Decorating & Design
December 15, 2020
Still Shopping? Here Are 50+ Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas!
If you’re a last-minute Christmas present shopper, there’s no need to fret! Our editors gathered up 50+ inspired holiday gift ideas for giving this season, including picks from some of our favorite people, like TV personality Marilyn Denis, designer Tommy Smythe, singer-songwriter Jann Arden and more. Scroll down and start shopping, stat!
Marilyn Denis’ Picks
“Receiving flowers every month is a beautiful gift,” says Marilyn. “Bouquets by Emblem appeared on my home set of The Marilyn Denis Show during lockdown. I hope that’s a big hint for somebody out there who’s reading this.”
“Nothing says love and happy holidays more than a good meal,” says Marilyn. “Try ordering a delicious holiday supper from Chef Jameson Watermulder at Rosedale’s Finest in Toronto, or a beautiful Italian feast from Mercato Gourmet in Calgary.”
“Floral designer Lori Williamson of The Petal Pop-up encouraged me to get a fig tree,” says Marilyn. “I’m happy to say that I’m raising a happy and healthy plant. It’s a feeling of accomplishment and, in the depths of winter, it’s so pretty to have gorgeous houseplants that are thriving.”
Tommy Smythe’s Picks
“Handmade with an unerring sense of form and proportion, Arno Declercq’s tabletop items are a perfect fit in virtually any room,” says Tommy. “The deep black of each piece is achieved through burning, sanding and waxing, resulting in a really soulful and sublime depth.
“We’ve all been cooking at home more, and I’ve come to realize that the tools we use are integral to that basic pleasure,” says Tommy. “Knives handmade off-the-grid by Cariboo Blades in the boreal forest of British Columbia come from the earth’s elements, giving these tools intrinsic beauty and soul.”
Lynda Reeves’ Picks
Something fun “… like the Viva La Vida Frida Kahlo jigsaw puzzle,” says Lynda. “It’s a thousand pieces, and it supports the MoMA Design Store.”
“A cool tool is the Oblio Wireless charging station for the iPhone,” says Lynda. “It’s wireless, has a built in UV sanitizer and looks like a sleek vessel. It comes in black, white or silver.”
“I love this solid brass pen with clean, classic lines,” says Lynda of the legendary Twyst brass pen. “I found it at Laywine’s, one of my favorite Toronto stores.”
“I know this is a major splurge… but the Equestrian oak dog bowl… if I’m dreaming,” says Lynda of this special present for her dog, Archie.
Dexter & Byron Peart’s Picks
“These hand-sculpted woven baskets made by female artisans in Ghana are one of our go-to gifts,” says Dexter and Byron. “They add flair and function to any room.”
“Our wardrobes are stocked with specialty scarves that offer both function and style,” says Dexter and Byron. “These one-of-a-kind statement pieces from Atelier & Repairs are made of repurposed silk scarves.”
“A go-to carryall that does double duty for work or leisure,” says Dexter and Byron. “Handmade by refugees in Italy, this bag delivers style, function and impact.”
Jann Arden’s Picks
“Canadian artist Timothy Wilson Hoey is an incredible painter,” says Jann. “His pieces often feature our beloved Queen doing things like paddling a canoe beside a moose or a beaver. He’s painted every Canadian musical icon imaginable, and his work will most certainly make you fall into a well of nostalgia.”
“‘If I knew then’ — haven’t we all said that a million times over the years?” asks Jann. “This book really is a testament to the value of time; the passing of it and the embracing of it. As I get older, I feel myself getting stronger, which is exactly how you should feel.”
“If you really want to go Canadian this season, you’ll need a Poutine candle by Montreal’s Main and Local,” says Jann. “The candle smells more like coconut than poutine, which is no bad thing!”
Diana Hamm’s Picks
“An original work of art will be enjoyed every day,” says Diana. “Works on paper are great places to start as they’re often more affordable and smaller, so easier to place. Julia Balfour’s soft watercolours, inspired by Helen Frankenthaler, are gifts everyone would be happy to receive!”
“Artist editions are readily found in most museum gift shops and are a great way to bring a major artist into your home,” says Diana. “Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkin sculpture is iconic and playful. This resin edition will add a pop of color and whimsy to any space.”
“Artist catalogues are a fantastic way to learn about art, and they double as a beautiful object,” says Diana. “Many galleries sell them directly on their websites. I’d love to receive Cy Twombly’s catalogue from his Gagosian exhibitions.”
More Gift Ideas From Our Editors
Never lose sight of those Airpods again with this stylish no-slip grip case.
This eco-conscious, refillable fragrance marries notes of bergamot, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, cedarwood and vanilla.
The city of lights can be toured from the comfort of one’s very own pied-a-terre with this picturesque book.
A bottle of wine is a go-to hostess gift! This Cabernet Shiraz has dark plum, berry and blackcurrant flavors, which will pair perfectly with your Christmas dinner.
Watch their eyes light up as they open that little blue box to unveil this beautiful gold ring emblazoned with the iconic ‘T’ motif.
Track everything from blood oxygen levels to sleep and fitness metrics with the latest tech arm candy.
The only thing fishy about these chocolates is why they aren’t already on your gift list.
“Its unique design keeps butter at the perfect spreading consistency,” says Andrea Hopson and Martha Grace, the founders of Hopson Grace. The dish originated in Vallauris, an area in south-eastern France known for its pottery.
With this convenient light and sound system, your loved one can get their grill on after dark.
A refined brass olive oil dispenser that doubles as sculpture for your dinner table? Sign us up.
The best-selling cookbook from your grandma’s kitchen has a brand-new leather binding.
Throw pillows in vibrant hues and graphic patterns promise to glow up any perch.
This charming boho Portugese linen towel is woven and decorated by hand.
Match up the most indulgent person on your present list with these little artisanal luxuries.
Candle helpers in the dreamiest brass finish make for a perfect host gift.
Help clear the path for your friend who bikes to work with this handsome Japanese-designed bicycle bell.
This pretty floral bandana will definitely be making an appearance on your friend’s pet’s Instagram page.
This handmade collar can withstand a cycle in the washing machine after muddy days at the dog park.
Every pooch deserves a place to lounge that’s as plush as this floor cushion.
Give your favorite design book the recognition it deserves by displaying it on this handsome walnut bookstand.
The card player in your life will be hard-pressed not to lay this stylish deck on the table.
Puzzling together this 1,000-piece picture of Mother Earth sounds like a splendid way to spend an afternoon.
Thank the host of your weekly game night with a handsome new board of backgammon.
This advent calendar unveils a unique sachet of loose-leaf tea in the days leading up to Christmas.
Design darling Luke Edward Hall’s double-sided Grecian mug will elevate any cup of joe.
Whether they fill it with knick-knacks or display it solo, this dish will give any tabletop a tray chic look.
Pair leafy salads with these eco-conscious serving utensils for an even greener meal.
Finally — a stylish and hassle-free place to store your mask, hand sanitizer and gloves.
Ward off germs with this gentle hand sanitizing spray made from sugarcane alcohol and witch hazel.
Bringing your charcuterie to the park is a piece of cake with this handy bike basket.
A perfectly festive selection of incense will spruce up their space just in time for the merry season.
Your freelancing friend’s business cards will look golden in this aged brass case.
Warm up their wardrobe game with a scarf that’s just as good-looking as it is cozy.
Think of this colorful mobile as art for your tired work-from-home desk.
This eye-catching blanket is handwoven on a traditional jacquard loom for an extra plush feel.
Angus Fergusson (feature image)
House & Home December 2020
Produced by Meg Crossley & Christine Hanlon (feature image); Produced by Emily Evans & Stacey Smithers (gifts)