Advertisement
Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!
Shopping

Fifteen host gift ideas we love

A Toronto-themed candle, a marble butter keeper and more fun finds for party season

By Truc Nguyen
Copy link
Fifteen host gift ideas we love

For the holidays and everyday gatherings alike, good etiquette states that you should never arrive at somebody’s house empty-handed. Flowers or a bottle of wine are always trusty standby options (we suggest the budget-friendly bottle of Blaufränkisch below). But, if you want to get a little more creative, consider showing up to your next get-together with an artisanal gift set, sweet treat or cute decor item to say thanks. Here are 15 extra-special host gifts to order now and give later.

All products featured on this page were selected by Toronto Life’s editors. However, when you purchase an item through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.


Modern recipes cookbook
A Generous Meal: Modern Recipes for Dinner by Christine Flynn
Canadian chef Christine Flynn’s latest cookbook offers recipes for simple-but-satisfying dishes, like a winter panzanella salad or a plum and black pepper clafoutis. This highly rated release is the perfect gift for the host who is always trying out new recipes. $26

Related: Eighteen functional, versatile planters for your indoor garden


Aesop Reverence Aromatique kit
Aesop Reverence Aromatique hand soap and balm kit

There’s a reason Aesop’s body and hand care products are so popular. Treat your host to this gift set that includes full-size bottles of the luxury Australian brand’s

Reverence Aromatique hand wash and balm. It’ll be especially appreciated as we head into dry-skin season. $167
Kid Icarus Toronto Reference Library candle
Kid Icarus Toronto Reference Library candle
Anyone can use a fun scented candle. Kid Icarus’s Toronto-themed soy candles, which pay homage to local spots like the Toronto Reference Library and High Park, are hand-poured and available in two sizes. From $16
“Cartoon” cactus
'Cartoon' cactus from Dynasty Plant Shop
If cut flowers aren’t your host’s thing, a low-maintenance plant is an excellent alternative. You can find these adorable cacti—and a modern planter to match—at Dynasty Plant Shop on Dupont. $19 each
Bamboo coaster set
Xenia Taler bamboo coaster set
These coasters from Toronto-based Xenia Taler are made from a combination of melamine and scrap bamboo. You can pick from a selection of bold patterns that will complement your host’s style and decor. $32
Blau wine
Blaufränkisch wine from Rosewood Winery and Meadery
Based in Lincoln, Ontario, Rosewood Winery and Meadery offers a variety of delightful wines, mead and honey products. Their 2022 Blau red is a fun option for the host who’s always game to try something new. Plus, you can’t beat that label design. $25
Truffle box
Soma truffle box

 

Soma’s chocolate gift box comes with two dozen beautiful handmade truffles. Just don’t buy it too far in advance of your next special occasion—they’re made with fresh cream and butter and meant to be consumed within five days. $60
Escuminac Canadian Maple Syrup
Escuminac Canadian maple syrup

 

Advertisement

This sweet bundle includes three sleek bottles of award-winning organic maple syrup from Quebec. Varieties include Escuminac’s Extra Rare, Great Harvest and Late Harvest syrups, which are each produced at different times during the season for distinct tasting notes.

$48
Italian spice pack
A Spice Affair's Dolce Vita Italian spice pack

This highly rated gift set from A Spice Affair includes four distinctive blends designed for Italian dishes. It comes with jars of bruschetta, Italian herbs, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomato, and Tuscan infusion.

$30
Vintage-inspired ceramic vase
ban.do Vintage Inspired Rise and Shine Decorative Ceramic Vase
Perfect for a small bouquet or dried flowers, Ban.do’s juice carton–shaped ceramic vase makes for a memorable host gift. It also looks great when displayed on its own. $68
Camp throw
Camp throw with Canada map from the Drake General Store
This time of year, it’s the more, the merrier when it comes to throws and blankets that can be used indoors or outdoors around a fire. The Drake General Store’s camp throw features a map of Canada and is made with recycled cotton. $74
Retro drawing maple syrup jug
Retro drawing maple syrup jug by ceramicist Marie-Joël Turgeon
For hosts with a sweet tooth, bring this charming glazed stoneware maple syrup vessel that is handmade in Bedford, Quebec. It holds 540 milliliters of syrup (or another liquid of your choice) and comes with a cork. $65
Salt collection
Kanel salt collection
Kanel’s salt collection comes with garlic, black truffle, spicy and smoked varieties. Each salt is a different colour, so they’ll look striking when used for finishing dishes. $38
Amore gift box
Amore (fruity) gift box from Eataly
This fragrant curated gift box from Eataly includes a sea salt candle, a glass soap plate and three bars of fruit-scented soap. Pickup and delivery are available in the GTA, and you can tack on sweets, flowers or a bottle of wine at checkout. $86
Marble butter keeper
Marble butter keeper from Hopson Grace
Even the host who has everything will appreciate this chic marble butter keeper. It’s available by special order through Hopson Grace. $70

NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY

Sign up for This City, our free newsletter about everything that matters right now in Toronto politics, sports, business, culture, society and more.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
You may unsubscribe at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Big Stories

Dark Horse: Inside the fall of Eric Lamaze, Canada’s most famous equestrian
Deep Dives

Dark Horse: Inside the fall of Eric Lamaze, Canada’s most famous equestrian

Inside the Latest Issue

The February issue of Toronto Life features Scottie Barnes, the new face of the Raptors—and the team’s best chance of salvation. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.