If Black Friday deals haven’t already gotten you in the shopping mood, the first week of December is crunch time for finding gifts in time for the holidays. Just like last year, Torontonians are looking to support local companies and brands. And with global supply shortages plaguing all kinds of industries, it might be your best best to shop local and in-person to avoid the trouble of shipping delays.
If you’re in the Leslieville area, get all your holiday shopping done just steps from your door with our neighbourhood holiday gift guide.
Cozy Merino Cowl
For the outdoor market-goer: Perfect for the cold Canadian winters, this hand-knit infinity scarf slips on like a turtleneck and can be used in multiple ways: keep it sitting around your neck like a scarf; pull it over your head like a hood; or spread it over your shoulders for extra warmth under your jacket. This 100 per cent wool scarf comes in four colours and can be found at Any Direct Flight Fashion ($78).
Where: 1382 Queen St. E.
Bellerose Derker Pants
For the work-at-homer: Bellerose’s Derker Pants are the solution to being comfortable while working at home without sacrificing the professional attire needed for those dreaded Zoom meetings. These stylist pants come in a deep purple colour, complete with ribbed cuffs and an elastic waist, and can be found at Good Neighbour ($249).
Where: 935 Queen St. E.
Nike Rawdacious Collection
For the sneakerheads: Nike’s special edition Olympic Colourway Collection has limited quantities and they’re disappearing fast. Check out Culture Athletics for these limited-edition shoes like the popular Men’s Alphafly Next ($365).
Where: 181B Carlaw Ave.
Mohair Throw
For the hibernators: You really can’t have enough throw blankets and that’s what makes them the perfect holiday gift. The 50 inch by 60 inch mohair throw is the perfect comfort for cold December mornings by the fireplace with a soft polyester make and a fringe finish.  This cozy throw can be found at Black Rooster Maison ($160) in a sophisticated black or subtle taupe.
Where: 1075 Queen St. E.
Ear Seeds Starter Kit
For the wellness devotee: This kit is like acupuncture on the go! Bloom Balance’s ear seeds are 24K gold seeds that add a bit of glam while healing. Placed on the ear’s pressure points, these seeds will aid in the relief of stress, anxiety and physical pain. The starter kit can be purchased at Wellbe Family Wellness ($45).
Where: 1059 Gerrard St. E.
Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place
For the book lover: Queen Books is home to a number of educational books that shed light on Canada’s history. One such book is Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place ($24.95). This anthology of works from Indigenous peoples in the community defines the city as a significant cultural hub and meeting place, and makes a great gift for anyone living in Toronto this holiday season.
Where: 914 Queen St. E.
Low Waste Home Gift Basket
For the eco-conscious: If you’re looking to do good and waste less this holiday season, Urban Bulk and Refill has gift baskets full of eco-friendly household products ($90). This includes 25 all-purpose cleaner tabs, beeswax wrap, agave scrub brush, bamboo tooth brushes and more, all packaged in a brown paper bag with recyclable tissue paper.
Where: 1380 Queen St. E.
Cheese Market Gift Basket
For the foodie: Looking for the perfect gift for that foodie in your life? Gift baskets from Leslieville Cheese Market will have everything you need! These baskets include charcuterie, gourmet cheeses, crackers, chocolates, antipasto, canned seafood, preserves and more ($149.95).
Where: 891 Queen St. E.
Three Ships: All is Calm, All is Bright Holiday Kit
For the skincare expert: This holiday set ($80) contains three best-selling skincare products from Toronto-based brand Three Ships at Health Hut, including a bio-retinol + Shorea Butter night cream, calm lavender hydrosol toner and a hydrating lip mask. A bonus hand-poured candle from local brand LOHN will be included in the kit, which is pre-wrapped in a festive box.
Where: 1025 Queen St. E.
G & T 4 Pack Gift Set
For the spirits lover: Reid’s Distillery offers a build-your-own pack for the gin lover on your holiday lists. This gin and tonic pack ($47.25) comes with four mini Reid’s gin bottles: two signature, one citrus and onne spiced. The pack will additionally include a four-pack of tonic water that is specially curated to go with the gin. Choose from Reid’s recommended gin or customize the gift pack for that special someone.
Where: 32 Logan Ave.
Ceramic Flower Pot
For the plant parent: Plants are very in right now, and what better gift is there for a plant mom than a hand-crafted ceramic pot? The Irish Design House ($82) sells them in large or small sizes with the option of a bumblebee or ladybug design. Both are adorable and are sure to brighten up any plant lover’s home!
Where: 756 Queen St. E.
Beauty Experience for Two
For your bestie: BSIDE Beauty is offering a gift bundle that includes a manicure and pedicure for two people ($196). But a girl’s spa day wouldn’t be complete without a bottle of wine, which is why BSIDE has included a choice of Monet Sparkling or prosecco. Remember, this is a pack for two, so it could be the perfect gift for yourself as well!
Where: 1148 Queen St. E.
Hanging Air Plant Globe
For the indoor plant fanatic: The small size and invisible strings make these air plants convenient for any living space. Found at FERN Toronto ($25), these adorable globes are filled with sand to make a truly original plant for any collection.
Where: 1596 Queen St. E.
Peppermint Twist Snow Tube
For the outdoorsy child: Here’s a gift that will get your kid outside, no matter how cold it is! This durable, four foot wide peppermint tube will have your children entertained on the snowy hills for hours, while you sit back with a cup of coffee—or something stronger. Pick it up at Swag Sisters Toy Store ($34.99).
Where: 1511 Gerrard St. E.
The Laura Earrings
For the jewellery lover: Chunky earrings are in again, making these earrings a must-have on any fashionista’s wish list. These polymer clay earrings are custom-assembled in Toronto and use a nickel-free stainless-steel post – great even for sensitive skin! They can be found at Scout ($32) in a variety of colours.
Where: 405 Roncesvalles Ave.
Rhinestone Stars Face Mask
For the bedazzling fans: It’s unfortunate that face masks are still an easy stocking stuffer, the second year into the pandemic, but here we are. But at least these masks will put a little sparkle on your face! The Rhinestone Stars Face Masks are bedazzled and shine as much as the friend you’re giving them to. They can be found in Doll Factory by Damsel ($15), the vintage-inspired women’s clothing store.
Where: 1122 Queen St. E.
Cookie Gift Box
For the dessert afficionado: Craig’s Cookies offers adorable gift boxes filled with 12 cookies of your choice ($35). You can choose from a wide range of cookie flavours like classic chocolate chips, brownie, Reece’s Pieces or you can choose an assortment pack. Wrapped in a colourful box, complete with a bow, these gift boxes are perfect for anyone on your shopping list and can even be shipped across the country.
Where: 908 Queen St. E.
Pendleton Dog Coat
For the dog parent: You can’t forget to add your little pooch to your list of friends to shop for. This jacket, found at The Bone House ($68.99), has a hook and loop belt to fit your pet nice and snug, and includes a cut out to wrap around your dog’s harness or collar. The reversible coat is sure to keep your fur baby warm all winter long.
Where: 946 Queen St. E.
Venture Basket Tote
For the trend-setter: This latest and popular bag from Uppdoo Design Studios is a handmade tote from Italian Vechetta leather. This spacious bag can be worn in three ways and features Japanese brass hardware and a vintage finish. Pick it up at Coal Miner’s Daughter ($345).
Where: 1360A Queen St. E.