6IX GIFTS FOR THE TORONTOPHILE
We all know one — someone completely devoted to life in Toronto, a person who probably never ventures north of Bloor St. unless it’s an emergency. And we all know another — someone now living far away with profound affection for their former city. Indulge their inner Torontophile with these six offerings. They are each small enough to tuck in a large purse for easy transport or light enough to be shipped Canada Post without an exorbitant bill.
1. Owl always love you
Quiet pride for those in the know. This classic line from Drake’s collection will leave outsiders guessing. Item: Owl logo snapback cap Name of retailer: October’s Very Own Price: $45 Available at: ca.octobersveryown.com Bricks and mortar location: Yorkdale Shopping Centre (3401 Dufferin St.) or 899 Dundas St. W.
2. Honour their commute
An homage to the city is never complete without a classic streetcar. Drake General Store’s ornament is a lively and unexpected addition to the tree. Item: Streetcar ornament Name of retailer: Drake General Store Price: $10.50 Available at: drakegeneralstore.ca Bricks and mortar location: 1151 Queen St. W., among others
3. Breakfast buddy
What’s more Toronto than looking a raccoon in the eye before you’re fully awake? This cute new one from Main and Local peers right out of your mug.
Item: Raccoon mug Name of retailer: Main and Local Price: $18.99 Available at: mainandlocal.com Bricks and mortar location: Juxtapose Cards & Gifts, 430 Bloor St. W.
4. Pick their memories
The good folks at Spacing collaborate with the TTC to save expired passes from the landfill by turning them into guitar picks. They’re medium thick (about .76 millimetres) and come in assorted sets of 15. Item: Metro Picks Name of retailer: Spacing Store Price: $5 for 15 Available at: spacingstore.ca Bricks and mortar location: 401 Richmond St. W.
5. Smells like neighbourhood spirit
These “travel trios” of candles have scents that ostensibly remind one of home: the Distillery in the east-end collection has notes of clove, balsam wood and patchouli. (Are you sure it’s patchouli?). The Annex in the west end collection, on the other hand, is a blend of fig, cassis and juniper.
Item: Toronto travel candle trio Name of retailer: Vancouver Candle Co. Price: $58 for a set of three Available at: vancouvercandleco.com Bricks and mortar location: Brika, 642 Queen St. W., and other locations
6. Drink it in
Don’t stop at smelling Toronto — drink it, too. This “Toronto” blend of tea from local maker First Edition Tea Co. is a blend of apple, peach and maple green tea. Could such a diverse blend be more representative of Toronto? We don’t think so.
Item: Toronto Loose Leaf Tea Blend Name of manufacturer: First Edition Tea Co. Price: $16.01 Available at: firsteditionteaco.etsy.com