16 Home Gifts for the Humble Host or Foodie Friend

Our Place’s Perfect Pot

You’ve probably seen the trendy Always Pan on Instagram, but have you met its new sister, the Perfect Pot? Coming in a vibrant range of colours, this pot does it all—it boils, bakes, crisps and steams. (By the way, here’s the healthiest way to cook each type of vegetable.)

$220, fromourplace.com

Meera Sodha’s East

Vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, fuss-free—this cookbook has recipes that fit any menu and skillset. The latest book from chef and food writer Meera Sodha features East Asian and South East Asian recipes for flavourful dishes like coconut curry, root vegetable laksa, kimchi pancakes and more, all of which call for easy-to-find ingredients.

$48, typebooks.ca

Soja & Co.’s Trio Box Winter Collection

Help your loved one bring the smell of the holidays into their home with this collection of candles from Montreal-based company Soja & Co. The set comes with three candles: cocoa and cardamom, which smells like just-baked holiday cookies; pine, pomegranate and tangerine, which like a Christmas tree decked with sweets; and marshmallow and clementine, which is equal parts zesty, spicy and sweet.

$56, sojaco.ca

Casa Betina’s Cork Urban Apron

Handcrafted in Portugal, this cork apron will give any home chef a sophisticated look. It’s easy to clean, making it as functional as it is stylish.

$129, casabetina.com

Siafu Home’s Rose Tumblers

Etched with botanicals, these beautiful glasses are the perfect set for a host. The glasses are crafted in Kenya with designs from local artisans and made out of recycled glass, making them an eco-friendly pick.

$95, goodeeworld.com

Flax Home’s The Cocktail Napkins

Inspired by a Michelan-star restaurant in Paris, these cocktail napkins (which also function as coasters) are cut from 100 percent linen and feature contrasting stitching. Available in a set of four, washable napkins are available in two colourways: white and dark green as well as rose and stone.

$42, shopflaxhome.com

Studio 50’s Rock Bottom Vessel

This beautiful decanter, made out of tempered glass and concrete, can be used to serve both hot and cold drinks. Have a tea-lover on your list? They can use this as a teapot to keep their brew piping hot. Know a white wine or alcohol-free wine lover? They can chill the base in the freezer to keep their vino cold then transfer a full 750 mL bottle to the decanter.

$97, studio50.ca

Molly Baz’s Cook This Book

Does someone on your list need a little extra help in the kitchen? (Or help experimenting with their dishes?) Consider Cook This Book by popular chef on Instagram (and former Bon Appétit favourite) Molly Baz. This cookbook contains a collection of uncomplicated recipes for original dishes, like Pastrami Roast Chicken with Schmaltzy Onions and Dill, and includes lessons on improvising in the kitchen and balancing flavour.

$43, chapters.indigo.ca

Fable’s Premium Serving Set

Hand-finished in Portugal, this ceramic bowl is sure to become your favourite host’s most reached-for serving dish. It’s the perfect holder for showstopping dishes—think Wild Blueberry Cornbread Stuffing or Roasted Carrot, Radish and Cruspy Chickpea Salad. The dish comes in white, gray, navy and blush and is bundled with a flatware set offered in silver, gold and white, matte black, and matte gold.

$110, fablehome.co

Jacek Chocolate’s Holiday Collection 12-pc

A gift everyone’s always happy to receive? Chocolate. Alberta-based company Jacek Chocolate Couture offers a 6- or 12-pack of beautifully decorated pieces of chocolate in festive flavours like peppermint mocha; and rosemary and orange. Another selling point to giving chocolate as a gift? It can benefit your health and mood.

$27, jacekchocolate.com

Woash’s Coastal mug

For the coffee lover, opt for this hand-thrown mug that features a raw exterior and glazed interior and a comfortable square-shaped handle. Pairs perfectly with a cozy throw and stress-reducing book.

$42, woashwellness.com

Cocktail Bomb’s Variety Pack

For the person who isn’t the best at making cocktails (or maybe is just short on time), these cocktail bombs make the perfect gift. Just toss one of the colourful balls (they’re flavoured to taste like a mimosa, margarita, mojito, pina colada, peach bellini, or raspberry-orange) into a glass of sparkling water, add your spirit of choice (or for skip this step for a delicious mocktail), and enjoy—no measuring, shaking or complicated ingredients necessary.

$30, cocktailbombshop.ca

Lee Valley’s Embossing Rolling Pin

The baker in your group will appreciate this floral embossed rolling pin, which will lend a botanical flourish to baked goods, like orange-cardamom cookies.

$40, leevalley.com

Kanel’s Signature Collection

Spice up your host’s spice rack with this set of seasonings, which includes flavours like “Hawaiian ‘Ono Pok” and “Sweet Korean Heat.”

$44, kanel.com

Talbot & Yoon’s Goober Candle

For the host who loves look-at-me room accents, this playful candle—made out of unscented paraffin wax—will lend a sense of character to any room.

$40, 313designmarket.com

Dash’s Breakfast Egg Bite Maker

This compact cooker is the ideal gift for that friend who always seems to be on the go—they’ll be able to make flavourful breakfast egg bites in just 10 minutes.

$40, chapters.indigo.ca

Next: 18 Wellness Gifts for Everyone in Your Life