Wolfgang Tillmans: To Look Without Fear at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Tillmans was recently named by Time Magazine as one of the top 100 Most Influential of 2023 and his retrospective exhibition is an incredible collection of his photography and visual works. His images inspires connections and explores conversation on social issues on a personal and global scale. Hot on the heels of his spectacular exhibition at MoMA this is a must see for all ages. Be sure to also catch his visual album in Jackman Hall while you’re there.

IN BLOOM: Florals and Footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum: floral motifs have influenced fashion and design for centuries. Countries globally have incorporated blooms in various ways from textiles and in design. The language of florals and the interpretations is what makes this exhibition seriously fascinating. It also examines how nature plays a part over the history of the shoe including the materials. Beautifully displayed shoes along side descriptions takes visitors on a journey in a fresh appreciation for footwear over the centuries. Here you’ll find stunning historical pieces and more recent Nike and Christian Louboutin.

FILMS IN TORONTO:  TIFF Bell Lightbox: Catching a movie anytime with a bag of fresh popcorn is a great escape but if you’re a fan of discovering unforgettable and real gems then be sure to see what’s playing at TIFF Bell Lightbox. There is always something conversation worthy to see. Keep an eye out this May for Canadian Screen Award winners including Riceboy Sleeps and Brother.  Hot Docs Film Festival is also coming up quickly with an incredible line up of documentaries worth seeing including COVEN about three millennial women who identify as witches. We’ve interviewed one that also calls Toronto home. Her fascinating story leads her to learning about her ancestral ties to the Salem Witch Trials. Interview can be found here. 

Stranger Things Experience: For fans of the Netflix smash-hit series of the same name comes this fully immersive experience. Here you’ve agreed to be part of Hawkins Sleep Study Lab where you will undergo a series of tests. Superpowers will emerge as you come across different challenges. What it feels like to be in the Upside Down? It’s unforgettable. But don’t worry, once you get through to the other side, the “Mixtape” space will make you forget all about the demogorgons and enjoy everything 80s style. The experience takes place in the Port Lands area in a production studio space. Book in advance.

The Office Experience: (Yorkdale Shopping Centre)The mall may be a go-to rainy day activity and if you head to Yorkdale Shopping Centre and a fan of the hit television series The Office, then save an hour or two to explore this very creative experience. There are plenty of photo opportunities in the offices of Dunder Mifflin  from Pam’s reception desk to Michael’s office to the wedding chapel. You can make your confessions in the conference room and even have a disco party. If a phone rings, be sure to answer it! The “warehouse” is loaded with amazing gift items.

Disney Animation Immersive Experience: (One Yonge Street) Disney fans, young and old, will appreciate this massive experience that takes visitors behind the scenes with Disney’s most beloved animated movies of all time. Learn about the process from concept to artists to digital in making a film. Try your hand at drawing your favourite character. Then walk into the warehouse space where an incredible 360 degree projection offers a larger than life view of the all time favourite Disney animated films.

Theatre in Toronto: Various. There are many great theatre happens in our city and you can often grab last minute day-of tickets (also check sites for lotteries for special priced tickets including blockbusters Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). But there are other productions that also are worthy of your time this Spring. Check out Crow’s Theatre, The Factory Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, and the Tarragon Theatre to see what’s playing now. Three worth noting…

• Clif Cardinal’s The Land Acknowledgement or As You Like It: (CAA Theatre) due to popular demand, this thought provoking play returns May 4 to 7 and is a must-see. Indigenous actor Clif Cardinal gives us way more than any audience expects as he begins his play with The Land Acknowledgement.
• A Number: St. Anne’s Parish Performance Hall. Caryl Churchill’s play “A Number” is a fascinating investigation into cloning, humanity and father son relationships. This one-hour production by Toronto-based “That Theatre Company” will provoke audience members and inspire thoughtful conversations around science, privacy and the lengths we go to protect our loved ones. On stage until May 7. More info here. 
• A Chinese Lady: Crow’s Theatre. Afong Moy is 14 years old when she is brought to the United States from Guangzhou Province in 1834. Purportedly the first Chinese woman to set foot on U.S. soil, she has been put on display for the American public as “The Chinese Lady.”Alternatingly dark, poetic, and whimsical, the play is a searing portrait of Western culture seen through the eyes of a young Chinese woman. On stage May 2 to 21.

StretchLab Toronto: (410 Adelaide Street West) A rainy day is great for taking care your yourself. You can go for a massage but have you tried a professional stretch? Recently opened StretchLab has professionally trained experts give you the best body stretch EVER. First time visitors are assessed for balance, posture and more. Then, with a consultation the staff will give you a customized stretch to help you feel more flexible, recharged, and ready to face the world!

Rumble Boxing Studio: (1235 Bay Street) Looking to blow off some pent up energy? This new boxing studio offers personal training as well as boxing classes — thinks fight club meets night club. But it’s no-contact here. You’ll just take everything out on a heavy bag in a dark room with “motivators” that will give you an energized hour of power. Not only makes you sweat you’ll also have fun doing so. Read our review here.

KANDL Artistique: (88 Avenue Road) if you’re looking for something beautiful and creative to do, KANDL offers guided make your own scented candle workshops. Professionally trained candle makers walk you through a sensorial experience exploring various fragrance notes and how to layer the essential oils. You also get to name your creation and take home your signature scented candle. Call ahead for space availability.

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One of the biggest “one stop shopping” events of the season is the One of the Kind Show (November 25 to December 5). Something for everyone on your list. While this show maybe a bit smaller (400 makers will be there) than in past years, we’re pretty sure you won’t leave empty handed. We’ve already put this trash panda shirt by CryWolf on our list.

We’ve honed our at-home chef skills over the past couple of years and learning that having the right tools available makes a big difference. We’ve explored KILNE, a Canadian company that offers award-winning professional chef grade and quality knives (and other kitchen wares soon to come) worthy of any cook on your holiday list. A 3-piece set has essentials is a great gift and comes with a minimalist Acadia wood magnetic wall mount – great for smaller kitchen with limited space. For the foodies on your list, the 6 piece steak knife set will impress. The knives come with wooden knife blocks to help protect sharp edges from getting dull.

If cozy is your jam check out Canadian founded and size-inclusive company KNIX for their latest super soft “meant to live in” limited edition collaboration with Anna Sui — bringing the designer’s iconic and whimsical prints to Knix’s innovative and comfortable pieces made for everyone. Also recently launched yet another collaboration with  Bird’s Papaya. We love this brand also for their Life After Birth project that supports community and people navigating their post partum journeys.

For the book lover on your list, Scotiabank Giller Prize winners have recently been announced. This list is one we’ve never been disappointed with. Omar El Akkad has been named the winner of the 2021 Scotiabank Giller Prize for his novel, What Strange Paradise. Finalists include Angélique Lalonde for her story collection Glorious Frazzled Beings, published by House of Anansi. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia for her novel The Son of The House, published by Dundurn Press. Jordan Tannahill for his novel The Listeners, published by HarperCollins Canada. Miriam Toews for her novel Fight Night, published by Knopf Canada, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada.

There’s a lot to be said about a guy who takes good care of himself. That level of attention deserves to be noticed. Sure there are wonderful shaving products but what caught our attention is this made in Canada and all natural deluxe box full of new found favourites by GROOM. This Montreal based company creates and manufactures their signature products in house.  The kit includes 9 luxe products that cater to the men in our lives.

Light up the night with a stunning set of limited edition candles with this holiday with this  collaboration between KANDL and Toronto-based artist Monica Smiley. Peace, Love and Glow make for perfect gifts. The artist created unique artwork for the scent vessels inspired by Kandl boutique’s surrounding Yorkville neighbourhood.

Guys looking to freshen up their athleisure wear should check out Harry Rosen and Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and President and Giants of Africa Founder Masai Ujiri  Humanity Capsule Collection 2.0. Building on the #ThatsHumanity movement that Ujiri launched in 2020, the new 10-piece athleisure curation is inspired by values of diversity, inclusion and community partnership. A key component of the 2021 Humanity capsule project will be a donation to community partner Water First Education & Training Inc. Founded in 2009 to bring drinking water resources to rural schools in Uganda, Water First began working in Canada in 2012. The Water First Internship Program supports young Indigenous interns to become certified water treatment plant operators within 15 months—with 90% of the pilot Internship graduates employed or pursuing further education within weeks of completion. The 2.0 capsule collaboration is between business leader and philanthropist Masai Ujiri and celebrated Canadian luxury designer Patrick Assaraf, in partnership with Canada’s premier menswear retailer Harry Rosen.

Puzzle Lab and Toronto Artist Benny Bing: Victoria-based wooden puzzle company Puzzle Lab has collaborated with Toronto-based of Nigerian descent contemporary artist, Benny Bing to bring his art to life with  limited edition puzzles. “Nkatha” from his BLOOM series explores beauty and blackness, celebrates the power of the black female for and reinforces ideas about individuality and self love. Bing’s work has been shown at Art Basel Miami and his pieces are in the private collections including The Weeknd, David Chappelle, and Milos Raonic. Two more puzzles will soon be released. Each puzzle is made up of 300 uniquely shaped 5-ply baltic birch pieces created in-house. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go to support Artscape.

Bathorium’s  Let it Soak Crush Soaks are limited-edition custom blends for the holiday season. Ingredients are ethically sourced and use certified organic extracts. Products are of any harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, colourants, phthalates and parabens.  and made right here in Canada. This small Canadian company is on a mission to bring back the bath! Ideal for the person on your list who needs a little ‘me time’.

If you have a newborn or a mom on your list, consider local retailer Poppy Collection that carries a few Canadian labels including Tara Rivas and a fresh new line of bathrobes this holiday season. They also carry LOLO (Montreal) line of soothing bath line for parents, kids, and babies. Great for delicate and sensitive skin.

For someone on your list who’s maybe just moved to their own condo space or has a few empty wall spaces to fill, Toronto-based graphic designer Carolyn Graziani has a whimsical take on the city’s favourite neighbourhoods (Kensington Market, Roncy, The Junction, The Danforth, East York, The Bluffs, Distillery, and sooooo many more!)  with her line of affordable prints. Available unframed or framed. Several sizes available. localesdesign.com

We all have the dreamers on our list and we’ve discovered cloud photographer Eli Bajet recently who’s singular focus on clouds in the skies gives us pure joy. While each image is of a  moment in time, each of her works offers thoughts of movement and fluidity while providing focus and calm.

Joe Mimram is known as one of Canada’s leading designers. You may recognize his name from the launch of such brands as Club Monaco with fashion designer Alfred Sung. Mimram has recently been designing lifestyle items under the label GRY MATTR (found at Staples Canada). Thoughtful and smart touches for everyday essentials but this Backpack caught our attention with its internal organizer, RFID pockets, anti-theft zipper puller and external USB port. Ideal for the urban worker bee, weekend escape artist, student marathoner, and cool parents.

Cheery and happy objects win our hearts especially during the cold long winters here. We love these sweet Mini Orange and Heart Vases by DA Ceramics (Drake General Store). The vases are wheel-thrown with stoneware clay and glazed with minimalist art throughout. Made by hand.

Triumph. Sorrow. Hope? Storm Crow Manor D2021 Commemorative Die commemorates the world that is what it is… so far. What we’ve experienced from crypto drama and social media storms are immortalized this holiday season for your favourite nerd on our list (and we say that affectionately). Comes in a calming blue dice bag, a MadLibs style fill in the blank apocalypse game to play. Price $20.21

Hockey is life! An unforgettable gift is this comparative Team Canada Lacer Hoodie circa 1961. This super cozy sweater features cut and sew panels of ivory, red, and blue, and features the 1961 Team Canada logo. It’s the perfect sweater for game time, skate time, or any time! We spotted this one at The Sports Gallery (Distillery District)

CHARITABLE DRIVEN GIFT IDEAS…

mini mioche recently launched a limited edition family collection in support of Project HALO for SickKids. 50% of proceeds from the ethically made, sustainable, and gender-neutral made Kind Human Club collection will be donated.  the collection was created to spread kindness and support for Alana Kayfetz, founder of The Mom HALO, who after spending the majority of her young son’s life at SickKids, had a vision to raise $1 million to create spaces at the hospital designed for parents and caregivers, where they can go to connect and to process the heavy emotions of their reality caring for a sick child.

For the bookworms in your life RippleFoundation.ca offers up minimalistic art printed tees, organic totes and wall prints. Each piece has been crafted to inspire avid readers and aspiring authors of all ages. Each item in the new collection are invested back into Ripple Foundation’s free national creative literacy programs for kids across Canada.

Another meaningful charitable gift idea this season is Kindness Only. The non-profit charity started during the pandemic my Toronto-based mom who wanted to raise the awareness of the importance of reporting child abuse. Funds from the line of t-shirts and hoodies will go directly to our city’s organizations including BOOST that work on the ground to help victims.

AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE PETS!

Nothing says Canadian, eh? more than this Arborist Dog Onesie spotted at the Drake General Store. Poutine, maple syrup, shovel, bagels, Canadian Tuxedo, hockey sticks and more iconic illustrations are found on this soft waffle fabric material. Back leg holes make everything stay put (yes, matching human PJs are available too!). Shopping local made easy – available online too!

Photos in pyjamas on Christmas morning a tradition but your puppers is not keen on a full outfit?? No worries!  Quebec based Petit Lem has something for the entire family. We adore the matching pet bandana to the festive collection!

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Stay cozy! We’ve swapped out our shapewear (thank goodness) for something softer and warmer. Canadian brand Knix has recently launched the Knix Cozzzy Collection, a line of loungewear that includes essential pieces – cardigan, crew top, track pants, scarf, blanket and beanie. Think of the collection as one big hug.

Take up a new hobby! Many of us have discovered the bread baker in us particularly in the first few months of staying home. Take it to the next level and maybe try something new? Anything that will give you a break from your zoom calls. Knitting has returned and we’ve discovered kits for all levels from We Are Knitters. But we’re also eyeing their new Weaving Kits to bring some soothing colours and textures to our space. Each kit comes with everything you need for your DIY project. Kits and projects on their site aren’t just for beginners, there are more advanced patterns on the site as well. Need help? They also have online tutorials.

Affirmations. We could all use them to help remind us that we are worthy. LovePoweredCo.com offers beautiful box sets of reminder cards and prints for all ages. Toronto-based Anna Lozano and Lindy Sood are friends and mompreneurs on a mission to spread love and teach mindfulness. They practice positive I AM affirmations daily and have a steady following of over 54K on Instagram. Based in Ontario.

Scents can change the mood in any room and candles are subtle deliverers of lasting memories. We adore KANDL Artistique, an internationally respected company that’s based here in Ontario, as they’ve created some of the world’s most gorgeous scents. During the holidays, the company releases a stunning rich blue glass vessel (custom made and only available during the season) with fan favourite signature scent. Suided Oud is best described as an alluring suede that intertwines with exotic patchouli and opulent oud. This rich smokey fragrance is full of mystery and available for the holiday season. They also have guided create your own candle scent lab workshops at their Yorkville location. You can read more about the experience here.

Self-care isn’t just about crystals and bubbles. We have to take care of the necessities as well. Since who knows when we can return to routine check-ups without hesitation, we have adjusted even our everyday needs. Oral B iO Power Toothbrush offers an impressive professional clean feel that even your dental hygenist will be impressed with. It’s also smart. With AI technology built right in you’ll have guidance for better oral care everytime you brush.

Stress levels have had us running for the hills this entire year and if you’re interested in not only dealing with stress but also learning and managing then take a look at the new Fitbit SENSE. This latest entry to the Fitbit line up is the most advanced to date. Some remarkable features including the on-wrist Electrodermal Activity (EDA) scan that can help you better understand how your body reacts to stress. Working through various programs within the accompanying app can help reduce your body’s reactivity. It’s pretty fascinating. And yes, you can still take up the weekly hustle challenges with your friends.

Has anyone else adjusted their sleep habits over the past year? Aside from getting in more hours (hey, we’ve got nowhere to go anyway) we taking care of ourselves in more ways than we realize. Cilque is a line made of mulberry silk charmeuse that’s amazing for your skin and hair. Pillow cases and other products are hypoallergenic, non-toxic and won’t cause morning bed-head. The fabric also naturally adjusts itself to the seasons — cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But seriously, they feel great on your skin.

Comfort foods are serious cravings these days and we’re exploring more recipes and more kitchen gadgets. But we may not necessarily have the space for so many cool cooking vessels. Over the past few months I’ve swapped out a few small appliances for one Ninja Kitchen Foodi – we are still in shock over how one machine can take the place of my slow cooker, pressure cooker, air crisper, dehydrator. While you’re exploring the goodness of foods you may want to add a new cookbook. The Primal Gourmet by Ontario based food writer Ronny Joseph Lvovski takes a delicious and friendly approach to Whole30, Paleo, Keto better for you recipes.

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