Lunar New Year Traditions from Six Inspiring Asian Canadians

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February 10, 2024, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, a celebration that’s considered the most important holiday in many Asian countries and across the Asian diaspora. The celebration marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars, traditional to many east Asian countries including China, South Korea and Vietnam. In China it is called Chūn Jié, in Vietnam it is known as Tết, in Korea it is Seollal and in Tibet it is called Losar. Additionally, it is known as Spring Festival.

Each year in the lunar calendar is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals, all of which represent different characteristics and future. 2024 rings in the year of the dragon—a sign of power and energy, symbolizing a prosperous year ahead.

In honour of this celebration, we asked six prominent Asian Canadians to share their favourite Lunar New Year traditions.

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Rachel Spencer Wong, content creator

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!”

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“I grew up being raised by a very superstitious Mah Mah (paternal grandmother), and one superstition I abide by is to make sure we clean our house before LNY. If you clean your house on the day, you’re ‘cleaning’ away all the luck!” — Rachel on her LNY superstitions.

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Rachel’s Lunar New Year Picks:

  1. Nudestix Nudies Glow Cream Highlighter Stick in Hey Honey (Available at Sephora)): “My fave gold highlighter!”
  2. ‘Dim Sum Palace’ by X. Fang (Available at Coles): “I purchased this book for my cousin’s children during the holidays – in my childhood my cousins and I used to go to dim sum every week! Thought this would be a very special gift.”
  3. Aesop Resurrection Duet (Available at Hudson’s Bay): “It’s tradition to clean house in anticipation of LNY – and I love any reason to stock up on my favourite luxury hand soap.”

Shop Nudestix | Shop Aesop

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Mai Nguyen, author, ‘Sunshine Nails’

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.

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“I’m a firm believer that one should not enter the new year with a dirty home, so I start decluttering my belongings the week prior and thoroughly clean the home the day before. I like the idea that you can sweep away bad luck and enter the new year with a clean canvas.” — Mai on her LNY superstitions.

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Mai’s Lunar New Year Picks:

  1. ‘Lunar Love’ by Lauren Kung Jessen (Available at Coles)
  2. Jellycat Bashful Dragon Plus Toy (Shop at Coles)
  3. Dr. Martens Adrian Year of the Dragon Hair-On Tassel Loafers

Shop toys | Shop Dr. Martens

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Deborah Lau-Yu, editor-in-chief of Fête Chinoise and creative director of Palettera Inc.

Deborah Lau-Yu is the queen of Lunar New Year celebrations. The editor-in-chief of Fête Chinoise magazine and creative director of Palettera Inc. is the woman behind the Fête Chinoise Signature Lunar New Year gala, an annual black-tie event held in Toronto (and also in Vancouver this year) that celebrates Chinese culture in the Canadian community.

As a designer and creative director, one of Deborah’s favourite Lunar New Year traditions is collecting lucky red envelopes.

“These ‘lucky money pockets’ as I used to call them growing up are fascinating to me…I was obsessed with the design on the red pockets I would receive as a child. I had an affinity toward the very traditional ones because I felt a connection with my grandmother who taught me almost everything I know about my heritage when I was growing up. From the imagery to the words on each pocket, I learned a lot through the symbolism which factors into my understanding and depth of appreciation of Chinese culture today,” she explains.

Another favourite tradition of Deborah’s is feasting. “The feast with the family came with the festivities every year and is something I miss since a lot of my family is no longer around. I tried to capture this sentiment and love for food and culture in our Fête Chinoise tea towel, titled, Feast,” she says.

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“I don’t wash my hair on new year’s day. It’s just a tradition and superstitious habit that was passed down through the grapevine: if you wash your hair, you might wash your new year luck away! I also wear red, as it’s an auspicious colour in the culture and for the occasion.” — Deborah on her LNY superstitions.

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Deborah’s Lunar New Year Picks:

  1. Red sweater: “[It’s] always a good reason to choose a red sweater to add to the closet that can be worn at LNY and other occasions, like Christmas. [I’ve] already got mine.” (Editor’s Pick: Lilysilk Ultrafine Merino Wool Crewneck at Hudson’s Bay)
  2. Gold bracelet: “When you receive lucky red pockets from elders or give pockets to others, the attention is on the hand gesture of giving and receiving.” (Editor’s Pick: Michael Kors gold bracelet)
  3. Red Hunter Boots (Available at Hudson’s Bay): “Some lucky red Hunter boots to do all the travelling, celebrating, home visits, and event set up, all while being protected from the rain.”

Shop red sweaters | Shop gold bracelets | Shop Hunter boots

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Sasha Mei, content creator, writer and co-founder of Yu + Mei

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.”

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“I always keep my red envelopes – I’m too scared to throw them out in fear that it will bring bad luck!” — Sasha on her LNY superstitions.

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Sasha’s Lunar New Year Picks:

  1. Pandora Two-tone Chinese Year of the Dragon Collier Necklace (Available at Pandora)
  2. Chanel N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum (Available at Hudson’s Bay)

Shop necklaces | Shop Chanel beauty

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Hannah Sung, Canadian media veteran, award-winning journalist, co-founder Media Girlfriends

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.”

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“I’m not superstitious, but I always do a quick Google of the Chinese zodiac to read what the year has in store for me, a snake. If I don’t like the predictions, I skip to the next one and just read until I find one that tells me I’m going to have a good year.” — Hannah on her LNY superstitions.

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Hannah’s Lunar New Year Picks:

  1. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair (Available at Sephora): “My skin is crazy dry right now, so I’ll use anything that is healing.
  2. “Some home office organization items.” (Editor’s Pick: MINISO Organizer)
  3. “A few baked treats for the family.” (Editor’s Pick: Mango Like Desserts)

Shop Dr. Jart+ | Shop home organization | Explore Upper Canada dining options

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Trevor Lui, chef, restauranter, author and co-creator of Highbell Group and Quell

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.”

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“I’m still stuck on the superstition of not showering or washing our hair on New Year’s Day to ensure we don’t ‘wash away’ our year’s health and prosperity. So get that shower in at 11:59 NYE!” — Chef Trevor on his LNY superstitions.

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Chef Trevor’s Lunar New Year Picks:

“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 Sephora)
  3. Treats from Saint Germain Bakery

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Celebrate Lunar New Year at Upper Canada

Ring in the Year of the Dragon with Upper Canada! Immerse yourself in Upper Canada’s beautiful Lunar new Year themed backdrop, 8ft dragon display and discover your zodiac sign for the Year of the Dragon. Located in Market Court from January 22nd to February 8th.

Plus, join us on February 3 from 11am-4pm at Market Court for a delightful Lunar New Year celebration! Experience lantern making, balloon twisting, a traditional lion dance performance and more.

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Match the Occasion

Match the occasion.

Lunar New Year wouldn’t be complete without “lucky money” in red envelopes known as Hónɡ bāo in China, Li xi in Vietnam and Sae bae don in Korea. These envelopes are typically given out by elders and married couples to children and single people of the younger generation. This year, consider gifting one of our gift cards in your red envelope so your loved ones can shop their favourite stores at Upper Canada. Or try sending an e-gift card with a personalized video message wishing your loved one luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of our Lunar New Year gift card promotion. From January 31st – February 14th, purchase an Upper Canada gift card and receive a bonus gift card in celebration of Lunar New Year. Spend $200-$499 and get a $10 bonus gift card. Spend $500-$999 and get a $25 bonus gift card. Spend $1000 and more, get a $50 bonus gift card.

GIFT NOW

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No matter how you celebrate, we hope this Lunar New Year brings lots of luck and prosperity!

Upper Canada’s Structube Favourites

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Structube is now open at Upper Canada!

Looking to spruce up your living space this Spring? Structube has officially opened and we’ve hand-picked some of our personal favourites this season. Combining both comfort and style, shop the latest furniture, décor, dining, and more at Structube — located on the Upper Level beside Linen Chest.

See below for our Structube must-haves!

❁

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Bedroom Hideaway

Discover beautiful bedroom furniture to elevate your safe haven. The Ravel bed is sure to add elegance and luxury to any bedroom. One of our favourite features of the Ravel is the two discreet storage drawers tucked in at the foot of the bed. More storage? Yes, please!

If you prefer a more contemporary and modern feel to your space, opt for the Geraldine. To achieve a clean-look, earth-tone bedding coupled with an accent pillow will add a modern, minimalistic touch to your room.

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A Taste of Home

The dining room brings the family together and finding the right furniture can help create the right ambiance. From dining tables to fashionable chairs, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Albert Collection creates the warmth of traditional styles with its modern industrial look. Our favourite is the fir wood bench.

If you prefer a chic look to your dining space, the Ester coupled with the Karl dining table is both elegant and timeless. The versatility of the gold accents is sure to give your dining room an enchanting feel.

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Your Dream Lounge

The ultimate place to unwind after a long day is in the living room. The perfect sofa can bring comfort and relaxation to any living space. Give it lots of love and add your own flair to it with décor or an ottoman. If you prefer a boho-chic living space, the Kinsley is a perfect addition to help you achieve your dreamy, bright bohemian living room.

A timeless piece like Klik brings you the best of both charming and fun aura – the right sofa for any movie night, quality family time or game night. If you prefer a neutral tone, this cheerful 3-seater sofa also comes in 9 other shades.

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Own Your Space

Nothing says home like adding your own personal touch to your space. The finishing touches are key, and Structube has it all. From rugs, lighting, vases to plantars – find the right décor to add more depth to your space.

The Pascale mirror adds a romantic flair to any space, whether it be used as a vanity in your bedroom or over a console in your entryway. If you prefer both sophistication and convenience, channel your inner stylist with the Korbin bookcase.

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Promotions

Free delivery | Free delivery to your doorstep with any purchase over $299*.

Mattress Promotion | Buy a bed, save 25%* on mattresses and bedding accessories.

Rug Promotion | Save 25%* on all rugs with any purchase of $299 or more.

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Did you enjoy Upper Canada’s Structube finds?

Tag us on social media and share a photo of your new Structube purchase and how you’ve styled it!

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Thoughtful Holiday Gifting Ahead

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Browse our curated gift ideas for effortless shopping. This is holiday gifting made easy.

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Sweet Stocking Stuffers

Little presents, big impact. Our ideal stocking stuffers strike this beautiful balance: something cozy, something practical and something that smells delicious.

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Gorgeous Gift Sets

With curated gift sets, you get so much present in one covetable package. For the wellness enthusiast, consider a lineup of essential oil roll-ons, while the beauty lover will feel the joy unwrapping a viral lipstick duo.

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Everything Under $50

Turn a smaller budget into a wow-worthy present with these picks that really pay off. Some stellar ideas: a winter-ready accessory they’ll wear all season long, a trending belt bag that’ll accompany them every day or holiday morning pajamas for an Insta-perfect snap.

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Kid-Approved Picks

From the cozy sets for the littles in the family to full-blown Lego sets and future-favourite stuffies, these gifts get the youngster stamp of approval every single time—no gift receipt required.

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Something Sparkly

A piece of jewelry—specially chosen just for them— shows just how much you know your loved one. Pick out a pair of everyday earrings, an architecturally shaped ring or a stacking bracelet to elevate their collection.

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Stocked with plenty of thoughtful gifts for all budgets, holiday shopping at Upper Canada has never been more simple. Looking for even more festive goodness? Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming holiday events and hours.

Everything You’ll Want to Wear for Spring 2024

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New season, new updated wardrobe.

With the arrival of spring comes a fresh opportunity to refine your style for the season. Whether it’s upping your shoe game, incorporating fun textures or metallic accents to add some oomph to your current staples or going all-in on the business casual and sporty chic trends, the options are endless when it comes to your spring wardrobe.

Read on for some of our favourite fashion trends for spring 2024.

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Business Casual

This season is all about bringing back nine-to-five dressing. After four years of WFH ‘fits, it’s time to embrace business casual, but with a stylish twist, of course. To keep this trend feeling fresh and modern, opt for relaxed tailoring—think oversized blazers and loose trousers. Play with proportions by pairing it with a slim fit polo shirt or a button-up vest for a workwear look that’s effortlessly cool.

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Colourful Knits

Hear us out—knits aren’t just reserved for winter. In fact, given Canada’s often-turbulent transition to the warmer seasons, these are the perfect layering pieces to ease into the season and its ever-changing temperatures. The key here is to ditch the dark knits and go for something brighter and more colourful (butter yellow, sky blue and tangerine are some great options). And if you really want to embrace the knit trend, opt for a matching set that can be used to mix and match with other pieces throughout the season.

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Textures, Textures, Textures

Fringe, feathers, sequins, oh my! The spring 2024 runways were filled with interesting textures making for some major fashion statements. The beauty of this trend is that it can be as loud or subtle as you wish—from a fringed leather jacket, a feather-trimmed dress and sequined skirt to fringed earrings and a glittery bag.

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Sporty Chic

This spring, channel your inner track star but with a chic twist. Elevated athleisure was a big trend on the runways, with preppy polos, rugby shirts, windbreakers and hoodies reigning supreme. Again, don’t be afraid to have fun with this trend and play around with unexpected pairings, like a tracksuit jacket with a flowy skirt or track shorts with a fitted polo and blazer.

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Heavy Metals

Go for gold (or silver, or both) this season with the metallic trend. Not only were metallic pieces all over the spring 2024 runways, but they were also a popular choice on the red carpets this award season, with plenty of celebrities donning gold and silver gowns. Again, this trend can be as statement-making or subtle as you’d like and is a great way to add some extra interest to your existing pieces, whether in the form of metallic sneakers, mixed metal jewelry or full-on gold or silver ensembles.

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Must-Have Shoes

As the saying goes, everything old is new again and this spring, we’re seeing a throwback to some of our favourite shoe styles from years past. The kitten heel is making a triumphant return in the form of square-toed mules, pointy-toed slingbacks and even slouchy ankle boots, while the ballet flat resurgence from last summer is still going strong, but this time with some added interest (think crystal embellished and mesh versions).

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Match the Occasion

Match the Occasion

Give the gift of style to your loved ones with an Upper Canada Mall gift card. With our e-gift cards, you can send a personalized written or video message sharing your favourite trends of the season. Plus, our gift cards make the perfect gift for any upcoming birthdays, baby showers and bridal showers.

GIFT NOW

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The most important thing to remember when curating your spring wardrobe is to ensure that you stay true to your sartorial senses. Rather than trying to embody an entirely new aesthetic, choose your fave spring 2024 trends and use them as add-ons to elevate your personal style. Happy shopping!

Easter Shopping Guide at Upper Canada

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Shop Easter essentials, from festive baskets and seasonal décor to fresh spring looks for the whole family.

Easter is a wonderful time to gather with family, welcome the arrival of spring, and enjoy traditions that make the season special. If you are looking for Easter decorating ideas, Easter basket inspiration, or the perfect Easter outfit, the Easter Shopping Guide at Upper Canada highlights seasonal décor, gifts, and spring fashion to help you celebrate the holiday in style. From beautifully styled tables to festive baskets and fresh spring outfits, discover ideas to make Easter gatherings feel memorable.

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Easter Tablescape Ideas: Host in Style This Easter

Create a welcoming setting for Easter brunch or dinner with a table that feels fresh, layered, and seasonal. Soft spring colours, crisp linens, and natural textures provide the foundation for a table that feels elegant yet relaxed.

Start with neutral dinnerware and glassware, then introduce subtle Easter accents through pastel napkins, decorative serving pieces, and fresh flowers. Tulips, daffodils, and greenery instantly brighten the table and capture the spirit of spring.

Even a few thoughtful details can transform your Easter table into a beautiful setting for gathering with family and friends.

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Easter Basket Ideas: Build the Ultimate Easter Basket

Easter baskets remain one of the most joyful traditions of the holiday. Today’s baskets combine classic chocolate treats with playful surprises that bring excitement long after Easter morning.

Begin with a woven basket and layer in colourful sweets, small toys, creative activities, and spring themed keepsakes. Storybooks, craft kits, and interactive games add variety while giving kids something new to explore.

A balanced mix of treats and small gifts creates a basket that feels festive, generous, and fun to discover.

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Easter Outfit Ideas: Spring Style Starts Here

Easter weekend often marks the first opportunity to embrace spring fashion. Light fabrics, soft colours, and relaxed silhouettes create outfits that feel polished yet effortless for brunch, church, or family gatherings.

Flowing dresses, linen trousers, and crisp blouses reflect the ease of the season, while classic flats or loafers add a comfortable finishing touch. Lightweight layers help transition easily between cool spring mornings and sunny afternoons.

The result is a refined look that feels fresh, comfortable, and perfectly suited for Easter celebrations.

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Kids Easter Outfit Ideas: Easter Best for Kids

Easter is a wonderful occasion for kids to dress in cheerful colours and playful patterns that capture the joy of the season.

Floral dresses, lightweight cardigans, and comfortable flats create charming looks for girls. Boys can opt for chinos paired with polos or button down shirts for a look that feels polished but still relaxed.

Choosing pieces that transition easily into the rest of the spring season ensures they can be worn again and again.

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The Perfect Easter Gift

Still searching for an easy Easter surprise?

A gift card from Upper Canada makes gifting simple and thoughtful. With so many retailers to choose from, friends and family can find something they truly love.

One Gift Card. Every Brand They Love.
The perfect gift for Easter.

The Perfect Easter Gift

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Easter Shopping FAQs

What should I include in an Easter basket?

Many Easter baskets include chocolate eggs, candy treats, plush toys, books, craft kits, and small toys. Some families also add spring accessories or clothing.

What are popular Easter outfit ideas?

Popular Easter outfits often feature soft spring colours, floral prints, lightweight fabrics, and comfortable footwear suitable for brunch, church, or family gatherings.

How do you decorate a table for Easter?

An Easter table often includes pastel linens, fresh flowers such as tulips or daffodils, elegant dinnerware, and decorative accents like ceramic figures or seasonal centrepieces.

5 Tips for How to Style the Perfect Holiday Family Photos

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November is here, which means it’s time to get into the holiday spirit. While you’re perusing gift guides and crafting your shopping list (or dreaming up your own wish list!) now is also the time to start prepping for your family’s holiday pictures and Santa photos. Whether you’re planning on stopping by Upper Canada for a visit with St. Nick or are booking a full photoshoot for your annual Christmas cards, getting your family’s wardrobes organized is a must. Not only will it help your picture day run smoothly, but it also gives you the chance to get a little creative with your family’s style!

For some guidance in the fashion department—along with help from H&M’s The Holiday Shop—we’ve outlined five themes to showcase the best in holiday attire, no matter what your style is.

Ready for your close up? Read on for simple tips and tricks to nail the perfect holiday photo session.

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Look #1: Mini Me

Nothing beats a ‘matchy-matchy’ moment, and this outfit inspiration offers up look-a-like styles for mom, dad and the kids. When going for a mini me theme, the pieces don’t have to be exactly the same, just look for similar colours and textures to nail the overall vibe. You can even extend this to accessories, with matching hairbands, bow ties, printed socks and more. We’ve chosen matching ruffled looks for mother and daughter and cable-knits for father and son, but you could spin this trend in any direction, including the parents matching and the kids wearing twinning looks.

Mini me mom still life.

Mini me boy on model.

Mini me dad still life.

Mini me girl on model.

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Look #2: Black Tie

There are only so many occasions in life that call for super dressed up attire, so why not bring some of that fancy fun to your holiday photos? A formal theme for the family is surprisingly easy to achieve and there are endless fashionable looks to choose from. To hit the black tie theme, focus on lush textures and stand out pieces that are chic yet comfy. Steer clear of anything too scratchy that kids won’t be comfortable in to minimize meltdowns and itchiness. Think: velvet, prints and embellished styles to really take it to the next level.

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Look #3: Ready for Santa

In a complete 180 from formal wear, ultra-casual pajamas are a fun and easy look to pull off for holiday photos. This theme works especially well for pics with Santa, as if he’s paying the family a visit on Christmas Eve. Holiday pjs are typically colourful, comfortable and affordable and have many styles to choose from. These two-piece sleepwear sets let the kids have some festive fun with their looks, while mom and dad look ready for a night of wrapping presents in their classic combos.

Santa boy.

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Look #4: All That Glitters

This idea takes black tie up a notch and focuses on shimmery, shiny textures. From sequins to metallics, the holidays are the ideal time to explore those over-the-top styles. Colour-coordinate the kids in holiday-friendly shades of ruby red, while mom and dad go more classic in black. Or opt for a gold and silver theme for the whole family. No matter which colour way you choose, look for pieces that have that extra bit of sparkle, whether it’s a shimmering velvet, eye-catching sequins, or a metallic thread.

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Look #5: Full Festive

This theme is pitch perfect for Santa or family photos, as it’s the best time to go all out with your holiday attire! While some may think it’s cheesy to wear festive sweaters, we firmly disagree. There are tons of styles out there that will look charming in any family holiday pic. To make the look photo-friendly, go for a coordinating colour palette and choose one shade that will tie all the sweaters together, like red or green against more neutral shades of grey, black or cream.

Black-Owned Brands Making Waves in 2025

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Where creativity, culture and innovation unite

This Black History Month, we celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and resilience of Black-owned brands across beauty and beyond. From makeup lines that prioritize inclusivity to skincare brands that prioritize natural beauty, these businesses are shaping industries and empowering communities.

Discover the Black-owned brands at Upper Canada that are making an impact in their respective fields, listed below.

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Briogeo

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.

Available at Sephora

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Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna is a brand that revolutionized the beauty industry with its commitment to inclusivity. Launching in 2017, Fenty Beauty made waves by offering 40 (now 50) shades of foundation, ensuring that women of all skin tones could find their perfect match. Rihanna’s vision wasn’t just about creating a makeup line; it was about empowering people of colour and challenging the beauty standards that often sidelined them. Fenty Beauty stands as a testament to the power of diversity and the importance of representation, making beauty more accessible and true to life for everyone.

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FORVR Mood

FORVR Mood is a luxury fragrance brand founded by the talented YouTuber and beauty mogul, Jackie Aina. Known for her unapologetic advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Jackie’s vision with FORVR Mood is to create a brand that celebrates self-care, relaxation, and representation. With a wide array of scents inspired by culture and femininity, FORVR Mood offers much more than just candles and fragrances—it’s a celebration of Black excellence and a commitment to amplifying voices often overlooked in the beauty and lifestyle industry.

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Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath Labs is a brand founded by the legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, whose influence has reshaped the beauty industry. Often referred to as the “mother of makeup,” McGrath’s trailblazing work has made her a global icon, known for her bold, creative vision and commitment to inclusivity. Pat McGrath Labs has pushed boundaries with innovative products that cater to every skin tone, proving that beauty is for everyone. With her passion for diversity and artistry, McGrath has paved the way for future generations of Black creators, and her brand continues to stand as a beacon of empowerment, creativity, and representation.

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PATTERN By Tracee Ellis Ross

Founded by the actress and activist, Pattern was created to address the unique needs of curly, coily, and wavy hair types, offering high-quality products designed to nourish, define, and enhance natural curls. Tracee Ellis Ross has long been an advocate for self-love and embracing one’s natural beauty, and Pattern is a reflection of that mission.

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Adwoa beauty

Founded by Julian Addo, Adwoa Beauty creates products designed to nourish and elevate textured hair while celebrating the richness of Black culture. With a focus on clean ingredients and eco-conscious packaging, the brand emphasizes self-care, self-love, and embracing natural hair textures. Through Adwoa Beauty, Julian has built a space where Black and curly hair is not only celebrated but cared for with products that truly understand its needs.

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This month, and every month, it’s important to recognize the incredible impact Black founders and creators have had on the beauty industry. From Fenty Beauty’s revolutionary inclusivity to Pat McGrath’s artistry and innovation, these brands are not just reshaping beauty standards—they’re empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their heritage. Supporting these brands is a reminder that beauty is diverse, multifaceted, and worth celebrating every day. Let’s continue to uplift and honour the voices that have made beauty more inclusive, authentic, and true to life.

Staff Picks for Holiday Gifting

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With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to think about finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Who would know what to get at Upper Canada Mall more than the office staff? We went straight to the sources to put together their picks for the special people in their lives.

Ready to get inspired? Read on to hear what our very own are gifting this holiday season.

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For the Kids

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock.

“Lapis Lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized for its intense colour.

My daughter is like a rare gemstone that came into my life to stay forever.”

– Catalina, Marketing Specialist

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“Skiing is a great family sport which allows for some great quality time and exercise with the family this winter. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned skier/snowboarder there are plenty of items to choose from at Sport Chek to outfit the entire family.

Best of all, Upper Canada Mall is located just 45 minutes away from Horseshoe, Snow Valley and Mt. St. Louis/Moonstone.”

– Ryan, Director & General Manager

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“I wanted to gift my daughter with things she loves. The Advent Calendar is the perfect opportunity to try new skincare and make-up products with the bonus of opening up something different every day of the month.

Plus, the earrings are cute, stylish, and something she would reach for. They can be worn every day and are a perfect stocking stuffer.”

– Fil, Property Administration Manager

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For the Parents

“The Teddy Fur PJ set is the perfect PJ set for my mother to keep her warm and cozy on those cold winter nights. The caramel set was my favourite, it’s a beautiful colour and very soft.”

– Karen, Property Administrator

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“Being the great mom that she is, my mom is one of the hardest working women I know and she deserves it all – but what do you get someone who deserves the world? My mom is constantly on her feet at work and these New Balance’s are trendy yet comfortable for her day-to-day tasks.

For my mom’s second gift, Ive got something perfect for her relaxation time! The Roots Plaid Pajama Set is incredibly soft and breathable, boasting that iconic style.”

– Yasmeen, Marketing Manager

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For the Siblings

“My sister is a first-year university student so I wanted to gift her the essentials she’ll need for the rest of the year. Walking around campus during the colder months can be tough which is why I opted for things that will make it easier for her.

UGGs are essential for her walks to class. Plus, they add a cute and comfy flair to her outfits when she’s on-the-go. Similarly, the vest is warm and easy for her to grab when she’s walking out the door.”

– Alessia, Property Administrator

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“My brother spends most of his time commuting to-and-from work and watching sports so I wanted his gifts to reflect both of those things.

AirPods are the best for his commute to listen to music and podcasts on the subway. Plus, a practical yet stylish combination of merchandise from his favourite football team is always a great go-to.”

– Claudia, Digital Product & Community Specialist

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Give the gift of choice this holiday season.

Match the Occasion

Give the gift of choice this holiday season with one of our gift cards. Our physical gift cards are great for the traditionalist, while our e-gift cards give you the option to send a personalized holiday greeting (including photo and video!) to that special someone. You can even team up with family, friends or coworkers for a joint e-gift card for holiday gifting!

GIFT NOW

Mother’s Day Made Easy

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Special gifts to show you care

It’s true: moms should be celebrated every single day of the year. With our curated gift picks, you can show her exactly how grateful you are. 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.

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A Self-Care Moment

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

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A Beauty Refresh

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.

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Stylish Wardrobe Wins

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

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A Happy Home

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.

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Discover more personalized gifts for the always-worthy mom in centre or consider an Upper Canada Gift Card—pick one up at Guest Services or send an e-gift card with a personalized message or video. It’s the perfect way to let her treat herself to exactly what she wants!

Everything You’ll Want to Wear This Summer

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The sun is out, the temperatures are rising and summer style is in full swing. To get you started on curating your summer wardrobe, we’ve rounded up this season’s top fashion trends below.

Shop summer fashion trends

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Poplin

Poplin is making big waves this season, perhaps replacing the ever-so-popular summer fave, linen. The beauty of this cotton fabric is that it provides that easy breezy feel for summer but looks slightly more put together than linen. And there are endless options to choose from, such as maxi dresses, the trending bubble skirt and, of course, a summer staple: the matching set.

H&M poplin pajamas

H&M Poplin Pajamas

Michael kors stretch organic cotton poplin cropped shirt

Michael Kors Stretch Organic Cotton Poplin Cropped Shirt

H&M Tie-Belt Shirt Dress

H&M Tie-Belt Shirt Dress

Gap Cropped Poplin Shirt

Gap Cropped Poplin Shirt

H&M Tie-detail Bubble-hem Top

Banana Republic Poplin Maxi Dress

Banana Republic Poplin Maxi Dress

Ardene Poplin Tiered Midi Dress

Ardene Poplin Tiered Midi Dress

Gap Poplin PJ Shorts

Gap Poplin PJ Shorts

H&M Boxy Poplin Shirt

H&M Boxy Poplin Shirt

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Bermuda Shorts

In the world of fashion, what goes around comes around, and this season, the once beloved bermuda short is back. Not as short as hot pants and not quite as long as capris (another popular trend this season), the bermuda is perfect for both the office and casual weekend activities.

Ardene bermuda sweatshorts

Ardene Bermuda Sweatshorts

Gap-9 high rise bermuda shorts

Gap 9″ High Rise Bermuda Shorts

Banana republic lido italian wool bermuda short

Banana Republic LIDO ITALIAN WOOL BERMUDA SHORT

Ardene high rise skater jorts in light blue

Ardene High Rise Skater Jorts in Light Blue

Ardene regular rise long cargo shorts in khaki

Ardene Regular Rise Long Cargo Shorts in Khaki

Wilfred thesis bermuda short

Wilfred Thesis Bermuda Short

Gap 8 mid rise 90s loose denim bermuda shorts

Gap 8″ Mid Rise ’90s Loose Denim Bermuda Shorts

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Athletic Prep

Maybe it’s the upcoming summer Olympics or the Zendaya effect, but preppy, athletic ensembles are one of the most popular style aesthetics this season. To get the look, channel your inner prep school student with polo shirts, track jackets and, of course, the tennis skirt. Don’t forget the sneakers!

Gap cropped rugby polo shirt

Gap Cropped Rugby Polo Shirt

H&M drymove™ tennis skirt

H&M DryMove™ Tennis Skirt

Asics womens japan s pf platform sneaker

ASICS Womens Japan S PF Platform Sneaker

Ardene long sleeve zip up polo in black

Ardene Long Sleeve Zip-Up Polo in Black

Gap shrunken polo shirt sweater

Gap Shrunken Polo Shirt Sweater

Aldo hely white womens low top sneakers

ALDO Hely White Women’s Low top sneakers

Sirens active tennis skirt with side pocket

Sirens Active Tennis Skirt with Side Pocket

H&M track jacket

H&M Track Jacket

Adidas originals top ten rb

adidas Originals Top Ten RB at Foot Locker

Roots sporting goods warm up jacket gender free

Roots Sporting Goods Warm Up Jacket Gender Free

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Pajama Party

The pajama trend is still going strong with our fave style stars wearing oversized shirts, relaxed pants and elevated boxer shorts in classic stripes. The key to elevating this trend is by pairing it with unexpected accessories: think a structured bag, bold pieces of jewelry, and a cute pair of flats. The best part? You don’t need to sacrifice style for comfort with this trend.

Gap pleated satin boyfriend shirt

GAP Pleated Satin Boyfriend Shirt

Banana republic ravena delicate curb link bracelet

Banana Republic Ravena Delicate Curb Link Bracelet

Gap waffle cropped pj pants

Gap Waffle Cropped PJ Pants

Rwco earrings with double teardrop pendants

RW&Co Earrings with Double Teardrop Pendants

H&M pajama shirt and pants

H&M Pajama Shirt and Pants

H&M linen blend pajamas

H&M Linen-blend Pajamas

Gap Ballet Flats

Gap Ballet Flats

H&M printed resort shirt

H&M Printed Resort Shirt

Old navy poplin pajama short set

Old Navy Poplin Pajama Short Set

Banana republic mariner jumbo link necklace aureus argent

Banana Republic Mariner Jumbo Link Necklace _ Aureus + Argent

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Butter Yellow

It may not be Pantone’s Colour of the Year, but butter yellow is most definitely the colour of summer 2024. It’s a great alternative to beige that adds a fresh wearable take to the popular summer hue. And since it’s in the same colour family, you can treat it as a neutral and pair butter yellow items into your existing summer wardrobe.

Banana republic livia linen mini dress

Banana Republic Livia Linen Mini Dress

Old navy knit jersey pajama short set

Old Navy Knit Jersey Pajama Short Set

Gap organic cotton vintage t-shirt

Gap Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt

Banana republic lina pleated linen short

Banana Republic Lina Pleated Linen Short

Banana republic lina pleated linen short

Banana Republic Lina Pleated Linen Short

Aldo daphnee

ALDO Daphnee

H&M non padded bikini top

H&M Non-Padded Bikini Top

H&M sweatshorts

H&M Sweatshorts

H&M tie back puffy dress

H&M Tie-Back Puffy Dress

Lululemon everywhere belt bag

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Wilfred twirl pleated skirt

Wilfred Twirl Pleated Skirt