It’s that time of year again, and the “it’s better to give than to receive” mantra is much easier to embrace when you are able to avoid the mall and all of its frantic energy. Instead, find yourself an independent retailer who has done a lot of the work of finding original gift ideas for you. Whether it’s a big present for someone close to your heart, a hostess gift for your friend who always goes all out to celebrate the season, or a small “stocking stuffer” gift just to put some extra fun into someone’s life, there are plenty of new and exciting products to choose from this season. We put the word out that we were looking for suggestions, and this is what we came up with!
Walnut iPad Holder
Once Upon A Tree is committed to using local and sustainably harvested wood. Known for their “live edge” serving boards and exquisite burl bowls, now Once Upon a Tree has created a beautiful Walnut iPad Holder exclusively for Jill’s Table. Perfect for displaying recipes in the kitchen, it is a true blend of nature and technology. $49.99
Our regular eatdrink cookbook reviewer Tracy Turlin was thinking along similar lines: “I spend a lot of time in the kitchen trying new recipes so I need a way to keep my books safe and out of the mess,” she wrote. “The Oxo Good Grips Pop-up Cookbook Holder has a clear screen that protects the pages and holds the book open at the same time. The spatter screen pulls down and out of the way to allow you to turn the pages easily. The holder folds flat for easy storage on your cookbook shelf or gadget drawer.” $27.99“If you prefer to find your recipes online, you can still keep them close to you while you cook with the iPrep Tablet Stand and Stylus by Prepara. It has a weighted and non-slip base to securely hold
any popular tablet or e-reader. It adjusts to 4 angles for optimum reading and the stylus stores in the hinge when not in use. This stand also folds flat for easy storage.” $29.99
euroSCRUBBY
The euroSCRUBBY (www.euroscrubby.com) is an abrasive, non-scratch cleaning cloth that is safe for almost every surface including non-stick pots and pans, glass/ceramic cooktops, glass shower doors and so much more. The euroSCRUBBY is also environmentally friendly as it lasts anywhere between 6 months to 2 years, depending upon use, meaning it reduces waste going to landfills from green scouring pads and many similar products. $2.99
King George Christmas Pudding
Carrie Wreford, co-owner of Stratford’s venerable Bradshaws shop, has her finger on the pulse of what’s on trend this year, and surprised us by suggesting a food item. The King George Christmas Pudding contains delightful ingredients such as sultanas, brown sugar, dried fig and apricots, citrus, pear and holiday spices, making these 1-pound Canadian-made Christmas puddings a delicious treat for yourself or to give as a gift. Just steam and serve, this is the perfect traditional English holiday dessert. $24.95
Sample Pack Combinations
Jamie Griffiths, owner of The Pristine Olive in London, has come up with a charming way to help customers try his products (over 60 flavours of oils and balsamics!). He has created six unique Sample Pack Combinations, containing many of his most popular items. Each sample pack holds six individually labeled, 60ml bottles, enclosed in The Pristine Olive’s new, custom-designed gift box. Perfect for people who wish to try a little bit of everything! $30 (Gourmet Pack $34)
Le Creuset Espresso Mugs
Lawrence Burden, from London’s Kiss the Cook shop, suggested this set of Le Creuset Espresso Mugs. “It really is the “c” factor with these,” wrote Lawrence. “CUTE! People are buying them for espresso, but also for individual desserts.” These petite mugs will inject a pop of colour into any kitchen. The durable enamelled surface resists staining, chipping and cracking, and is easy to clean. Providing a totally hygienic surface, it will not absorb odours or flavours. Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. The set of six is even on promo for Christmas. $49.99 (regularly $120)
Carrie Wreford also drew our attention to holiday dinnerware with wide appeal. “From chef, writer and member of the celebrated Conran design family, The Sophie Conran by Portmeirion dinnerware collection is the best-selling dinnerware pattern at Bradshaws,” writes Carrie. “This award-winning oven-to-table
Christmas Collection from Sophie Conran
collection is recognizable by its curved edges and rippled bodies that give the charm of traditional pottery. The line is well-priced, beautifully packaged and offers a wide range of serving pieces.NEW this holiday season is the limited Christmas Collection from Sophie Conran, meant to be mixed into your current assortment to spruce things us for your holiday table setting. All pieces are freezer-to-oven, microwave- and dishwasher-safe.” Pudding Basin $19.95Those “in the know” are already aware of the European Appliance Store in Belgrave, just north of Blyth, but their Marketing Manager Jonathan Roeland is trying to get the word out further. We asked him for a gift suggestion that might work for almost anyone, not that we’d complain if someone tucked a deluxe new range under our tree! Easier to wrap is the Chef’s Design
Gourmet Specialty Pan & Buffet Server
Gourmet Specialty Pan & Buffet Server. The large 12” non-stick griddle surface is perfect for sautéing, searing, or browning. The heavy triple-ply flat bottom resists warping and conducts heat quickly and evenly. The Gourmet Specialty Pan goes form the range top or oven straight to the table for elegant food presentation. The pan also works well for serving cheese, crackers, sausage and other cold or hot hors d’oeuvres. $119.99 (40% off regular price of $199)
“Nobody told me there would be math involved in cooking,” continued Darin. “A quick glance at the Oversized Cooking Measurements Tea Towel can provide some relief. With all those measurements, sometimes mental gymnastics put a crimp in one’s culinary creativity. This simplified measurement conversion graphic is printed on a 20 x 28 inch tea towel that does all the calculations for you, while providing a convenient place for drying your hands at the same time.” $16
Bradshaws, 129 Ontario Street, Stratfordwww.bradshawscanada.com
The European Appliance Store, 39822 Belgrave Rd, Belgrave
www.theeuropeanappliancestore.com
Jill’s Table, 115 King Street, London
www.jillstable.ca
Kiss the Cook, 551 Richmond Street, London
www.kissthecook online.com
The Pristine Olive, 462 Cheapside Street, London
www.thepristineolive.ca
