Welcome to the Kitchenisms Holiday Gift Guide 2009, a week-long extravaganza of cool present ideas for the holiday season. Each day has a different theme, and I try to include both stocking stuffers and big-ticket items. You’ll find a mix of new finds and favourites from the archives here, all stuff I’d love to find under the tree on the 25th!
The best gifts come from the heart, and handmade items, crafted with love and attention, sit at the top of this list. Of course, not everyone is crafty- and nor do they have to be. Thanks to sites like Etsy and Big Cartel, handmade no longer has to be homemade, and everyone can get in on the fun. Check out these extra-special pieces for the extra-special people on your shopping list.
I’ve mentioned Nikole Herriot’s lovely blog forty-sixth at grace before, as well as her shop herriot grace. The beautiful spoons, stands and dishes that Nikole and her father make and sell together are hand-carved from salvaged wood- definitely deserving of a place under the Christmas tree:
I discovered the Fine Little Shop (attached to the blog Fine Little Day) just the other day through Decor8. I love these charming little boards for cutting and serving sandwiches or cheese:
I like Etsy for pottery, and Jenny Blasen Pottery has some beautiful pieces in her shop. I was especially drawn to this pair of modern-looking Black and White Bowls:
I’ve been curious about these chunky hand-knit washcloths from Zummi for a while now. This set in Moss, Sand and Cedar look good for mopping up spills or drying dishes:
tinsnips‘ Dimple Cups are probably the most whimsical and charming espresso cups I’ve seen in a while- they remind me of fluffy clouds, or marshmallows! Perfect for a coffee or sake fan with a sense of humour:
I wish the Selvedge Drygoods shop had better photos, but they do have some lovely handmade goodies. The Ruth Cross and Linda Bloomfield Tea Set combines the skills of these two artists in the sweetest way- a teapot and mugs with hand-knit cozies! Perfect for snuggling up this winter:
