Hoame: (430 Adelaide Street West) This beautiful and modern meditation space offers classes in light and dark rooms. Take in a guided Sleep meditation session together, enjoy the salt cave, and relax in the judge free zone. Special workshops also available including learning about Crystals. On May 21 & 29 Hoame offers an intimate and unique sound bath session in the salt cave with The Only Alexandria.

Toronto Botanical Gardens: (777 Lawrence Street East). Treat mom to the pop-up indoor/outdoor plant cafe. Boxed lunch by the Food Dudes, guided tour of the gardens. Mom will get a plant gift and scarf too. Tickets in advance.

ROMWalk: Sacred Stones and Steeples: May 12, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Meet at northeast corner of Church & King Streets. While exploring the landmark religious buildings along Church and Bond Streets, including the recently restored St. Michael’s Cathedral, learn about the role of the church in the social development of the city and Upper Canada. No registration required. Walking tour is free.

INLAND Pop-Up Canadian Designer Market: (134 Peter Street) May 3 & 4. Stylish and contemporary moms will want to check out  this pop-up market that features 70 all-Canadian emerging and established contemporary talent. Designers in jewellery, handbags, shoes, swimwear, clothing, and intimate apparel. You’ll find designers including Hilary MacMillan, Azure Lazuli, Erin Marcus, Bano eeMee, Kate Austin, Andrew Coimbra, Develyn van Loon, Anne Dahl, and more. Most of the designers will be there and happy to chat.

Come From Away: Elgin Theatre. If mom hasn’t seen this heartwarming musical yet, get on it! Inspired by the true stories of thousands of travellers who found themselves grounded in Gander, Newfoundland while the world witness the tragedy of 9/11.  Come From Away reminds us to have faith in humanity. Kindness will never be forgotten. Other worthy musicals in town this month with Mirvish Productions include Beautiful The Carol King Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, Return to Grace, The Sound of Music, and Next to Normal.

Kensington Market Food Tour with Chopsticks + Forks: Various dates. This neighbourhood is a treasure trove for food lovers. Discover authentic food stores, restaurants, and cafes from around the globe. The delicious 2-hour guided tour by locals offer up morsels of interesting facts about the history in the area.

Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta Making at Depanneur: (1033 College Street) May 20. This intensive pasta making class led by Nicole di Nardo focuses on the traditional Italian pastas: orecchiette, egg noodle fettuccine, and stuffed ravioli.The class includes a lovely lunch of the pasta made in class, as well as recipes and extra pasta to take home at the end of the day.

Urban Capers Scavenger Hunts: Various dates and locations across the city. Explore areas of the city in a fun scavenger hunt game organized by this incredible team of locals, historians, and educators. Team up with family and friends to find all the clues and answers to fact-based riddles as you discover some of the city’s most hidden secrets. Scavenger hunts are available indoors and outdoors with themes like The Great Whisky Heist at the Distillery District, Secrets of St. Lawrence, Murder at the ROM, Intrigue at the AGO and more.

Junior International Children’s Festival at Harbourfront: May 18 to 24. Harbourfront Centre. Great for families with younger kids. This second annual festival offers arts and culture packed with contemporary stage performances. The long weekend includes hands-on activities circus acts, story telling and more.

Naked Cake Decoration with Fresh Florals at Le Dolci: (12 Sousa Mendes Street). It’s not THAT kind of naked cake decorating class. It’s Mother’s Day after all! Le Dolci’s highly popular “Naked Cake” class is all about creating the “perfect disaster” – beauty is more than surface as you learn to create layers of goodness.

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ANNIE THE MUSICAL

A favourite for families returns to Toronto and brings Lesley Nicol (aka Mrs. Patmore from Downton Abbey!) as Miss Hannigan in this production at the Ed Mirvish Theatre (until June 3). Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, young  Annie goes from a life of hardship in the orphanage to a life beyond her dreams. But Miss Hannigan has other plans and tries to spoil Annie’s quest for a good home. Lots of familiar songs including It’s The Hard-Knock Life and Tomorrow. Great for all ages.

Toronto collection by ANU RAINA

When this fashion and accessories designer arrived in Canada in 2004, she was inspired by the first fall season in the city. The colours splashed across the city and she fell in love. This award-winning textile designer has created several designs that celebrate Toronto’s skyline and cityscapes.  Artful silk scarfs will be cherished for years to come. You’ll be able to find Anu Raina’s goods online at her site as well as at the upcoming INLAND Canadian designer pop up weekend (April 27 & 28) with over 70 designers.

JONAH JAY Asher Tee

For the everyday running around town kinda mom who likes to turn heads and have everyone saying “oooh I love your shirt,” we’ve spotted this amazing black vegan leather tee that’s no fuss. Made with 100% Polyurethane makes it a great vegan option that pairs well with her ripped jeans and joggers.  Designer Jilian Naiberg built her career in the fashion industries in Toronto and New York and the Jonah Jay collection of modern and affordable faux leather pieces is a reflection of her style and experience…with a little attitude. We also are crushing hard on the Chase Top with a three quarter bell sleeve. Swoon!

RAISING THE BAR Necklace by Mel Spivak in support of Dress For Success

“The necklace incorporates a graduation of stones from the bottom edge of one end to the top of the other, mirroring the concept of raising the bar to success. I wanted to be able to pay it forward and show other women that it takes commitment, dedication and hard work and that it does pay off.” Available in both sterling silver and gold plated with cubic zirconia, the design is inspired by women climbing the social and corporate ladder of success, and helping to raise the women up to reach their own goals. 30% of the sale from each necklace sold goes directly to Dress For Success Toronto.  $100 available here. 

HANDLED CONCIERGE

What mom wouldn’t love a stylist to come in and clean up her closet? Toronto-based company Handled Concierge works magic from purging right through to shopping. They sift through the current wardrobe and edits thoughtfully and thoroughly along side their clients to determine what’s worth keeping and what could go out to the second hand store. They’re also known for showing clients how to best use what they have to freshen their looks. They’ll also help shop for new pieces within budgets and styles.

EARTH LUXE

Earth Luxe is a Toronto based health and wellness line with products made for the body and home. They draw inspiration from nature using ingredients that impart healing, tranquility, and transformation. Great for the health conscious mom and family. There are lovely handmade soaps and bath bombs as well as essential diffusing oils. But we’ve got our eyes on the salt crystals.If Mom is getting into the whole energy crystal thing – these high quality therapeutic Himalayan Salt Crystals  offer overall well-being and home air purification. The heat from the lamp attracts water vapours from the air that hold allergens and toxins. The lamp then releases clean water vapours back into the air while imparting calming and wellness benefits. Noted for helping to increased relaxation, fewer headaches, improved concentration, improve sleep and more.

The Mama’s Farmboy from Tonic Blooms

The Mama’s farm-style bouquet featuring pastel ranunculus, roses and tulips. Each bouquet is one-of-a-kind (just like ma!) and wrapped in their signature denim cloth. Bouquets can be ordered online and delivered to Mom on May 13 within the GTA in as little as two hours. There will also be a pick up point downtown if you need to grab some on your way to brunch.

NIU BODY

Founded in spring of 2017, this natural/organic skin care line is made right here in Toronto. They’re also 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They source the finest ingredients from around the globe and believe that skin care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.We think Mom would love a pampering #SelfCareSunday gift box complete with Soothe Pink Clay Mask, Coconut Sugar Lip Polish, and Normal Skin Cleansing Oil or the Bestsellers Set. Lots to choose from.

LoLuMi One of a Kind Origami Star Pillow

This Toronto based artisan creates on of a kind Origami Star shaped pillows. Each one is made from reclaimed and vintage fabrics sourced locally and responsibly right in the city. The designs are fabrics make each one truly unique. Found on ETSY. Also check site for a dedicated local artisan items that offer free shipping across Canada.

12 Month Brika Subscription Gift Box

There’s something about receiving a surprise box each month that makes me smile. BRIKA’s subscription box features some of the most beautiful times from their Maker Community. BRIKA is known for their shop filled with beautiful objects by lesser-known artisans and designers with a strong focus on nurturing hundreds of women-owned businesses. Fill out a questionnaire and they’ll hand select the box each month. Your message will be beautifully hand-written and included in each box that will contain 1 to 3 items each month. $31 per month.

CHUDLEIGH’S APPLE CRUMBLE BLOSSOM GIFT BOX

We feel nostalgic with this gift box of Chudleigh’s famous Apple Crumble Blossoms! The much loved apple orchard has been loved by many generations and for Mother’s Day, this family run farm and bakery is offering deliveries to moms across the GTA. The made-from scratch apple blossoms gift box includes 10 fully-baked Crumble Crunch Apple Blossoms with freshly peeled Northern Spy apples baked in a flaky hand-folded pastry. All presented in a wooden Chudleigh’s gift box. $35

TORONTO NEIGHBOURHOOD HONEY

There are a growing number of local small batch honey producers within the city. We’ve sourced this Toronto Neighbourhood Honey Tasting Box by ALVEOLE that includes different flavour subjects reflecting the flora found in various communities. Includes honey from Leslieville, Rosedale, Downton and the Junction. Available through the One of a Kind Online Shop.

MODAKO TECH ACCESSORIES

This stylish line of  tech accessories created by Ryerson School of Fashion graduate, Kelly Lee, uses premium materials for her goods. Her meticulously hand crafted covers and protective cases for tablets and laptops have been featured in top fashion & style publications here and around the world including Globe & Mail, Toronto Life, Monocle, Glamour (France), and Woman (Norway).

Gardiner Museum Family Sundays

Moms and kids can join in on a Sunday workshop for clay making or tile painting to take home. Each week hosts a different theme. No registration is required and kids under the age of 12 are admitted free accompanied with an adult (general admission).  Check site for upcoming details. Bring a box, bag or tray to take your creation home. Mother’s Day gift and art afternoon all in one!

Kusama – Infinity at TIFF Bell Lightbox

Art lovers can bring their moms to a screening of Kusama – Infinity. The documentary explores contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s journey from her conservative upbringing in Japan to where she is today. You already have heard about the frenzy getting tickets to any of her exhibitions worldwide. This will explain why she’s one of the most loved living artists of our time. Several screening times happening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox over Mother’s Day Weekend. If you can add brunch to it, check out the AGO Bistro’s Kusama inspired menu.

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NUIT: Designer Anastasia Ikonnikova founded NUIT in 2012 with the thought of bringing mysticism and art into each garment. Every piece is empowering and dramatic. Confident but stealth. Each collection is made to order in limited quantities.

BUCKSON SLACKS: look beyond the average chinos and invest in long lasting durable organic cotton pants from this Canadian brand. Comfortable with 2 % elastane for stretch. Various styles from slim to classic. The quality of the fabric is durable and great  for city and country folks. (we heard some styles will be selling at 50% off at INLAND)

ZORAN DOBRIC: this designer’s work has been spotted in countless fashion magazines around the world. His edgy designs incorporate textiles that use digital print as well as traditional techniques like screen printing, batik, and block printing.

DOLOROUS: Founded in 2010, designer Danielle Singer wanted to create effortless pieces that can be worn everyday. Pieces are inspired by historical sign elements with a modern touch. Pieces are often versatile and some are even convertible to offer different looks. Pieces are all created by hand in the designer’s production studio in downtown Toronto.

RACHEL SIN: Her designs are never boring yet not so out there that would make you uncomfortable. Her attention to details is what makes her designs turn heads. Modern, feminine yet strong in character her pieces transition effortlessly from day to night.

ANDREW COIMBRA: look out for this special collaboration wth Opelle. This “Kanye”/Roses backpack is functional with fun embroidered roses that is high on my wish list. The Toronto designer has experience working with some of the top names in fashion including Pink Tartan, Philip Sparks and Provenza Schouler.

ODEYALO:  Two friends Marie-Eve Proulx and Yana Gorbulsky are the team behind this line of luxuriously soft coziness. “Odeyalo” actually means blanket in Russian. Pieces are all locally-made. Perfect for easing into the weekend and heading out to the yoga classes…time to ditch those plain black stretchy leggings.

ANASTASSIA SEL: each jewellery piece she designs first takes form as a wearable expression in this artist’s mind then handcrafted in Canada using precious and semi-precious materials. Her design philosophy is that each piece be made from scratch and has an individual story much like each of us.

KLERA: Located in the Ryerson Fashion Zone. The line is progressive street style. Adaptive elements that have continuous momentum and always moving and coexisting. The line is for the urban flow.

PEDRAM KARIMI: beyond  the trends and beyond the average is this designer’s vision of non-gender specific pieces. Stunning art forms for everyday that both men and women can wear. His collection is done in neutral tones and made with eco-friendly materials for truly well thought out collection that seems cutting edge yet timeless.

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