13 Canadian-made holiday gifts for your favourite foodies
Stumped on what to gift for your favourite foodie this holiday? You know, that person who's always got a reso at the hottest restaurant in town, whips up baked goods even Martha would be impressed by and never stops sending you Instagrams of the most mouthwatering bites? Maybe a gift card feels far too impersonal, but you probably don't have the funds to splurge on a sweet new standing mixer either. Well, luckily, you live in a country that happens to be packed with incredible makers and gourmands who produce jaw-dropping edibles and kitchen accessories. From artisanal eats and handcrafted creations to seasonal goodies to savour, here are some of the coolest Canadian-made concoctions for all the food-lovers on your list this year.
Each and every one of these gorgeous gold-flaked pie pans are delicately handcrafted in Montreal, and while we personally feel they're just too pretty to bake with, we've got a feeling that friend who's always got something sweet in the oven will love them.
DOMPIERRE Speckled Pie Pan, $34, marieevedompierre.com
Canadiano's sleek wooden pour-over coffee makers bring stylish flair to that perfect, slow-brewed cup of joe. This limited-edition set comes complete with an intricately detailed mug, so that loved one who takes their morning cup seriously will never have to sip from a paper one again.
Canadiano Exotic Wooden Pour-Over Coffee Maker, $149, canadiano.co
For anyone who's dreamed of drumming up their own version of the Quebecois classic, this cheese curd-making kit is a serious must-gift. It comes with a gravy kit too, so all that's needed are a few fries and you've got a poutine party on your hands.
Proud Poutine Cheesemaking Kit, $29.95, makecheese.ca
This Indigenous company stirs hand-picked herbs from the Algonquin area into their soothing, organic teas. Their Homestead Blend serves up fruity notes with a hint of spice, making it a perfect sipper for tea-lovers to savour throughout the holidays.
Algonquin Tea Co. Homestead Blend, $10.50, well.ca
Designed and handcrafted in Montreal, this striped ceramic water pitcher makes an artful addition to any kitchen table and is great for bringing on a picnic in warmer months, too. Plus, it can double as a vase for freshly picked flowers when there's nothing else on hand.
Pitcher in Ceramic with Cork Stopper, $46, etsy.ca
Packed with all kinds of artisanal goodies made right here in Canada, including truffle oil, birch syrup and smoky espresso salt, showing up with this basket on Christmas is enough to make everyone forget about the man in the big red suit.
Chef's Pantry Gift Box, $50, ediblecanadaretail.com
These chic cheese boards come in a bunch of different wood varieties, ranging from maple to rustic walnut, are built to order in Vancouver and are finished by hand, making each one a little bit unique. A definite go-to for that eternal entertainer on your list!
Union Wood Co Wood Cheese Board, $43.99, unionwoodco.com
Once you've got the board, pick up this silver plated, serrated-blade cheese knife to go with it. It's lightweight enough to bring with you if you're travelling to get to this year's festivities and comes adorned with an eye-catching eagle design by Tsimshian First Nation artist Terry Starr.
Silver Plated Cheese Knife, $25, northwestcoastgifts.com
Toronto-based chocolatiers CXBO are known for their impeccable, interesting flavours and eye-catching exteriors, and this special holiday collection fits right into their mold. With flavours like Eggnog/Cognac, Candy Cane/Spruce and Cinnamon Bun/Cream Cheese Icing, that chocolate-lover you know will surely swoon over these delightful sweets.
CXBO Ornament Collection 9 Piece Box, $22.50, cxbo.ca
Part insider peek into the Canadian culinary scene, part memoir, this candid collection of stories from Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg is a feminist foodie's dream-read.
I Hear She's A Real B*tch by Jen Agg, $29.93, chapters.indigo.ca
Handmade in rural P.E.I., this stunning French-style rolling pin is just what your favourite baker needs to finally whip up the perfect pastry.
French Tapered Rolling Pin, $60, etsy.ca
Okay, we just couldn't go a whole list without acknowledging Canada's sweetest export. Straight from a sugarwood in Quebec, this syrup is produced late in the harvest and is described as "intensely dark" with "notes of rye, caramel and roasted sugar" — are you drooling yet?
Escuminac Late Harvest Maple Syrup, $16.99, gourmetwarehouse.ca
Adjustable and unisex, this pin-striped apron made by hand in Manitoba will be a saviour for that person you know who can't help but make a mess in the kitchen. They've got toddler and kids versions too, in case you're shopping for a mini chef.
Classic Bib Apron — Light Grey Stripe, $27, etsy.ca