As if the internet needs yet another gift guide this year, I wanted to share a simple edit of cozy & homey items that would make perfect gifts if you’re in search of some more ideas. I’m a chronically uncreative gift-giver, but I think it comes down to my love for useful, practical, and almost nostalgic gifts that feel like they could have been given to you from your grandmother. So while this guide won’t necessarily be groundbreaking, I hope it sparks some inspiration nonetheless.
Luxe Hand/Body Cream | I love gifting things that someone may not necessarily splurge on for themselves, and a fancy hand or body cream is one of those things. Practical but special, and something that just about anyone would appreciate (especially at this time of year). I love Aesop for their creams, particularly the Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm (pictured here) and the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. For a top tier stocking stuffer, I love the mini L’Occitane hand creams, which are purse-friendly and perfect for your always-on-the-go friend or family member.
Candles | I did say this list would be nothing groundbreaking, but a good candle is truly one of my favourite things to gift (it helps that I’m a bit of a collector myself and consider myself something of a candle connoisseur). Pure Living is a Canadian brand and their Lucia line does some really beautiful options. I especially love this Laurel Leaf & Olive scent for something nice and fresh. It also comes in a gorgeous floral box that is such a special touch for gifting. Some other excellent options include Boy Smells (Cedar Stack and Figurare are firm favourites this time of year), Earl of East, Jo Malone, and Maison Louis Marie.
Books | Often when I’m out and about, I’ll come across a book that instantly reminds me of someone in my life. Whether it be about a coffee table book from a favourite designer, a classic novel in a special edition publication, or a hybrid collection of all of their favourite things, a book feels personal and thoughtful.
Socks | I used to always get a fresh pack of socks for Christmas as a kid, so I think this is partially a nostalgia thing for me, but there are few things better than brand new socks. For gifts, I like getting something just a little special, like these ones from Le Bon Shoppe. Pictured here are the Snow Socks, which are perfect for cold climes, but I also love their Boyfriend Socks and Trouser Socks. I’ve also been eyeing these floral frilly socks for myself, and for the men in your life, I’ve gotten great reviews (including the Jonah stamp of approval) on these Anonymous Ism made-in-Japan socks.
Cold Weather Accessories | Another very practical, nostalgic-feeling gift that feels super thoughtful when you go a little bit luxe. A good scarf is an absolute essential, and I’ve been loving this one from Aritzia. 100% wool, absolutely massive, and super soft, this one is a real winner (plus it comes in a ton of colours so there is something for everyone on your list). The Acne Studios one is of course a classic (either in a neutral or a colourful pattern), and if you feel like splurging then the Totême one is, I’m sure, delicious. Leather gloves and hats are some other great options. I absolutely love these gloves from Maguire, and nothing comes close to Norse Projects for me when it comes to warm wool hats.
Knitwear | A cozy season essential, who doesn’t love a good knit? I especially love the Sézane Gaspard cardigan as a gift because of just how classic it is — you really can’t go wrong. A cashmere hoodie is always a good idea, and I love this winter edition of the wardrobe essential that is the “going out top.”
Luxe Nail Polish | Another one for the “objects someone might not buy for themselves” list, a fancy nail polish is an easy stocking stuffer that still feels a bit personal (does anyone else notice that colours sometimes make you think of certain people?). Plus, an at-home manicure is the perfect snowy evening activity in my books. I personally love J. Hannah for their unique, neutral-adjacent colours, and they do great gift sets for the indecisive among us. You can also go full designer with some Gucci or Chanel, or fall back on the drugstore old faithfuls like Essie.
Honourable Mentions | If you’re someone who likes to just browse until something sparks some inspiration, I thought I’d share a few excellent spots to check out for all your perusing needs. SSENSE is a perennial favourite, and their new-ish ‘Everything Else‘ section is a real treasure trove. Plus they always have great sales during the stretch between Black Friday and Christmas, so you can get some extra special goodies for a more palatable price. In a similar vein, I’ve been a fan of Liberty London for many many years. They have a top-tier selection of fashion, home, and beauty items (including tons of smaller brands so nothing feels overplayed), and for my Canadian friends, they include taxes & duties in their prices so there are no surprise charges. Speaking of overplayed, for a slightly more unique jewellery option that isn’t one of the same brands we always see, may I introduce you to Wolf Circus. For an indie brand I find that they are very accessible stockist-wise (even outside of Canada) and I personally cannot recommend them enough for your jewellery-obsessed family & friends.
For my local friends who might want to do some in-person shopping, I love The Wanderly for vintage, accessories, and yummy apothecary stuff, V de V for their home goods (perfect for the entertainers on your list), and lastly, Baa Baazaar is a relatively new addition to the city (that I’ve yet to make my way over to) and their maximalist goodies fulfill all my English country cottage fantasies. They have a hardcover edition of Madeline’s Christmas, need I say more?
