With wedding season upon us, maybe you’re searching for the perfect gift idea. Or perhaps it’s not a wedding at all, but a house-warming present or birthday gift. Whatever the gift-giving occasion, something for the home is always a meaningful gift.
Some of our all time favourite gifts have been more special iterations of everyday objects. Think of a favourite mug made by a local potter. Or a wooden utensil hand-turned with care. Simple objects that elevate the every day. And when they’re made in Canada and you can tell a story about the artisan behind the product, that just adds another layer of special meaning. Here are some more ideas…
1. Artwork by Alanna Cavanagh
“An Empty Belly” ($125) by Toronto artist Alanna Cavanagh would make a fantastic piece for a kitchen or informal dining nook. Cavanagh’s clients include The New York Times, Penguin Books and The Hudson’s Bay Co. (where you can pick up one of her limited edition tea towels.)
2. Ceramics by Ceramik B.
Ceramik B. is a Montreal based ceramic studio that produces refined porcelain pieces. We love the modern lines, organic form and muted palette of their collection. Pieces start at $26.
3. Charcuterie board from On Our Table
Geoffrey Lilge’s charcuterie boards (from $150) are made in Canada from solid FSC-certified walnut. A beautiful alternative to a ceramic serving plate, these serving pieces are finished with a natural oil/beeswax mixture to show a rich patina. More shapes and sizes available here.
4. A set of table linens
Table linens are one of those things that are difficult to fork out on for yourself but a gorgeous thing to receive. There are many amazing options from Canadian designers, like Schoolyard Studio, Pehr Designs and, the ones shown here (set of 6, $75), from Freshly Printed.
5. Dalhaus Art striped bottle vase
How about a trio of these striped bottle vases ($44 each) by Vancouver’s Heather Braun-Dahl. We love the idea of mix-and-matching three complementary colours to display on a table or mantle.
6. MacCausland blanket
MacAusland’s Woollen Mills is the only mill in Atlantic Canada still producing traditional blankets ($88 for a Queen size) of 100% virgin wool. The Prince Edward Island mill still uses old fashioned machinery to produce a top quality product woven with old fashioned charm. Image via.
7. Berry Bowl by Kosoy & Bouchard
Toronto-based Kosoy & Bouchard‘s berry bowl ($120) is an ideal gift for a summer wedding. Who could resist a crop of local berries presented in this gorgeous and practical piece? The couple behind this creation were recently featured on a H&H TV video where you can see inside their studio and learn more about their processes and philosophy.
8. Brenda Watts rolling pin
Hand-turned in Prince Edward Island, Brenda Watts‘ rolling pins (from $50) are a must-have for an domestic god or goddess. Whether it’s a French pin or a classic old-fashioned, hers are those baking tools anybody will want to keep on proud display.
9. Nicole Tarasick Great Lakes pillow
For some modern Canadiana, check out Toronto-based Nicole Tarasick’s screenprinted pillows (from $45) – we love these graphic pillows… perfect for either modern condo or country cabin!
10. Pottery by JustWork
JustPotters is one of the innovative social enterprises of JustWork Economic Initiative. They employ individuals in our Vancouver Pottery studio who have barriers to traditional employment. An assortment of their beautiful pottery (honey pot $43, butter dish $43) would complement most informal dining sets.
