I love the holidays, and though I wouldn’t necessarily call myself ‘a shopper’, I could barely contain myself (and my credit card) at the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale.
Held from November 27-December 7, there are two glorious weeks of amazing finds from local and regional makers, artists and craftsmen.
To narrow down the vast selection (there are over 800 vendors), here are my top five picks for Christmas 2014.
1. Hoi Bo
I am a serious store stalker of this brand. Their storefront in the Distillery District here in Toronto is drool worthy. The structured bags, the gorgeous leather jackets the unique jewelry…all eye-catching. All unique. All handcrafted by masters. You won’t find a better looking, wearable bag in Toronto.
This is their new, kangaroo leather bag – the perfect size, a handle, a strap, chunky hardware. What more could a girl ask for? They have an online store and ship across the world.
I first fell in love with their products last summer when I saw them at Distill here in Toronto. Using reclaimed crystal, all of their pieces from hanging pots to vases are eye-catching, unique and will totally bring life to any space.
I love their solid, bold colours and how each piece feel like a piece of art.
3. Velvet Moustache Contemporary Ecosensible Bestiary
I love these quirky, hand sewn little creatures. Whimsical and sublimely carefree in their expressions, they are the type of toy children (big and small) will love. I just wanted to sneak them all home in my bag.
Out of Montreal, Velvet Moustache develops, sews, packages and ships across Canada.
This Toronto-based company makes all of their products locally using responsible materials. Their fun, sleek and simple wood, black and white collection could easily fit into the home of that person on your list who you have no idea what to get for.
I loved their playful pillows, each side revealing a word, have fun by mixing and matching these up. You can find them online and on Etsy.
5. Kempton Jones, A Creative Life
And finally, who doesn’t need and want gorgeous tea towels? Kempton Jones, by Toronto designer Michelle Matsui, creates vibrantly coloured textiles using soundwaves from common sounds like – popping popcorn, sizzling bacon, and a purring cat.
Giving bottles of wine away this year for hostess gifts? Why not wrap them Japanese-style (called Furoshiki), using one of these gorgeously unique tea towels?
The show was great and really overwhelming for just one afternoon. I would recommend grabbing some friends and making a day out of it. The best part is the venue offers free childcare, coat check and gift wrapping stations.
M Fab-A-Claus
