Queen West Gift Guide

Let’s be honest, with all the Christmas hoopla that happens, cocktails coming out the wazoo, obligatory family functions blah blah blah – there is no time to f*ck around searching high and low for gifts. Hence, our ‘gift by ‘hood’ newsletters. First stop (surprise, surprise) Queen West. Spend 1.5 hours walking west from PETER to OSSINGTON and nail your entire list in one shot. Yessssssssss!

First Stop

HMV
274 Queen West
www.hmv.ca

WICKED gift for Dad that will entertain, baffle and amaze him for hours. Planet Earth is seriously the best documentary series on everything from massive hills of bat dung to endangered camels running across Mongolia , the deepest darkest sea creatures and – well just the most gorgeous filmography you will ever set your eyes on. FASCINATING.

MAC
363 Queen West
www.maccosmetics.com

MAC’s Curiostease, Plushglass lip glosses are wet, wild and wonderful – just like you. They come in a golden box and contain five vibrant colours for you to plump and shine your sultry lips with. Boys take note – good gift for girls. Girls – I know you will buy this with the intention of giving to your bff or sister – and end up secretly keeping for yourself – SEASONAL WILL POWER! So whether it’s your stylish sis or a girls night out gift swap – this is the perfect size, price and makes a practical and pretty gift.  

GET OUTSIDE
437 Queen St. W

Feeling daring? Buy your sister some CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR SEQUIN shoes. They are fun, and if you are feeling blue, tap your toes together three times and you’ll get transported to FUN ZONE. Great shoes for mucking around on a Sunday morning or pairing with leggings and a sexy dress for Friday night glam rockin’ out.

COME AS YOU ARE
701 Queen West
www.comeasyouare.com

First stop, COME AS YOU ARE…it’s fun and the holidays are a good time to get sassy in the sack.

For your sexually charged girlfriend or to arouse your BF:

Pornogami – get crafty and pervy at the same time! Do an evening where you buy a bottle of Sake, sit around in your underwear and do Pornogami and then have oral sex. I think that’s a delicious gift – well, depending.

Alternatively – blind fold your partner, tie them to the bed and read them naughty s&m erotica, following this have a full blown Christmas spanking session?? “You were BAD this year, BAD BOY!!!” If you want to get really kinky – dress up like Santa first.

THE 10 SPOT NAIL BAR
749 Queen West
www.10spot.ca

Looking to spend time with someone? Experiential gifts are always thoughtful and create a longer memory. Take your mom, sis or friend to the 10 Spot and get pampered. For those jet-set folk who have no time in their calendars, toss a CAKE beauty bag into your basket, a great gift for a gal on the go.

MAGIC PONY
694 Queen West
http://www.magic-pony.com/

Friends, siblings, loved ones & you.

LACTAID DREAMS colouring book – because it’s cheap, imaginative and stylish.

Baby BLYTHE doll - $40.00, irresistibly cute. If you are a major collector – prices of Blythe Doll’s at Magic Pony can soar way up to high hundreds.

SYDNEY’S
795 Queen West

Sydneys is a groovy little clothing store for MEN ONLY. They used to have girls stuff too, but have recently targeted their wares exclusively to les boys. If you want your man to look smart – whether at work, or at a NYE party – Sydney ’s has killer sweaters – lots of cashmere, shirts that you’ll be proud to stand beside. Dapper accessories include hats, scarves and wallets. (good for your bro too)

Their specialty is custom jeans. That’s right, get your man sized up and have them build some pants that will flatter his body and be completely unique to anyone in Toronto . Starting at $425, this ain’t cheap – but neither are designer jeans. Plus, first time is most expensive as all the sizing has to be done, however if this becomes your place to shop – price will depreciate second time you come through the door.

Not all of us can throw half a grand at a gift, in fact that’s pretty insane – but what you can do is get a gift certificate and choose how much to spend.

Carte Blanche

758 Queen West

Cross the street and by your sister or girlfriend a hot studded bracelet. Carte Blanche is not only my favourite boutique for women’s clothes, but it has hot vintage jewellery. Again, you can be reassured that no one else will have that piece. ROAR – sexy shit.

Timmies
867 Queen West

Second stop, for the Kitty or Pup:

Animals love Christmas too!! Also, I think it’s completely acceptable to buy a friend a present for their dog instead of them – and deem that their gift. Debatable – but I think still in good taste.

TIMMIES is definitely the place to find the cutest pet toys. I especially love this arrangement of desserts, priced at $8 each.

The Paper Place
887 Queen West
www.japanesepaperplace.com

Gifts for under $5. The perfect way to say thank you to a holiday party host – is to give them a small token of appreciation that makes you look creative and thoughtful. The Paper Place has Japanese Paper Balloons from $1 – 2.95!!! BUY A THOUSAND, that’s so cheap!!

Ella & Elliot
188 Strachan Avenue
www.ellaandelliot.com

BABIES ARE SO CUTE AND CUDDLY THEY DESERVE A SPECIAL GIFT. Ella & Elliot is the place to go for sleek looking toys and accessories for the babe on your list. Just wandering around the store makes me feel fertile.

Especially cute options – monster plate and cup by designer French Bull. Buy them this gift so they can slam their pablum mess all over it and giggle.

TYPE
883 Queen St. West

Get Mom / Dad and the Grandparents in one shot

There’s no better place to get lost in for a good hour than the beautifully decorated TYPE. We ran around picking up dozens of book – but don’t have room to showcase – so here’s two picks for you:

Mommies Who Drink – a fun book, and one that will no doubt cause a laugh while opening, whether mom is a drunk or not.

PHAIDON’S Spanish Cookbook – because paella is a party and this cook book is beautiful, reasonably priced and full of recipes that will make your tastebuds tango. OLE!

Ministry of the Interior
80 Ossington Ave
www.ministryoftheinterior.net

Keep walking west, because I wouldn’t be a good wife if I didn’t plug my husbands store – Ministry of the Interior! Woot woot! The most fun plates I’ve ever seen for your siblings or significant others. This is a design line from loveable and contemporary cool French company – DOMESTIC. A lot of items in this store may scare you off with the price tags – but there are plenty o’ gems under $100 for the style conscious people in your life with discerning taste.

Next week we ride a broom to the East.

Good tidings’ to all.

Jen

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