Brown paper packages tied up with string; Frauline Maria loved them and so do I. Wrapping presents is in the top 5 on my list of fave things to do. Nothing beats a tautly wrapped box with crisply folded edges. However, before one can wrap one must shop! Though a good chunk of my shopping was completed online and was en route by mid November, I made sure to save a portion of my Xmas list for old fashion in person shopping. My millennial tendencies couldn’t help but click and buy but my nostalgic need for comfort in traditions will never disappear.

This weekend, accompanied by Shereen, I sought refuge from football on the west end streets of Toronto. Inspired by all the amazing gift ideas I came across, I decided to string together a little Queen West shopping guide featuring items from all the stores we stopped in -gifts perfect for him + her + the kid + the “i don’t know you that well” coworker exchange gift + stocking stuffers!

stop #1: Her Majesty’s Pleasure [556 King St. West]

Our first stop was for caffeine; nothing like a cappuccino to get one energized.  We decided to check out Her Majesty’s Pleasure.  Though it was not on Queen St., it was on the way.  With manis starting at $25 [and more services in the works for January], this hybrid spa + café’s open, airy, and modern decor is a place where i would definitely love to sit + sip + and be pampered.  Gifting idea #1: they do have gift cards!

stop #2: CB2 [651 Queen St. West/on the corner of Queen + Bathurst]

Nothing says Happy Holidays from a Secret Santa like a whimsical home decor piece.  CB2 has great options from plate-ware to vases to turkey votives at prices that will keep you on budget.

for him + her + the coworker: set of 6 magnetic gold frames [$22.95] | aqua aluminium sumo [$29.95] | set of 2 gold pig book ends [$34.95] | cork USB flash drive [$21.95] | 30oz Lizzy yellow teapot [$15.95] | 6oz Eddie white teacup with green saucer [$4.95] | nutcase [$7.95] | roundish mini bowls [$2.95 each] | trot turkey candle holder [$11.95] | 18″ Mason quilted blue pillow [$59.95] | ring holder [$11.95]

store #3: Jacob & Sebastian [622 Queen St. West]


I’m a fan of the gift of beauty; it encourages skin preservation and it’s 1 size fits all.  Jacob & Sebastian offers boutique brands for both the guy and gal on your shopping list.  If you’re stuck on a gift idea for the guy on your list, amongst your cleansers, soaps, and creams, they offer a selection of facial grooming products to keep either their stubble-less face in check or their burly beard or moustache quaffed.

for him: Malin+Goetz Dark Rum scented candle | Baxter of California grooming products | Rebels Refinery soap [and it’s Canadian!] | Harry’s Shaving Co. facial grooming products.
for her: a wide selection of MOR body products from lotions to scrubs to candles to lip balm pots that are perfect for stocking stuffers

stop#3: The Cure Apothecary [719 Queen St. West] 

While on my walk, a new white + bright store caught my eye.  The Cure Apothecary is a new shop on the block that carries all natural + organic body products; all items perfect for the vegan, organically inclined, or chemically conscious person on your list.

I fell involve with the FarmHouse Fresh line.  The pastel palette and farm house animals drew me in; I’m a sucker for great packaging.  All FHF products are made from 99.6% natural or naturally derived ingredients and are Paraben + Sulfate and phthalate free.

for her: FHF products starting at $16

stop #5: Frank & Oak [735 Queen St. West]

Once an online only mens’ shop and now a brick and mortar store on Queen west, Frank & Oak caters to men of all fashionable walks of life.  With options for the 9-5 business type to the self starter to the weekender, this corner store has all your guys covered.

for him: Jasper oxford in orchid [$45] | antique brass cufflinks [$45] | slim leather belt [$45] | genuine leather bi-colour card holder [$40]

stop #6: ZANE [753 Queen St. West]

Tote, clutch, satchel….silhouette not size is all you have to worry about when you accessory shop.  ZANE is your 1 stop shop for accessory gifting for him + her.  Amongst bags and SLGs, this boutique carries a selection of scarves, gloves, phone cases, sunglasses, hats, jewellery and more.
for her: Hoi Bo Paper Market tote [$60] | Paper Market clutch [$35] | Paper Market coin + card case [$19]
all Paper Market pieces are made from washable paper

stop #7: Drake General Store [1144 Queen St. West]

You can always count on the Drake General Store to keep their shelves stocked with all the things you didn’t know you needed in your life.  You will definitely find a gift for EVERYONE and will most certainly be the gift people will want to steal during whatever that gift exchange game is.

for her: landscape arctic bowl [$15] | Falconwright pink eyeballs cardholder [$36] | milk bottle pencil case [$12]
for the kid: Shared kids Canada creature tee [$28] | hamburger + fries music set [$35] | Tattly temp tattoos [$22]
for him: work week sock pack [$29] | monocle revo super connect radio [$530] | burger ornament [$12]

After a day of shopping I came home to football and a warm comforting dinner.  It was the Grey Cup and Imagine Dragons were the 1/2 time act.  I passively watched until half time and then starred with never blinking eyes for the entire Imagine Dragons set.  It’s moments like these when I love football!

For dinner Mike served up a Sunday classic: roast beef + heirloom carrots + potatoes + yorkshire pudding + mushroom gravy

I decided that the iPhone pic i snapped of the full plated dish didn’t look as appetizing as it actually was…so here are some parts of whole.

 heirloom carrots slow cooked for 5hrs @ 250º

AAA bone in prime rib | grilled + slow cooked for 5hrs @ 250º

Upon request, Mike whipped up a batch of yorkshire pudding – the perfect accessory to sop up all the extra mushroom gravy.

Imagine Dragons was great + dinner was great + my Christmas shopping is done!  This meal was the perfect holiday feel to end off my day of holiday shopping.

Happy Shopping!