Our Last-Minute Gift Guide for Every Designophile in Your Life

Don’t worry, it happens. The holidays are hectic, and amidst the hustle, bustle and umpteenth time hearing Mariah Carey croon about Christmas, it’s easy to forget a gift or two. And if the heretofore forgotten recipients love design, then that’s an added problem: as much as we love Toronto’s tastemakers, shopping for them can be a challenge. What you need is a gift guide.

Fortunately, Designlines has your back. We’ve put together a gift guide featuring high-design, still-available goods with our assurance that your family, friend or loved one — whatever they’re into — will appreciate all the effort you told them that you put into finding the perfect gift for them.

For the Homebody

John Pawson teamed up with Danish textile house Tekla on a minimalist collection of patterned merino wool blankets – a low key look befitting both the architect and the brand. Our favourite: the scarlet Type 04. Available at Average.

For the Home Gourmand

The ceramic-lined, metal-edged Konro is designed for binchotan, also known as white charcoal, which burns very hot and with barely a whisper of smoke, both necessary qualities for proper yakitori. It comes in multiple sizes, but we prefer the diminutive small – perfect for display and dining alike. Available at Knife.

For the Amateur Bartender

Every bartender has a shaker, but what bartender wouldn’t love an upgrade? Crafted in polished (and durable) stainless steel, the Georg Jensen Manhattan shaker’s tiered construction recalls its namesake’s art deco architecture — perfect for inspiring prohibition-era cocktails, as well. Available at Torp.

For the Urban Commuter

Knog’s Oi Bell — as in, “Oi! Get out of the way! — is a slim, streamlined substitute for the typically bulbous bike bell. And despite its size, Oi still has an authoritative “ding!” Available in multiple colours at Urbane Cyclist.

For the Wellness Guru

Cannabis paraphernalia has, thankfully, grown up. 48North and Blok Design reinvented the common two-piece grinder, foregoing the etched pot leaves of teenage yore in favour of scalloped, solid brass and satisfying heft. Available at Tokyo Smoke 333 Yonge.

For the Green Thumb

Ideal for small plants and small spaces, Umbra’s fully adjustable hanging planter easily mounts on the wall or ceiling to save window sill space. The melamine planters are durable and are designed to hold standard 3-inch pots, making re-potting a cinch. Available at The Umbra Store.

 

For the Fan That Will Never Forget

What it do, baby? The Raptors’ victory parade was almost as memorable as Kawhi’s second-round series-winning shot. Toronto-based Larva on the Go commemorated the moment, showing the team’s core in fine, championship-winning form — perfect for the Raptor’s fan looking for a hometown touch to their merch. Available at Drake General Store.

For the Newcomer

Even for long-time residents, Toronto is big – now imagine what it’s like navigating this place for the first time. It’s not easy getting to know this city, but a subscription to Designlines will make it substantially easier. Four times year, we show readers the best showrooms to shop, restaurants to visit and designers to know. Available here.