Author: Rajat Jindal

Curate the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to channel your inner Cupid and find the perfect gift for the special people in your life. Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, family, or friends, Square One has everything you need to make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one.

With an endless selection of retailers, Valentine’s Day gifting has never been easier with Square One. Looking for more curated gift guides and event details? Sign up for our eNewsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest.

Celebrating creativity and community through the lens of Black Artists.

Square One is proud to partner with The Remix Project, celebrating 20 years of empowering talented youth who face barriers pursuing careers within the creative industries. This collaboration showcases digital artwork from 4 artists who are alumni of The Remix Project’s program.

In highlighting their inspiring work, this blog celebrates their contributions to culture and creativity, through their unique stories and artistic expressions.

Read below to explore the artists’ creative journey and personal evolution.

This partnership is not just a celebration—it’s a tribute to community, creativity, and the beauty of self-expression. Visitors are invited to connect with these powerful visual narratives, appreciating the layers of Black culture and the artistry behind each image.

Create an unforgettable celebration with festive touches that honour tradition and new beginnings.

With an endless selection of festive décor pieces to shop, holiday hosting has never been more effortless with Square One. Looking for even more exciting features on upcoming events? Sign up for our eNewsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest.

Happy Pride! This month is a time for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies to come together and spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This year’s theme for Toronto Pride is “Be______.” According to Toronto Pride, “Be is to proclaim our existence. To say, ‘we are here and always will be.’ Our call to Simply Be.”

In honour of Pride 2024, we’re spotlighting prominent members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Below, they share how they’re celebrating this year, what they want to “Be” and their everyday essentials available at Square One.

“[This Pride, I want to] BE EXCEPTIONAL! For me, it’s all about being my best self everywhere I go! Whether in drag or out of drag, putting my best foot forward and living my authentic self is what’s most important!”

1. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (Available at Sephora): “My go-to setting spray for when I need my makeup to last all night long. This has been in my setting spray for years and somehow, I still go back to it. A tried and true for sure!”
2. Lush Cup O’Coffee Face and Body Mask(Available at Lush): “This face mask gives me the deep clean I need, especially after wearing tons of makeup while in drag. While being gentle on the skin, this mask leaves my skin feeling super soft and refreshed.”
3. NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Slick Click Shiny Lip Balm (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart): “The NYX Fat Oils now come in a cute and easy stick click formula. It is such an easy 2 birds 1 stone product, a hydrating lip balm that also leaves my lips juicy and shimmery for the day.”

“For Pride, I want to Be Authentic. This year is my first Pride as an out queer person. For years, I celebrated Pride alongside my queer friends as a proud ally. I’m a ball of excitement and nerves. I’m proud to be part of the community as a more fully realized version of me. At the same time, I’m nervous. Sometimes I feel that imposter syndrome where I wonder am I queer enough? I know a lot of people who come into their queerness in adulthood can feel this way. So I want to lean into all of it: the joy and the nerves. I know that all of it is a valid part of the journey. There’s no right way to be queer. If anyone else feels that way, you’re not alone!”

1. iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum (Available at Sukoshi Mart): “Keeps my skin unbelievably soft!”
2. UNIQLO Ribbed Cropped Tank Top (Available at Uniqlo): “A comfy staple that works with any summer look.”
3. Dr. Martens Voss Flower Women (Available at Browns Shoes): “A mix of edgy, adorable and easy to wear. Perfect for going from summer days to summer nights.”

“This Pride, I want to Be Seen. I celebrate Pride by living loud, proud and authentically me every single day.”

1. Youth To the People Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid (Available at Sephora): “Keeps my face feeling hydrated after removing heavy longwear makeup.
2. Saie Glossybounce™ High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil (Available at Sephora): “I am just absolutely obsessed with it!”
3. Cheekbone Beauty Unify Multi Pencil (Available at Sephora): “My go-to for precision contouring”

“This Pride I want to Be Vulnerable. Too often, many of us members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community hide our true selves in fear of causing discomfort in others. The thing is, by sharing our stories, hopes, dreams and fears, we reveal to the people around us that we are way more alike than we are different.”

1. UNIQLO AIRism (Available at Uniqlo): “My favourite apparel is literally everything AIRism at UNIQLO. I exclusively wear their gear under my shirts to keep me cool in the kitchen.”

“Pride is being proud of my authentic self without any shame or judgement. Growing up in a religious household I grew up with a lot of shame and I was always afraid to express my authentic queer self. Now, I celebrate my queerness and live everyday authentically and openly proud, in hopes of inspiring other people who may be going through the same struggle.”

1. MAC Studio Tech Foundation (Available at MAC Cosmetics): “My go-to product for makeup. The application is creamy and smooth against my skin, but dries and leaves a powder finish. It’s very resistant during my drag performances. The coverage is medium and buildable, which makes it great for everyday wear or when I need full coverage when I’m in drag.”

Celebrate Pride!

Celebrate Pride by showing your support to the 2SLGBTQI+ with these picks that give back to the community.

Whether you’re a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community or an ally, we hope you celebrate who you are and everything you want to be this month and beyond. Happy Pride!

As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches, Square One is excited to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women around the world. This year’s IWD campaign theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” calls on us to collectively foster a more inclusive world for women to create a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.

One way to do this is by supporting women-owned and operated brands to help forge economic empowerment. From makeup and skincare to clothing and lifestyle products, there are plenty of incredible brands helmed by female entrepreneurs that are worth supporting during International Women’s Day and beyond.

Read on to learn more about women-owned and operated brands that deserve your attention and support this IWD and beyond.

With so many incredible women-owned brands, there are plenty of ways to inspire inclusion through your shopping choices. By consciously supporting these female-owned and operated brands, you’re contributing to an inclusive and empowered community not only during International Women’s Day, but also year-round.

Elevated picks to spoil mom.

It’s impossible to sufficiently thank the mother figure in your life for all that she’s done—but this round-up of thoughtful curated gifts will come close. Whether she’s due for a beauty re-up or deserving of a self-care experience, our ideas will make shopping for Mother’s Day a cinch.

This Father’s Day, treat the dad or father figure in your life with a gift that’ll show your love and appreciation for him. From the latest in tech to fashion-forward pieces and gourmet picks perfect for any foodie or grill master, dad is sure to love these gifting picks.

Shop Father’s Day Gifts

For the Grill Master

If dad is known for being a pro on the BBQ, he’ll love these picks that’ll help level-up his game on the grill. From a new tool set to a burger press or even a cookbook with some new recipes for him to try, these picks will delight dad’s culinary senses.

For the Tech Lover

Treat your tech-loving dad to a new gadget he can geek out over. A pair of noise-cancelling headphones will help dad enjoy his music and podcasts in peace while a new smart watch is perfect for the dad on-the-go.

For the Style-Savvy Dad

If dad’s wardrobe looks straight out of GQ, treat him to a stylish gift that’ll suit his signature style. Whether it’s a fresh pair of his tried-and-true kicks, a new polo shirt or light sweater just in time for summer or accessories to add to his everyday fits, the stylish dad will be sure to appreciate these picks.

For the Athletic Dad

Indulge dad’s love for the gym with some new gear that’ll keep his motivation going. A new pair of running shoes, gym shorts or a windbreaker will keep his performance in top shape.

For the Dad with Luxe Taste

If dad enjoys the finer things in life, treat him to a splurge-worthy gift that he may not otherwise buy himself. From a designer wallet to a new timepiece or a skincare set that will inspire him to rethink his nightly routine, these luxe gifts are sure to be a hit.

No matter what you choose to gift dad, the most important thing about Father’s Day is to show him your love and appreciation for everything he does. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures!

Shop all Father’s Day gifts here.

As the festive season approaches, it’s time to get ready to celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing.  

It holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for millions around the world, symbolizing happiness, good health, and prosperity. The five-day (sometimes six, depending on the region) celebration consists of various traditions and rituals including dressing in colourful traditional clothing, lighting the inside and outside of homes with rows of lamps or other lights, and getting together for large family celebrations where sweets and gifts are shared.  

To make your Diwali celebration extra special, we’ve curated your ultimate guide for a memorable festival. From fashion to beauty, gift ideas to sweet treats, read on for everything you need to light up your festivities.

From fashion to beauty, gifts to sweet treats, Square One has everything you need to make this celebration a memorable one. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and radiant Diwali!