ’50s kitchens, is back in a big way, and Mosser Glass’s sleek grinder is the perfect way to get on trend. Easy Tiger, 1447 Dundas St. W., 647-748-6161
The rose-tinted Levenswater Spring 34 is a small-batch, ultra-premium gin made with 34 botanicals. The winner of seven awards, this local, Ontario-crafted gin offers a layered and sensory drinking experience that is delicious enough to sip on its own or mix in a seasonal cocktail at your upcoming holiday party.
This Bordeaux blend is full bodied and smooth, with dark fruit flavours and subtle notes of leather and fig. It’s the perfect bottle for the wine lover on your list.
In Jennifer Farquhar’s Watermark, Mina McInnis returns to her childhood home on Nimikwe Island, determined to uncover the truth about a tragedy from her past—and the creature that dwells in the cold, dark waters of Lake Huron.
Serena Williams has slammed her way to 72 titles using Wilson’s Blade 104 racquets, made with powerful shock-absorbing technology. Merchant of Tennis, 1621 Bayview Ave., 416-932-2396
This gift pack comes with two teardrop whiskey tumblers and a 700-mL bottle of Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Irish whiskey. It’s perfect for sharing with friends.
Seedlip’s distilled spirits have the same aromatic bite as gin or vermouth—but without the booze. Their Spice 94, made with Jamaican allspice berries and cardamom, is ready-made for fireplace sipping. Average, 1081 Queen St. W., 1-855-439-4881
Textile artist Fanny Algaalaga Avatituq of Qamani’tuaq, Nunavut, creates trippy tapestries in neon hues. Craft Ontario, 1106 Queen St. W., 416-921-1721
and up. A great way to really pamper someone on your list: a gift card to Her Majesty’s Pleasure, an award winning social beauty hot spot that offers head-to-toe beauty services, cocktails and a boutique in one.
Her Majesty’s Pleasure, 556 King St. W., 416-546-4991
and up. The gorgeous Koerner Hall hosts the best jazz, roots, classical and world-music artists from around the globe—live in concert. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., 416-408-0208
Toronto Life selects a discovery pack of rare small-batch wines from Ontario’s most celebrated wineries delivered to your home or office—or directly to your giftee.
For fans of Crazy Rich Asians (as well as actual crazy rich people), this antique emerald and diamond bauble is a doppelganger of the one Michelle Yeoh wields in the movie.
