It’s beginning to look a lot like Chic-mas! These buys for him and her are the gifts that keep on giving back.
Bijoux & Baubles
Toronto jewellery designer Michelle Ross followed her graduation from the London College of Fashion with a stint working for Montreal born, London-based design star Erdem, the coveted label adored by fashion-savvy celebs before coming back to Canada to start her own collection. With “globally inspired, locally made, handcrafted contemporary jewellery” as her studio’s tagline, Ross creates unique pieces from a chic assortment of semi-precious stones, metals, glass, ceramics and vintage bibelots. It’s modern design with a nostalgic flair, and pieces like the Sandia Tiger’s Eye necklace are available online and at shops around Toronto. From $90, mnross.com
The Chunky Knit
Every woman you know wants this cozy, reverse-seam turtleneck by Canadian label Smythe, which was “reissued by popular demand.” Hand-knit in Bolivia by Indigenous artisans using local yarns (60 percent Alpaca, 30 percent Merino wool, with 10 percent Polyamide to retain its shape). A collaboration that “preserves craft and empowers a community of women while creating sustainable design,” these ultra-cozy sweaters come in light grey, charcoal grey and oatmeal, and in sizes XS to XL. $695, shopsmythe.com
The Moto Jacket
Toronto’s Himel Brothers have been meticulously handcrafting vintage-inspired leather jackets for men and women since 2008. Included in GQ’s Fall 2025 round-up of leather Jackets that are a “jolt of badass cool,” founder David Himel, erstwhile vintage clothing dealer and collector, brings his deep knowledge of retro style and construction to every jacket. Cut from a selection of premium hides – including the brand’s signature “tough, iconic and gorgeous” Shinki Horsehide – and finished in a selection of custom tans and waxes, this is an investment piece for sure, but one that never goes out of style. The classic ‘Avro’ is featured here. From $3,000, himelbros.com
Custom Kicks
Designed to your specs and delivered in three weeks, Nike By You lets you style your own trainers. You get to choose the colours, solid and metallic, for the mesh, suede and signature swoosh, as well as the lining and labels. You can even add bespoke back tabs. How fun! A fab gift for someone you love who loves cool sneakers. Shown here is a refashion of the vintage 1977 classic, Nike LD-1000. From $160, nike.com
Thoughtful Threads
“Wear your good karma” is the motto of this Canadian brand where an all-woman staff employs female-led ateliers and artisans from Morocco, Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam and Canada. With a line of Mediterranean-inspired bags, hats and wraps and a “meaningful supply chain” focused on sustainable products and packaging, Mati’s responsible, affordable goods are OEKO-TEX 100-certified. Like their signature robe, it’s boldly emblazoned with the Mati Eye (the Greek good luck symbol the brand is named for) and handmade from organic cotton and Anatolian yarn. $150, maticompany.ca
A Showstopper Topper
Toronto designer Hilary MacMillan prides herself on paying her female team a “living wage” with annual salary increases, actively supporting women’s causes and celebrating body positivity with designs for every size. Could anything say Hello Holiday Season! more than this make-an-entrance trench (above)? Available XL to 4X, it comes with two belts, wrap and buckle — and those deep pockets every woman loves. $325, Hilary MacMillan
The Vest
Based in Victoria, B.C., Ecologyst produces a wide range of timeless, high-quality menswear (and womenswear). From coats, knits and cozy loungewear to hats and bags, it’s all made in Canada from natural, responsibly sourced wool and cotton. Tossed over sweats or sweaters, their men’s Quilted Wool Vest is a practical-yet-stylish forever piece that’s perfect for milder winter days and shoulder months. Warm, water repellent and wind-resistant with organic cotton poplin lining, it’s available in navy and moss green. $395, ecologyst.com
A Time Saver
An Austrian watchmaker focused on natural materials, Holzkern started out with a line of environmentally friendly all-wood watches crafted from walnut and maple. Branching out into stones, their sophisticated Relational chronograph in rose gold with a black marble face features quartz movement and luminescent hands for easy reading in the dark. $499, holzkern.com
An Eco-Chic Parka
Montreal fashion brand Rudsak celebrated its 30 anniversary last year. Originally noted for its leather goods and outerwear, the company’s commitment to sustainability has seen it expand into recycled linings and vegan fabrics. Fashioned from cable knit faux fur with pleather trim, the Oriana coat is designed with a jaunty drawstring waist – and a removable inner dicky with a hood for those subzero days. $699, rudsak.com
Luxe Linen
Whitney Linen, the Toronto-based brand known for its elegant, pure linen pieces for men and women, takes its style cues from the Cote D’Azur where the namesake founder spent her childhood summers. From versatile short sets, ideal for lounging at home or poolside, to linen trousers and shirts in all the right shades — they are perfect for tossing in your holiday carry-on. From $165, whitneylinen.com
The Fedora
Swap out your significant other’s run-of-the-mill toque for a fabulous fedora from Montreal’s Magill Hats. Founded in 1895 by Isidor Magill and now run by the family’s fourth generation, their hats are made by Canadian artisans. The website is a dream to use with a choice of brim widths, felt colours, styles and round or flat tops. And, for a mere $10, you can literally add a (brightly coloured) feather to your hat. From $394, Magill Hats,
