The One of a Kind Show is a staple every Christmas season, but it's not just a one-stop shop for for Xmas prezzies: it's one of my favourite places to pick up clothes, accessories, and jewelry from independent Canadian designers, too. Don't be fooled by the driftwood dolls and wacky peppermills: the show is flush with fashion.

As I wove my way up between the seemingly endless aisles of the Direct Energy Centre (seriously, traversing the whole thing is practically a work-out), there was some stand-out designers, including a few Toronto classics.

The Hoi Bo stall, manned by uber-friendly design Sarra Tang, had a wide selection of its sturdy-chic bags on offer (oh, how I covet!).

New Fashion Week alumna Fortnight Lingerie seemed to be doing bustling business in pretty underthings, while two of my favourite Eves (Gravel of Montreal, and Farber of Waterloo) drew in the chicks with their booths chock full of simple lines and good go-to pieces in neutral tones and universally flattering fits. Another fave? I also loved the simplicity and elegance of the Montreal line, Grob.

Local line Fine and Good set up shop at the end of a row with a cute little retro cart where shoppers could check out the budget-friendly necklaces (a past One of a Kind find from Fine and Good has been a jewelry staple for years).

Montreal, as always, had a strong showing accessory-wise, from Rachel F.'s fur-lined leather aviator caps and fuzzy handbags and Ophelie's feathered headbands and hats and String Theory's chic gray scarves with the geometric patterns.

Vancouver vendors were giving the French a run for their money, too, including Anat Basanta, a jeweler specializing in delicate stacking rings and mesh cord necklaces.

No matter which province your gift hails from, nothing beats a handmade present...even if it's just for yourself.

Photos by Dennis Marcinak.