Gifts From the 6ix: 10 Local Gifts that are Uniquely Toronto

Whether you're leaving the 416 to travel this Christmas, and want to share a piece of home with your hosts, or you just want to give unique gifts that are close to your heart this holiday season, the 6ix has plenty to offer. From food and drink made right here in Hogtown to an iconic shirt, there's so much great shopping in T.O.

It might be the bain of many a Torontonian's commute, but there's something super cute about this (almost) exact replica of the TTC streetcar. And given how much little kids love to ride the rocket, we think they'll love this little keepsake. $28, available at Spacing.

This shatterproof Jays ornament would make a fun stocking stuffer for the mega-fan in your life. $19.90, available at icejerseys.ca.

Smells like Canada is my all-time fave candle brand. Owner Natalie makes each and every soy candle by hand in her kitchen in Parkdale using only top-quality soy wax, lead-free wicks, and premium body-safe fragrance oils. Each comes in a glass jar with twist-off lid—and finished with a label made of wood-paper. Pick up these beauties in scents like Muskoka Campfire, Hogtown Peameal, and my personal favourite: Toronto Smoke. $28, available in store at North Standard Trading Post, Canoe, CryWolf, and on Etsy.ca.

It's getting chilly out. Give them something comforting to sip on and wrap up a tin of first Edition Tea Company's Toronto blend, a green tea flavoured with apples, peaches, and maple syrup. It's delicious hot or cold, and is hand-blended right here in Toronto. $16, available at etsy.ca.

These Peace Collective tees are quickly becoming ubiquitous, but haven't lost their ‘it' factor. The iconic ‘Toronto vs Everybody' and ‘Home is Toronto' tees come in mens', womens', and kids' sizing, and for every shirt sold, Peace Collective donates $4 to Breakfast for Learning—meaning a hungry child gets two meals and a snack. From $30, available online or in their Ossington Avenue store.

These toques are all designed in Canada and made in either Toronto or Montreal. Originally featuring only Toronto neighbourhoods, the brand has expanded to include a bevy of cities and ‘hoods. Rep your city pride and wear your heart on your head. Available in toddler, kid, and adult sizes. $38, available in store and online at Spacing, and at tuckshopco.com.

Toronto is in the midst of a craft beer boom. For an unexpected (but always appreciated) gift, pick up a few unique bottles from a few local breweries. You can't get these delicious brews at the Beer Store—which makes the gift extra thoughtful. Bellwoods Brewery (on Ossington north of Queen) churns out consistently excellent beers (this winter, grab a bottle of the citrusy and mellow Ghost Orchid) and has friendly, helpful staff, and Burdock (Bloor West, just west of Dufferin), which opened last year, produces a lovely pilsner that is crowd-pleasing and flavorful. About $5 per bottle.

If your tiny dancer has taken note of the TTC's latest ads—featuring the National Ballet's First Soloist and other Principal dancers—you should know you can take these gorgeous ads home as prints for an excellent price. $15, available at ttcshop.ca.

If you go looking for handmade, quality chocolate in Toronto, you won't have to look far. Soma's and ChocoSol are always faves, but for chocolates that come in funky shapes, sizes, have a touch of whimsy, and are absolutely delicious, Sweet Olenka's is tops. This mom and pop shop adapted their Old World recipes (Olenka's grandfather was a chocolatier in the Ukraine) and the results are sweet. Good to know: they have four locations across the city.

All your favourite landmarks are on this cute tote—which was also made in Canada. $26, available at spacingstore.ca.