How To Find Great Gifts

HOW TO FIND GREAT GIFTS

Let our holiday gift guide lead you to the best presents ever

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

YOU WANT TO GET IT JUST RIGHT. You want to find the perfect gift but you have little time to shop and you’re just not sure about what would please them. Read on for our best suggestions for the holiday season.

RETRO RADIO

The InstaBox i90 Wooden Digital Multi-Functional Speaker with Bluetooth FM Radio may have a retro look but it offers modern connectivity. Connect your devices via Bluetooth or AUX cord, or plug and play a USB, Micro SD or TF Card preloaded with MP3s. A new remote control allows for a two-metre range, and an upgraded internal chip has improved signal and sound quality. Available at Amazon. www.amazon.ca

NOBLE NECKLACE

This 14kt white gold diamond necklace is a luxurious adornment to be paired with your favorite gown. Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

CAST-IRON CASSEROLE

Compatible with all cooking surfaces, the Ricardo red enameled cast-iron Dutch oven will add colour to your kitchen while ensuring that dinner is delicious. Ridges on the inner surface of the lid make for optimal steam circulation and continuous basting of food for great results. Capacity: five quarts. Available at Linen Chest. www.linenchest.com

FABULOUS FAUX FUR

This Brown Bear luxury faux fur cushion is a warm addition to a sofa or armchair. Soft and snuggly, it can be combined with a matching throw or bed runner. Cushion size is 20 inches square. Available at Linen Chest. www.linenchest.com

OFF THE CUFF

The Entwined rose-gold-plated cuff from the Sanctum collection, designed by Claire Vessot, is as alluring as it is mesmerizing. For day or evening wear, it has an intertwining design that is both romantic and modern. Available at Vessot Design. www.vessotdesign.com

PORTABLE PLAYTIME

The new Bose Soundlink Revolve portable, wireless, Bluetooth speaker will immerse you in 360-degree sound. Water-resistant, it features voice prompts for access to Siri or Google, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a wireless range of up to nine metres. Available at Best Buy Canada, The Source, Bose Canada, and Amazon. www.bestbuy.ca, www.thesource.ca, www.bose.ca, www amazon.ca

SAY CHEESE!

Slicing cheese is made simple with this set of four cheese serving utensils. Packaged in an elegant book-style gift box, each is made of stainless steel with a gold finish. Available at Linen Chest. www.linenchest.com

UNCOMMON SCENTS

Inspired by the British coastline, these candles by Laboratory Perfumes are made with natural oils to obtain clean, gender-neutral fragrances. Housed in a glass laboratory beaker and wrapped in simple brown packaging, they make excellent hostess gifts. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF

These leaf-shaped 14kt white gold earrings are as versatile as they are exquisite. Perfect for a lunch with friends or an evening out, the combination of baguette and round diamonds is divine. Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

SNAP TO IT

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 instant camera makes picturetaking a snap. A new selfie mirror, macro lens adapter for closeups and an automatic exposure measurement are a few of its attributes. Perfect for portraits, this camera comes in a variety of colours. Available at Indigo Books & Music. www.chapters.indigo.ca

YOU’VE BEEN SERVED

With more than 125 recipes, Plated makes dinner a pleasure. Regardless of how much or how little time you have, this cookbook’s step-by-step instructions and clear menu ideas are created to make meal preparation stress-free. From dinner à deux to backyard barbecues, this book offers it all. Available at Amazon. www.amazon.ca

TAKE A STAND

Made of fine china, the Penguin cake stand from the Sara Miller holiday serveware collection by Portmeirion will delight both young and old with its adorable depiction of penguins. Combine it with matching forks and dessert plates for a complete set. Available at Linen Chest. www.linenchest.com

GOOD EGG

Cristofle’s MOOD set of six espresso spoons in 18-kt rose gold features an egg-shaped case with a walnut interior. Excellent for coffee service at parties, these spoons are ideal for demitasse cups, and move entertaining up to the next level. Available at Cristofle. www.cristofle.com

STUNNING STUDS

The saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” is best illustrated by these versatile stud earrings. A combination of 18kt white gold and baguette and round diamonds will make your ears sparkle. Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

PEN PAL

The Meisterstück Geometry Solitaire midsize ballpoint pen in champagne gold by Montblanc puts an elegant twist on a classic design. Engraved with a three-dimensional geometric pattern with optical effect, this pen makes writing a beautiful exercise. Available at Damiani Jewellers. www.damianijewellers.com

CARRIED AWAY

The AWAY Carry-On suitcase has an unbreakable polycarbonate shell and a TSA (Transportation Security Administration)-approved combination lock. Perfect for a business trip or a quick out-of-town jaunt, this luggage has an ejectable battery that charges your phone, 360-degree Hinomoto wheels, and a hidden laundry bag. Available at Away Travel. www.awaytravel.com

COLOURFUL KETTLE

Dolce & Gabbana have teamed up with Smeg, and the result is this stunning multicoloured kettle. Decorated with motifs and patterns that embody a Mediterranean look, this kettle has anti-slip feet, a built-in cord wrap, and an auto shut-off at 100 degrees Celsius/212 degrees Fahrenheit. Available at Hudson’s Bay. www.thebay.com

BANGLE BEAUTY

Add some wow to your wardrobe this holiday season with this beautiful 14kt white gold bangle, half of which is studded with diamonds. It’s topped with a design of baguette and round diamonds. Available at Mark Lash. www.marklash.com

GORGEOUS GOBLETS

These Graphik crystal water glasses in blue will add an elegant touch to your table this holiday season. Ideal for cocktails, they come in a set of two and a variety of colours. Available at Cristofle. www.cristofle.com

TRADITIONAL TOWELS

These Hammam-style cotton hand towels are colour-blocked with the Hudson’s Bay design and trimmed with a fringe. Lightweight and highly absorbent, they add a touch of Canadian tradition to the bathroom. Available at Hudson’s Bay. www.thebay.com

PERFECTLY BREWED

The Bodum Eileen eight-cup French press coffee maker in copper will make your old coffee maker obsolete. A three-part stainless-steel mesh filter allows for the extraction of the coffee’s aromatic oils and flavours to render each cup of java delicious. No paper coffee filters necessary. Available at Amazon. www.amazon.ca

WHIMSICAL WILDLIFE

These Lilibet side plates, designed by Londoner Yvonne Ellen, are sure to appeal to the animal lover in you or someone you love. Reflecting the designer’s passion for vintage bone china and quirky illustrations, they’re made to add whimsy to a table. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

VEGAN VARIETY

Famed chocolatier Brandon Olsen and artist Sarah Keenlyside have combined forces to share their love of food and art in their chocolate confections. This year, they have made their first nineflavour vegan bonbon collection, which includes such flavours as cherry/almond, cinnamon/rose/chili and blackcurrant/ violet. Available at CXBO Chocolates. www.cxbo.ca

GEOMETRIC GLAMOUR

Featuring a quarter carat of sparkling round, white diamonds, the Longest Line diamond earrings from the Bravura collection, designed by Claire Vessot, bestows glamour on any outfit you choose. Geometric shapes combined with a double chain fringe make a bold statement when combined with a little black dress. Available at Vessot Design. www.vessotdesign.com

DREAMY DIFFUSER

Made of handcrafted stone in a black-matte finish, the Vitruvi diffuser is a piece of functional decor. A high-quality BPA-free plastic water reservoir, three-hour non-stop or seven-hour-30-second interval running time, and an auto shutoff are just a few of its attributes. It is available in white and black. Available at Vitruvi. www.vitruvi.com

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