Ottawa Magazine art director Jane Corbett offers her holiday finds, along with gift ideas to impress even the pickiest hosts and hostesses

Photography by Marc Fowler/Metropolis Studio

Host and hostess gifts (shown in the suitcase above):

For the armchair hunter: This cast-iron elk can be put to good use as a doorstop or paperweight. $29.99. Domus, 85 Murray St., 613-241-6410.

For the artsy diarist: This lined journal from Paperblanks features a silver filigree cover. $29.95. Paper Papier, 18 Clarence St., 613-241-1212.

For the dog that rules the household: A regal crown-shaped pet bowl with a removable, washable dish is just the thing for the royal canine. $27. Marie Antoinette & Co., 1096 Somerset St. W., 613-680-7557.

For those who want to live longer: Chartreuse, “the elixir of long life,” is made by Carthusian monks from 130 herbs, plants, and flowers found in the French Alps. $31.35/375 mL. Available at the LCBO.

For those who long for summer: Fragoli Wild Strawberry Liqueur with whole strawberries at the top of the bottle is the perfect addition to a fruit salad or ice cream. $23.50/500 mL. LCBO.

For the fairy-tale-obsessed decorator: These glass plates by Lori Siebert showcase birds and animals in period clothing. $18 each. Tinseltown Christmas Emporium, 1096 Somerset St. W., 613-680-7557.

For the holiday-music lover with eclectic taste: Luther Vandross’ classic Christmas songs (including my personal favourite, “This Is Christmas”) on one CD. $14.99. And Tinsel and Lights, a new release from Tracey Thorn, one-half of the British duo Everything But the Girl. It also features songs written by Canadians Joni Mitchell, Ron Sexsmith, and Randy Newman. $24.99. Both available by order from CD Warehouse.

Ornaments: Vintage-look glass ball and tinsel wreath. $5. Tinseltown. Wooden laser-cut ornaments are available in many colours and shapes (mittens shown). $3.95 each. The Papery, 850 Bank St., 613-230-1313.

I’m one of those annoying people who starts playing Christmas music on November 1 and finishes my shopping by December 1. All the more time to spend baking, making my own cards and tags, wrapping gifts, and deciding on a theme for my Christmas decor. No limit to how many decorations one woman can have, right?

1. For my friend who thinks a real tree is too much bother. IKEA to the rescue with cotton fabric printed with a two-metre-high spruce tree. Attach it to a frame, and decorate with pennants made from gift wrap and cord. Cleanup will be a breeze, and it won’t take up valuable floor space. $7.99/metre. IKEA, 2685 Iris St., 888-866-4532.

2. For my sister who lives in the windy hills of Wilno. She still hangs her laundry out on the line, so she’ll appreciate these Italian-made stainless-steel clothespins. They have an extra-strong spring mechanism and are guaranteed for life. $14.50 for a package of 20. Lee Valley, 900 Morrison Dr., 613-596-9202.

3. For my coffee-obsessed teacher friend who drinks Tim Hortons. I’d like to break him of his morning drive-through habit with the beautiful design of this French coffee press. It has the classic stoneware exterior that Le Creuset is famous for and a stainless-steel plunger and mesh press inside. $79.95. Linen Chest, 2685 Iris St., 613-721-9991.

4. For my manly-man brother. His two favourite food groups are bacon and ketchup, so I know he’ll appreciate finding a bacon candy cane sticking out of his stocking. At just over 10 inches long, there’s enough to share with the whole family. $5.99. Order on-line at www.retrofestive.ca. (While you’re there, check out the reproduction leg lamp made famous in A Christmas Story and the ugly Christmas sweaters.)

5. For my great-niece who is due to arrive any day. This classic Fisher Price Two Tune TV was first introduced in 1966. It was re-released this year, so a whole new generation can drive their parents crazy. $39.99. Mrs. Tiggy Winkles, 809 Bank St. and four other locations. 613-234-3836.

6. For me, because I want to keep the art of beautiful handwriting alive. This writing set from J. Herbin includes a beautiful spiral glass pen and six tiny bottles of ink. There’s no telling what award-winning prose I’ll be able to write — if I can decide on an ink colour! $64.95. Paper Papier, 18 Clarence St., 613-241-1212.

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6 great Canadian Christmas gift guides

Ottawa Magazine has its own gift list, but the festive fun doesn’t end there. Five other publications in our family of magazines are offering great Christmas gift guides. In them, you will find ideas for book lovers (from Quill & Quire), fashion obsessives (from FASHION), kids (from Canadian Family) and even Torontonians (from Toronto Life).

TORONTO LIFE
100 perfect presents »

CANADIAN FAMILY
175 amazing gifts for moms, dads and kids »

FASHION MAGAZINE
500+ holiday gift ideas »

OTTAWA MAGAZINE
50 gift ideas from our editors »

QUILL & QUIRE
The perfect gift for every book lover »

WHERE MAGAZINE
90 gifts for your and yours »

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Christmas gift ideas from the editors of Ottawa Magazine

This year, Ottawa Magazine‘s editors got together to share their Christmas gift ideas with each other—and with readers. These highly discerning picks deliver 50 Christmas gift ideas from around Ottawa and across the internet. Here, you can find something for everyone on your list: hosts and hostesses, nieces and nephews, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, boys and girls.

See the lists of 50 top Christmas gift ideas from the editors of Ottawa Magazine »

• SARAH BROWN, editor-in-chief: in her list of Christmas gift ideas, find great presents for germaphobes, glampers, childhood friends and tea fetishists

• MISA KOBAYASHI, acting senior editor: from a candy gift box to a modern turntable, these great Christmas gift ideas will impress even the pickiest hosts and hostesses

• JANE CORBETT, art director: recommendations for amazing Christmas decorations and accouterment, as well as amazing gifts for family members

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Ottawa Magazine‘s acting senior editor offers her holiday finds, along with gift ideas to impress even the pickiest hosts and hostesses

Photography by Marc Fowler/Metropolis Studio

Host and hostess gifts (shown in the suitcase above):

For the think-outside-the-box cook: Salad for Dinner by Jeanne Kelley ($35) and Put ‘Em Up!, a guide to drying, freezing, canning, and pickling by Sherri Brooks Vinton ($24.95) are cookbooks for the chef who wants to try something new. The Great Glebe Emporium, 724 Bank St., 613-233-3474.

For the Ottawa expat who’s feeling nostalgic: VersaTile travertine coasters are handcrafted by a husband-and-wife team in Almonte and feature vintage-style maps of various neighbourhood streets. $34.95 for four. The Village Quire, 312 Richmond Rd., 613-695-2287.

For the game-night-obsessed family: The card game Spot It! can be played multiple ways, meaning it never gets old. Comes in four versions — regular, NHL, animals, and travel. $11.99-$15.99. Mrs. Tiggy Winkles, 809 Bank St., 613-234-3836.

For the 40-something sugar fiend: Fill a customizable gift box with retro candy or something more gourmet — or a bit of both. Three sizes, starts around $25 and can be customized to taste or theme. The Candy Store, 350 Richmond Rd., 613-728-7500.

For the romantic girly girl: Triple-milled Gianna Rose lovebird soaps and soap dish from France are très adorable. $33.99. The Cuckoo’s Nest, 291 Richmond Rd., 613-729-6378.

Ornaments: Swirl lollipops. $6.50-$10. Tinseltown Christmas Emporium, 1096 Somerset St. W., 613-680-7557. Painted ball,$8; filigree snowflake, $15; and decorative snowflake, $10. All from Ten Thousand Villages, 371 Richmond Rd., 613-759-4701, and 1174 Bank St., 613-736-0401.

Photo by Dwayne Brown

When you’re a kid, all you really care about is what presents under the tree have your name on them. But as you get older, you learn it really is more enjoyable to shop for others. Though I had to slip one item onto this list for myself, I also love thinking about what would make someone else’s life a little more fun, funky, or fashionable.

1. For me, the newlywed. My husband and I want to stave off “the newlywed nine.” To do that, I’ll need to lug my workout gear from work to the gym. Making it easier? The stylish Daily Om Duffel from Lululemon, with an exterior zipper pocket for shoes and a removable pouch for sweaty clothes. $128. Lululemon, Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-230-6633, and 340 Richmond Rd., 613-761-1839.

2. For my stylish BFF. She once spray-painted her sneakers gold so that they would match the gold low-rider bike she rode around town, so I know she’ll get a kick out of these sparkly flats that are akin to what a modern-day Dorothy would wear. $16. Available at select Joe Fresh stores.

3. For my hard-working mom. Mom will adore Bare Love Beauty, a new line of all-natural skin-care products from local entrepreneur Rebecca Cook. With body, face, and hair treatments that boast yummy ingredients like coconut and passion flower oils, she’ll be glowing head to toe. $38-$78. Queen Mother Maternity, 877 Bank St., 613-695-4727.

4. For my music-loving dad. Dad’s old record player has been relegated to a box in the basement, so I think the Crosley Archiver USB Turntable would be a great replacement. This nifty device lets you rip and edit your vinyl to digital audio format, plus you can spin records, play cassettes, and listen to radio. $249.99. At select Sears stores and online.

5. For my brother’s girlfriend, the young professional. She needs a stylish timepiece that makes a statement. This rose gold Michael Kors watch straddles the line between masculine and feminine and has just the right amount of bling. $270. Watch It!, St. Laurent Centre, 1200 St. Laurent Blvd., 613-741-4144.

6. For my law-student brother. As a lawyer, he’ll have many opportunities to sport a tie — and this paisley affair by Tino Cosma is the perfect combination of business and pleasure ($125). Plus, when work calls for travel, he can carry his ties in this posh leather case with silk interlining ($185). E.R. Fisher, 199 Richmond Rd., 613-829-8313.

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Ottawa Magazine editor Sarah Brown shows off her holiday finds, along with gift ideas to impress even the pickiest hosts and hostesses

Photography by Marc Fowler/Metropolis Studio.

Hostess gifts (shown in the suitcase above):

For the gourmet camper who craves the amenities of home: This rugged mini stovetop espresso maker brews a double shot over the camp stove. $37. Double-walled espresso cups $5 each. Mountain Equipment Co-Op, 366 Richmond Rd., 613-729-2700.

For the punk-rocker-turned-hipster with the fixer-upper in Hintonburg: Sud Green is part of a line of green kitchen tools made from a recycled wood and plastic blend. $12. Terra20, 2685 Iris St., 613-837-7220.

For the French-cooking devotee and inveterate reader: Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child is a meticulously researched doorstop of a bio (500+ pages of swooning detail). $33. Available at bookstores around town.

For the graphic designer with a tea fetish: Clipper Teas are natural, fair-trade, and gorgeously packaged. $5-$5.95. Available at Rainbow Natural Foods, 1487 Richmond Rd., 613-726-9200, and Red Apron, 564 Gladstone Ave., 613-695-0417.

For the left-wing crusader with a sweet tooth: Camino’s fair-trade chili and spice hot chocolate makes a tongue-tingling thank-you gift. $7.  Ten Thousand Villages, 371 Richmond Rd., 613-759-4701, and 1174 Bank St., 613-736-0401.

For the germaphobe cubicle dweller: A mug adorned with their initial means they’ll never have to share again. $8. Available at Chapters locations around town. 

Ornaments: Origami porcelain reindeer. $19.95. The Papery, 850 Bank St., 613-230-1313. Snowman garland. $18.50. Tinseltown Christmas Emporium, 1096 Somerset St. W., 613-680-7557.

Photography by Dwayne Brown.

The Ottawa Magazine schedule is such that we’re always on deadline right before Christmas, so I have no time to shop right ahead of the holidays. Luckily, browsing the city’s stores is part of my job, so I tend to pick up gifts as I see them. (I’ve learned to hide them all in one spot so that I can find them come December.) If all goes according to plan, I have everything wrapped and under the tree by the second week of the month.

The post SUPER SHOPPER: Editor Sarah Brown offers up 12 holiday gift ideas appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

It’s one of the perks of the job. Lots of time spent out and about seeing what’s new and neat at the city’s shops. Ottawa Magazine’s editors bring you their gift picks for family and friends, hoping the suggestions will jump-start your holiday shopping list. Last week, editor Sarah Brown highlighted her picks and senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne showed off her picks. Today, food editor Shawna Wagman weighs in with her holiday wishlist.

Photo credits: Editor’s photo and product photography by Marc Fowler.

The post SUPER SHOPPER: Ottawa Magazine food editor Shawna Wagman kick-starts your holiday shopping with her wishlist appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

It’s one of the perks of the job. Lots of time spent out and about seeing what’s new and neat at the city’s shops. Ottawa Magazine’s editors bring you their gift picks for family and friends, hoping the suggestions will jump-start your holiday shopping list. On Monday, editor Sarah Brown highlighted her picks. Today, senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne highlights her picks. Stay tuned  next week for food editor Shawna Wagman’s holiday wishlist.

Photo credits: Editor’s photo by Dwayne Brown; product photography by Marc Fowler.

Senior Editor, Dayanti Karunaratne
We usually keep the presents pretty low-key — it’s more a time to eat and be merry! But I do love a wintery shopping expedition: it’s fun to laugh with other last-minute types and a great excuse to reward yourself with a warm, decadent drink. Now that I live pretty far away from family — I have relatives from Gaspé to Courtenay, Connecticut to California — I am learning the finer points of shopping for lightweight gifts.

For me
This JMB bag is unique and sturdy, and I love the fact that it’s handmade in Chelsea. I’ve been lugging around a ratty bag for too long, unable to find one that suits me. I love the funky clasp! I used to eschew leather products, but now I look for quality items that were made with love. Plus, I appreciate that this one doesn’t hide the fact that the leather was once the skin of an animal. $238. Glebe Trotters, 860 Bank St., 613-231-6331.

For my niece
I had a Swatch when I was a kid — I actually felt naked without a watch when I was in first grade! My niece is a pretty cool kid and has lots of extracurricular activities like swimming and cheerleading. This will keep her on time and in style. $65. The Watch Store, 91 Sparks St., 613-236-1787.

The post SUPER SHOPPER: Ottawa Magazine senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne kick-starts your holiday shopping with her wishlist appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

It’s one of the perks of the job. Lots of time spent out and about seeing what’s new and neat at the city’s shops. Ottawa Magazine’s editors bring you their gift picks for family and friends, hoping the suggestions will jump-start your holiday shopping list. Today, editor Sarah Brown highlights her picks. Stay tuned in the days ahead for senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne’s picks and, for the foodies, food editor Shawna Wagman’s holiday wishlist.

Photo credits: Editor’s photo by Dwayne Brown; product photography by Marc Fowler.

Editor, Sarah Brown
I’m a pretty efficient shopper. I scout local stores all year — looking for props for magazine shoots, checking out trends, and doing research for the Shopping Guide. So I mentally catalogue — and sometimes buy — cool stuff as I discover it. When Christmas comes around, I don’t waste time browsing — I know exactly what I’m getting for each person and where to find it. One or two power shopping trips and I’m done.

For my sister
Actually, I want these Victorian Flowers Doc Martens for me, but I think I’m too old. So I’d like my sister to have a pair while she’s still in her 30s. $169.99. Neon Clothing, 60 George St., 613-789-4479.

For my mum
We have a tradition of giving each other a new tree ornament each Christmas. This series of Canadian icons also includes a snowmobile, float plane, goalie, Mountie, and polar bear. They’re made in Canada of powder-coated steel. $16.95 each. Paper/Papier, 18 Clarence St., 613-241-1212.

For my sister
She’s a big environmentalist and commutes to work on her bike through most of the winter. (She lives in Kingston, so it’s a little warmer than here.) This Cannondale cycling jacket is really cool. It’s super lightweight and morphs between a vest (shown) and a jacket. The separate sleeves and back are attached with magnets, making it really easy to start with sleeves in the morning and take them off if the day warms up. $119. Bushtukah, 203 Richmond Rd., 613-792-1170, and 5607 Hazeldean Rd., 613-831-3604.

 

For my kids
I would love to get a couple of massive beanbag chairs by Yak Pak for the playroom in the basement. They come in tons of fun colours and patterns and are great for lounging in to watch TV. Last year I borrowed two from my neighbour and used them as beds for a couple of kids when we hosted a birthday party sleepover. $149.99. Neon Clothing, 60 George St., 613-789-4479.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my nephew
He’s seven years old and loves facts — one of those kids who reads the Guinness World Records cover to cover. This Dino-opoly game is all about knowing your dino info. You choose your token (I think I’d go with the raptor claw), then start buying up your favourite dinosaurs. Sounds easy enough — but pay hatching fees, develop prehistoric breath, and become nearly extinct, and it gets a bit trickier. $32.95. Nature Boutique at the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., 613-566-4727.

For my son
We do a lot of canoeing, but my son really wants his own kayak. This Jackson Mini Tripper is designed for distance paddling but also comes with a built-in tow rope just in case he gets tired. On a three- or four-day canoe trip, it might be nice to have one fewer kid in our canoe! Bonus: it weighs just 27 pounds, which is key for portaging. $399.99. Ottawa Paddleshack, 1960 Scott St., 613-725-5259.

 

For my husband
This is what I’m filling his stocking with. He slathers this smoked tomato jam on everything. It’s especially good on slices of Art-is-in Dynamite white topped with goat cheese. It’s made by Just Wing’it out of Merrickville. $8.50 for 250 mL. Available at The Piggy Market (400 Winston Ave., 613-371-6124) and about 10 more fine food stores around town. For a full list of vendors, visit www.justwingit.ca.

For me
I work with photographers every day and am constantly awed by their creativity. That’s why I like to collect their personal work. Basically, all the artwork on my walls at home is by local photographers whose work I admire. I love Triplicity, a recent self-portrait by Jamie Kronick — first, because One Hundred Foot Line (a.k.a. the big twig) is a gorgeous sculpture that I check out every time I cross the Alexandra Bridge from the Hull side, and second, because of the  shadowy ghosts of Kronick in the foreground. They totally change the mood of the work. $80 for an 11-by-14-inch print and $120 for a 20-by-24-inch print, www.kronickphotography.com.

 

 

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Tools and trimmings to get you in gear By Sabrina Doyle

The post SUPER SHOPPER: Cool bike stuff gets the season in gear appeared first on Ottawa Magazine.

We’ve rounded up the best holiday decorations of the season. Photography: Marc Fowler/Metropolis Studio

CLICK HERE TO START THE GALLERY »

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