Author: Rajat Jindal

It’s #cozyszn! Help make the transition to winter a little smoother by giving the gift of cozy. From oversized scarves to flannel pajamas and plush robes, these picks are the next best thing to receiving a warm embrace.

Self-care gifts are the perfect way to remind a loved one to prioritize themselves and indulge in some extra TLC. From luxe bath essentials to aromatherapy diffusers and beautifully crafted candles, the gift of self-care will let the important people in your life know they’re loved.

Admittedly, those with advanced palettes can be difficult to shop for, but luckily there are some foolproof picks any foodie will be sure to love. High-end teas and delectable confectionaries are a great pick as are luxurious truffle oil sets. And if you really want to impress the foodie in your life, head to The Food District for memorable gift ideas including gourmet Brazilian brigadeiros from Chocollata, award-winning wines from The Wine Shop or even a beautiful bouquet of florals from Blossom Moments.

Tech gifts are universally loved by all and are a great option for those who are particularly hard to shop for. Big ticket items include Apple Airpods Max and the Apple Watch, while smart rings, Air Tags, and aesthetically pleasing wireless chargers make for perfect stocking stuffers. And don’t forget those high-tech beauty gifts including the Dyson Airwrap, Theragun massager and an LED face mask!

Victoria Clarke joined the dynamic team at Visit Mississauga as CEO two years ago and hasn’t looked back.

Victoria brings nearly a decade of hands-on tourism experience to Mississauga’s newly formed Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), and is forging ground-breaking marketing strategies and partnerships with industry leaders to redefine the Mississauga tourism landscape.

Victoria has 15 years of philanthropic industry leadership and digital marketing knowledge. She has won numerous Canadian and global tourism industry awards, launched new campaigns, earned her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation and sits on the newly formed Canadian Destination Leadership Council representing Canada’s DMO needs with Destinations International. Victoria also proudly serves on both the CDME Board and the Foundation Board of Trustees with Destinations International.

Valene Campbell embodies the spirit of resilience and advocacy, seamlessly blending her passion for writing with a commitment to promoting diversity in children’s literature and health equity. Born in Canada and deeply connected to her Jamaican roots, Valene’s journey is marked by her academic achievements, including an honours degree from her Master of Physical Therapy program from two historically Black Colleges and Universities, Oakwood University, and Howard University.

Recognizing the gap in her daughter’s home library, Valene founded Zou Zou Media House Inc., a boutique publishing imprint that has brought the world three (and counting) acclaimed books from The Amazing Zoe series. Her stories offer children of colour mirrors into their own experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

Valene’s work extends into the community through school presentations and community read-alouds, where her stories become catalysts for meaningful conversations. She also mentors aspiring authors, guiding them through the nuances of self-publishing and emphasizing the importance of diversity in literature.

Her advocacy for marginalized characters in Canadian literature aims to dismantle their invisibility, promoting a culture of positive exchange and visibility for young readers. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2022, Valene’s contributions are indeed noteworthy. However, she cherishes her role as a mother above all, striving through her writing and advocacy to craft a world where every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

Lucie Shaw’s extensive background in customer experience and leadership after 25+ years in the Airline Industry, was the baseline in making a change towards a new and positive career move.

Making lives better in senior care was the decision. Lucie and her husband David established Nurse Next Door home care in Mississauga. While growing the company for almost 15 years, she was heavily involved in the community. Giving back to the community in which we work and live is so important, rewarding, and inspiring.

Nurse Next Door now continues to grow under new leadership, and while Lucie is looking at a more balanced lifestyle, her focus as a consultant at D & L Shaw Partners is a blend of supporting other small businesses and entrepreneurs, and continuing with community service, allowing her time for personal pursuits.

Amanee Nassereddine is a people’s person at heart.

With a natural drive for human connection, supplemented by a Public Relations certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University, Amanee has leveraged her ability to cultivate genuine relationships in building symbiotic partnerships with brands and organizations such as Dove, SunLife, TD Bank, Marriott International, BMO and more.

She has been a guest speaker for conferences, graduating classes, financial and teaching associations, and Instagram Lives. At the core of what she does is a passion for helping others unlock their next achievement by being a support system and a mentor for others alike. She believes that the power of giving back and being kind is what will push a community forward.

Rafaa Chapti is a dynamic serial entrepreneur who has embarked on a multifaceted journey spanning various industries. Beginning her career in finance, Rafaa swiftly transitioned into the realms of fashion, media marketing, and creative directing, showcasing her versatility and passion for exploring diverse avenues of business.

However, it was her innate entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to fostering local talent and small businesses that truly defined her professional trajectory. Recognizing the potential of budding entrepreneurs and the importance of community support, Rafaa has been instrumental in providing platforms and resources for emerging talents to thrive.

Co-founding Run the World Summit stands as a testament to Rafaa’s visionary leadership and commitment to empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations. Through this initiative, she has created a platform that not only celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship but also fosters meaningful connections and opportunities for advancement.

Zaina Moussa has always had a passion for entrepreneurship since her early years. Trying out almost every business possible, she stumbled upon event planning after being inspired by another women-led organization during her travels in the US.

After coming back home to Toronto, Zaina hosted her first ever sold out, female-founded event with over 300 women in 2017. Since then, her business grew and so did her team. Run The World Summit has now hosted over 100 pop-ups and networking events while empowering and inspiring over forty thousand women globally.

Through her events, Zaina has recognized that her passion truly lies in being the source of that “light bulb” moment for other women. Her goal is to continue inspiring more women to live a life of purpose and to continue hosting unique and impactful experiences around the world.

“When it comes to Lunar New Year traditions, I’m most looking forward to the red pockets. When I was a kid, I would collect them all and secretly count the bills with my cousins. The adults would tell us it’s impolite to open them right away, but we do it anyway. Now my daughter opens hers with a big smile on her face and we count them together.” – @oops_ohemma

“I’m most looking forward to enjoying a big feast with my family. And for good luck, I’ll most likely be wearing red and gold throughout my look and/or makeup to call in all the lucky spirits.” – @chermycloset

“I’m excited that it’s finally the Year of the Tiger — my zodiac sign! A few traditions I always do is to clean before the spring festival, have dinner with my family on New Year’s Eve and exchange red envelopes. I like that the act of cleaning symbolizes bad luck being swept away and I can start the year anew. During Lunar New Year I like to cook a few dishes that are deemed lucky within Chinese culture. This includes fish for prosperity, wrapping my own dumplings to bring in wealth, and longevity noodles for great health and long life.” – @justinwu

“I’m most looking forward to seeing my family although it’ll likely be digitally again just to keep everyone safe. Also, eating tteok mandu-guk, which is a Korean dish typically eaten on New Years that consists of rice cakes and homemade dumplings (mandus)! It’s a lot of work so it’s a good thing we only eat it for New Years celebrations.” – @imalyssalau

“Spending time with my family and celebrating all the traditions is always my favourite thing, especially after the past few years. It’s nice to have something to look forward to and it’s always a happy time. My favourite family tradition is making dumplings together. We all have our role in the “dumpling assembly line” and it’s always extra special because we did it together.” – @allons.y

“Lunar New Year has always been a very important celebration for me because my whole family gathers to celebrate over a delicious meal my grandma spent the whole day working on. It is thanks to Lunar New Year that I got to learn to cook some of my family’s dishes just by watching my grandma working on the feast. As such, I think that my favourite thing about the Lunar New year would be the sense of family and community you feel during that time of the year. I also like the red envelopes, too.” – @didieryhc

“Something I look forward to every Lunar New Year is the gathering of the family together and eating a table full of delicious food. Growing up as a kid, one of my favourite traditions is receiving red envelopes (lai see). It symbolizes good luck, good life and happiness to those who receive it.” – @chloezhaang

“I am most looking forward to the food during Lunar New Year. My mom and I always make dumplings from scratch ahead of the new year. It’s a fun activity to do with family–not to mention, we get lots of delicious dumplings from it. – @qingaling

The backpack is the staple back-to-school accessory. Since it’s the one thing you’ll be carrying every day, you want to make sure it will not only complement your daily ensembles but is also comfortable and durable enough for day-to-day use. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that don’t sacrifice fashion for function—from colourful classics to understated, yet versatile neutrals and even tech-friendly backpacks with built-in USB charging ports so you can always stay connected.

Calm those first day of school jitters with a confidence-boosting outfit that will make you look and feel your best. Whether it’s a new pair of jeans, a vibrant top or an outfit-making accessory, a little something fresh will help make the start of the school year extra special.

Much like backpacks, when it comes to footwear, comfort and style should go hand in hand. Sneakers are a timeless choice for the back-to-school season, whether it’s a classic white pair, bold colourful kicks, or chunky dad shoes. Aiming for a little extra (style) credit? Try a pair of loafers (bonus marks for a platform version with lug soles) or a pair of cool boots.

This school year, ditch the plastic sandwich bags and water bottles and opt for sustainable alternatives. From eco-friendly lunch bags to reusable cutlery, containers and water bottles, there is no shortage of options to make litter-free lunches a breeze.

No back-to-school season would be complete without some must-have supplies. From personalized planners, to pens and highlighters and, of course, fun notebooks, these picks will have you ready for the year ahead.

Au Pain Doré is an independent, Montreal-based bakery-café. With over 60 years of history and dreams, they want to pass on their expertise and share their passion for quality products. Since then, the same creative passion inspires and motivates their bakers to offer you a varied range to be enjoyed at any time of the day. You can always count on them for a tasty break to share.

Visit Au Pain Doré for location and hours.

Authentic, fresh and traditional pasta dishes is what sets this Italian eatery in a league of its own. The brainchild of Gabriele Dal Moro, who comes from seven generations of Italian chefs, this restaurant lets you customize your dish, choosing from seven varieties of pasta (think everything from spaghetti and gnocchi) to 12 different sauces including pesto, alfredo, and classic Bolognese.

Visit Dal Moro’s for location and hours.

Founded in 1982 by a father-son duo, Earls has been serving up delicious family food for decades. With their constantly evolving menu of updated classics, Earl’s also has vegetarian, gluten-free and raw dishes. Tip: don’t miss their daily happy hour every day from 2PM – 5PM.

Visit Earl’s for location and hours.

A one-stop-shop for all your culinary desires, Fresh Market has everything from your morning java fix to smoothies, baked goods and savory lunch and dinner dishes. Eat-in or take-out, either way you’re sure to be satisfied.

Visit Fresh Market for location and hours.

Meaning “fluffy fluffy” in Japanese, Fuwa Fuwa knows good pancakes. Serving up delectable, handcrafted stacks of soufflé pancakes—each one as light and airy as the next—you’ve probably already spotted Fuwa Fuwa on your social feeds. Their Signature Pancake (with customized toppings) truly needs to be tasted to be believed.

Visit Fuwa Fuwa for location and hours.

A Japanese style eatery that cooks dishes using charcoal Hibachi grills, this restaurant serves up a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Each chef is expertly trained in dazzling knife skills and will slice and dice each of your dishes for a meal that’s one part delicious food, one part entertainment.

Visit Hibachi Teppanyaki & Bar for location and hours.

Famous for their Garlic Pan Bread, this classic resto has something for everyone in the family. Sit back with friends, enjoy one of their fishbowl cocktails and take in the laid-back environment. While waiting for your meal, you can even unleash your inner artist thanks to a blank paper tablecloth and colourful crayons.

Visit Jack Astor’s for location and hours.

Kibo Sushi House serves a wide variety of Japanese dishes and sushi from maki to rolls and bento boxes. Along with serving up favourites like udon, donburi and soups and salads, this Japanese eatery selects fresh, local ingredients to craft up classic dishes that are sure to satisfy.

Visit Kibo Sushi House for location and hours.

This popular taco restaurant offers up Mexican eats in a cool modern space that’s filled with splashes of street art. Some of their most popular dishes include: their Mexican street corn, any of their famous tacos (Pollo Frito and Al Pastor are must-trys), and of course, you can’t go home without a few churros.

Visit La Carnita for location and hours.

Pulling from over 150 years of delicacy, MADO creates Turkish food with a twist. Their world-famous ice cream baklava sandwiches have a cult following for a reason! When dining at MADO, you’re spoiled for choice, from koftes and kebabs to pizza and wraps, and it’s all topped off with baklava and Turkish delight.

Visit MADO for location and hours.

Mogouyan Hand-Pulled Noodles is one of the most well-known beef noodle brands in China. Their uniqueness lies in their rich flavourful broth. It’s made by boiling beef and various natural ingredients for hours to perfection. Each slurp of noodles is saturated with rich broth, highlighted by a springy texture given by only the most skilled hands of a noodle craftsman.

Visit Mogouyan Hand-Pulled Noodles for location and hours.

Established in 1986, Moxies provides a casual dining experience with an extensive menu of handcrafted dishes and signature cocktails. With 55 locations across Canada, they’re known for their award-winning hospitality and of course, spectacular food. Don’t miss out on their Chipotle Mango Chicken.

Visit Moxies for location and hours.

At Pür & Simple, it’s not just the food that brightens your day, it’s the experience. Come and savour modern day twists on comfort-food favourites in a bright, sunny vibe. It’s time to get out of bed and reinvent your morning (or afternoon).

Visit Pür & Simple for location and hours.

With breads and desserts that are baked daily, REDS prides itself on expertly crafted food, next-level cocktails, and carefully curated wines. Come for a glass of Chardonnay and stay for their signature 48-hour marinated roasted chicken.

Visit REDS for location and hours.

This Caribbean eatery has mastered jerk chicken, from their popular sandwich packed with the classic meat to their finger-licking wings. Their menu is also full of crowd-pleasing favourites like their oxtail plate, coleslaw and callaloo—a delicious green veggie dish that pairs perfectly with spicier mains.

Visit Roywoods for location and hours.

Specializing in authentic Tonkotsu Ramen (which means pork bones in Japanese), Sansotei sources only the highest quality ingredients to craft up their creamy, 24-hour simmered bowls of broth and noodles. Build your dream ramen with customizable additions like thick or thin noodles and extras like corn, bamboo shoots, mushrooms and more.

Visit Sansotei Raman for location and hours.

With their fresh take on Italian food, Scaddabush strives to deliver top-notch cuisine in a welcoming and family-friendly environment. This brasserie serves up social-sized dishes that are perfect for sharing and that allow you to try a little bit of everything for a dining experience that’s full of flavour.

Visit Scaddabush for location and hours.

Shake Shack is all about delicious, elevated versions of the classics. Think juicy Angus beef burgers, crispy crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun shakes, and rich, creamy frozen custard—all made with premium ingredients and no shortcuts. From the iconic ShackBurger to seasonal specials, it’s comfort food done right.

Visit Shake Shack for location and hours.