Home Alone gear tips reindeer toque to movie

Tyler Schwartz deals in Christmas movie memories. But the one that will always stick with him is Home Alone, the first holiday movie he recalls seeing as a kid.

“I remember laughing so hard and it’s so vivid and saying to my parents, ‘Can you believe how funny that was?’ ” said Schwartz, 40, who runs online holiday movie-themed retailer Retro Festive, along with his wife and fellow film lover, Jordie Schwartz.

The Oakville couple started out selling the leg lamp from A Christmas Story in 2008 and branched out into all manner of seasonal kitsch, including ugly holiday-themed sweaters and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation items (moose mugs are a top seller) through RetroFestive.ca.

They added Home Alone to meet demand from younger customers in recent years, especially with the comedy’s 25th anniversary this month.

“It’s slapstick, but it’s that notion of kids getting a comeuppance against the bad guys,” said Tyler.

Schwartz said John Hughes’ script makes audiences feel for Kevin, who is initially “a bit of a jerk,” as he rallies to take on the bad guys.

“There’s that notion of rooting for the underdog,” said Schwartz. “There’s so much heart in it.”

Retro Festive will have booths at the Distillery District Toronto Christmas Market from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20 and the Union Station Holiday Market, Nov. 30 to Dec. 20. Hat’s off Red-and-white toque inspired by jaunty reindeer hat Kevin wears for his shopping trip: $14.99. Wet Bandits Action figure of dim-witted Wet Bandit Marv comes with a crowbar and interchangeable heads: one that shows surprise, the other a brand from a hot iron to the noggin. There are also Kevin and fellow bandit Harry figures: $47.99 each. Two turtle doves Inspired by the Friendship Doves Kevin gets in Home Alone 2; cast from the same mould used on the film: $17.99. Java jolt Coffee mug with the classic Kevin double face-palm shriek: $12.99