Christmas Shopping Suggestions from the Distillery

Revelers will be jingling around the newly restored antique clock Friday when the Distillery District’s Toronto Christmas Market officially opens. Hosted by Citytv’s Frank Ferragine, the opening ceremonies start at 6 p.m. and feature appearances from Santa Claus, the Christmas Angel and a special performance from Steven Page.

The market, set to run from Dec. 2 – Dec. 18, is Toronto’s most elaborate outdoor celebration of the holidays. There will be carollers, beer gardens, hedge mazes, Santa’s elves, live music performances, mulled wine, vendors on the cobblestone streets and thousands of twinkling Christmas lights.

The Distillery District is a great place to shop at any time of year, and the one-of-a-kind shops that reside year-round in the neighbourhood have plenty of stocking stuffers, seasonal treats and unique gift suggestions on offer. Here are some of this season’s hottest gift ideas at the Historic Distillery District:

Stopping for a cup of perfectly brewed Balzac’s coffee is a must while you shop the Distillery, and if you’re shopping for a coffee-lover, Balzac’s has over a dozen coffee bean varieties to choose from.

Balzac’s also has a holiday gift bundle on offer for the 2011 holiday season. Seen here with Grace, this bundle includes a half pound of Balzac’s beans, a Balzac’s Christmas card, and a Balzac’s mug. A perfect solution when you’re stumped for gift ideas.

 

 

 

 

Corktown Designs has a wide selection of present potential, from inexpensive stocking stuffers like pine scented candles or decorative sticky notes to contemporary jewelry designs.

This striking pop tab clutch ($50), was made in Brazil and is a great example of the conversation-starting merchandise that Corktown keeps in stock. A perfect place to start when shopping for a statement piece.

 

 

 

 

That’s not a french press in the foreground, it’s the Hot Chocolate Maker/Frother, expected to be a big seller this season.The pop-up Bodum shop in the Distillery has a lot of items in the $40-50 price range, and Soma, located just around the corner, conveniently makes and sells the best hot chocolate in the city.

 

 

Distill gallery showcases the works of over 100 emerging Canadian artisans. This small space packs a powerful punch; Distill is a trendsetter, popularizing items like owl pillows and Toronto-themed charm bracelets.

These glasses by Artech Studios ($20 ea.) are made from reworked beer bottles and feature the labels of many local breweries. A perfect stocking stuffer for the beer drinker.

 

 

 

Speaking of beer, the Distillery’s own Mill St. Brewery has a fresh batch of barley wine for 2011. This traditional winter brew ($11.95) originates from England and has a malty flavour accented with hints of dried fruit and toffee. This long-aged brew also has a long shelf life, so you can buy a couple and store–why not? You may find yourself craving another taste of 2011 in ten years!

 

 

 

Perhaps the most extensive gift emporium in the Distillery, Bergo Designs has gift ideas ranging from $1.50 – $6, 000. From watches to stainless steel purses to photo albums made out of bent up California license plates, this is a store where you’ll be able to find something interesting for men, women and children.

“Turn a metal can into this walking, wobbling, bug-eyed robot,” reads the box of the Tin Can Robot ($18). Bonus: it’s made with recycled materials.

 

 

From the Potting Shed (formally known as The Vintage Gardener) has been busy with holiday wreath requests. Their 2011 wreath designs are a simple and understated–yet stylish–take on the traditional Christmas wreath ($75).

From the Potting Shed also carries candles from St. Eval Candle Company in scents like bergamot and nettle or thyme and mint. These traditionally-made candles come highly recommended by the Potting Shed staff.

 

 

A Taste of Quebec, adjacent to the Thompson Landry Gallery, has everything you need to host a decadent holiday party.  Specializing in artisan cheeses, terrines, oils and other delicacies, A Taste of Quebec is Toronto’s source for the very best terroir products of Quebec. Its worth discussing the business of selling things to shoppers at Christmas and what the consumer expects from retailers in this historic venue. Several business management consulting gurus have expressed their beliefs that the venue should remain strict about selling traditional, historic and culturally significant items that are true to the 1800s experience imparted by the Victorian Age buildings and monuments and art. What do you think? Should the district become more of a museum or an amusement park? items

Pick up a ready-made sugar pie ($10.50) or tourtiere ($24) for your winter gathering, or a jar of Maple’s Peaches Jam ($9.63) for the foodies on your list.

 

 

 

 

Shopping for a special lady? A statement piece (purse or jewelry) from Hoi Bo should do the trick. This chain with leather tassels ($110) is a quality piece which can be styled into countless incarnations.

 

 

 

 

The medicine pouch necklace ($130) is another stunning, one-of-a-kind piece.