How is it already the February?!
Since the pandemic began, this has been a common question amongst many, not only this month, but with each passing month and while we’re still in a state of shock – it’s official, see ya 2020!
Due to the pandemic, like many other things, this past holiday season was beyond different than usual. For Torontonians this meant no Christmas Market in the Distillery District, no skating at Nathan Phillips Square amongst many other traditions and while many were feeling a bit grinchy, all the holiday spirit wasn’t gone.
The holiday season is also about old and new family traditions, hot chocolate and not knowing what day of the week it is. It’s about Secret Santa with coworkers, family or friends.
This year, for our friends Secret Santa gift exchange, we decided to support struggling small businesses being affected in light of the 28-day lockdown in December. So, with a $50 limit and after completing our questionnaires on Elfster, we were off whether online shopping in the comfort of our homes or walking down to the Beaches or along Queen Street finding local businesses to support.
As tempting as it might have been to order off Amazon, we all stayed true to supporting locals. Everything from the presents, food and even the drinks was all about supporting local businesses this holiday season. Check out our Local and Small Businesses Guide for more details.
So, while the season may not have been the same, it was truly a December to remember. Goodbye 2020, you were a blessing and a lesson.
Hope you all had a happy holiday season and a Merry Elfin Christmas.
-The Wahid’s
The Guide Includes
Art & Crafts
Gwartsman on Spadina has been there 40 years and has a sign you can’t miss. Great for art supplies such as an acrylic paint set with the primary colours, canvases and a paint brush set. Essentials needed for any paint night date night. Their curbside pick up was quick and easy since all items were packed and ready.
Books
Queen Books located in our spot Leslieville, has a huge selection and probably any book you need. A wide range of art books available for any level or any type of artist. The outside of the book store is so captivating and inclusive of a true representation of readers within our city. Not to mention the woodwork that was put into making it look like a bookshelf with bookends. Queen Books has a homely community bookstore feel.
Customizable Products
@asprinkleofpretty customizes and personalizes ornaments and other paper goods with her impeccable handwriting skills. Ana was great to work with when designing the ornaments as well as having contactless pickup.
@creative_expressions_by_hafsah is a local craftaholic who can customize anything and everything you may need. Hafsah is such a pleasure to work with. She would be in constant communication and confirming designs along the way.
Drinks
Bar Mordecai offers cocktail and mocktail kits. Each kit is packaged with a festive touch. A kit can range from $30-$105 depending on how lit it needs to get. Bar Mordecai is located near Dundas Street and Dovercourt for pickup and delivery.
Barchef Project is known as the modern cocktail experience by igniting different flavours, smell and textures to give an experience that will awaken the senses. For those who are into old fashioneds this is the perfect treat.
Clunys in the Distillery District has a great wine selection varying from different price ranges out on display. With the comfort of the overhead heaters it makes selecting a bottle of wine a little bit easier. Clunys has a great $20 bottle of Chianti available, which was great when we were keeping within our budget for Secret Santa.
Sake Izum, known as Ontario’s first sake brewery is located in the Distillery District and offers a wide selection of various types of Sake that can be served either cold or hot ranging from $16-$30. They also offer sake sets ranging from $15-60. This makes for a perfect gift for any foodie in your group.
Fashion
Peace Collective is one of those companies that is not only patriotic (everything is 100% Canadian made), but also gives back. With every garment sold, 5 meals are provided to a child in need.
Food
Beyond the Board offers luxe grazing boxes, platters and tables. They offered a limited time s’mores kit this holiday season, which included a wide range of different fillings for s’mores. The most exciting thing is they are 100% halal!
Kibo Sushi We decided it had been some time since we all hadn’t had sushi. Our foodie recommended Kibo Sushi – words cannot describe how good it was. We thought we over ordered, but we were left with no left overs.
