Because there are so many great ideas and products I'd love to share with you guys this year, I've decided to do three separate gift guides.
First up, Food & Drink. The generic gift guide for anyone and everyone. This guide is ideal for coworkers, friends, Secret Santas, foodies, etc. They also act as great Host/Hostess gifts over the holiday season.
Stay tuned for...
Her: as the majority of my readers are male, I figured a safe bet would be to dedicate one of the guides to gifts for 'her' - because let's be honest, buying for the ladies can be tricky. This upcoming gift guide includes some unique and affordable ideas for your sister, mom, aunt, partner, etc.
Fashion & Tech: some trendy, Instagram-worthy ideas that will please any social being. This guide includes the latest and greatest from comfy sweaters to comfy earbuds. I wouldn't doubt a few of these items end up on your own wish list.
Be sure to check out all three of these guides and let me know what you think.
WHERE CHEFS EAT - $32.28
This is the ultimate restaurant guide written by the real experts: more than 600 of the world’s best chefs, including recommendations from René Redzepi, David Chang, Jason Atherton, Shannon Bennett, Helena Rizzo, Massimo Bottura, Yotam Ottolenghi, Yoshihiro Narisawa and hundreds more. There's actually a new version coming out in February but for now you can pick up the current copy here.
J. LOHR RIVERSTONE CHARDONNAY - $19.95
This extremely popular Chardonnay is a perfect gift for a party host/hostess, co-worker and everyone in between. It has notes of banana, mango and grilled pineapple and pairs well with any holiday meal. Find it here or in the LCBO.
CREST 3D WHITE WHITESTRIPS WITH LIGHT - $119.99
With all the wine and hot cocoa you'll be drinking this holiday season I figured I'd sneak these Crest Whitestrips in here. They include a device that features Crest's best and fastest blue light teeth whitening technology available over-the-counter. The system provides a faster whitening experience in the comfort of your own home, delivering a dramatically whiter smile compared to strips alone. Guaranteed to make those holiday photos brighter. Find it here or in stores.
SODASTREAM SPARKLING WATER MAKER - $99.99
I try to buy as few bottles of water as humanly possible. I'm always refilling my water bottle rather than buying one and that's why I love this Sodastream sparkling water maker. It's a steal at only $99.99. Find it here or at select Canadian retailers such as Walmart, Staples and London Drugs for a limited time only.
NESPRESSO CONFETTO PEPPERMINT CANE - $12.00
Nespresso has once again released their Holiday variations and I've picked my two favourites for you to gift to your favourite coffee lover. First from the VertuoLine: the Peppermint Cane is my favourite of the three seasonal options. It's a candy cane and coffee mash up that screams Christmas. Find it here or in store at any Nespresso boutique.
CUISINART STAND MIXER - $288.87
Nothing makes holiday baking easier than a stand mixer. This 5.2L mixer gives you more power and more capacity than ever before. This beast includes chef’s whisk, dough hook, flat mixing paddle and splash guard with pour spout that'll ease you through the holiday entertaining and beyond. The best part as gifting this mixer is the return in cookies. Find it here.
NESPRESSO CONFETTO SNOWBALL - $9.00
If you're buying for someone that has an original Nespresso machine then you HAVE to get them the Snowball flavour capsule. This tasty combo marries the Livanto coffee with a taste of coconut and a touch of vanilla. Find it here or in store at any Nespresso boutique.
THE MACALLAN AMBER - $109.95
Who doesn't love receiving a nice Single Malt for the holidays? This one from Macallan is matured in Sherry casks and offers a full flavour with aromas of citrus, orange peel, spice, peat and smoke; the palate is complex with smoke, ginger, dried fruits, apricots and cinnamon that lingers on a long finish. Find it here or in store at the LCBO.
NESPRESSO FESTIVE TOUCH CUPS - $28.00
To create the perfect gift you should definitely add these beautful Lungo cups to your coffee purchase. These special edition cups were designed by Craig&Carl (who also designed the holiday capsules). They're made of black ceramic and have a soft silicone ring that wraps around them for good grip. These cups are also ergonomically designed to enhance the aroma of your coffee. Find them here or in store at any Nespresso boutique.
J LOHR HILLTOP CABERNET - $47.95
There really isn't a more versatile gift than a bottle of wine. Whether you're bringing it to a Christmas party or you're gifting it to someone special you can't go wrong with a bottle of red. This Cabernet Sauvignon from J. Lohr comes from their vineyard in Paso Robles. It's characterized by being "dense but soft" with blackberry and currant aromas and a touch of hazelnut and coca. Find it here or in the LCBO Vintages.
MEIOMI PINOT NOIR - $24.95
If you've followed me for long enough you know that one of my favourite reds is this Pinot Noir from Meiomi. It's a fantastic Pinot and goes with just about everything. Every time I bring a bottle to a party I always get compliments on it. Just make sure that if you're picking up a bottle for someone else you also pick up a couple to put in your own wine rack. Find it here.
WILLIAMS-SONOMA PEPPERMINT BARK - $33.56
Williams & Sonoma makes the best peppermint bark. This stuff is handcrafted using the finest ingredients, including custom-blended Guittard chocolate and triple-distilled oil of peppermint. Master candy makers pour a layer of melted dark chocolate on a marble table and then top it with a layer of creamy white chocolate. This “bark” is finished with a snowfall of handmade peppermint candy pieces. Find it here.