The SHARP List: Our 2022 Culture Gift Guide
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 pleasant surprises for the most discerning eyes, whether you’re trying to please the architecture admirer, the vinyl enthusiast, or the coffee-table book collector.
HAY Coffee Table Book by Phaidon
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Published in partnership with Phaidon, this volume celebrates HAY’s 20th anniversary, chronicling the brand’s impressive rise since 2002. Founded by husband and wife duo Rolf and Mette Hay, the brand has become renowned for its minimal, colourful and irreverent style, applied to everything from toothbrushes to sofas. In keeping with that tradition, this tome stands out on its own, as a beautiful accent for a living space, while also offering a thoughtful read for design aficionados. ($75)
Matty Matheson’s Home Style Cookery by Abrams
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Easily one of the most beloved celebrity chefs working today — and almost certainly the most beloved celebrity chef to emerge out of Canada in some time — Matty Matheson returns with a follow-up to his best-selling debut cookbook with Home Style Cookery, which, as its name suggests, is all about the highest-quality premium cooking that can be made simply and sensibly at home. ($40)
XL CD Rug by Curves by Sean Brown
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Keep the music going — even after the (perfectly curated) playlist ends with this extra large CD-shaped rug brought to you by Toronto-born multidisciplinary artist Sean Brown and his expansive line of contemporary goods called Curves. A gift that can be appreciated and admired by music lovers — and just about anyone with good taste. ($2,500)
Tweed Lemon Berry Buzz 510 Thread Cartridge
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There’s no denying that vaping has become more popular, and (thankfully) socially accepted, than ever before, making this the perfect year to consider the category for gifting. At 85% TCH, the Lemon Berry Buzz is among the highest-potency TCH vapes produced by Tweed. Featuring light fruity notes — and made without artificial flavours — these 1g cartridges are infused with natural terpenes for a mild and pleasant experience. As the holiday party season continues to ramp up, bringing your host(s) a cartridge and vape to enjoy is a welcome change of pace from the oh-so-typical bottle of wine.
Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh, Assouline, at ssense.com
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The late Virgil Abloh had the distinction of being one of the most influential and innovative fashion designers of the last 20 years, and his work as director menswear at Louis Vuitton will be remembered as one of the best bodies of work of its era. This new volume celebrates his work with the couture brand and goes behind the scenes of his runway shoes and creative process. ($1550)
Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt by Rizzoli
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When is a shirt more than just a shirt? If you’re Ralph Lauren, it’s an iconic symbol — a simple, glorious clothing item that has achieved immortality through its ubiquitous presence in American pop cultural life for more than half a century. You’ll never see the classic polo the same way after reading this. ($50)
Moccamaster KBGV Select
Moccamaster KBGV Select
Moccamaster KBGV Select
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What is coffee if not culture? Whether brewed at home or enjoyed in a social setting, its a core element of social interaction in many corners of the globe. Not only is the Moccamaster widely considered the best drip machine that money can buy, its industrial-chic aesthetic — which dates back to the late 1960s and nods to the Netherland’s long history of industrial — makes it a worthy addition to your countertop. ($460)
Humans, by Brandon Stanton, at Indigo
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Brandon Stanton’s blog Humans of New York was a longtime social media phenomenon, capturing the lives of ordinary Americans in all their poetic mundane glory. His latest follow-up, Humans, returns to that well of day-to-day magic, instilling a sense of connection with your fellow man that will your faith in humanity. ($45)
Square Turntable by La Boite Concept
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Spotify or Apple Music? If you still can’t decide which streaming service to subscribe to, go old school and opt for vinyl instead. The sleek and minimal design of this Square Turntable is the perfect addition to any living room and its vibration-free sound will literally be music to your ears. ($850 USD)
Tweed Quickies Kush Mints
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Bring good vibes as you make your rounds across the holiday party circuit this season. Made for ease of use and convenience, Tweed Quickies are pre-rolls, meaning cannabis joints rolled in advance for you — perfect for party goers who want to enjoy the experience of lighting up without having to deal with the hassle of preparing a joint from scratch. These Quickies use Kush Mints, a hybrid strain of cannabis derived from Animal Mints and Bubba Kush strains, which is beloved for its striking minty taste and scent. Tweed Quickies include 10 pre-rolls with 0.35g of THC and are conveniently packaged in a sealed recyclable case.
Punta del Este, by Assouline
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Part travel guide, part photo album, and part fantasy wish-fulfillment vision board, this book on the Punta del Este by writer and curator Bony Bullrich is one to get lost in. Capturing the sumptuous, world-class Uraguay beach resort in all its South American glory, it’ll sit proudly on any coffee table and invite visitors to imagine an unbeatable day on the beach. ($95)
Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats by Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan
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Explore some of the most stunning and sumptuous remote getaways and cabins in the woods around the world, from seaside retreats to rustic cottages on hilltops, from the forests of Norway to the lakes of Canada, and far beyond. This book by Scottish interior designers and TV hosts Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan will have you desperate to flee the big city as fast as possible. $42
The Impossible Collection of Watches by Assouline
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A brand-new update to the original 2014 edition that earned such praise, The Impossible Collection of Watches is a comprehensive look back across the history of timepieces through some of the rarest, most expensive, and most innovative watches ever made. Author and historian Nicholas Foulkes evokes the true beauty and power of the greatest timepieces with this compelling book. ($995)
