Oxford Properties

Moms are the first to prioritize everyone else. Help her carve out some recharging time with soul-soothing picks like fresh yoga gear, a good book and some mood-setting extras.

Few gifts will delight as much as a thoughtful trove of beauty essentials. Tried-and-true favourites are a sure bet, but we love the idea of an elevated, exceptional option—something she’d never get for herself—to take your gift giving to new heights.

Want to really show mom how much you know her? A piece (or two!) that speaks to her curated style will do just that. Opt for seasonal staples or forever jewelry picks to show your appreciation.

Welcoming friends and loved ones into her inviting home is a total point of pride. Bring more beauty into mom’s space with standout decor, a signature home scent and unique kitchen staples.

Diwali is the perfect occasion to dress up in style and make a statement. Discover the elegance of Michael Kors, known for their luxurious and timeless designs. For those seeking a touch of tradition, Biba offers a stunning array of Indian ethnic wear that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with classic charm. Complete your look with add a touch of glamour from Caratlane, a renowned Indian jewelry brand available at Holt Renfrew.

After you have your outfit ready, it’s time to plan your Diwali glam. Treat yourself to luxurious skincare from Ranavat, an Indian skincare brand available at Holt Renfrew, ensuring you radiate a natural glow throughout the festive season. And for the perfect Diwali party look, book a makeup appointment at MAC or Sephora and shine bright on this special occasion.

Indulging in sweet treats with your loved ones is important in Diwali celebrations as it signifies forgetting any bitterness and expressing love and gratitude for one another. Stop by MADO for a great selection of unique desserts and Purdys Chocolates for artisanal chocolates to add some sweetness to your celebrations.

Diwali gifts hold a sentimental value and contribute to the overall joy and sense of belonging during this auspicious time. Gift a handbag, a sparkling piece of jewelry, or a meaningful charm to symbolize a fresh start full of good fortune and prosperity.

Start off your day by grabbing a coffee and some pastries at BRØD by Danish Pastry House or Fresh Market. Once you’ve fueled up for the day, you’ll be ready to discover and shop for the perfect Mother’s Day Gifts at Square One. We recommend checking out the new Apple store, Sukoshi Mart, Simons, Holt Renfrew and Vessi.

Treat mom to some pampering so she can unwind, rejuvenate and look and feel her absolute best. Whether it’s a facial at Donato, a brow shaping or lamination at Benefit’s Brow Bar in Sephora, a manicure at Tonyc, or a treatment at Laser Clinics Canada, there are plenty of opportunities for you and mom to indulge in some TLC.

Want to create the spa experience at-home? Grab some beauty and wellness essentials from Aesop, Saje, Lush and L’Occitane so mom can continue her pampering in her own space.

Jewelry is a timeless symbol of mom’s love and appreciation. Opt for an heirloom-worthy keepsake, a personalized piece or simply a fun accessory that matches mom’s personal style. We recommend checking out Tiffany & Co. (located inside Holt Renfrew), Swarovski, Michael Hill and Bitter Sweet.

Finish off your day with mom by treating her to a delightful culinary experience. From Hibachi to La Carnita, REDs, Earls Kitchen + Bar and more, Square One has plenty of options to suit every palette. After dinner, head to Cineplex to check out that movie on mom’s watchlist.

Give mom her flowers (literally, and figuratively) by gifting her a stunning arrangement from Blossom Moments. This one-stop shop for gorgeous bouquets has a variety of beautiful, lush flowers that mom is sure to love. Compliment the flowers with eclairs from The Happy Chocco or a box of chocolates from Rocky Mtn Chocolate.

For these fashion aces, style is a way of life. Lean into their sartorial inclination with gorgeous wearable gifts from the world’s top contemporary and luxury designers.

Stuck on a certain someone? You can always bet on a thoughtful beauty gift. Limited-edition launches and goody-packed advent calendars are sure to please even the pickiest person on your list.

For the design-obsessed style setter, gorgeous home goods bring absolute beauty to their abodes. Here, sculptural candle holders, sumptuous throws and architectural-inspired statement pieces make for great gifts.

Whether they’re a newfound pickleball devotee or a dedicated gym goer, an upgrade to their workout wardrobe—especially when it’s hand-picked from trending brands they love — will always be appreciated.

Forget a big party: this self-care type would rather stay in and unwind. Add to their cozy vibe with gorgeous candles, skin-brightening face masks and collectible coffee table books to peruse at their leisure.

Start your Halloween prep with the perfect costume. And whether you’re going classic, creative or trendy, building a great Halloween look doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start with versatile pieces that can be styled into multiple costumes (for all those RSVPs!) or choose pre-made options that let you show up ready to go. Accessories, masks and makeup add personality and help you customize your outfit to stand out. With options for kids, teens and adults, it’s easy to dress the whole family for trick-or-treating, parties or school events.

Set the scene with décor and accents that make your home Halloween-ready in minutes.

Halloween décor is all about creating an atmosphere. Think moody lighting, playful centrepieces and themed tabletop accents that spark conversation. Adding candles, diffusers and statement décor instantly transforms your space, while reusable serveware and versatile décor pieces transition easily into other fall celebrations. Even a few thoughtful updates—like a new statement piece or festive candle—can make your home feel ready for Halloween night.

Halloween isn’t complete without sweets to share with friends, family and trick-or-treaters.

Stocking up early ensures you’re ready for doorstep visitors and seasonal gatherings alike. Whether you prefer gourmet chocolates, big-bag candy or ready-to-eat treats, having a mix on hand keeps everyone happy. A well-stocked candy bowl doubles as festive décor and individually wrapped treats make party favors easy. Our tip? Sweet indulgences also make thoughtful gifts for hosts or teachers during the season.

Elevate your Halloween experience with bold makeup, dramatic effects and seasonal scents.

Beauty and fragrance are the finishing touches that take a costume—or your seasonal mood—to the next level. Experiment with bold eyeshadow palettes, dramatic lashes or special-effects makeup to complete your look. Seasonal body care and home fragrances help carry the atmosphere beyond October 31st. From everyday wear to costume-specific products, these details ensure you feel confident and completely in the Halloween spirit.

This season is all about gifts that blend beauty and comfort, including cozy knits, luxe accessories, and little indulgences that make her feel celebrated. Add a skincare set or timeless jewelry piece for an extra thoughtful touch.

From tech to tailoring, his gifts strike the perfect balance of practical and cool. Upgrade his look with modern wardrobe staples, essential gear, or sleek headphones to match his everyday rhythm.

Wrap up their excitement with gifts that spark imagination: books, crafts, and cozy pajamas for family mornings are all ace. Choose colourful toys or storybooks that make memories long after the season ends.

The best surprises come in small packages. Stock up on treats, candles, mugs, or mini décor items that make anyone’s day. Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean extravagant—it just has to feel special.

Briogeo, the Black-owned hair-care brand that made its debut on Sephora shelves in 2014, quickly became a standout in the beauty industry with its clean, effective products like the Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner and Deep Conditioning Mask, earning Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards. Its rapid growth caught the attention of Wella Company, leading to a strategic partnership in 2022. Although acquired, Briogeo founder Nancy Twine remains as CEO while also joining Wella’s executive leadership team, helping drive future growth and innovation. The partnership promises to elevate Briogeo’s global expansion and success, aligning with both companies’ shared values and vision.

Co-founded in 2016 by NFL Quarterback, Russell Wilson, Good Man Brand stands for evolved essentials. Made for the man-on-the-move who seeks timeless, authentic, and sustainable style with a premium, modern edge.  Their bestselling sneaker and apparel line-up lets you focus on things more important than what you’re wearing: living life, working hard, and helping others. B-Corp Certified and built with a 3% giveback to the work of Why Not You Foundation, Good Man Brand is here for all the ways you do Good. Do Good, Look Good, Feel Good.

Pattern Beauty promises to exceed the needs of the curly, coily & tight-textured masses & to offer access to your best hair in your own bathroom. They embrace, love & celebrate their community & the gorgeous hair they have. They empower curl patterns & meet them where they are. They promise to offer superior hydration, through safe ingredients & deliver high-performing products.

Pattern believes hair doesn’t have a gender or race. Their content, their product development & their messaging are centered around the celebration of Black beauty & Black joy. They are proudly Black-owned and Black founded.

FORVR MOOD is all about enhancing the everyday, encouraging self-care, and making your life a little more lavish. As a luxury self-care brand, they strive to create welcoming, affordable experiences as a reminder to cherish and pamper yourself each day. Take some time to unplug and unwind with their collections of home fragrances.

If you’re a fashion girlie with a love for thrifting and DIY projects, you probably know Rachel Spencer Wong (aka @rachspeed). The Toronto-based content creator (who created the genius and now-viral “333 outfit challenge”) has built a loyal following for her fun, aspirational and yet still approachable take on fashion and styling.

Rachel’s favourite memories of Lunar New Year include spending quality time with her family.

“Every year I celebrate Lunar New Year with my immediate family – as well as my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Now that we’re all grown up, my cousins have their own families and children that we’re also able to share these traditions with,” she says.

One tradition Rachel is looking forward to this year is giving out red envelopes, now that she is married.

“This [year] is my first LNY married, which means traditionally it’s now our turn to give hong bao (lucky red envelopes) to our younger relatives!”

Mai Nguyen is the author of Sunshine Nails, a tender and humorous story about a Vietnamese Canadian family in Toronto who will do whatever it takes to protect their no-frills nail salon after a new high-end salon opens up closeby. The book’s complex characters showcase the diversity of immigrant experiences and community resilience.

Mai, who is also a National Magazine Award-nominated journalist and copywriter, was born in Winnipeg, raised in Halifax, and is now based in Toronto. She has fond memories from childhood of celebrating Lunar New Year (or tết) with her family.

“Growing up, my Vietnamese parents would buy these massive trays of dried, candied fruits every year. Ginger, tamarind, wintermelon, you name it. My favourites were the colourful coconut ribbons called Mứt Dừa. I could eat a whole batch of those!” she says.

This year marks her first Lunar New Year with her daughter, and Mai is looking forward to passing on traditions to mark this special occasion.

“I’m looking forward to dressing her up in red and giving her her first red envelope. I also can’t wait to eat this sticky rice cake called Bánh chưng made with glutinous rice, mung beans and pork. It’s best when it’s pan-fried so that it’s nice and crispy on the edges,” she says.

You could say fashion runs through content creator Sasha Mei (@sasha.mei)’s veins. With a mother who worked in fashion marketing at GUESS in Malaysia, it’s clear that style runs in the family. Over the past few years, Sasha has solidified herself as a purveyor of style, providing endless inspiration of chic and effortless minimalism.

Community and conversation are also important to Sasha, which led her to co-found a supper club called Yu + Mei. Yu + Mei brings individuals together for stylish, intimate gatherings, where food and conversation take center stage.

When it comes to celebrating Lunar New Year, Sasha enjoys her special tradition of having Peking duck or dim sum with friends and, of course, dressing up for the occasion.

“We don’t have many family traditions surrounding LNY – the half of my family that celebrates is in Malaysia, and we didn’t have any relatives in Canada. My mother never really reinforced strict traditions, probably because LNY during her childhood involved endless rounds at relatives’ homes and she found it exhausting. [However], two things were guaranteed on LNY growing up: special red envelopes from our parents and grandparents, and some sort of delicious meal. When I went to university, I started bringing my friends for Peking duck or dim sum on LNY and it became a new tradition – they don’t have to celebrate it, but I always think that the best part of any holiday is sharing food with people.”

1. Pandora Two-tone Chinese Year of the Dragon Collier Necklace (Available at Pandora)
2. Chanel N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum (Available at Holt Renfrew)
3. Loewe Tomato Leaves Candle (Available at Holt Renfrew)

Shop necklaces | Shop Chanel beauty | Shop candles

You may remember Hannah Sung gracing your television screen in the early 2000s as a MuchMusic VJ who hosted MuchNews and TheNewMusic. She was one of the few racialized women in media at the time, and for many, was one of the first examples of Asian representation in the Canadian media landscape. Her journalism career also includes roles at CBC Radio, TVO and Globe and Mail, where she produced Colour Code, a podcast about race in Canada.

These days, Hannah continues to create space for misrepresented voices in media through Media Girlfriends, an award-winning podcast production company led by journalists of colour which focuses on promoting greater inclusion of perspectives in Canadian media.

As a proud Korean Canadian, one special Lunar New Year tradition Hannah follows is getting dressed in a hanbok.

“It’s so much fun to do with my children because it’s the only day of the year that they get to put them on. They’re also growing so fast that their hanbok is always either too small or too loose, which is cute. We wear hanbok to bow to older generations. The kids watch my husband and I kneel down to the floor and bow to my parents and my kids bow to all of us,” she explains.

“My kids don’t speak much Korean but they’ve definitely perfected the Korean phrase for ‘Wishing you good luck in the New Year.’ They love this ritual of respect and they get money and well wishes in return. Then we eat ddeok guk (떡국), an absolute fave. It doesn’t feel like a new year until we have that meal.”

1. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair (Available at Sephora): “My skin is crazy dry right now, so I’ll use anything that is healing.”
2. Muji: “For some home office organization items.”
3. “A few baked treats for the family.” (Editor’s Pick: Saint Germain Bakery)

Shop Dr. Jart+ | Shop Muji | Explore more dining options at The Food District

Chef Trevor Lui is a known pillar in the Asian Canadian community, particularly in Toronto, where he’s based. The chef, restauranter and entrepreneur has a knack for bringing people together through culinary experiences—whether that be through his restaurant Bao Bird, food concept Fat Bao, management agency Quell, or hospitality business, The Highbell Group.

It should come as no surprise, then, that one of Chef Trevor’s favourite Lunar New Year traditions is the celebration of food with friends, family and community.

“Having a family banquet to both close and open the year (‘tuin leen’ and ‘hoi leen’) is always a wonderful time to have the family get together and eat great food. We also love the custom of exchanging turnip and sugar cakes (‘bak tong go’ and ‘leen go’),” says Chef Trevor.

This year, Chef Trevor is most looking forward to the continued emergence of the Asian community, one, he says, has begun to finally garner a voice beyond our own borders.

“Modern day successes buoyed by prominent figures in our community and growing allies are helping to tell stories of our generations of history of struggle, racism and success (particularly in the role we played in building North America),” he explains.

Some of these successes include what Chef Trevor calls a “new renaissance” of Asian chefs in New York City. “[These chefs] were classically trained and have now gone back to cooking the food they grew up with ‘their way’ and are now being recognized for it. I’d love to see that in our communities here in Toronto. With that, we need to take this time to help shine a light on the talent we have and find ways to support and elevate their names and establishments.”

“Support LNY-themed products that support community: where major retailers use LNY as a way to capitalize on culturally-important events, select those that do so authentically and intentionally to support our communities.”

Editor’s Picks:

1. Roots x Clot Lunar New Year Dragon Varsity Jacket (Available at Roots)
2. Sulwhasoo Lunar New Year First Care Activating Serum VI (Available at Holt Renfrew)
3. Mission Red Pocket Big Luck, Big Wins Red Pocket (Available at Holt Renfrew)