Toronto themed gifts

10 Toronto themed holiday gift ideas

What do you get the Toronto-lover on your list? We've already covered wish lists for music fans and fashionistas, home cooks, boozehounds, and sweet tooths, but this one is for the local geeks who drool at the thought of TTC merch and vintage maps that still show the traces of Garrison Creek. Even if you have someone who's only passingly interested in the city on your list, the design work on display here is sure to make them happy.

Here are 10 holiday gift ideas for the Toronto lover on your list.

Toronto skyline screenprint
These skyline screenprints comes with a bit of a twist -- they're not just about iconic buildings, but also classic cocktails associated with a series of cities. For Toronto, Dublin-based design team me&him&you chose the Caesar to represent the city, which is an accurate if predictable selection. Mostly I appreciate the slick minimalist design of the print. 60 Euros.

Official TTC merch
The TTC continues to expand its official merch offerings (finally), which means the transit geek on your list might be brought to tears with vintage posters, authentic subway maps, and some spiffy as hell cuff links. Word to the wise: you can also get free stuff like cardboard streetcar cut-outs at Davisville Station.

abstract toronto map

Abstract Map of Toronto
Maps of Toronto are a dim a dozen on Etsy, but Emily Tu's abstract takes on our cartography manage to offer a novel take on the streetscape. The city is both obscure and recognizable at once -- certainly worth some attention when guests pay a visit to your place.

Spacing hand-drawn art prints
The Spacing Store is a treasure trove of Toronto-themed items. With all there is to choose from, these hand drawn city prints stick out from the rest for their artistic provenance (courtesy of Erica Brisson) and their quirky take on Toronto icons. $25 of a set of 6.

fallen toronto calendar

Fallen Toronto calendar
If post-apocalyptic imagery floats your boat, this recently released calendar will get you in the holiday shopping spirit. Featuring artists like Matthew Borrett, this set of images will remind you what life might have been like had Rob Ford been re-elected mayor of Toronto. $25 at the Spacing Store.

Books all about Toronto
From fiction set in Toronto to studies of the city's past, a little reading material is a great gift for Torontophiles. If new-ish offerings sound like the ticket, check out Jordan St. John's Lost Breweries of Toronto and Allan Levine's Toronto: Biography of a City.

lasercut map toronto

Laser cut wood maps
Hands down my favourite map of Toronto released in the last few years, this intricate lasercut take on the Toronto streetscape is as beautiful and it is reasonably priced (considering what you get). Artist Ali Harrison usually works with paper, but the lasercut process allows her to make something lasting that would well grace any Toronto-lover's wall. $180.

Vintage Toronto map reproductions
Not everyone loves modern map designs, and even fewer can afford to buy authentic vintage versions. This is an easy problem to solve. Navigate to Etsy, type "Vintage Toronto Map" into the search bar, and voila! -- you're present with a variety of options, of which the offering above is but one example. Prices range from $20 and up.

YYZ pillows

Nicole Tarasick YYZ pillows
These simple pillows from designer Nicole Tarasick will add a dose of TO to your home decor without it seemingly like your pounding your chest with pride. Subtly is the order of the day when it comes to adornments like this, and these pillows are just right. $65.

Toronto neighbourwoods coasters
If you love woodcut pieces, but aren't interested in a large map, these neighbourhood coasters might just be the ticket. Sold in a set of four ($45), they're a bit like an Ork Poster but in wooden form. Your coasters will be the envy of the neighbourhood -- better make a good Old Fashioned to do them justice.

What amazing items did I miss? Leave your ideas in the comments.

lcboThanks to the LCBO for sponsoring our 2014 Gift Guide.


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