Shopping for the perfect gift for a reader? Want something unique and truly Canadian? I know I do! I love looking through holiday look books but I’ve always thought that there isn’t enough of a spotlight on Canadian gifts. Not to mention the added shipping fees and waiting of ordering in from the U.S. or elsewhere. So, I decided to make my own wish come true and put together the best gifts you can find in Toronto. These delightfully bookish gifts that will satisfy even the pickiest reader at every price range.
1. Literary teas to keep you warm
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me,” said C.S. Lewis. You can keep your cup filled with handmade loose leaf teas from First Edition Tea Co. They even have The Literary Collection which includes five packs of teas inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes, Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, and Pride and Prejudice. Each is a twist on classic black, green, and herbal tea blends based on the novel the tea is named after. $
2. Penguin swag straight from HQ
The downtown Penguin office opened a gift shop on the ground floor featuring their classics and favourites, plus their iconic swag. From tote bags to water bottles there is something for everyone featuring the titles they know and love. This is also a great place if you’re the kind of shopper who cares just as much about where you bought the gift as what you buy. Besides, who doesn’t want to swing by Penguin Canada’s office? $ – $$
3. The comprehensive Rory Gilmore reading list
Gilmore Girls is coming back next week (!!!) You can give the gift of Gilmore this year with this poster of all 339 books Stars Hollow’s favourite daughter has read. It’s made by a cute couple in Toronto — seriously, go read their bio on their Etsy shop — and if you’re worried about it arriving in time for December 25th (or maybe even November 25th) you can arrange to pick it up near St. Lawrence Market. Easier than a trip to Doose’s. $
4. A monthly book box subscription
Give a gift that keeps on coming year round! Novel Editions is a subscription box based in Toronto, so you don’t have to pay extra for international shipping. The boxes include authors from outside of Canada too, plus it comes with a few extra goodies based on the monthly theme. We I even have an exclusive coupon code for you HPL readers. Use LATTES10 to receive 10% off the December box. Better move fast! There are limited boxes and are only available for purchase until they sell out. $$
5. Become a patron of the Toronto Library
If you’re looking for a philanthropic and one-of-a-kind gift, join the New Collection, the membership group specifically for young patrons of the Toronto Public Library. Their goal is to be “a collective of ambitious, creative and civically engaged young Torontonians,” and membership includes access to a full year of exclusive events, tours, special lectures, and a discount on tickets to Hush Hush, the foundation’s annual party at the Bloor/Gladstone branch. You can purchase a membership for two to bring a friend or loved one, and they even have a monthly payment plan available if you’re cash strapped. And since it’s a donation, it’s tax-deductible! That’s what I call a win-win-win. $$$
6. Get really cozy with some reading socks
Alright, this one is technically cheating but I’ve been meaning to write this review forever! I never understood Indigo’s reading socks line until I bought some on sale to pad out an online order for free shipping. They were worth every penny. I have perpetually cold feet and normally, nothing shy of wool socks will keep them warm, but with these socks on I’ve been cozy even as the temperature drops lower and lower. They are one-size-fits-all which means they are huge on me and I’m a women’s size 8. Give them to someone who likes to spend a full day indoors reading and don’t mind their socks falling down if they go to refill their mug. $$