Whether you’re in pursuit of collectible furniture or quality accessories, Toronto is full of thoughtfully curated boutiques that offer a unique shopping experience. In the spirit of the holiday’s, we spoke to five shopkeepers about their approach to holiday gifting and what they’d gift from their own shops.
Kaelen Haworth, Creative Director and Founder of Absolutely Fabrics
What is your approach to holiday gifting?
“I love holiday gifting. I like to go for impractical over practical—something you might not buy for yourself. I do understand the value of a practical gift but I’m a surprise and delight kind of girl.”
What makes these three products the perfect gifts?
“I try to stay away from gifts that have to ‘fit’ as it’s always harder to get right. I own a clothing store so I’m probably not supposed to say that but I think any of these three picks are foolproof. Bonus: the leopard cover on the gift bag is removable and the base is a very chic black leather, so it’s a two-for-one! Don’t Let Disco is such a thoughtfully made brand and the pieces are stunning so it’s a lovely gift to give and receive. And the Conner Ives hat is a perfect green colour. It has a certain IYKYK quality.”
Carlo Colacci, Owner of Bonne Choice
What is your approach to holiday gifting?
“Our gifting approach is all about celebrating creativity. We believe in offering gifts that are out of the box, so our curated selection of iconic pieces makes each gift truly unique. Chances are recipients won’t be getting these pieces from someone else, and they may not always jump to buy it for themselves. These pieces really provide a special gifting experience, with collectible pieces that will be treasured for years.”
What makes these three products the perfect gifts?
“The miniature version of the iconic unbreakable vases from designer Gaetano Pesce, this gift is as joyful as it gets. Silly and fun and always a surprise to those who haven’t touched or held one before (it’s not glass!). We come across vintage glass and marble grapes from time to time, and these ones are particularly nice. A honed marble cluster with a real vine stem, this one is for the friend who takes their styling game very seriously. Prolific Italian designer Ettore Sottsass designed a series of side tables for Kartell that is as coveted today as when it was first released decades ago. The “Colonna” Table (in festive red!) nods to the 1980s Memphis Design movement, while still managing to land easily into just about any decor style. This one is for the design-savvy.”
Mariam White, Founder of Living Beauty
What is your approach to holiday gifting?
“My approach to gifting is simple. I try to give people something they actually want and will use, not just something that looks adorable in the moment. I pay attention to the small clues like what they reach for, complain about, or light up when they talk about and then choose gifts that feel both beautiful and genuinely useful. If you are really stuck, a gift card for Botox or facials will make anyone love you even more.”
What makes these three products the perfect gifts?
“Flamingo Estate brings a bit of sensorial luxury into the home (Jalapeño is fresh and warm), Manucurist’s Green Holiday Gift Set is a complete at-home manicure ritual in a box for the beauty lover, and a pop of Marimekko adds that punch of joy and colour that makes someone smile every time they see it. My best advice is to never give a gift of uncut or un-vased flowers, because it’s just rude to make your host work.”
Britt Rawlinson, Founder of VSP Consignment
What is your approach to holiday gifting?
“This season we’re rethinking what it truly means to give. Real generosity isn’t measured in cost, it’s measured in meaning. It’s choosing something that reflects a person’s spirit, their style, and their love for beautifully made things. At VSP, every gift is one-of-a-kind, just like the people who choose them and the people they’re chosen for.”
What makes these three products the perfect gifts?
“These three gifts, the Peter Do Card Case, The Row Leather Boot, and the Chrome Hearts Top are perfect for anyone who expresses their individual style with confidence. Each piece embodies a distinct aesthetic: the sleek minimalism of Peter Do, the refined craftsmanship of The Row, and the bold edge of Chrome Hearts. On their own, they cater to completely different style identities, but together they highlight the beauty of embracing what makes each person unique. Whether someone prefers understated elegance, timeless luxury, or rebellious flair, these gifts honour personal expression in its many forms.”
Edilou Canedo, Founder and Designer of Cuchara
What is your approach to holiday gifting?
“Our approach to holiday gifting comes from a place of personalization. Over the years, as we’ve expanded our custom services and grown our engagement line, we’ve become even more committed to helping people choose pieces that mean something—jewellery that feels like it carries a message, a memory, or a moment. We love the idea that a gift can be timeless and expressive at the same time. Whether it’s an engraving, a birthstone, or a charm with symbolic weight, we want every piece to feel intentional. As a small, women-led business, the holiday season is a powerful reminder of the community that supports us and the passion we bring to each piece we create.”
What makes these three products the perfect gifts?
These three pieces were chosen because each one carries a personal touch—something we feel really matters when gifting jewellery. The Round CZ Studs are a timeless staple—elevated enough to feel special, yet minimal enough to be worn day or night. They add just the right edge and sparkle to any look. The Classic Birthstone Ring is one of our most loved items, and for good reason. Birthstones are part of our everyday wearable designs, and they let the wearer carry someone they love close at all times. It’s an effortless, meaningful piece that feels custom without the lead time. The Engravable Dog Tag Pendant is chic, minimal, and incredibly versatile. It can be worn on its own or layered, and the option to engrave it now or later makes it a gift that continues to evolve with the person receiving it.
Feature image courtesy of VSP Consignment.
