Now that the holidays are just around the corner, let me make an educated guess: you’ve finally confronted your procrastination and are frantically scrambling to find perfect gifts for all your lawyer friends. You’re not alone. The holiday season sends all of us into an annual panic, as we aimlessly click through Amazon.
Allow me to suggest a better way. Step one: abandon the endless scroll. And step two: buy from my curated selection of great Toronto retailers. I’ve kept things simple and focused on the staples of lawyer gift-giving — fashion, home decor and booze — so that you can shop for anyone on your list. Let’s dig in.
For the fashionista:
When gift-shopping for the stylish lawyers in your life, focus on accessories. I’m a big fan of the Toronto-based designer Gregory Allen, who specializes in bow ties. His selections for men and women are available online.
Jewellery is another great option. My local favourite is Nina Spade, a designer and certified gemologist who hails from Toronto’s Midtown area. Her pieces are handcrafted from a wide range of mediums, including resins, gemstones, wood and Swarovski crystals. Worn day or night, her jewellery is a showstopper. You can start browsing now.
For the home-decor expert:
Make one trip into the heart of Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown and you’ll find two on-trend home-decor boutiques. Both Spruce Toronto and Labour of Love sit at the corner of Parliament and Carlton. And they boast an excellent selection of products — from candles to kitchenware — that will impress any lawyer with a flair for interior design. My advice? Opt for a decorative pillow to liven up any living or office space.
For the sophisticated drinker
When you attend this season’s holiday parties, you’ll have to bring a gift. Wine is the easy choice, but it’s almost too easy. Instead, show up with local craft beer. If you’re in the west end, head over to Bellwoods Brewery and pick up a few aromatic IPAs. And if you’re an east-ender, check out the Eastbound Brewing Company. My top pick is its Racing the Sunset brew, a light and fruity beer that can be enjoyed year-round.
Raquiya Austin runs her own entertainment law practice. She writes about style on her blog, Strictly Legal Fashionista, and for both Precedent and PrecedentJD.
This story is from our Winter 2018 Issue.
Feature image courtesy of Nina Spade. Icons courtesy of Gregory Allen, Spruce Toronto and Bellwoods Brewery.