It’s the thought that counts
A guide to creative gift-giving,
Let’s face it: Predictable presents are just not going to cut it this year, especially if you’re in a promising new relationship. Boring presents are boring and the new special person in your life deserves something a little more memorable than stretchy gloves or soap on a rope. For your convenience, we scoured the planet (OK, mostly just the Internet) for some of the more intriguing gifts on offer this holiday season to get you to second base. For the bookworm Get wrapped up in books with the Library Due Date Pashmina ($40 U.S.). The perfect accessory for spring, fall or a drafty library. And if someone you love eats and breathes books, why not help them smell like them, too? I Hate Perfume’s “In the Library” ($100), conjures the warmth of leather-bound volumes and the sweetness of pipe smoke and vanilla in a subtly sexy, androgynous scent.
For those of you keeping score at home — Books: 1; e-readers: 0.
For the cocktail enthusiast What do you get the Don Draper who has everything? How about a glass of bourbon that rises above the rest — quite literally? The Levitating Cocktail, invented by Canadian expat Joel Paglione, does exactly that. With the help of magnets and probably a solid dose of magic, the glass floats in midair above its metallic coaster (available in December, the planned price is $94.95 U.S.). Today: floating cocktails. Tomorrow: hoverboards! (We can dream, OK?)
For the granola cruncher (Breakfast eaters: finish up and come back later.) Everybody poops and it’s fine! But what’s the point of a healthy chia-and-kale-based diet if you’re struggling to make boom-boom? Science tells us that squatting is the optimal pooping position and the Squatty Potty is designed to emulate this, no actual uncomfortable squatting required. When not in use, the Squatty Potty, which starts at $35 and is available at Bed Bath & Beyond stores in the GTA, tucks away conveniently and discreetly against the toilet’s base. (Please note: make sure you’re ready to talk poop with your paramour before putting your money here, or else you might get the boot. If he or she has a sense of humour, you’ll watch the bizarre YouTube sell again and again and again.)
For the beauty buff If the special someone in your life is a makeup junkie but you don’t know your Bonne Bell from your Chanel, fret no longer. Canada’s own BITE Beauty make products that not only look good enough to eat, you can actually eat them (since they’re made from food-grade ingredients). We’d recommend she wear these colours instead of snacking on them, but isn’t it nice to know she can do that cute little lip-bite thing she does without consequence? The limitededition Discovery Set is $59.
For the foodie What with everyone’s overloaded schedules and brains, figuring out what to make for dinner each and every night is a grind. Even the most discerning of foodies can occasionally find themselves deferring to greasy pizza delivery in defeat. It’s time to shake up your cooking routine — literally. Foodie Dice are laser-engraved wooden dice that will allow you and your partner to roll out an idea for a memorable dinner every time. Roll a protein, vegetable, carb and cooking method — dinner practically serves itself! And the price point is right at $51.79.
For the geek Bath bombs are good. Bath bombs in the shape of a Dalek from Dr. Who, Hello Kitty or a PlayStation controller are better. Toronto’s Vanessa Smith crafts natural bath and body products thoroughly entrenched in geekdom in her Etsy shop, Veelightful and in real life at the Silver Snail (329 Yonge St.). Fun stocking stuffers include “foot fizzies” in the shape of a teeny tiny Han Solo encased in carbonite or a Star Trek insignia ($5) and Star Trek: The Next Generation-themed Number One Beard Oil ($12). If you want to go all-out, get them the Super Space Fan Gift Basket ($21) or the Whovian Gift Basket ($26).
For the geeky foodie The Force Awakens and so do you. What better way to start your day than with a waffle iron that makes waffles in the shape of the Death Star? This sleek little gadget takes breakfast from so-so to epic in less than 12 parsecs. Add eggs and fruit and it’s part of a complete breakfast trilogy! (OK, so maybe this is a bit of a novelty gift, but we seriously doubt the novelty of a Death Star-shaped breakfast will wear off even once the excitement of Star Wars: The Force Awakens has long subsided.) The Force is definitely strong with this one, which retails for $39.99 (U.S.). Pass the syrup?
For the older woman Why not give a present that keeps on giving? Boomerluxe boxes come in the mail on a monthly basis and contain five gift items worthy of the most discerning woman over 50. High school pals and Torontonians Carla Bosacki and Seana O’Neill started the business as they themselves entered their 50s and couldn’t find a monthly gift box of luxuries targeted at more mature women. We’re talking candles, cosy scarves and beauty products that sophisticated women with a bit of life experience will truly appreciate. ($99.99 for three months, $199.99 for six months.) Sofi Papamarko is a writer and matchmaker who lives in Toronto. Reach her at facebook.com/sofipapamarko.