10 holiday gift ideas for fashionistas in Toronto
Fashionable gifts aren't hard to come by in Toronto. The city is filled with local boutiques, vintage stores and mammoth chains, offering all the goods you could ever need to satisfy your style-savvy friends.
Here are my picks for holiday gift ideas for fashionistas in Toronto.
Bags & Backpacks
Most ladies have a strong relationship with their purse(s). If you're looking to splurge on your recipient, Toronto designers like Opelle, Eleven Thirty Shop, and Hoi Bo all have great options in their newest collections. Want something really on-trend? Go with a leather backpack, like this Opelle one.
Shoes
Streetwear was huge this year (remember Kanye's Yeezy Season 2?), making sweatpants and sneakers more socially acceptable than ever before. If you've got a pal who has wholly embraced this trend, head to Community 54's new female focused shop and snag them a pair of style savvy sneakers. If your gift-ee is more into boots and booties, Shoes.com recently opened a storefront as well.
Fashion-Forward Workout Wear
If you know someone who is gung ho about improving their fitness regime, or just a fitness junkie in general, the gift of new gym gear will be much appreciated. Head to Ardith and pick them up a La Vie Boheme printed yoga mat or some Iffley Road runwear for extra motivation.
Skincare
Every beauty-obsessed individual knows that the key to a good look is a good canvas. Luckily, Toronto has a lot to offer in the skincare department. Aesop opened its first freestanding Toronto store this year, and while it may not be cheap, it gets the job done right. If you're in the market for something local, try Wildwood, an apothecary brand created by the owner of Rowan Homespun.
Cosmetics
NYX has been a longtime favourite of beauty bloggers from all parts of the world. Until recently, Toronto only stocked a few of its products in drugstores like Rexall, but the brand has already opened a location in Square One, but is coming to Queen West just in time for Christmas. Their budget-friendly and cruelty-free lip butters, eyeshadows, and bb creams make great gifts.
Temporary Tattoos
If you have a friend or family member unprepared to commit to lifelong ink, temporary tattoos are the way to go. Toronto startup Inkbox released dozens of designs this summer, much more fashionable than the Disney themed ones you donned in your youth. You'll find stylish geometic creations, maps, quotes, and more. The best part? They last up to two weeks and won't flake off in the shower.
Phone Cases
Phone cases are a necessity for anyone (a.k.a. everyone) who has ever dropped their phone, so why not gift your friend a nice one? For fashionable pals who like their cases as in vogue as their wardrobe, opt for something both durable and stylish. Leather Atelier has recently released leather evil eye cases and Felony Case now has textured kaleidoscope cases and marbled options up for sale.
Luxury Loungewear
By mid-December, Toronto is bound to be covered in snow (or at least a few degrees below zero), so its time almost time to go into hibernation mode. Give the gift of comfort by providing your friend with some luxury loungewear that'll make the winter months more bearable. Kit & Ace has some top-notch cashmere-infused options, like blanket wraps and sweaters.
Scarves
You can rarely go wrong giving a scarf. They suit every age and every style, and will keep your gift-ee warm in the event of another Polar Vortex. This year blanket scarves have been all the rage, and Toronto-born brand Fraanklin has delivered some stylish options in its newest collection. You can pick them up at Northern Standard (or in the online shop, if you're prepared to wait for shipping).
Jewellery
Jewellery is tried and true gifting option for fashionistas. You never have to worry about sizing and you (usually) don't have to deal with choosing from a rainbow of colour options. If you want to skip raiding the picked-over racks at H&M, try Toronto local Laurie Fleming's designs. They're more expensive, but the quality is well worth it and her A/W collection of ear climbers and cuffs is fail-safe.
What did I miss? Add your fashionable gift suggestions to the comments.
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