The best Christmas gifts tell a story, and few stories beat “it was made right here in Toronto.” The city is full of makers producing chocolate, ceramics, jewellery, clothing, prints, candles, coffee and craft beer. Here’s where to find them and what to look for.
Where to find Toronto makers
- One of a Kind Christmas Show (November 27 to December 6): hundreds of Canadian makers under one roof, including many from Toronto.
- Distillery Winter Village: vendor cabins with local and Canadian makers, plus the district’s permanent shops; about 30 percent of products sold in the district are made on-site.
- St. Lawrence Winter Market: local artisans every Thursday to Sunday until December 22, plus a weekend vendor tent with 75+ makers and vintage sellers.
- Craft fairs: Toronto Art Crawl’s Christmas Market at The Bentway (November 7), church sales and community shows.
- Neighbourhood boutiques in Queen West, Leslieville and the Junction, many of which stock local designers. Shopping streets
Gift ideas made in Toronto
Food and drink
- Bean-to-bar chocolate from Toronto chocolatiers
- Locally roasted coffee
- Craft beer from Toronto breweries, many of which sell gift packs and glassware
- Hot sauces, preserves and honey from market vendors
- Baked goods from neighbourhood bakeries. Christmas bakeries
Art and design
- Prints and illustrations of Toronto streets and landmarks
- Ceramics and pottery from local studios
- Candles and home fragrance
- Handmade jewellery
Wearables
- Toronto-designed clothing and knitwear
- Hats, scarves and mittens made for Toronto winters
Experiences
- A class with a local maker, from pottery to chocolate-making. Experience gifts
Toronto-made gift ideas by category
Food and drink. Small-batch chocolate, roasted coffee, hot sauces, honey from urban beekeepers, preserves, baked goods and craft beer or cider from Toronto breweries. Food gifts are easy to wrap and always get used.
Home. Handmade ceramics and mugs, candles, linens, woven blankets, wooden cutting boards and plants from local shops.
Style. Jewellery, knitwear, leather goods, hats and clothing from Toronto designers.
Art and paper. Prints and posters of Toronto neighbourhoods, illustrated maps, calendars, cards and notebooks from local illustrators and printmakers.
Wellness. Natural soaps, bath salts, skincare and tea blends from small-batch makers.
Kids. Handmade toys, picture books by Toronto authors and illustrators, and locally designed kids’ clothing.
How to find the makers
- Follow local markets on social media; many makers post where they’ll be selling each weekend.
- Visit neighbourhood design shops that stock dozens of local brands under one roof.
- Ask the vendor: most makers are happy to share their story and can suggest something for the person you’re shopping for.
- Check the Christmas market calendar for weekend markets.
Gifts that ship easily
If you’re sending a gift outside Toronto, look for flat or unbreakable items: prints, textiles, jewellery, soaps, coffee and tea. Many Toronto makers sell online and ship across Canada; order by early December to be safe.
Toronto-made gifts: FAQ
Where can I buy gifts made in Toronto? At the One of a Kind Show, the Distillery Winter Village, craft fairs, Evergreen Brick Works and neighbourhood design shops.
What’s a good gift for someone who loves Toronto? A neighbourhood print, a TTC-themed item or a food gift from a local maker. See gifts for Toronto lovers.
Why shop local
Buying from local makers keeps money in the community, supports small businesses through their most important season and usually means a gift nobody else will give.
More: gifts for people who love Toronto · Christmas shopping in Toronto
