Decorating & Design
November 20, 2019
30 Great Gifts Hand-Picked By H&H’s Design Editors!
If you’ve flipped through our magazine or scrolled through our social media feeds, it would come as no surprise that our editors at House & Home have an eye for style. When it comes to gift giving, we all wish we were on their Secret Santa list! We asked each of our design editors, plus Lynda Reeves herself, to share five little luxuries they are secretly hoping for this year — from on-trend homeware goods to wellness essentials! Scroll down and get inspired to give.
Lynda Reeves’ Picks
“These spreaders are a beautiful gift set and a great price. People love receiving them.”
“This compost bin is a luxury gift that everyone raves about. Secret: I use mine as a bread box because it looks so good on my counter!”
“The ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide Immersion Machine is a fabulous gift. I have given it to friends who love to cook and they are thrilled with it. Expensive — yes — but for that special foodie in your life, it’s the perfect gift.”
“This salt server is the single most popular gift I give. Everyone loves the olive wood that is natural and beautiful to hold.”
“From Baskits, I chose the white monogrammed terry bath robes for kids. They come in two sizes and have hoods. I gave them to my grandkids last Christmas and they loved them!”
Kimberley Brown’s Picks
“The products from Bath Poetry – an all-natural apothecary in Lumsden, Saskatchewan – tickle all my senses and sensibilities: Each item is beautifully scented, minimally packaged and printed with a snippet of poetry. The Six Word Story Linen and Body Spray is described as a blend of typewriter, tidal wave and cable knit sweater, and can be used to refresh bedding, your skin or a yoga mat.”
“The cosy charm of flickering candlelight is just what we crave in the chilly months ahead. This holder is so simple yet so striking. I’d slip it into a Christmas stocking upside down with an emerald green velvet ribbon tied around the bend.”
“In lieu of jewelry, I’d give these beautiful brass hooks to adorn a wall. The design looks like a vintage find you might stumble on at Les Puces flea markets in Paris. Plus, who can’t use an extra spot to hang something?”
“Everyone loves chocolate, so treat them to the best? I love the graphic lettering on Toronto-based CXBO’s Signature Blend Bars. Each one is hand-painted with vegan pigmented cocoa butter.”
“At 6″ x 6.5”, this petite print by Toronto artist Alanna Cavanagh is the perfect size to prop framed on a vanity table or hang in a bathroom as a reminder to be “classy and fabulous” – the only two things Coco Chanel thought a woman should be.”
Stacy Begg’s Picks
“I love this handmade placemat in guava. It would make my everyday white dishes look not-so-everyday.”
“I would give this to my sister and myself for Christmas. I love the jewel tones and the playful tassel. I’d use it for a night on the town or in my everyday handbag to store essentials.”
“I’m trying to kick my coffee habit, and I’m intrigued by matcha and all its accessories. I would love these tumblers and frothing accessories in my stocking.”
“I’m tired of using my kitchen knives for sabering champagne — plus, I love Danish design. This one from Hopson Grace would be a perfect gift for me. Hopefully there is a bottle of champagne in my stocking too!”
“I’d like a cozy pair of felt booties to keep my toes warm during the cold Canadian winter. I like the neutral color — it’ll go with everything!”
Jennifer Koper’s Picks
“I love a good set of fresh tea towels in classic neutral colors. They will fit into any style of kitchen seamlessly.”
“Perfect for any place that you want just one special hook, I love its simplicity and subtle kitsch.”
“This is the perfect match to a scented candle. Cute and convenient, this match striker has a rustic casual feel, and is a perfect gift for hostesses and candle-loving homebodies alike.”
“For the sipper in your life or the one who’s too busy to get through a cup of coffee before it gets cold, the world’s first temperature control mug is an awesome gift. Adjust the settings through an app on your phone and say goodbye to lukewarm coffee and tea.”
“I don’t often treat myself to fancy soap, but I always enjoy receiving it as a gift — it’s a special treat. Made with organic essential oils, these soaps are beautiful and hydrating — and made in Toronto. Perfect for your face, hands or body.”
Kai Ethier’s Picks
“This one might take up my whole stocking and my entire stocking stuffer budget, but I would be pleased as punch to find this beautiful vase from Wills & Prior in mine on Christmas morning! I’m particularly fond of this shade of olive and love the organic shade of these stoneware pieces.”
“I wasn’t joking when I made these my editor’s pick on Shop House & Home. I really want them! Do you hear me Santa?”
“Ten & Co make eco-friendly cleaning cloths here in Toronto. This simple black and white grid one makes doing the dishes slightly more enjoyable.”
“I am a sucker for a little aromatherapy, and Tonic Living makes a limited edition of lavender sachets for #projectsachet — a campaign to help spread mental health awareness. The delightful smelling mini pillows are made from premium French lavender and scraps of Tonic’s lovely fabric. All proceeds go to support art therapy programs for women & children who have experienced trauma and abuse.”
“I would like my stocking to be stuffed with is these stockings from the Drake General Store. I am constantly losing socks somehow. Does this happen to anyone else?”
Bianca Zanotti’s Picks
“How many times have you travelled, only to pull your clothes out of the luggage and they’re wrinkled? This pretty pink steamer is the ideal travel companion, weighing just over 1 lb. Bonus? It heats up in less than 30 seconds.”
“Even though Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I love the smells that come around at Christmas time. This sampler pack from The Scented Market has it all. From warm sugar cookies to hot apple cider and freshly cut evergreens, your house will smell like the holidays all year long.”
“If you’re someone without a green thumb (like me) but want to dabble in botanicals, a self-watering planter is the perfect way to start. Just add H2O, and the hidden wicks will bring it to the plant’s roots when it’s thirsty.”
“Over the years, I think I’ve accumulated more canvas tote bags than actual purses because of their versatility. This reusable Baggu tote folds into a tiny square, so there are no excuses for asking for a plastic bag at the grocery store!”
“For me, Sunday nights are usually dedicated to an extensive skin care routine and a good cup of tea, but in the winter, it’s nice to add a soothing bath into the mix. With notes of eucalyptus and peppermint, this sea salt soak is the ideal weekend treat.”