It's coming up quickly people. One easy way to get ahead of the holiday madness is to have a stockpile of ready-to-go items for easy gifting. Growing up my mother would do a different homemade treat each year. The treats would be used for hostess, neighbour, teacher or any other gift we needed. She'd spend a weekend and package up homemade Bits'n Bites or spreads and have a few dozen ready to go. This is a goal for me this month, so I have one less thing to think about in December. Whether you want to do homemade or store bought (preferably local!) here's what's on our inspiration list for 2019. Our goal was to think functional and thoughtful, with items that were either local, reusable or consumable. Less "stuff" for the win!
photo cred: ten and co
Get a locally designed Swedish Sponge Cloth or tea towel and wrap it around a bottle of wine or some dish soap. It's a pretty way to wrap up a functional hostess gift and really is the gift that keeps on giving.
photo cred: nest of posies
Homemade croutons really do taste better. Make up a few big batches and have these pretty bags ready to go.
Give a better gift by choosing to pay it forward this year. Purchasing "giving gifts" online has never been easier, so why not choose a cause close to your heart and your hosts can feel good about it too? Make up thank-you notes and let your host know they've made a difference.
Not everyone is a oenophile so how about supporting one of our many amazing local breweries. Stop by and grab a mix of different bottles and cans and then take a few wrapped with ribbons as a gift.
And finally, the best idea of all, for the hosts who held that late night holiday party, breakfast for the next morning. Fill up a box or basket with local baked goods , coffee & maybe a sweet spread or butter you made. It's one less thing they have to think about the next morning and we bet they'll be thrilled.
If you want to browse some local shops that tend to have a lot of Canadian labels for more inspiration, check out : Likely General, Scout, Simply Beautiful and Pretty Clean Shop. It's the perfect time of year to support local shops & Canadian companies. Have a suggestion of where to shop, tag it below or on Instagram and we'll try and do a spotlight on them in the new year or during our annual Holiday Countdown.
Happy gift giving everyone!