Shopping in Toronto? Check out these things to do…

• The Royal Ontario Museum (www.rom.on.ca): Artists, scientists and economists joined forces to create Carbon 14: Climate Is Culture (on exhibit now through February 2, 2014). The exhibition features 13 art installations all confronting the facts of climate change and responding in powerful and creative ways.

• The Art Gallery of Ontario (www.AGO.net) is now exhibiting The Great Upheaval: Modern Masterpieces from the Guggenheim Collection. The collection showcases the dynamism and innovation of art produced in Europe in the years leading up to the First World War.

• TIFF Bell Lightbox (www.tiff.net) is holding hands-on holiday workshops for children and youth, December 28 to January 5. Workshops vary from “Stop-Motion Animation” to “How to Make a Film in a Day.” as well as “Prosthetics and Special Effects Make-Up” and “Make ’em Laugh: Physical Comedy.”

• And later, Winterlicious Toronto (www.seetorontonow.com/annual-events/winterlicious) presents creative culinary cuisine from around the world at great prix fixe value, January 31 to February 13. One hundred of Toronto’s top restaurants will participate. A trip to this event makes a terrific present.

Shopping In Niagara-on-the-Lake? Check out these stocking stuffer ideas…

• Shaw Festival Film Series Passes: Premiering now through February 2014, movies and documentaries will be shown every Friday and Saturday in the beautiful Shaw Theatre. Visit www.shawfest.com/films or call 905-468-2172 for details about tickets and showtimes.

• $40 Discovery Pass to the Niagara Ice Wine Festival in January 2014: Enjoy eight wintery experiences, including wine and food pairings, throughout the three weekend of the festival. Visit www.niagarawinefestival.com for dates, details, and ticket info.

• The Heritage District features an array of shops and boutiques, from Beau Chapeau Hat Shop and The Scottish Shop to Greaves Jams & Marmalades, Cheese Secrets, Ten Thousand Villages, Maple Leaf Fudge, and Bernard’s: The Shaw Festival Shop. If you’re in the market for antique home decor, visit Europa Antiques in the Old Church or Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures.

• Gift Certificates to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s award-winning restaurants, spas, wine bars, and pubs make excellent stocking stuffers. The Secret Garden Spa at Prince of Whales Hotel offers a variety of holiday spa packages for men and women. If you love music, Corks on Queen Street, which has a heated patio, features live music every weekend along with the historical Pub at Angel Inn. For a good pint and authentic fish and chips, stop into Irish Harp.

Visit www.niagaraonthelakeinfo.com/niagara-shopping.htm for a list of shopping, dining, spa, winery, and entertainment destinations.

Last Minute Gift Guide 2013 Intro
A Material World • Life is Short, Art is Longing...
Shopping North of the Border
Guide to Gadgets and Gizmos
Theater Bucks, Theater Books • Driving Miss Kringle

Find more ideas in our earlier 2013 Holiday Gift Guide