For the Urban Dwellers - Vermeil Candles
The silvery Vermeil candle and fragrance collection from Voluspa creates an instant holiday ambience. $27; The Cross Decor & Design
For the Urban Dwellers - Urban Cultivator
The Urban Cultivator grows herbs and greens at home year-round. The decadent contraption slides under the kitchen countertop and hooks up like a dishwasher. $2,200; Urban Cultivator
For the Urban Dwellers - Doggie Treat Canister
Jonathan Adler’s doggie treat canister is good for a chuckle and stylish enough to be left on the counter. $149; Holt Renfrew
For the Gadget Gatherer - Dual Device Headset
The Curve Headset from CB2 holds a smartphone and a tablet upright and together on a weighted base. Calls can switch between the two devices and the handset can be attached directly to the phone for mobility. $59.95; CB2
For the Gadget Gatherer - Babycam Monitor
The Yada Tiny Traveler Babycam Monitor allows you to keep an eye on your baby-on-board without turning around to the back seat. $169; Canadian Tire
For the Gadget Gatherer - Outdoor Helmet Camcorder
The GoPro HD HERO2 Outdoor Helmet Camcorder can be mounted to your gear. Shoot your live-to-tell sporty experiences in HD. This device has an LCD interface, a mini-HDMI port, live-streaming capability and pro low-light performance. $349; Best Buy
For the 365-day Gardener - Birdhouse
A farmhouse birdhouse makes for a pretty addition to any garden or patio. $33; The Natural Gardener
For the 365-day Gardener - Hand Care
Crabtree & Evelyn’s Gardeners Hand Care tin contains all kinds of hand care treats to make a green thumb even greener. $35; Crabtree & Evelyn
For the 365-day Gardener - Watering Can
This high-end British watering can by Haws is perfectly balanced to make watering a breeze. Non-fading, in loads of fab colours and with a brass rosette. $29.99 for six-litre can as shown; Art Knapp Plantland
Buying gifts for friends, techie types and fashion fans is easy! All you have to do is wrap and relax
Have some hard-to-buy-for people on your list? Don’t we all. Not to label your loved ones, but the key is to zero in on their tastes and consider their “type.” Here are five categories they may fall into and some perfect gift ideas for each. ’Tis the season for giving and great gifting . . .
For the Foodies - Taste #5 Umami Paste
Foodies know that umami is the Japanese term used to describe the fifth taste distinct from sweet, salty, sour and bitter. President’s Choice Black Label Taste #5 Umami Paste is a concentrated blend of tomato, garlic and anchovy. $4.99; Real Canadian Superstore
For the Foodies - Cheddar Wheel
The Farm House Natural Cheeses’ cheddar wheel is waxed and doesn’t need refrigeration. Great for long-distance sending. $20
For the Foodies - Summerhill Wines
Summerhill donates $1 per bottle sold of its new ALIVE certified organic wines to the David Suzuki Foundation. Red $24.95, white $19.95; BC Liquor Stores
For the Stylish Girl - Bluebell Soaps
Boxed, triple-milled soaps from historic British perfumer Penhaligon in its classic Bluebell scent are still modern and coveted. $45; Beauty Bar
For the Stylish Girl - Paper Dolls
Fashionistas will still play dolls with this retro Christian Dior paper doll set. $14; Holt Renfrew
Originally published in BC Home & Garden magazine. For regular updates, subscribe to our free Home and Garden e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the magazine.