Rave: On The Fourth Floor Holiday Gift Guide – Part 2

Last week, we made your holiday shopping easy with our festive gift guide. Today, we’re about to make it even easier, with a second edition of the best gift ideas from our clients. 

For the Eco-Conscious Fashionista: Neko Shoulder Bag by Matt & Nat, $150 at Shopgirls Gallery Boutique

Made from blue vegan leather with purple lining, this Neko Shoulder Bag by Matt & Nat is the right statement piece for the eco-conscious fashion devotee’s wardrobe. Each bag is made in a socially responsible way, and uses an average of 21 bottles for its lining. For the chicest in eco-fashion gifts, buy this tone-on-tone stitched Neko bag at Shopgirls Gallery Boutique (1342 Queen Street West) or online.

For the Jewellery Buff who Loves to Shine: Tiddlers, $835 to $1,065 at Made You Look Jewellery Studio and Gallery

Based off a doodle from the designer’s high school days, jewellery wearers won’t be able to resist Made You Look’s Tiddler collection by Lara H.I. Created as a figure without gender or religion, each Tiddler can be customized to your accessory lover’s taste. For a special touch, the pendant can hold a personalized symbol, such as a horoscope sign, a musical note or individual initials. The Tiddler collection is available at Made You Look Jewellery Studio and Gallery (1338 Queen Street West) and online. 

For the Bride-To-Be: The Wedding Show, $20 from The Wedding Co.

Say “I do” to tickets to The Wedding Show. From Friday, January 14 to Sunday, January 16 at The Carlu (444 Yonge Street), The Wedding Show offers newly engaged couples access to 125 hand-selected exhibitors representing the most original and elite vendors. Purchase tickets to this one-stop-shop for the latest in wedding trends online for your bride-to-be.

For the Wine Connoisseur: Under-Counter Wine Cooler, $1,699 from Electrolux

Looking to make a splash with a gift this season? This high-end wine cooler will dazzle that special someone, and make it onto their “best gifts ever” list. It comes loaded with innovative features, like LED lighting to let them view their lovely bottles, a UV-filtered glass door to protect wines from harmful rays, and even Perfect Set temperature control – set a temperature anywhere between 45°F and 65°F, and the wine cooler will hold the temperature to keep wine perfectly chilled. It’s sleek and simple design will look great. Available at Sears, The Brick, Leon’s, The Bay and additional select major appliance locations. 

For the Spa Girl: Body Blitz Argan Oil Face Serum, $65 from Body Blitz Spa

Let the luxury lover experience the spa in the comfort of her own bathroom. From the most tranquil spa in town comes a new line of Body Blitz natural products. Made of more than 75 per cent organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed argan oil, organic aloe vera, rose damask and organic lavender, the Argan Oil Face Serum naturally hydrates skin. Like she could really say no to the world’s richest natural source of vitamin E. Available at Body Blitz Spa (471 Adelaide Street West) or online.

For the Handsome Man in Your Life: Lookout Coat in Otter Charcoal, $670 from Oliver Spencer

Keep him warm and dashing in this lovely coat by top British menswear designer, Oliver Spencer. He’ll be as dapper as Don Draper in the classic, yet stylish coat, which features dark brown football buttons, clean lines and a cozy black cotton lining. Bonus? There are “lovers pockets” in the back for you to slip your hands in on a cold day. Brilliant! Toronto is the third retail location, joining London and New York. Drop in at 962 Queen Street West. 

For the Fitness Buff Who Needs More: Pilates membership at Body Harmonics Pilates, various prices

Have a loved one who’s seen and done it all when it comes to fitness? Test their stamina with Body Harmonics. These renowned Pilates studios in Toronto (at 672 Dupont Street and 488 Eglinton Avenue West) are known for their tough and effective classes. And it’s not just about building muscle or gentle stretches. The studios aim to teach all participants about why they’re doing the movements, leading to a true understanding of Pilates, their bodies and a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. That’s a gift that keeps on giving. Please find more information here. 

For the Irish Pub Lover: Gift Certificate to Quinn’s Steakhouse and Irish Bar, various prices

 

There are Irish pubs all over the world and with good reason; they’re always fun, cheery and cozy, with great beer and good food. Quinn’s Steakhouse & Irish Bar is no exception. Owned by Ireland native Gavin Quinn, the pub boasts delicious steaks, excellent service and a wicked whiskey collection. Executive chef Paul Pisa regularly creates tempting special menus, full of unique and delicious items (like the wild mushroom and Irish whiskey on Brie, only until tomorrow!). Give your mates a cool pint this holiday season, or really spoil them and treat them to a whole evening out. Gift certificates available at 96 Richmond Street West in the Sheraton Centre.

For Someone Who Wants to Look 10 Years Younger in 40 Seconds: Nanoblur Correction Cream, $19 at Shopper’s Drug Mart, Rexall and PharmaPlus 

Seriously. This topical correction cream will create the appearance of poreless skin, while reducing lines, textural damage and even unwanted pigmentation. It was originally developed to address the concern of high-definition cameras showing skin imperfections of Hollywood’s brightest stars. The photos above are NOT retouched. It even comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. Also available online.

For Everyone: Amazing Products and Services for Less on TeamBuy.ca 

The holiday season ain’t cheap, and sometimes, you just need to buy a gift that costs less, but doesn’t seem like it cost less. Enter TeamBuy.ca. This amazing website harnesses the power of buying in teams, and offers fantastic products and services for less. Recent offers have included spa treatments, yummy restaurants, homemade soup delivery, and even a cute, customizable diaper service. There really is something for everyone, and you can save anywhere from 50 to 90 per cent. With sites featuring local businesses in 12 cities across Canada, you’re also helping support your community. Buyers unite!  

Rave: On The Fourth Floor Holiday Gift Guide – Part 1

We know you love shopping as much as we do, but finding the perfect gifts for loved ones can be a difficult task, even for the most seasoned of shoppers. Fear not, On the Fourth Floor has done your shopping for you! Here, we bring you stylish finds from some of our clients for everyone on your list. We’ll bring you even more ideas next week.

For the Budding Designer with Marc Jacobs Style Dreams: Design Your Own Dinner Set from Drake General Store, $68

The creative kid will get design happy this holiday season with Seedling’s Design Your Own Dinner Set from the Drake General Store. Complete with a plate, bowl, mug and egg cup, children can personalize their very own dinner sets with paint, glitter, feathers and ribbons. Sets can be designed with an Alexander Wang-cool aesthetic or with a girly Nanette Lepore touch. Either way, bake them in the oven for an hour and use them for a lifetime.

For the Glamorous Lounger: Cicciabella Cowgirl Slippers from Tryst Lingerie, $65

Finally, there is the perfect accessory for the glam girl’s leopard print Snuggie. Your favourite lounger can kick up her feet in style with Cicciabella Cowgirl Slippers from Tryst Lingerie. Embroidered with faux suede and lined with super soft faux sheepskin, this is one pair of comfy footwear she simply won’t want to take off. Luckily, with hard sole bottoms, she doesn’t have too. 



For the Newlyweds: Starburst Mirror from Homesav.com, $99

Normally retailing for $240, this mirror is a steal for just $99, available on Homesav.com from today until Wednesday. Not familiar with Homesav.com yet? It’s an online shopping destination, offering the latest designer furniture and décor at up to 70 per cent off. The progressive site is the first of its kind in Canada, offering an exciting approach to home decorating.

For the Next Suri Cruise or Romeo Beckham: Wide Stripe Sweater with Initial from You Name It Baby!, $96 

If Suri Cruise has proved anything, it’s that children can be trendsetters too. To keep the kids in your life fashionably on trend, try personalized Wide Stripe Sweaters with Initials from You Name It Baby! Hand-knit, these super soft cotton sweaters feature the child’s first initial against a striped background. Casual and cool, this sweater comes in your choice of colours, and is delivered to your door. 

For the Gourmet Chef with an Apartment-Sized Kitchen: Frigidaire Portable Induction Cooktop, $199

Even the most tolerant chefs can get frustrated with the tiny, ancient stovetops that come with most rental apartments. To help, Frigidaire has come out with this nifty cooktop to bring food to the next level. Aspiring Jamie Olivers can melt chocolate and boil water, and save on utilities at the same time – the cooktop is 70 per cent more efficient than gas and 20 per cent more efficient than electric. Plus, the surface is easier to clean, since heat transfers right to the cookware. Available across Canada at Sears, The Brick, Leon’s, The Bay, and additional select major appliance locations.  

For the Beauty Junkie: Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatment from Bay Dermatology Centre, $225

The beauty-obsessed can now rock Hollywood’s A-list face treatment in Toronto with an Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatment at Bay Dermatology Centre. This non-invasive skin treatment takes only 40 minutes and results last for up to three weeks. Give the gift, and let the beauty fanatical join the list of celebrity Intraceuticals fans, including Katy Perry, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Eva Longoria-Parker and Dsquared² design duo, Dean and Dan Caten. With healing properties that reduce inflammation after IPL or PhotoFacial treatments, chemical peels, acne and sun damage, your skin will be ready for any photo shoot, TV appearance or celebratory occasion – like your next holiday soirée.

For the Yogi Striving for Inner Peace: Passport to Prana, $20 to $30

Help the yoga junkie in your life get Zen with Passport to Prana, the card that helps yogis get acquainted with the city’s best yoga studios at a fraction of the cost. Buy this passport for a yoga class at each of Prana’s destination, boutique and community studios. Regardless of exercise style, Passport to Prana has the class to suit any yoga subscriber. For a gift that keeps on giving, a $30-Toronto card will get the exercise buff in up to 70 yoga classes. Roll out that yoga mat! 

For the Dapper Gent (or one you want to make more dapper): Fred Perry Toggle Shawl Collar Sweater, $215

This cute and cozy sweater is great for almost any dude – stylish, yet manly, and warm enough that you’ll never hear him complain about the cold again. Better yet, it’s timeless cut and colour ensures that he’ll have it around for ages – which means you can swipe it for yourself after a year or two. Available across Canada, at the Fred Perry store in Toronto and online.


For your Mini-Me: Comfy Cardi from Mini Mioche, $42 (infant) and $46 (child)

Mini Mioche makes adorable, organic clothing for infants and children, from newborn to six years. Its Canadian-made line is super soft and available in surprisingly hard-to-find neutrals, like black, grey, olive and natural. Not only will your li’l ones look good, but you can feel good too, since Mini Mioche strives to reduce its carbon footprint as much as possible, with reuseable dyes, water-based or discharge graphic prints, and 100-per-cent recycled materials for everything from hang tags to catalogs. What’s not to love? P.S. Mini Mioche will also open its first bricks and mortar store at 795 Queen West in early December.

For the Foodie Friend: Home-baked Taste with PC Home Baker’s Gift Loaf Pans, $9.99

Channel your inner Martha Stewart and whip up the perfect gift for the foodie on your gift list. PC Home’s Baker’s Gift Loaf Pans are oven-safe, silicone-coated paper pans that make for an easy release after baking. Bake a special treat in one of these reusable pans and tie it up with a fabulous red bow for the perfect presentation.

Need a recipe? Try Martha Stewart’s Banana-Walnut Loaf. Serves 10.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups mashed medium very ripe bananas (about 6)
• 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch (2-quart) loaf pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of banana; mix until just combined. Stir in walnuts, if desired, by hand.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in pan, then deliver to your loved one!
    

 Happy Shopping!