Only nine days left till Valentine’s Day… and you can’t exactly buy HIM chocolates. Here are some gift ideas from local stores, or items locally made in Toronto.
Kitts
I was sent a pair of Kitts underwear, which are made right here in Toronto. They are made of sustainable (and super soft) bamboo and modal fibre and have a comfortable no-itch elastic. For every pair sold, Kitts will donate a pair of underwear to charity. I love the idea of one for one companies, but this company stands out because they are filling a need, as used underwear cannot be donated. I also love that they are not made overseas, so you are also supporting local industry, yet still at an affordable price tag of under $30. They carry both women’s and men’s styles, but for Valentine’s Day, the red and white striped Hugo style are a cute way to spice up his underwear drawer.
Vintage bar ware
Whether he’s a whiskey drinker or martini man… give him a unique piece to add to his bar collection with a vintage piece of barware from Queen West’s BYOB Cocktail Emporium. They carry a wide array of bar tools, as well as one-of-a-kind glassware and quirky Tiki-themed pieces. If he likes beer, they also have Beer Making Kits to get his creative juices flowing!
Brocelets
If your man is into fashion, Brocelets is a unique gift that is made in Toronto by bros, for bros. The designs feature semi-precious stone beads, silver and gold plated charms that will perfectly adorn his watch and compete with your #armparty game. Men’s jewelry is a growing trend, and these simple pieces are like cooler versions of classic Buddha beads. Prices range from $70 to $120, and a ladies’ line is in the works too.
Killigrew
Every man likes a cozy tee, and the organic line at Killigrew (based in Toronto) is made of 100 per cent Organic Peruvian Pima cotton. The company was founded by mother-son duo Mitchell and Cleo Darragh who wanted to create a line that paid attention to detail. All their items are made in Peru, and each piece is constructed well and on-trend. For the ideal balance between “old man sweater” and cozy basic, the Sam cardigan is made of baby alpaca wool, making it the perfect boyfriend sweater you might end up stealing from him in the end…
For the Home
Spruce up his pad with a YYZ pillow by Toronto designer, Nicole Tarasick or deck his walls out in a Type Map of his neighbourhood created by Toronto based illustrator, Dave Murray.