HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
MARTHA UNIACKE BREEN HELPS YOU FIND THE RIGHT GIFT FOR YOUR SPECIAL PEOPLE THIS CHRISTMAS
FOR THE POD PEOPLE: For the coffee lover in your life, the Compact Coffee and Espresso Machine in Breville’s Nespresso Vertuo line makes full-bodied, steaming coffee and espresso in seconds. The machine uses capsule recognition technology to automatically set the precise parameters for the blend of coffee you’ve inserted. With a movable cup support for tall glasses.
$260, bedbathandbeyond.ca
For green or brown thumbs: The ultimate way to get fresh herbs for cooking and salads is to grow them yourself. Attractive and self-contained, the Aerogarden is a soil-free countertop system designed to grow herbs, veg, greens and even flowers with ease. It comes with six gourmet herbs to get you started.
$105, bedbathandbeyond.ca
FOR TIDY-UPPERS: Textile artist Heather Shaw started making natural-fibre sustainably made textiles and other objects as an undergrad business project, and it grew into Pi’lo, a thriving home-based business employing other like-minded local artisans. The whimsical, far-reaching collection of artisanal clothing and decor includes screen-printed tea towels with prints of farm implements and flowers such as alliums (shown). $28, pilo.ca
FOR THE DESIGN-BLOG LOVER: Like this ceramic jug, all the offerings from the young Canadian, and Scandinavian-inspired, company Livøm are eco-conscious, have a minimal carbon footprint, and are either made in Canada or can trace their origins directly to their maker. The range, which includes clothing, furniture — often one-of-akind items made from reclaimed wood — and decor items, is perfect for the design lover on your list who cares about where, how and by whom the items in their home were made.
$30, Livom.ca
FOR THE HOMEBODY: While the winds howl outside, there’s nothing like cuddling up in a faux fur blanket by the fire. Made from 80 per cent recycled polyester yarns, the Oui Faux Fur Throw from Indigo features a plush front and a solid sheared back, making it snug from either side. Durable and machine-washable, it’s available in five colours and looks as good neatly folded or draped over a sofa back as it does with someone tucked under it. $80, chapters.indigo.ca
FOR THE ONE WHO TAKES OUT THE
TRASH: Parachute Home’s fuzzy Shearling Wool Clog slippers are made of breathable, 100 per cent natural wool, while their sturdy foam soles allow you to nip outside to throw newspapers in the recycling bin.
$99, parachutehome.com
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE BASKETS:
There’s a myriad ways they can use Mobilia’s trio of Navaho baskets for stylish storage around the house. Separately or grouped together, they make it easy to organize the various things that end up in a busy family room, from TV remotes to magazines, kids’ books, knitting projects, toys and games. Or place a potted plant inside one for an elegant gift that outlasts a cut floral arrangement. $198/set of three, mobilia.ca
FOR THE TEEN-ADJACENT: An extra ottoman is useful, and a smaller one like this Mini Hub Ottoman from Sundays is compact but versatile enough to fit anywhere. They can use it as a footrest, as extra seating when kids or teens come by, or as a side table to put a tray of drinks or snacks on. Available in a rainbow of fabrics — including this funky ’70s-tinged retro design. $340, sundays-company.ca