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Emily's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Writer's picture: EmilyEmily

Get all your gift ideas for your favourite people here! Curated gifts for the Host, the Kitchen Beginner, the Homebody, the Reader, and the Homemade Gift Lover in your life.


Here are my top picks for the people in your life! Feel free to mix and match between, because honestly, these are all great gifts. I have a good mix of easily shipped items (i.e., from Amazon), some of my favourite local or small businesses to support. I recommend checking your local makers and small businesses first before buying from anywhere else. They need the support most!


Lastly, if you're looking for budget-friendly gifts, take a look at the homemade gifts. These are great to make in larger batches and give to a few people, but still keep your wallet happy. So with that, click on the below links to go to whatever section you want to go to, and then click on the links I provided to find the gifts.



*Disclaimer: none of the links provided in this post are affiliate links or sponsored, and I am not getting paid any commissions for items bought through the links. I am sharing all products because I have used and like them, have them on my wish list, or I recommend the brands because they're great to support!

 

For the Host

Bless the lovely people that always host! It takes so much care and effort to not only welcome everyone into their space, but to ensure they have the best time too. If you'll be a guest somewhere this holiday season, consider bringing them a nice little gift to show your appreciation!


*You can also find this in some liquor stores in Saskatoon (e.g., Sobey's Liquor) as well as Lucky Bastard store/distillery in Saskatoon.

We were gifted this by my parents for Christmas a couple years ago and have been in love with it ever since. It's delicious! Lucky Bastard is actually the venue Brock and I are getting married at, so you best believe I'll be creating a signature cocktail with this stuff. But for real, a host always likes receiving a bottle of something, and if that something is local, unique, and easy to add to cocktails or sip on it's own, they'll love you for it!


This is great for anyone who will be prepping for a gathering, or needing to easily cover and store some leftovers. And of course, it's a cute and simple pattern that will in so many kitchens!


These have been all the hype these days, and I get why. They store that good quality flaky salt a host will likely use in their tasty recipes, and can make for a more sleek look on a countertop than the salt packaging.


I think everyone needs some cute cocktail glasses, whether they're the host or not. These chic, vintage tumblers will level up most cocktails whether at a gathering or . I'm just imagining sipping on a refreshing margarita or old fashioned in one of these babies, and now I want them for myself.


Are you missing a little something when it comes to your creamy dishes or appetizers? It may be gourmet mustard. This 4-pack of Smak Dab flavoured mustards are a great addition to any gathering. With delicious flavours and recipes cards included, this makes for a perfect gift! Plus, when you buy Smak Dab, you're supporting a prairie-based business that sources their mustard from Saskatchewan farmers! Win-Win! You can also find these in many local shops within Saskatoon and other cities in the prairies.

 

For the Kitchen Beginner

Whether you have a kid moving out on their own or a friend whose kitchen is bare but wants to get some necessities, these are all great places to start!


Baking sheets are essential to any kitchen, whether it's for baking treats, roasting vegetables, or making sheet-pan dinners. These ones are known for their quality, and they come in 3 different sizes to accommodate any cooking need.


These make cooking and baking easier for anyone, especially beginners! I've used these for at least a year now and have made baking so much more seamless. They don't curl around the edges and they lay flat on baking sheets. AND they go perfect with the above Nordic Ware baking sheets!


A good quality salt can make any dish, and definitely make every dish look a little more classy! Plus, salt is known as one of the classic house-warming gifts to ensure the receiver always has flavour in their life.


This may seem like something more experienced cooks would appreciate, but I really believe that every cook should have a good cast iron dutch oven. They are transferrable from stovetop to oven, usually cook more equally throughout, and the enamel makes them a lot easier to clean. They're perfect for soups, stews, roasts, breads, bakes, and anything else you can fit in there!


Every beginner cook needs some kind of resource to fall back on for recipe ideas, flavour combos, and easy-to-follow guidance. Though I would love to have beginners to use my blog for that (shameless plug), I would definitely recommend a cookbook because that's half of how I learned what I do now. It's just nice to have that physical copy to follow, and a consistent way of cooking by one person to follow for the first while. This specific cookbook is perfect for that!

 

For the Homebody

We all know one (and are one on some level). There is nothing like cozying up in your warm and welcoming home and having some much needed down time. Whether it's getting comfy clothes on and watching movies, sitting down to puzzle, or baking a treat, being a homebody really does fill up the cup.


I think anyone can use an extra soft and comfy robe, especially your favourite homebody. This one isn't fuzzy, just extra soft and comfy and just above knee-length, making it great for all seasons. Knix it's a women-owned Canadian company that donates to help period inequality and has great quality products. Who wouldn't want to support them?


Tell more a more comforting thing than lighting a candle that makes your home smell amazing. This lovely local-to-Saskatoon (& area) company makes amazing smelling candles, and these ones are extra special! They come with wildflower-seeded paper that you can plant in the pot once your burn through the candle. How cute is that?! You can order online, or find them at the Town Shop Gifts in Wakaw, SK or at Wilson's Greenhouse in Saskatoon.


We love a prairie-themed gift, and what better gift for the homebody friend that likes to cozy up at home than work on a puzzle of the beautiful prairie sky. Again, a great prairie-based small business to support!


Nothing says cozy like low lighting. This cordless table lamp is adjustable and portable to put in any little nook that's needed a little warm lighting


I have been following Sarah's blog for a couple years now. When I'm not making my own recipes, I find myself trying one of hers because she is a PRO and makes baking make sense and super fun! Her quality of recipes and photos alike are amazing!

 

For the Reader

I've had my eye on one of these for a while because it's a great option for those who love to read on the go, use a more environmentally friendly tool of reading, or just buy cheaper books through Kindle Unlimited. This is the most compact and lowest priced Kindle, but you can size up and get more storage for higher prices if you'd like.


This is one of my favourite series that I read this year! It's perfect for someone who is looking to getting into reading, and it's an amazing introduction to the "romantasy" genre. This series is so popular at this point, you should check that the receiver doesn't already have it! You may want to consider the Collector's Edition ($50) for those who love detail and may already be obsessed with this series. Just be sure to check your local bookstore for these first!


Great for protecting your Kindle or your book, and it's super cute! It's also made by a local maker to Saskatoon and sold at my fav romance bookstore - supporting two small business in one go!


This is the perfect all-around gift for homebodies and readers alike. The ceramic book vase can be added to a bookshelf with fresh flowers to add some colour into the space, or it can be used as home decor by placing on the counter to store cooking utensils. Super cute for the book lover in your life!


Another goodie from a great Saskatoon romance bookstore! The reader in your life will love a cute bag specifically made for their book shopping, looking stylish, or just carrying all they're necessities.

 

For the Homemade Gift Lover

Snack Mix

Make a batch of my snack mix, place it in jars or treat bags, add a ribbon, and give to anyone you know likes a salty snack!


Here's my Hot Honey Dill Snack Mix recipe:

  • â…” cup salted butter, melted

  • â…“ cup honey, softened

  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce

  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt

  • 2 teaspoons dried dill

  • 2 cups pretzels

  • 4 cups plain cereal (Chex is great!)

  • 2 cups small ritz crackers or Cheez-Its

  • 2 cups goldfish crackers


Mix all ingredients together in a container or large bowl. Dump it on a baking sheet and cook for 30-40 minutes at 300°F, tossing halfway through. Let sit for another 30 minutes after removing from the oven.


Goodie Box

Who doesn't love a goodie box full of all their favourite holiday sweets? I made these last year and everyone loved them! Add some packaging with ribbons, some fresh greenery, and a cute holiday card for those who love the little details.


Here's a list of some goodies to include:


Simmer Pot in a Bag

Simmer pots or "stovetop potpurri" are a great gift to give someone who loves to create a warm and cozy warm. With the right ingredients, a simmer pot can make your whole home smell like Christmas. that said, you can pretty much add any aromatic ingredients and it'll smell great!


Here's my recipe:

  • 1 orange, kept whole

  • Fresh cranberries

  • Cinnamon sticks

  • Greenery (evergreen, pine, or herbs like thyme or rosemary)

Place all the ingredients in a jar or cellophane bag, seal and keep refrigerated until you gift it. Make sure the gift receiver keeps it refrigerated until they use it though! Just make sure they are used within a week of packing, or the ingredients will start to spoil.


Happy gift giving!

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