Wine is fine and flowers smell nice, but to impress your hosts this holiday season, you’ll need to think outside the vase. Here, we recommend some of Toronto’s most excellent – and original – host gifts, sure to leave as strong an impression as your charming, witty self.
Whisky Stones
These clever stones offer the coolest way to pour Scotch, ensuring that melting ice doesn’t overly water down your drink. Three chilled cubes of ancient soapstone bring a whole new meaning to “on the rocks.” For bonus points, bring a worthy bottle of Scotch, too. $28. Online or at shopAGO, 317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6610.
Chocolate Elixir
Soma has assembled four of their finest, cold-busting hot cocoa blends in one elegant box. Flavours range from sweet and simple Costa Rican milk chocolate to a Mayan mix spiced with vanilla, orange peel and chili. $30. Online or at SOMA, 55 Mill St., building 48, 416-815-7662.
Wine Blade
If you’ve cracked open a very old bottle of wine, you know that corks can get fragile. Blade-style screws don’t penetrate the cork, instead sliding between it and the bottle so you can crack that 1982 Bordeaux without a hitch. $28. Online or at The Wine Establishment, 250 The Esplanade, 416-861-1331.
Organic Caramels
Move past Pot of Gold with these handmade, totally natural treats. Individual caramels come dusted with crystals of Australian sea salt, but an uncut bar boasts even more sticky goodness along with a pouch of DIY salt. $12 for 13 pieces/1 bar. Online or at Steeped and Infused, 1258 Queen St. E., 647-348-1669.
Image courtesy of wine me up.
