Snow Magic tour in the SteamPunkin
In the throes of lockdown, you might have spotted (or heard) the SteamPunkin partying past your window. The Burner-adjacent art car has teamed up with Burner-centric winter drive-thru Snow Magic at Ontario Place for an “art car” tour. This is peak Burner. In December. In Toronto. $45-$65, drivethrufunco.com
Chippewar sweatshirt
Anishinaabe artist Chippewar (aka Jay Soule) is a prolific maker of clothing and art that puts an Indigenous political spin on sci-fi and horror movie imagery. There’s a lot in his merch store but we love this Warrior From Planet 9 sweatshirt – a stylish homage to retro aliens with a blunt message. $60, chippewar.com
Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool
Lockdown, mask-wearing and other restrictions have resulted in a huge interest in outdoor activities like hiking and camping. If you’re doing either, a solid multi-tool is a must-have. This compact stainless steel version has 14 different tools, including pliers with built-in wire cutters, a screwdriver, a saw to rip through wood and a carabiner that doubles as a bottle opener. You’ll be ready for anything. $79.95, mec.ca
SOMA chocolate virtual tasting kit
This virtual tasting kit lets you explore various types of chocolate with a guide for one hour. It includes cacao beans, chocolate bars and a tasting wheel to help you identify multiple flavours. A group of five minimum is usually encouraged for the tasting. $75, somachocolate.com
Soia & Kyo mittens
Yep, we’re stretching the budget by a whole $5 – but just look at these Soia & Kyo mittens. Buttery-soft leather? Check. Plush faux fur lining in a gorgeous emerald hue? Check. Zip-top design for using your phone in the winter? Check. $105, bodyblue.ca
Thronmax USB microphone
So many of us have become amateur podcasters, streamers, gamers and YouTubers over the last year and change. Chances are your home studio could use an upgrade. This USB mic will step up your sound without breaking the bank. Plug it in and you’ll sound more professional right away. ϒ $99.99, henrys.com
Signature Strain shirt
Wear your favourite strain on your sleeve – or back – with a made-in-Canada, 100 per cent cotton shirt from Pure Sunfarms featuring original artwork by Laura Garcia. Pre-shrunk. $72 at puresunfarms.com
Sorel slippers
The lines between loungewear and streetwear have blurred drastically over the past couple years, and these Sorel slippers are proof. Aptly named the Go Coffee Run, they feature a tough exterior sole that will let your giftee dash out to grab a package or takeout in toasty, fuzzy comfort. $90, gravitypope.ca
Riedel Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot wine glass set
A good wine glass is key to properly smell and taste your wines. The right size and design makes all the difference in identifying tannins. This set consists of two wine glasses designed for young and full-bodied wines, like Bordeaux, Rioja and Tempranillo. $89.99, iqliving.com
Immersive Van Gogh gift card
For the unimmersed in your life, give the gift of immersive art with a voucher for the show that brought the trend to Toronto. $54.99-$99.99, vangoghexhibit.ca
– by Enzo DiMatteo, Ramona Leitao, Natalia Manzocco, Kevin Ritchie, Glenn Sumi and Richard Trapunski
