*Article sponsored by Westboro BIA*
For the person who has everything, the person who wants nothing, and everyone in between, here are some of our favourite gift ideas from Westboro Village, from small things to special finds worth a splurge.
For lovers of shiny (and meaningful) gifts
Get zapped at Magpie Jewellery (430 Richmond Rd.)!
Pop by with your bestie, your sibling, your offspring, or all of the above, and have a silver or gold bracelet welded onto your wrists or ankles. (It doesn’t hurt, we promise!) Unlike most gifts, this one doesn’t require wrapping, batteries, or a gift receipt. Just bring someone you love, pick your metal, and make it permanent.
For the aspiring chef and sous-chef
We love Kitchenalia’s (315 Richmond Rd.) thoughtfully curated kitchenware, cookware, specialty snacks, and food items. Our most recent visit reminded us that the best gifts are often things the recipients wouldn’t buy for themselves. Case(s) in point: Labell cutting boards, gorgeous yet practical Mason Cash mixing bowls and
– this just in – Kanel brand salted peppercorns to bring your roast to the next level.
For the fashionable snow bird
Three Wild Women (263 Richmond Rd.) is known for chic women’s fashion, accessories, and gifts with a strong focus on Canadian and local designers. They’re predicting their Alashan brand cashmere blend toppers will be a sellout this holiday season. Available in a variety of colours, they are lightweight and versatile, giving you just the right amount of warmth when travelling via plane, train, or automobile. Useful and stylish!
For the young, and young-at-heart
“Children of all ages love soft toys.” It’s a bold statement in an era of Mario Kart and Lego, but the folks at Kazka Toys
(343 Richmond Rd.) know what they’re talking about. We’re smitten with their plush sleeping kittens. Made by Maileg, a Danish brand, they are literally the cat’s meow. 3D cardboard animal puzzles by EUGY are another popular item. Made from 100% recyclable, sustainable cardboard, choose your child’s favourite animal (will it be a puffin? A camel? A crane?) and watch it come to life in their hands.
For a new mom or teen
The Village Quire (312 Richmond Rd.) is undoubtedly your first stop for unique cards and wrapping this holiday season, but don’t miss the pretty Marmalade jewelry charms for the new mom or teen in your life. Each piece is an original design cast into raw silver or bronze in their Toronto studio. Build your own custom set of charms tailored to the recipient’s story and watch their eyes light up as they open their gift and feel seen.
For the active and stylish
While there are many premium leather goods to admire at Barcon Getta (277 Richmond Rd.) operations manager Fikre Woldemicheal predicts their handsome full grain leather backpacks will be a top gift pick this holiday season. Now that more people than ever are working hybrid and commuting to work, more folks will want to pack their laptop and lunch into something sophisticated.
For the host-est with the most-est
We love the idea of gifting a bag of your favourite coffee beans.
The Bower Coffee Co. (429 Richmond Rd.) offers a curated selection of single-origin beans and roasts from Canadian specialty roasters. They know their stuff, and it shows in every sip.
For the sweet tooth (and your babysitter, bus driver, coach, work colleagues)
Who wouldn’t want a little treat every day! Order your cookie advent calendar at Batter Up Bakery (303 Richmond Rd.) Calendars will be ready for local pick up November 25-30 and will be shipping by Nov 15. Cookies customized with the recipient’s name also make a sweet gift. Check out all the fun holiday designs on their website. Shout out as well to Strawberry Blonde Bakery (111 Richmond Rd.), where delicious offerings are vegan, gluten-free, nut free, and kosher. It’s a safe bet if you’re bringing treats to a holiday gathering and aren’t sure about allergies or food intolerances.
For the gardener and plant lover
Flowers Talk Tivoli (282 Richmond Rd.) is the place for poinsettias big and small but there are many gift ideas for gardeners and folks who love houseplants, such as their made-in-Canada air plant and terrarium kits. They are so pretty and low maintenance. The kits come with all the materials and a 4-inch glass globe. Just add plants!
For the person you’d rather spend time with than shop for
Some of the best gifts don’t fit under the tree. Besides, isn’t time the best gift we can give? Meet for a hot beverage, wander through Westboro Village, buy something together, stop for lunch or dinner and then pick up something sweet on the way home. It’s truly the perfect gift.