My Holiday Gift Guide

I love gifts, giving receiving, writing extensive lists,the whole thing ! It’s my love language and when done well can be such a sweet and thoughtful gesture. A way to tell the people you love, that you’re thinking of them and want to make their day better. I don’t think gifts need to be lavish and expensive to be thoughtful and generous. I find the best gifts are the ones that are to be used and appreciated everyday. Here are a few of my favorite gifts for anyone on your list. They are things I absolutely love and reach for all the time, they are mostly small businesses and all cost under $50. These gifts are especially great for people who love to be in the kitchen. 

Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer

This baby is one of my favorite kitchen tools. I finally bought myself one 3 years ago and use it multiple times each day. This slicer is SHARP but easy to use and great for finley slicing vegetables like cucumber, radish, carrots, celery and nearly any other vegetable that comes to mind. I comes with a guard and is easy and safe to use at home. Buy this for the person who loves to make beautiful salads, sauerkraut or quick pickles. They’ll love it.  

If you are in Toronto, you can find these in person at Nella Toronto  or PAT Korean Supermarket on Bloor. 

W&P Ceramic Porter Bowl

This bowl is my all time favorite lunch container, it’s functional and beautiful all at once. It’s so nice and makes me excited to pack a lunch for work. The Porter Bowl is ceramic lunch bowl that features a protective silicone wrap, rigid plastic lid and silicone strap to keep everything from leaking on your way to work. It’s perfect for transporting your salad, grain bowl or leftovers and BPA-free, dishwasher and microwave safe. I cannot open this bowl at work without getting several comments about it. This is definitely for the person who wants some  packed lunch inspiration! You can find these at Health Hut in Toronto ( psst...they’re on sale!).

Baggu Reusable Bags

I’m obsessed with Baggu. From the bold colours and interesting design to the way they perfectly fold and fit into your pocket, Baggus are irresistable. They come in two standard sizes, small ( great for carrying a few things or as a lunch bag) or large (perfect for a trip to the grocery store or farmers market). They’re light and fun and make a great stocking stuffer. Who doesn’t need a cute reusable bag? 

Hand Carved Wooden Spoon 

A wooden spoon is the quintessential cooking tool. They’re perfect for baking, cooking, stirring and making ferments like yogurt or kraut. I love collecting them from my various travels and think they make a fun and functional gift.  You can usually find a great selection on Etsy. 

Herbal Tea Blend 

Herbal tea makes a beautiful and unique gift. We could all stand to drink less coffee and I love the ritual of drinking tea, taking a moment of your day to brew yourself a cup. I recently found Mood Flower tea and love their tonic blend. It’s a combination of Elderberry, Chrysanthemum, Orange Peel, and Wild Cherry Bark. I also really love the tea blends from The Living Apothecary, my favorites are Well Woman and Radiance. 

Rainbo Forrest Juice 

This bottle is such a special gift. It’s pure Canadian Maple Syrup infused with Chaga and Reishi mushrooms. Giving your breakfast oats or pancakes and extra boost in the morning. Chaga is one of my favorite mushrooms, great for keeping immunity strong and helping to fight infections. Perfect sweet treat for cold and flu season. 

Parallel Smokey Sesame Butter 

I love tahini, it’s perfect in salad dressings, cookies or on toast. This tahini is so nice and creamy and has the slightest smokey flavour, that works well with miso or jam. It’s a great little gift for anyone that has an infinity for nut butter and  loves to experiment in the kitchen. 

Daphis and Chloe Smoked Chili Flakes 

These little chili flakes offer a delicate slight sweet, smokey, spicy flavor to any dish. They’re made in Northern Greece from local red horn peppers and traditionally smoked with birch wood. I love them on roasted veggies or in stews and on toast. They are a staple in my kitchen and perfect for your friend that loves a little spice. 

Newfoundland Salt Company  Sea Salt 

This is a really special little jar. This finishing sea salt is produced in small handcrafted batches from the pure and clean waters of Trinity Bay in beautiful Bonavista, Newfoundland. It’s perfectly crunchy, flaky salt that does wonders for fresh vegetables, topping toasts or literally anything that needs a boost of flavour.  It’s a simple little gift that packs a punch. 

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I’ll be sharing some simple DIY gift ideas soon!