By Lori Bosworth
I was invited to attend the media breakfast and preview of the One of a Kind Christmas Show in Toronto on November 28, 2013. (You can see my fashion finds from the show on this post.) With 850 vendors at the sale this year, the show is one of my most anticipated Toronto Christmas events. Although there were so many products I saw that I loved, below are some of my favourites:
I was captivated by these adorable tutus from Bellalulubaby for girls from 0-6 months to 6 years. Tutus are $40. I would imagine little girls would love the variety of colours these tutus come in.
Bellalulubaby also sells these wonderfully colourful stroller blankets for $70. For $100, you can buy a package that contains one stroller blanket, a mini blanket and a matching bib.
By the way, if you’ve got the kids with you at the show, be sure to check out Glisse on Ice on the stage near the entrance, which will feature figure skating performances on weekdays at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and weekends at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Canadian Figure Skating champion Josée Choinard will skate on Sun. Dec. 8, 2013 at 12 noon with a meet and greet afterwards.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in natural beauty products, visit Lovefresh at Booth S19. Owner Stacey Davis has created a luxurious line of all-natural products that also contain essential oils. I tried the Lemon Verbena Body Butter ($24), which I was told was one of the brand’s most popular scents. I understand why since the lemon essence immediately energized me. Not only that, the body butter I sampled yesterday has left my hands feeling silky even 24 hours later.
I’ve always loved wood home decor accessories since they bring earth elements indoors and eliminate the barriers between the outdoors and indoors. This stunning wooden bowl is made by Jim Sprague, who is a first-time artisan at the One of a Kind Christmas Show. You can find Sprague Woodturning at Booth O34.
If you’ve stopped sending holiday cards, you may want to resurrect this time-honoured tradition once you see these retro cards from Flakes Paperie. Cards are $5 each or 4 for $18. Find Flakes Paperie at Booth T19.
This sterling silver necklace from Kari Woo Art Jewellery will make a bold statement at your holiday party. Plus, the pendant reverses to reveal a concave side for a more edgy look.
Don’t forget that your dog needs some love too! Stop by GAIA Modern Dog to get a blinged-out collar for your furry friend. I love the bowtie version for a spiffy look. GAIA Modern Dog is new to the One of a Kind Christmas Show this year. You can find them at Booth T47.
Want something sweet? Stop by Dvorak Gourmet Nuts and Chocolate at Booth G52. These almond packages sell for $13 each or 3 for $33. From the crowd gathering around this booth, it appears these almonds are very popular.
Are these hats from Folilaine tres chic? I love the black chapeau with the multi-coloured design, which sells for $95. Find Folilaine at Booth O38.
I couldn’t resist stopping at Demo Soap due to their rainbow selection of handmade glycerin soaps. Put one of their amusing donut soaps in someone’s Christmas stocking. I think their lime-scented soap was my favourite. You can find Demo Soap in Liberty Village at 171 East Liberty Street. You can visit them at the show at Booth I54.
It’s about bringing the outdoors in and you can do this with hand-crafted furniture from Koletic Designs. Visit them at Booth O14.
These whimsical men’s briefs from The Candi Factory would make great stocking stuffers at $30 each. Don’t you love the surprised expressions on these ladies’ faces? Honestly, I did not pay them to pose for the camera! You can find The Candi Factory at Booth L-19.
Catch the One of a Kind Christmas Show at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto until December 8, 2013.
