2012 Holiday Gift Ideas

Here is a sobering fact to start the work week: Home Alone 2 was created 20 years ago. Twenty.

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I know some of you reading weren’t born before 1992, but for the rest of us…..ahhh, indeed!

That means, Home alone 1 was created 22 years ago.

Ummm….stop that. Stop it right now.

Eric and I were innocently watching our beloved Home Alone 2 last night when some kid came on and ruined the whole thing by telling us how far away we are from 10 years old now. lalala la la la lalala la la. I probably would’ve guessed the movie was 10 years old. I’m in time warp, clearly. Eric is also in denial. Live on, VHS, live on.

Sobering fact number two: It’s December 3rd!

Did you wake up Saturday morning in a bit of a shock? December always sneaks up on us, much like the twenty year anniversary of Home Alone 2. What can ya do. It’s time to get down to business!

I’ve put together my annual holiday gift ideas post highlighting some of my favourite gifts all in one cozy spot. It’s always worth repeating that I do not have an affiliation with any of the brands listed below nor are any of the links affiliates. I simply enjoy these products/services and think you might too!

Let’s begin, shall we?

1. Weck Canning Jars {Crate & Barrel, $3-5}

These jars are my go-to for gift-giving my homemade nut butters. They are just so darn cute and come in mini 4.5oz all the way up to 26oz.

2. Oven Thermometre {try Kitchen Stuff Plus or Canadian Tire, $5}

Do you reeeeally know the true temperature of your oven? And do you reeeeally think it’s preheated correctly when it beeps to tell you it is? Odds are it’s not. My oven temp is way off so I keep this handy guy hanging in there at all times. Once you know, you can’t un-know, if you know what I mean. Find them at Canadian Tire, Kitchen Stuff Plus, or other home good stores. This would make a great stocking stuffer for the home cook!

3. Glass Storage Containers – oven and freezer safe {Crate & Barrel, $12-21}

These glass containers are 3 in 1 – as the website says, they go from “oven to table to freezer”!

4. Subscription to VegNews Magazine {via mail delivery or tree-free online magazine, $20 in US, $40 Canada}

My thoughtful father-in-law subscribed me to this magazine last year and I must say I have enjoyed every single issue. It’s a great gift for vegetarians, vegans, or those just looking to live a healthy, compassionate lifestyle.

5. Vanilla Bean Paste {Williams Sonoma, $19}

A lovely hybrid of vanilla extract and vanilla beans. This is a special occasion vanilla perfect to whip out for your holiday baking or stir into that special bowl of oatmeal…

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6. Zester/Grater {Microplane, $22}

Any time I need to grate fresh nutmeg, chocolate, limes, or lemons…I’m using this bad boy!

Please note: I am not responsible for your lost fingernail tips. Eek.

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7) 10-piece Glass Nesting Bowl Set {Crate & Barrel, $37}

Is there anything better than a nesting bowl set? I had no idea that’s what they are called, but it’s good to know. It’s perfect for the neat freak who is short on storage. That’s me, minus the neat freak part. Truth be told, I have some nesting bowls and I somehow manage to un-nest them in my cabinet. It drives Eric craaazy.

8. Anthropologie – various {Shown: Pitcher, $28; earrings, $32; Umbrella, $30}

Doesn’t Anthro have the coolest gifts? It’s always one of the first places I look when I need a unique gift for a friend. Whatever you do, check out Anthro’s sale room before you buy anything full price! You can score some amazing deals up to 70% off.

9. Give back and gift a Tree! {Ontario residents try Trees Ontario, $25 and up)

Why not give back to our wonderful earth during the holidays? Trees Ontario will plant 10 trees for a $25 donation. You can donate them in someone’s honour too. We are doing this this year since we are purchasing a real tree and thought it would be a good tradition to start. If you are outside of Ontario, simply google a similar organization in your own area. There are lots!

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10. Soy Candles {Pacifica, $22}

I spotted these at Whole Foods and promptly fell in love with the Thai Lemongrass scent (among others). I hear the Mediterranean Fig is a great winter scent, but I haven’t tried it yet. You can read about how Brook and Billy started the Pacifica business here…it’s pretty inspiring how committed they are to the environment!

11. Sponsor a Farm Animal {various locations, see here for a huge listing}

Farm sanctuaries rescue, rehabilitate, nourish, and provide love and shelter to farm animals who had a rough start in life. Your sponsorship will help them care for and feed the animal giving it the life and respect it so deserves.

12. Green Pans

I own a few Green pots and I love that they are an eco-friendly alternative to common chemicals found on traditional non-stick bakeware. I have the casserole, covered saucepan, and a skillet. I believe Costco sells the skillets in packs of two, if I’m not mistaken.

13. Vegan shop owners on Etsy – choose from over 77,000 items!

If you are stuck on what to buy the vegan in your life (or anyone for that matter!) just head on over to Etsy. Bonus points for being able to search for local shop owners and support small business owners.

14. Glass D’harma Glass Straws, $10

Want to know the product question I am asked the most on Oh She Glows?

—> Where did you get your glass straws?

Yes, that’s the one. I’ve been asked it so much I added it to my FAQ page. I was sent the product to review a few years ago and have been using them in my daily smoothies ever since. Can we please ditch the plastic straws once and for all?

15. Vegan food gifts

Why not give the gift of food to your loved ones this year by making food gifts yourself or by supporting local vegan bakeries? I gave a jar of my homemade Nutella as a hostess gift this weekend and it was a fun gift to give a chocolate lover.

Well, that’s a wrap. I hope you’ve enjoyed this gift guide! Until next year…

Don’t forget to let me know below what’s on your gift list!