A guide to purchasing gifts for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day
By, Samreen Maqsood
With everyone’s favourite Hallmark holiday just around the corner, no doubt you are stressing about what to get your friends and family to show them your appreciation and affection! In order to support local businesses during this pandemic, CanCulture is bringing you a list of the top 10 local Toronto businesses that may just be able to supply you with that perfect gift that would make Cupid sing.
1. The Silk Labs
The Silk Labs is an amazing Toronto-based company that specializes in silk scrunchies. This brand has upgraded the standard scrunchie, making them from high-quality silk. Their scrunchies range from $12 – $20 and they even offer other products, such as sleeping masks, headbands and pillowcases. Perfect for a friend looking to add a flair of elegance to their hairstyle!
2. Foursee Toronto
A luxury hair accessory company, Foursee Toronto was created with a goal to help provide hair accessories for textured hair. They have a variety of hair accessories, with collections like first/second/third layer that vary in bandwidth, hair ties and hairpins. The headbands start at $23, with the pins starting at $15. A perfect gift for a friend looking to try a new hairstyle!
3. Little Bird Macrame
A small business focusing on macrame and fibre art, this Toronto-based brand makes everything from plant holders to keychains to wall art. The keychains start from $14, which would make a perfect gift for that friend that loves art and trendy trinkets.
4. GAUDi Inc
You can never go wrong with a pair of pearl earrings. With such a simple yet elegant look, they are a perfect piece to highlight this holiday season. GAUDi is a Toronto business that is made by hand and “designed to empower.” GAUDI offers a variety of other items, ranging from jewelry to home and lifestyle accessories, including jewelry dishes.
5. Khaz Designs
With masks becoming an essential part of daily life, the purchase of fashion-forward masks has increased significantly. Khaz Designs is an excellent source for all your mask-related purchases. Coming in beautiful beige and neutral colours, these masks are made of silky satin. An option of adding pearls, Swarovski stones and a gold chain are also available. They start at $35.
6. A Drip of Honey
Forget fuzzy socks, we’re all here for these cozy slippers from A Drip of Honey! Made from super soft faux fur with a non-slip rubber sole, these are perfect for lounging around with your roommates and screening 10 Things I Hate About You. They come in four different colours and are $39.
7. The Bay
Know someone who is constantly misplacing their credit cards or scrambling to find bills in their back pockets? Don’t worry, because we got you covered. Wallets can be such a hassle, so a sleek leather card case is a super convenient and stylish gift. This one from The Bay can carry three cards and it won’t hurt your pockets either, coming in at only $25.
8. House and Honey
For those jewelry lovers that struggle to find a safe place to put all their accessories, House and Honey is here to help with their beautiful handmade ring dishes. The dishes are made by hand with premium polymer clay and genuine crystal, and the crystals are natural elements that come from the earth. While they are meant to hold your jewelry, since it is made out of quartz crystal elements, they can be used to help manifest your dreams, set goals and achieve them. They offer a variety of personalized ring dishes ranging from $24 – $40.
9. Tie-Dye Toronto
Tie-dye clothing has made another comeback in the world of fashion, so why not give that to your friends? This tie-dye shop offers custom-made hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants and even masks! Their price range starts from $8 for the masks, $15 for their t-shirts and $45 for their hoodies. 10 per cent of every purchase will also be donated in the form of perishable goods and clothing for Food Not Bought this holiday season. This would be perfect for someone who wants to feel comfortable yet look cute at the same time.
10. Clothing Boutique at Aria Home Decor
With the chilly winter season coming at us with full speed, a knitwear sweater would make the perfect gift for anyone. Among the sea of homeware, Aria’s also offers a range of tops, pants and dresses, including a variety of cute and comfy sweaters. We love this ribbed sweater that comes in grey and beige for $38.