The SHARP List: Our 2022 Gift Guide for Your Favourite Foodies
There’s no time like the holidays. Spending time with loved ones, making the most of a bit of time off, enjoying comforting home cooking, maybe taking a little trip and, of course, running around trying to figure out which gifts will make people actually smile. With everything else happening during the holidays, it can be daunting to find the perfect gift, especially for the discerning – some might call them picky – people in your life. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with these pizza ovens, coffee makers, and top of the line toasters. Best of all — satisfying the epicurean in your life often means enjoying a thank you feast prepared using their new gifts.
Balmuda Toaster
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The Balmuda toaster might be a small appliance, but it makes a big difference when it comes to cooking at home. A veritable sensation online and in Japan, Balmuda’s sleek toaster harnesses the power of steam to transform old bread into warm slices that can be pillowy soft on the inside but crisped to golden perfection on the outside, taking breakfast — or lunch, supper and even snacks — to a delicious new level. ($600)
Thermador Built-in Coffee Machine
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The ultimate built-in home coffee machine, this deluxe piece is a must-have for any true coffee aficionado. Wifi enabled for custom brewing, and with direct plumbing for a continuous water supply, it’s the next best thing to having a full-blown cafe on site. ($7989)
Levo II
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Of course, infusions are all the rage these days, with oils, butters, and honeys dominating the edible market since legalization. The Levo II makes it possible to infuse yourself at home, opening up the possibilities for a range of experiences at a fraction of the cost of retail. ($399)
Ooni Portable Pizza Oven
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A wood-fire pizza oven is simply the best way to experience pizza, providing authentic Italian flavour with wood char that can’t be beat. Ooni’s Frya 12 wood pellet pizza oven is an ultra-portable version on the classic oven style, bringing all of the capability of a state-of-the-art oven at only 22lbs. ($449)
Risdon and Risdon Original Apron
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The Risdon and Risdon Original Apron is the gold standard for kitchen aprons, so much so that they’ve basically been credited with perfecting the form. Made of high-quality British canvas and leather (it’s also available in premium denim!), it’s both heavy-duty and lightweight, beautifully cut, stitched, and riveted by master craftsmen. ($178)
Thermapen One
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When it comes to fast, precise, and reliable temperature readings, look no further than the Thermapen One. Providing lightning-quick readings — in a single second or less — this is precision at its finest, for when the demands of the kitchen meaning only speed and consistency of the highest order will do. ($99)
Aunt Beth’s Whisky Cookies
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Maybe “hard goods” don’t feel right, and you’re thinking more experiential or consumable? Look no further than Toronto’s hidden gem — Aunt Beth’s Cookies. Made with a little whisky and a lot of love, Aunt Beth’s boozy baking dream took shape over the course of the pandemic. There are plenty of flavour profiles to choose from, or in a pinch, a gift card isn’t a bad idea either. (prices vary)
Bontà Portable Lamp by Artemide
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Earn glowing reviews for your presentation skills simply by arranging appetizers in the removable dish that rests atop this textured milk glass lamp. Even if you’re just serving kettle chips, the soft glow supplies some welcome ambience. Choose from two sizes and four colours of glass bowls. ($675)
Plisse Toaster by Alessi
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Start with a pleated appliance and end with a piece of toast that features perfect golden grill lines. It might not take much effort, but it’ll look gourmet as hell. Its vibrant red colour makes it a true standout on any countertop. ($145)
The Knife Set by Kilne
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Chop, dice, and slice your way through dinner prep with this set of six heavy-duty kitchen companions. And double down on your knife skills — and kitchen lingo — now that you’re the proud owner of your very own fancy chef knife, pairing knife, and more. ($210)
Cutting Board by Fredericks and Mae
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The confetti-esque pattern of these plastic chopping blocks comprises waste from other cutting board production lines. The gift of style and sustainability never resembled confetti so much — and we’re absolutely here for it. ($120)
Aarhus Ash Spice Mills by CrushGrind
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Those gourmet peppercorns and fancy sea salt crystals aren’t going to grind themselves. Inspired by Danish mid-century style, these modern mills make quite the gift. While salt and pepper are basic kitchen essentials, that doesn’t mean their containers have to be boring. Add some necessary flair to the most-used spices. ($140)
Ottolenghi Feast Plate by Serax
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Designed by everybody’s favourite cookbook author, this dinnerware begs out for a side of charred tomatoes with cold yogurt. Whether you’re gifting the feast plate along with a signature Ottolenghi cookbook, or as a standalone item, it makes the perfect present for any foodie. ($30)
Classic Dutch Oven by Milo
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When your cookware is this handsome, it doubles as a serving dish. Although this classic dutch oven has a modern feel, it’s still such a timeless piece. The matte black is easy to match and the gold-finished knob is *chef’s kiss.* ($195)
Pizza Cap by Gentile Pizza Parlour
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Rep pepperoni and cheese (or your pizza toppings of choice — we’ll save the pineapple debate for later) in this retro-style hat from the beloved Montreal pizzeria. We’ll take our new cap with a slice of cheese… actually, make that a whole pie. ($45)
Maple BBQ Sauce by Au Pied de Cochon
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Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we won’t judge — one taste and you’ll want to slather this sauce on everything — no matter the time of day or the meal in question. ($10)
Dill Pickle Serrano by Heartbeat Hot Sauce
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Amp up mealtime with this Dill Pickle Serrano sauce that adds perfect, sour, garlic-infused flavour to every bite. An exciting addition to a classic tuna salad for a nice punch or a vibrant condiment to add to just about anything coming off the grill. ($12)
Salsa Macha by La Capital Tacos
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Give your tastebuds a treat with La Capital Tacos’ Salsa Macha. The New York Times didn’t name salsa macha — the rich chile oil from Veracruz, Mexico — the most valuable condiment of 2020 for nothing, and this one is certainly worthy of the title. The ultimate crunchy oil — there’s no such thing as too much of this stuff. ($10)
