The holidays are a time to celebrate connection, tradition, and the joy of thoughtful giving. This season, we’re sharing a curated selection of local retail favourites, from stylish home goods to standout fashion and festive treats. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one, a party host, or yourself, these shops offer something special for everyone on your list. It’s all about finding gifts that feel personal, while supporting the places that make our community vibrant all year long.
Collected-Joy
Welcome to one of the sweetest little gift shops in the city, and a longtime favourite of ours. Collected-Joy is all about celebrating the creativity of Canadian designers and makers, with a focus on pieces that are both beautiful and made to last. Whether you visit their Kingston Road Village or Bloor West Village location, you’re guaranteed to leave with something special (and a smile).
What we’re loving right now:
Pokoloko Turkish Towels | From $20+
Lightweight, quick-drying, and effortlessly chic, these Turkish towels are one of those gifts that always hit the mark. We love them for beach days, cozy nights, and everything in between, endlessly useful, always beautiful.
Ottercreek Woodworks Charcuterie Boards | From $65+
Each board is handcrafted from locally sourced wood and is completely unique, with its own textures and natural details. A go-to gift for hosts, foodies, or anyone who loves to entertain, and every purchase supports local conservation efforts, which we love.
Wildly Delicious Spreads & Dips | From $10+
This Toronto-based brand has been a pantry staple for years. Their small-batch spreads and sauces are always a hit at gatherings, and make for an easy, last-minute gift that still feels thoughtful.
Barque Smokehouse
A Roncesvalles favourite with a serious reputation for incredible BBQ, Barque Smokehouse is one of those places that locals love — and with good reason. Known for its smoked meats, flavour-packed sides, and welcoming vibe, it’s a go-to for laid-back dinners and thoughtful, foodie-approved gifts. We especially love their focus on doing things right — from their attention to detail in the kitchen to paying their team a fair, full wage.
What we’re picking up this season:
Barque Spice Rubs | $10 each
Perfect for the home chef on your list — or anyone who just loves good flavour. These handcrafted rubs come in a variety of bold blends, including Hickory Smoked Salt, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, and their signature 299℉. It’s the ultimate BBQ upgrade, straight from one of Toronto’s most respected smokehouses.
She Sells Sanctuary Boutique
For more than a decade, founders Sylvia Biro-Price and Shelley Snow have been fixtures in Toronto’s artisan market scene — and their boutique, She Sells Sanctuary, is a true reflection of their values. Every item in the shop is ethically sourced through direct relationships with skilled artisans in Southeast Asia. Their mission? To support marginalized communities, provide fair wages to women and girls, and help preserve generations-old craftsmanship.
This is more than a boutique — it’s a beautiful space where global traditions and thoughtful gifting meet.
What we’re gifting this season:
Ethically Sourced Jewellery | $20–$300+
Handcrafted in Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, and Laos, these sterling silver pieces carry stories of culture, artistry, and empowerment. Each design is created under fair-trade practices and feels uniquely meaningful — a perfect way to gift with intention.
Wool Felted Ornaments | From $15+
Whimsical, colourful, and handmade from 100% wool, these fair-trade ornaments are equal parts cheerful and thoughtful. Whether you’re drawn to their seasonal styles or animal-themed designs, they’re a joyful addition to any tree or holiday table.
Hand-Blown Glass Ornaments (Egypt) | $25–$45
Delicate, dazzling, and made using traditional glassblowing techniques, these ornaments are true works of art. Sourced fairly and decorated by hand, each piece supports artisan communities and makes a stunning, heirloom-worthy gift.
Caribou Gifts
If you love discovering that perfect, feel-good gift, Caribou Gifts is the kind of place that makes it easy. This Canadian shop offers a thoughtful mix of locally sourced, ethically made items — with a strong emphasis on design, fun, and practicality. Whether you’re grabbing a stocking stuffer or building out a personalized gift basket, their selection is curated with care (and a sense of humour).
What we’re picking up this season:
Socks with Personality | From $13+
Fun, quirky, and Canadian — their sock collection has something for everyone. With designs that range from playful to classic, they make a great little gift for adults or kids alike.
Lynn & Liana Resin Serveware | From $59.99+
These handcrafted resin and wood pieces are true conversation starters. From glasses to cheese boards, every item is one-of-a-kind and made with eco-friendly materials. Perfect for the host or home décor lover on your list.
Custom Gift Baskets | Prices vary
One of our favourite gift-giving shortcuts: Caribou’s beautifully wrapped baskets. Choose from themed options like “Movie Night” or “New Baby,” or create your own. Each one is filled with Canadian-made goodies, often from women-owned brands — thoughtful, unique, and ready to impress.
Lemon and Lavender
A Toronto-based shop owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo that never misses when it comes to beautifully curated gifts. Lemon and Lavender blends style, comfort, and a hint of whimsy — offering everything from candles and puzzles to baby goods and home décor. It’s one of those rare finds where every item feels intentionally chosen, and their gift-ready packaging makes holiday shopping feel effortless.
What we’re eyeing this season:
Cavallini 1000-Piece Vintage Puzzles | $29.99
These puzzles are a work of art — literally. Featuring stunning archival illustrations and packaged in collectible tubes with muslin bags, they’re as elegant as they are fun. Ideal for quiet evenings, screen-free moments, or thoughtful gifting.
Feather & Flame Candles | $39.99
Hand-poured in Toronto and made with pure essential oils, these soy candles offer a clean, luxurious burn. We especially love the Lemon Lavender scent — a calming, citrusy blend that instantly brightens any space.
Hanging Water Lanterns | Price varies
Swirling glitter, soft light, and classic holiday scenes make these lanterns a seasonal favourite. Whether displayed on a mantel or gifted to someone special, they bring a magical glow to any home.
MyOlive
Family-owned and proudly local, MyOlive has been a go-to for gourmet pantry essentials since 2013. With locations in Roncesvalles and Port Credit, they specialize in premium extra virgin olive oils, infused blends, and naturally aged balsamic vinegars that elevate everyday meals — and make standout gifts. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned foodie or a home chef in training, their customizable sets make it easy to gift with intention.
What we’re loving this season:
60ml Gift Set (4-Pack) | From $29+
A little goes a long way — and these mini bottles are packed with flavour. Choose from a range of olive oils and balsamic vinegars to create your own combination, or opt for a pre-selected set like The Essentials or The Little Dipper. Great for hosts, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a gourmet touch.
375ml Gift Tote | From $60+
Beautifully packaged and ready to impress, this set features your choice of premium oils — including infused and flavoured options. With or without pour spouts, it’s an elegant gift that feels both thoughtful and practical, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or holiday gifting.
As we wrap up this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we hope you’ve found a little inspiration — and a few new favourites — among these standout local shops. Whether you’re shopping for meaningful gifts, stylish home essentials, or small luxuries that bring joy, these Toronto-based retailers offer something for everyone. By choosing to support local this season, you’re not only giving thoughtfully, but also investing in the businesses that help our neighbourhoods thrive. Happy holidays — and happy gifting!
Thinking of Making a Move?
While you’re supporting local this season, don’t forget — we’re here to help with one of the biggest local investments you’ll ever make: your home. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Toronto’s West End, our team is always happy to guide you through the process with care, strategy, and insight. Reach out any time at 416-769-3437 or info@sidorovainwood.com — we’d love to connect.
