Christmas gift-giving can be overwhelming, especially if your excursions into the retail jungle are late and aimless. Lately, to organize my efforts, I've been deploying a kind of shopping super-strategy, and it's been working great.
The central idea is preferring simplicity to complexity. To me, the best gifts are not those that court novelty. They're crafted objects that enhance the pleasure of plain ritual – the meals we cook and eat, the work we do, the small gestures of communion. They deepen our daily enjoyments.
If you could use some suggestions for what to buy friends and family, take a peek at this list I've put together. More than a couple of my loved ones will be finding these items under the tree this year.
A throw to catch hold of
Over the years I've purchased countless blankets and throws for myself and clients. And I've recently found my favourite: a camel-coloured alpaca throw that's exquisitely woven and has a beautiful weight.
Unlike most throws at this price, Linen Way's alpaca contains no acrylic. If the luxurious natural fibres don't make you feel warm enough, ask the company about its policy of ethical dealing – on wages and working conditions, etc. – with its producers around the globe.
Alpaca throw, by Linen Way, www. providehome.com, $145
Stylish utility for the professionally hip
We all know an office geek – someone who takes pride in an attractive workstation and all the gizmos that go with it. The gift for that person is Anything Desk Accessories. Designed by Michael Sodeao and the Japanese company Suikosha, the line consists of a clock, stapler, scissors, and tape dispenser, all in clean, modern shapes that relate beautifully to each other. The set comes in black, white, yellow, blue, and orange. (White is my favourite.)
Anything Desk Accessories, by Suikosha, www.vanspe cial.com $48-$80
A sack that lightens your walk
One of the luxuries of city living is buying your groceries each day. It's great to have a sturdy bag to carry them around in. Admittedly, this leather bag from Baggu is unnecessarily indulgent – a canvas one is just as functional – but it has beauty on its side, and that's worth something. Check out the website to see the rainbow of colours available.
BAG S Leather, by BAGGU, www.bag gubag.com, $120
A reason to prefer candlelight
I love lighting candles on winter evenings. Why is it that tapered ones feel more special than the average pillar or votive? Something to do, perhaps, with the exaggeratedly slender shape. If so, it's an appeal that's heightened when the taper sits in a beautiful candleholder. This pair by Menu is curving and interlocking, easy and romantic – a wonderful piece for any home.
Menu, at Homewerx, www.hom ewerx.ca, $89.99
A flagrantly purposeless bird
Okay, yes, this piece has no practical application. It won't enhance a daily ritual. But the Eames House Bird is one of my all-time-favourite design objects. It's hard to say why. It looks great anywhere – from mantel to bookshelf to tablescape – but that's not really it. I suppose I like that it makes the case for beauty, undirected toward any end. And its proportions and finish are just perfect. Buy it for a design-savvy friend who appreciates the titanic impact of Charles and Ray Eames on our ideas of living and space.
Eames House Bird, by Vitra, at Inform Interiors, www.infor minteriors.com, $192
A soft vessel for items at hand
It's no secret that I love handmade objects, especially textiles and ceramics. If you have a friend similarly inclined, these handmade bowls by Vancouver artisan Maria Roth make a beautiful gift. Available in many colours, the pieces are perfect for catching everyday objects at the entry table or perching on an open shelf, where their simple form can be admired.
Felted Wool Bowls, by Hold Handmade, at Walrus www.walrushome.com or www.h old.etsy.com, $18–$135
A tidy arrangement of tools
I have an awkward stack of cutting boards in my tiny kitchen, and I'm ashamed to admit I often forget which ones are for meat and which for veggies. That's why I'm putting this clever set on my list. The four-colour coated boards have index tabs and come in a slim case that takes up no space on the counter. Any cook who struggles with keeping things organized will appreciate this gift.
Index Cutting Boards, by joseph joseph, at Homewerx, www.homewe rx.ca, $79.99
A pouf with supreme versatility
I love the homey vibe knitted texture adds to a room. These super cute poufs are available in grey, orange, olive, and blue, and make a fine gift for a friend or sibling who's just moved out and are pulling together a first home. They offer extra seating in a small space or act as an alternative to a footstool.
Knitted Pouf, by CB2, www.c b2.com, $99.99
A kit adding sophistication and lustre
A couple of my favourite men take pride in shoes well polished. For their type, I can think of no better gift than a fine shoe-care set. They'll love this one for the quality brushes and the unfussy aesthetic.
Shoe Polish Crate, by Creamore Mills, at Old Faithful www.oldf aithfulshop.com, $62
Stones for when you're feeling elemental
I'm not sure this is something a "lady" admits, but lately I've taken to drinking bourbon. And I've found that I quite enjoy the rituals and paraphernalia contacting the traditionally male consumption of whisky.
I like the heft of a short glass and the purity of a clean, strong drink. But room temperature bourbon doesn't suit me, and that's what attracted me to this gift. Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States, this set of nine stones stays chilled in the freezer until you fancy adding one to your favourite straight spirit. A perfect gift for the guy (or girl) who has everything.
Whisky Lovers Set, by Teroforma, at The Cross www.thecr ossdesign.com, $34.95