We’re excited to share with you Toronto-based journalist Shinan Govani‘s Bloor-Yorkville Gift Guide. As someone who frequents the neighbourhood, we’re happy to share some of Shinan’s top choices for local retailers. There’s still time to complete your holiday shopping, so we hope you’ll find the below gift guide to be a helpful tool in shopping local this season. You can view our previous Shop Local Gift Guide here.
Shinan Govani’s Bloor-Yorkville Gift Guide:
Laywine’s
25 Bellair Street
Since 1978, Laywine’s has been the ultimate destination for fine stationery and writing accessories. Their collections are sourced from all over the world, offering a variety of price points and aesthetics. From the most classic designs to more contemporary items, Laywine’s provides “tactical elegance in this age of Zoom,” says Govani, calling attention to the international brands, such as Japanese paper brand Midori.
Noting their easy to use website, Govani was also drawn to their vast selection of agendas, which we think makes a perfect gift for the detail-oriented someone in your life.
Laywine’s offers a full selection of products online, as well as curbside pick-up.
Book an online shopping appointment here.
Phone: 416-921-7131
Email:scribble@laywines.com
Rimowa
101 Bloor Street
Travel might be temporarily on hold, but there’s no better way to prepare for the future than with a fresh set of travel goods. Shinan recommends the German brand as his must-have when it comes to luggage. The gorgeous Bloor street location features a full selection of luggage and accessories. Their smaller goods such as luggage charms, tags, stickers, and iPhone accessories are great stocking stuffers, while their Rimowa x DIOR capsule collection would make for an unforgettable gift-giving moment.
Rimowa is currently offering online orders and curbside pickup.
Phone: 416-922-2644
Email: store.toronto.blr@rimowa.com
Teatro Verde
Yorkville Village, 55 Avenue Road
Taking floral design to the next level, Teatro Verde is not your average floral shop. Their floral arrangements are a true work of artistry and have been commissioned for large scale decor (such as the Four Seasons Hotel Christmas tree), as well as fashion-forward bouquets. During a holiday season where gathering is prohibited, we think sending one of their gorgeous bouquets is the perfect way to help your loved ones feel connected. Shinan points out their selection of fun and unexpected gifts which includes a “Royal Bingo Board Game.” Teatre Verde also offers coffee table books, luxury candles, and Canadian-themed ornaments.
Teatro Verde is offering phone orders, window shopping, delivery, and curbside pickup.
Phone: 416-966-2227
Email: customerservice@teatroverde.com
D Luxe Lab
70 Yorkville Ave
The recently opened D Luxe Lab has made its home on Yorkville Avenue. The non-invasive clinic combines cutting edge treatments with patient-focused treatment plans, prioritizing thorough consultations for each client. Shinan tried out their innovative Jetpeel Facial last summer and suggests adding it to your “little black book” of treatments. A gift card for the skincare enthusiast in your life would be a thoughtful and much-appreciated gift!
Phone: 647-660-9660
Online Contact Form
Shinan’s top choice for a “French fix” in Bloor-Yorkville is none other than neighbourhood favourite, Chabrol. The quaint, European feel of the restaurant is reflected in Chef Doug Penfold’s renowned menu, which directly reflects its Parisian roots.
This year, Chabrol is offering a fabulous at-home New Year’s Eve Dinner. With contactless pickup available, pre-ordering this NYE meal for the foodie in your life would make for an unexpected and thoughtful holiday gift.
Email to order by Dec. 28th at noon: info@chabrolrestaurant.com
Phone: 416.428.6641
Prada
131 Bloor Street West
When it comes Prada, Shinan asks the hard-hitting question: “what’s not to like?” Luckily, for the holidays, Prada makes it easy to choose from an impressive assortment of timeless gift ideas for both men and women.
Their Bloor Street flagship offers fragrances, small leather goods, sunglasses, and a variety of accessories. If you’re looking for a runway-ready gift, you’ll find full collections of ready-to-wear pieces for a very lucky person on your list!
Phone: 416-975-4300
Online Contact Form
The MoMo House
1240 Bay Street
Having just opened its doors this week, The MoMo House is Bloor-Yorkville’s newest restaurant, offering a full takeout menu. Located above the Bay Subway Station, The MoMo House offers traditional cuisine found in Tibet, Nepal, and South Asia.
Described by Shinan as a restaurant with a “cult” following (they have a sister restaurant across the city), this marks an exciting addition to the neighbourhood. A gift card to the new Bloor-Yorkville location would be a perfect gift for any foodie on your list!
Phone: 416-588-8887
About Shinan Govani:
Shinan Govani is a Toronto-based freelance columnist. Once dubbed the “go-to-Canadian” by Page Six, Shinan has reported from Art Basel Miami, as well as international Fashion Weeks in Milan and Paris. He has also covered the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes, and TIFF.
Bylines include Tatler, Town & Country, and Vanity Fair.
He is also the author of the novel Boldface Names.
Shinan shared his choices on Instagram, but if you missed out, you can revisit some of his story images below:
