I don’t know about you, but it always feels like the holiday season arrives at lightning speed the second Halloween is over. One day I feel super ahead of the game with my Christmas shopping, and the next, it’s a mad dash to find last-minute gifts. Let’s be honest: last-minute gifts rarely carry the same magic as something thoughtfully chosen for someone you truly care about. So to help you out, I’ve put together a special Toronto Christmas gift guide, gifts that will stand out under the tree and show the people receiving them that you put genuine heart into picking something they’ll actually love.
Before I go any further, don’t forget to find me on Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube.
A Watercolour Painting of Toronto by Bianca
I met Bianca a few months ago at the Sunday Variety Market at St. Lawrence Market. She has such an infectious energy that drew me in right away. Bianca is an artist who creates watercolour paintings of iconic Toronto spots: Kensington Market, St. Lawrence Market, local coffee shops, and of course, our beloved sports teams. My boyfriend and I bought a painting of Scotiabank Arena from her because that’s where we first met. I love the unique, personal touch the framed piece has brought to our home decor.
If you don’t spot what you’re looking for among her existing pieces, you can also reach out to her on Instagram to commission a custom painting. It’s such a unique way to immortalize a place that means a lot to you.
An Illustrated Toronto Neighbourhood Puzzle by The Paperhood
At that very same market, I also stumbled upon a fantastic concept: jigsaw puzzles featuring specific Toronto neighbourhoods, and even other Canadian cities. Forget the generic puzzles you can find anywhere, and gift a 100% Toronto-made puzzle by The Paperhood illustrating a neighbourhood or city close to your heart. It’s the perfect cozy activity to keep you company through the winter months.
A Planter Made Inside a Real Basketball by The Give & Grow
If you’re looking to bring a little greenery into a sports fan’s home, I’ve got just the thing: a planter nestled inside an actual basketball. And the mission behind these planters is truly inspiring (yes, I’ve been following the founder for years, I love seeing women succeed while giving back to their community!). Proud Torontonian Olivia Ho combined her two passions, sports and community, to host workshops where you can craft your own basketball planter. Her goal is to inspire the next generation and encourage women to chase their ambitions.
The planters are also available to purchase online and through select stockists, with a percentage of proceeds supporting youth programs right here in Toronto. She’s collaborated with the NBA and several major teams, honestly, if you don’t know her story yet, go look her up, it’s well worth it.
A Hat or Sweatshirt from The Overthinkers Club
Behind the Toronto-based brand The Overthinker Club is Marissa. I met her two years ago at a market, completely by chance. Life is funny like that; I hadn’t even planned on stopping by that day. She was just starting out and had a table of hats, tees, and accessories featuring uplifting messages for the queer community. As the big sister of a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I immediately started filling my basket for Christmas gifts.
I’ve been following her journey ever since, and it’s truly inspiring. Marissa is very vocal about mental health and openly shares the life challenges that led her to build a mindful, purpose-driven brand where every piece is made with care and intention.
You can follow her on Instagram and find her pieces at Stackt Market.
Artisanal Hot Sauces from Wicked Smart Hot Sauce
Okay, this one won’t suit every palate, but variety is the spice of life! And don’t forget, I live in a Canadian, French, and Jamaican household, we love to cook and experiment with new flavours! A few months ago, I met the founder of Wicked Smart Hot Sauce, and he quickly convinced me to buy out half his booth. He was so passionate about sharing his favourite recipes that the tasting sealed the deal, and I went home with four or five bottles. These sauces are born and made in Toronto, you can order them online through their website or find them at partner retailers across the country.
A Monthly Local Coffee Subscription
Trying to find a gift for a coffee lover? I’ve got the perfect idea. Several Toronto-based roasters offer a brilliant concept: a monthly subscription delivering freshly roasted beans straight to their door. Depending on their taste profile, you have a few great local options:
- The Roasters Pack: A curated selection of 3 Canadian coffees delivered each month.
- Subtext Coffee: More experimental, single-origin beans, ideal for true coffee connoisseurs.
- Pilot Coffee Roasters: A super customizable subscription tailored to how they brew.
It’s a guaranteed way to surprise and delight the caffeine fans in your life.
A 100% Toronto Trivia Board Game: 4inthe6
If you’re looking for a Toronto-themed gift to liven up game nights with friends, I found an absolute gem: a trivia game created in Toronto by Sewit Tamene in 2020. Like many of us back then, she had plenty of time on her hands, and after a few months, at-home activities were starting to feel repetitive. That’s when she realized no trivia board game about Toronto actually existed. Put your local knowledge to the test with this 224-card game packed with questions about Toronto’s history, food scene, local pop culture, and more.
You can grab 4inthe6 on her Etsy shop or at local retailers like 401 Games and Spacing Store.
Handmade Natural Skincare from Blaque Wellness
Do I even need to mention that I also discovered this brand at the Sunday Variety Market at St. Lawrence Market? Yes, I’m officially a regular! Here is the ultimate self-care gift: natural products born in Toronto out of founder Cici’s own years-long health journey. She created this line to support herself through perimenopause and help other women navigating the same experience.
If you visit their booth at the market, you’ll meet her son and his grandmother, a dream team! Case in point, I walked away with several products: the Coconut Rum body oil, the hair oil, and the Magnesium Spray. I actually recommended that last one to a friend, just a few sprays on the soles of your feet before bed and you’ll sleep like a baby, without the weird vivid dreams that melatonin can sometimes cause.
You can find them on Instagram, at the Sunday Variety Market at St. Lawrence Market, and at their storefront in Kensington Market.
Guided Journals and Positive Stationery from PleaseNotes
Life has a funny way of bringing things full circle: I first met Cheryl, the founder of PleaseNotes, back in 2019. She had been running her business for a few years and was working out of a coworking space run by Rachel (Make Lemonade). I had rented the space to host my very first networking workshop for French-speaking newcomers after being laid off. Cheryl was unbelievably kind and supportive.
Fast-forward to today, years later: Rachel has become a florist, and we stayed in touch online without ever meeting in person, until she came to my yoga event in April 2026, where I was celebrating my yoga teacher certification. We’ve hung out since then and even went paddleboarding together at the Toronto Islands. Meanwhile, Cheryl has grown PleaseNotes, leading workshops and speaking at conferences. On my end, I’ve gone on to host workshops for over 500 participants. Putting this guide together made me think of Cheryl, and I wanted to share this little backstory to show just how deeply aligned her products are with her journey, Rachel’s, and mine: guided gratitude journals, manifestation journals, and clarity workbooks. It’s a wonderful gift for anyone needing a little encouragement and direction, especially with a new year right around the corner.
Hand-Painted Artisanal Bonbons from Chocolat de Kat
Did you really think I could wrap up a Toronto gift guide without including chocolate? You don’t know me very well! Kat creates hand-painted bonbons that are true works of art. I’d almost say you’ll want to display them rather than eat them, but let’s be honest, if you’ve read this far, you love chocolate just as much as I do. There’s zero chance anyone is resisting these. You have a few great options to choose from: pre-curated gift boxes, build-your-own boxes, or, my personal favourite and so Toronto, a special 9-piece box featuring iconic Toronto desserts reimagined as mini chocolates. I never get tired of seeing the creativity local Toronto makers bring to the table.
I’m genuinely so excited about this list, every single recommendation was chosen with love. I’ve personally bought products from 80% of the makers featured here, and I’d love for you to support our local small businesses while giving a truly meaningful gift to someone special.
Looking for even more things to do around the city? Check out my 50 Unique Winter Date Ideas in Toronto or 31 Things to Do in Toronto This Winter.
