My 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
- Kelly Claman
- Nov 11
- 8 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
The holidays are fast approaching and after a year of turbulence around the world, my goal is simply to spread a little extra love, joy, and inspiration with the people who mean the most to me.
Here are a few of my favourite finds this season, holiday gifts for the many unique personalities on our lists.
FOR THE HOME
I love gifting photos that capture special memories, set in a lovingly-chosen frame. Addison Ross's Black Watch tartan frame feels warm and festive, perfect around this time of year. But if you’re going for a different look, they have a range of other amazing options to choose from.
This handcrafted Murano glass carafe-and-tumbler set from Porta is a beautiful example of the enduring appeal of traditional Italian artisanal craftsmanship, adding a pop of colour and flair to the bedside table.
At a time of so much turmoil around the world, we could all use a little more good news. Assouline's Smiley: 50 Years of Good News is packed with uplifting stories. The cover, with its cheerful oversized smiley face, sets the perfect tone.
Addison Ross’s LED Bobbin lamps make wonderful gifts. Wireless and rechargeable, they’re easy to move from your desktop to a reading nook, or even outside in the evening to relax on the patio.
SKINCARE AND BEAUTY
I was lucky enough to have been gifted one of Kate McLeod’s Grounding Body Stones, and it’s since become a favourite part of my evening routine. The stone’s earthy-citrus scent sets the perfect mood to unwind at the end of the day. Warmed between the palms and applied as a light massager, it melts instantly into the skin, leaving long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy or heavy, a spa-like experience from the comfort of home.
Designed to detangle without pulling, this gentle yet effective brush works through the toughest knots on both wet and dry hair. It also delivers an invigorating scalp massage, stimulating blood circulation and hair growth. While it's a bit of an investment, I think n.4 is worth every penny.
Merit’s limited-edition lip trio includes the Shade Slick Gloss, Signature Lip Blush, and Signature Lip Liner, all in “Archival,” a cool mauve that flatters nearly everyone (it's the best shade, I've been wearing it constantly!). Each can be worn individually for a soft, everyday look, or they can be layered together for a more dramatic effect. I hope all three products become part of the permanent collection!
Westman Atelier Petite Petal Set
Westman Atelier is one of my favourite makeup brands these days. Almost everything in the collection is non-comedogenic, an essential for my reactive skin, and the quality is incredible: long-lasting, easy to apply, and beautifully pigmented. This set includes four travel-size best-sellers in a soft dusty rose shade.
A three-piece travel set of Necessaire's iconic body essentials in Eucalyptus: they're unisex, and the scent is divine!
Sofie Pavitt’s Nice Ice cryo-inspired toner pods are one of my favorite at-home skincare rituals. Each individually-wrapped pod can be popped in the freezer, then applied to soothe stressed skin, reduce inflammation, and leave your complexion glowing. This three-pack makes a fun and unexpected stocking stuffer.
I have always believed that beautiful objects can make even the most mundane moments feel special. Emi Jay’s detangling comb, in chic faux-tortoise, turns something as ordinary as combing your hair into a moment of joy.
FOR PET LOVERS
For friends and family members who adore their pet, one of Staud's custom pet portraits, available on select handbags and accessories, would make for an adorable and unforgettable surprise.
FOR THE OFFICE PARTY
It's always a bit of a challenge to pick office gifts, especially for Secret Santas, but you can never go wrong with something sweet. Sugarfina's non-alcoholic Champagne gummy bears are always a hit. They're light and bubbly, with just a touch of sweetness.
FOR HANNUKAH
Adina Eden's Star of David charm bracelet is a small but meaningful gift that celebrates heritage with understated style.
For anyone with a passion for history, architecture, or Jewish heritage, Synagogues: Marvels of Judaism is a wonderful find. Rich in detail and filled with incredible imagery, this compendium explores Jewish history and culture through the stories of 60 synagogues around the world, from ancient times to the modern era. It's one of those books you return to again and again.
FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
My sweet stepdaughter Mila has a curious mind and a big imagination, and it's been such a thrill to watch her explore the world around her. It probably isn't surprising that I would love educational toys for little ones. VTech's interactive Magic Adventures globe brings the world to life by introducing cultures, languages, and habitats through games, learning activities, and over five hours of BBC videos. It’s a fun and engaging way for kids to start seeing the world through a wider lens.
Pickleball has become such a fun way for the whole family to spend time together, and this patterned set from Recess, suitable for beginners and seasoned players alike, includes everything you’ll need for a little friendly competition.
The Petite Manicure set from Manucurist was created especially for little ones. The safe, non-toxic formula washes off easily with soap and water, making nail play easy and mess-free, something both parents and kids can appreciate.
Business and Pleasure, known for their dreamy vintage Palm Beach aesthetic (the entire line is incredible!), has created a picnic set with all you'll need for an effortless outdoor meal. Everything is thoughtfully organized, ensuring a relaxed and memorable alfresco dining experience for the whole family.
Family-owned brand Banwood makes bikes in a charming mid-century Scandinavian style, each with a little wicker basket, an adorable accoutrement. The Balance Bike First Go is an excellent first bike: safe, sturdy, and easy to adjust as kids grow from ages, 3 through 5.
LUXURY
Loewe's handcrafted candles are almost too beautiful to light, except that once you do, the full depth of the fragrance begins to emerge. As the wax melts, the candle’s shape evolves in a way that’s quietly enchanting. It’s somehow impossible to look away!
One of the most elegant and inspiring publications currently in print, Scala Regia feels more like a carefully curated art book than a magazine. Sold individually or by subscription, each issue celebrates history, culture, the arts, and design in rich detail and with vibrant photography. I always look forward to diving into the latest edition!
FOR THE TRAVELLER
A collaboration between two iconic British brands, Smythson’s Mara passport holder is reimagined in Liberty’s signature purple. Croc-embossed and limited edition, it’s a chic, distinctive choice for frequent travellers.
WELLNESS
I’ve long valued the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms, and I’ve even converted my husband, initially reluctant, into a fan. One of our favorite product lines is Supermush, which I discovered at Nutbar in Toronto. Their daily gummies support optimum health and vitality, and they're surprisingly tasty. Several formulations are available, each custom-tailored for different benefits, such as immunity and sleep. This set, which includes a month’s supply of both the Daily Energy and Daily Sleep gummies, is the perfect introduction to the brand and to the many benefits of functional mushrooms.
FOR HIM
Dior's Sauvage is a classic. My husband wears it, and I recently discovered that King Charles III does as well. This holiday duo includes the cologne and deodorant.
Something small for the gentleman who has everything. The Duke of Windsor would cetainly approve!
NEED MORE IDEAS?
Afew more of my favourites this season:
Naghedi Pouch
I love Naghedi's Portofino pouch. It's hand-woven, waterproof, easy to clean and large enough for all the daily essentials.
Lake Pajamas are the absolute best (they really are, nothing compares!) The fabrics are soft and plush, the quality is excellent, and their sets, like this one in terry modal, are perfect for a relaxing evening at home.
As a holiday offering, Cassandra Grey, founder of legendary beauty retailer Violet Grey, developed the 12 Zodiac candles, one for each sign of the zodiac. Part of her Madame Grey fragrance line, they’re a beautiful way to bring a little magic into any space.
Alice Lane Bubble Candle Dish
A decorative gift for your host.
A warm and luxurious cashmere from one of my favourite stores. The puff sleeve adds a feminine touch to a wardrobe staple. While I love the vibrant red, it is also available in black and chocolate for those who prefer neutral shades.
A nod to four of Jane Austen’s classic novels, these embroidered napkins add a little whimsy to teatime.
BaubleBar’s sculptural teardrop earrings in chic gold are effortlessly modern yet timeless, and they won’t break the bank.
Diptyque’s holiday candles are a time-honoured favourite and the votives are always just as lovely as the fragrance. The pine-scented ones, like this year's Sapin, are especially loved in my home.
A fun way to print and share special moments anytime, directly from your smartphone.
Not only do silk sleep masks block out light for a more restful night's sleep, they also help keep skin crease-and wrinkle -free. If you haven't tried a silk sleep mask yet, this one from Slip is a great place to start.
If you've been curious about Summer Fridays, this limited edition vegan leather bag comes with five deluxe samples from the collection, including their best-selling Vanilla Lip Butter Balm and the Jet-Lag eye patches. And the bag is such a classic!
I am a big fan of Apparis. While some faux furs out there look and feel like a stuffed animal, Apparis' are genuinely high-quality. The Kai scarf reminds me of a vintage mink stole, but it’s entirely animal- and cruelty-free, and without the heavy price tag
Part of Julia Amory’s holiday collaboration with Lizzie Fortunato, the contrast in these earrings between the rich coco acacia wood and the 24k gold-plated brass trim is exquisite!
AND TO CONCLUDE, A LITTLE HOLIDAY HUMOUR!
Happy Holidays!
Comments