The Very Best Brunch
One of my favourite emerging traditions (or trends, as it were) for the holiday season is to host a holiday brunch post-present opening. Whether it’s in lieu of a giant turkey dinner with the whole family or a more intimate affair for your household, I love the idea of gathering around and basking in the holiday spirit for a few precious hours after the wrapping is torn off. I chose today’s gifts to either bring with you as a hostess gift, if you’re indeed attending a brunch, or to simply complement your giftee’s kitchen accoutrements for when they host a brunch any time of year. Enjoy!
Vegetable Keep Sacks – $8.99 – $11.99 @ Mastrad
When your mind drifts to brunch you may immediately think of pancakes and bacon, but don’t forget about those savoury side dishes that make this mid-day meal what it is. I’m talking garlicky scrambled eggs, onion-loaded quiche, and seasoned homemade hash browns, to name a few. Keep your root veggies from going rotten with these clever ‘keep sacks’ which hang up to save cupboard space. Their ingenious design allows air to flow in but blocks out the light, to keep your most steadfast of ingredients from sprouting.
Snowflake Pancake Pan – $34.99 @ Sears
Just like the snowflakes outside, these ones will quickly disappear when you cook up a batch of homemade pancakes for your loved ones. This non-stick griddle pan is easy-as-pie to use. Just whip up some batter and pour it into the molds, set it on your stovetop, and bingo, a plate’s worth of pancakes is ready to serve up.
Fresh & Creamy Butter Kit – $20 @ Roaring Brook Dairy
You may never be able to go back to store-bought butter after making it yourself with this simple and charming farmstead-style butter kit. Complete with salts, seasonings, and all the tools you’ll need to make a pound of butter, all you need to do is spring for the cream and soon enough you’ll have butter to spread on your toast, pancakes, and other breakfast sundries come your holiday brunch. Bring it along and gift it to the host, or buy it for yourself and bring some homemade goods instead.
Hot Sauce of the Month Club – Packages start at $59 from @ From Mild To Wild
True story, it’s rare to find many ‘of the month’ subscriptions here in Canada. But if you’d like to spice up the life of your giftee, you may want to indulge in the ‘Hot Sauce of the Month’ club offerings from saucy supplier From Mild To Wild. Choose your hotness and the length of your subscription, and prepare to scream from the spiciness every single month. Why is this included on the brunch list? Well hot sauce and breakfast have been like two peas in a pod as of late – from sprinkling it onto your eggs to marinating your taters in it, you can liven up any sleepyheads with just a drop or two of these potent tongue-burners.
Buy Local Calendar – $24 @ Claudia Pearson
New York-based artist Claudia Pearson is known for her whimsical watercolours, which are used to great effect in this ‘Buy Local’ calendar. The idea? While keeping track of dates, you can also keep tabs on what local produce should be available from your farmer’s market or well-stocked supermarkets. Want to move away from paper? There’s also a reusable tea towel incarnation that can pull double duty as either wall art or kitchen cleaner.
Mr. & Mrs. Holiday Cocktail Glasses – $24 for the set @ Furbish
I love these glasses because they could be applied to multiple scenarios. Not that big into gift-giving, or are you just dating someone but still want to give your significant other’s parents a present? Consider this an affordable, festive choice. Want to bring a hostess gift for the parents apart from their big under-the-tree surprise? Also great. Did you splurge on a luxe bottle of liquor and want to include an accoutrement? Bingo. As for why these are on the brunch list? Well if you’re going to indulge in a mimosa or sangria with brunch, what better time of year to do it than Christmas? Note that Furbish doesn’t have an official Canadian shipping policy, but does say they do international shipping – just contact their customer service before going for these golden glasses.
FreshPaper – $4.99 for 8 sheets
Look below those ripe-as-heck strawberries and feast your eyes on the simplest yet smartest invention (and cheapie gift idea) ever. What is it? Essentially, it’s an organic piece of paper filled with all-natural spices. When you toss it into your fruit bowl or produce drawer – or anywhere you store fruits or veggies – it will actually preserve your fresh food for up to 4x longer. When it’s out of its potent powers (which can be detected by a distinct maple scent), simple compost the sheet and swap it out for a new one. Seeing as how no brunch is complete without a bowl of fresh fruit (and the requisite leftovers), this is an ingenious hostess gift that’s oh-so-affordable.
Canvas Text Bread Basket – $14.50 @ Indigo
Serve up freshly baked muffins or rolls in this charming literary bread basket, made from breathable, natural canvas and imprinted with a famous quote from Alice In Wonderland. Not only is this a cute addition to your tabletop, it also happens to have a genius practicality about it as well – instead of adding yet another piece of serveware to your already crowded cupboards, this foldable bag can easily tuck in next to your oven mitts, or whatever nook or cranny you’ve got left in the kitchen.
Kate Spade ‘Say The Word’ Mugs – $20 each @ Horchow
Start morning every morning off with a heartwarming beverage and an uplifting message from design star Kate Spade. Each of these crisp, colourful porcelain mugs feature a cheerful affirmation you’ll drink in as you sip your favourite coffee, cocoa, or tea. They may be a little on the pricy side for the full set, but consider grabbing one in your hostesses’ favourite colour for her desk so she can recreate the brunch experience every single day.
BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set – $15 @ Winners & Homesense
Consider this your new go-to hostess gift this holiday season. For less than $20, you’ll get a substantial, prepackaged gift featuring organic pancake mix, all-natural strawberry spread, and a bottle of what I consider the world’s most precious liquid, Canadian maple syrup. It’s everything you need to actually get brunch started, and it’s oh-so-yummy to boot!
If you’re salivating at this post (or at least adding a few more items to your own wish list) you may be in luck: I’m giving away a $75 gift set of goodies from Beavertails, including the pancake mix, four chocolate bars, a tee, a baby onesie, and a tote bag to carry all your loot to and from your festive fete. Here’s how to (potentially) score:
1) Leave a comment by December 31st with your top brunch-themed pick from this list!
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around January 1st to select the winner, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Follow me on Twitter (@cdngiftguide) and send out a Tweet about this contest tagging me in it for a bonus entry!
Canadian Gift Guide 
I love the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set. We usually host a brunch on Boxing Day for family and friends. In the morning we meet and bring our skates and x-country skis for a morning of fun, then it’s back to the house for a brunch of warm and inviting goodies….. Maple syrup is one of our favourites and we like having some French Toast with lots of syrup, butter and a sprinkling of icing sugar… Each year our family dynamics change, we love the idea of keeping some traditions, it keeps the young members connected and us gives us older folks something to reminisce about 🙂
beavertail pancake mike set
I love those Vegetable Keep Sacks! What a great idea and they look fabulous!
I tweeted https://twitter.com/skeetersden/status/280623661759729664
I love the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set!
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/newfiechic/status/280626933505589248
They all look great! I love the variety in the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Set but by the same token, it’s a toss up between that and the Snowflake Pancake Pan from Sears! Super neat finds!
I love the Buy Local calendar, although I had a hard time making my mind up. Tweeted and favorited @janicour
The Snowflake Pancake Pan would be such a hot with my grandkids. Neat idea!
I would say BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set 🙂
Beavertails pancake gift set
Snowflake Pancake Pan
The Beavertail pancake mix would make a great gift to give or receive! Heading to Winners for that forsure!
I love the idea behind Fresh Paper!
I really love the Vegetable Keep Sacks . Awesome ideal.
follow on twitter and tweeted
I love pancakes for a family brunch.
The Snowflake Pancake Pan looks like a great brunch-themed selection. Thank you.
I love the Veggie Keep sacks! I think I may have to buy some!
I love the snowflake pancake pan! So cute!
The Vegetable sacks are cool. I’m notorious for managing to let my veggies rot, so this may mean I actually get to eat some!
The Snowflake pancake pan is soo cute.
I love the vegetable keep sacks!
I love the snowflake pancake pan
My name is Lisa and I am a pancake addict! I love the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set! 🙂
Making pancakes from the pancake mix in the snowflake pan, how much more perfect can brunch get? Top it off with some fresh blueberries and maple syrup (from the pancake mix set) and we will have happy smiley faces and full tummies all around!
I love everything on this list but I’m gonna have to go with the BeaverTails Pancake mix as being my absolute favourite!!!
Do you love #pancakes Do you love #BeaverTails? Win with @CdnGiftGuide !!! Awesome #contest for #Canadians! Mmm BeaverTails Pancake Mix
Followed and mentioned you on twitter!!! @liittlebrunette
I love the Pancake Mix Set-that would make a delicious brunch with the delicious maple syrup!
i would try this BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set
It’s gotta be the Hot Sauce of the Month club.. I just love spicing food up with heat…
I love the mr and mrs santa clause glasses. very cute.
I love the snowflake pancake pan
I didn’tknow there were beavertails mix. My kids loves beaver tails! I will be definitely be trying this out!
I like the Snowflake Pancake Pan…how cool is that?!
Cheers.
I follow you on Twitter and tweeted:
I get all kinds of yummy ideas with the Fresh and Creamy Butter Kit…Yum.
I love the Snowflake Pancake Pan! My granddaughter would have a blast having those at grammy’s house!
The snowflake pancake skillet is wonderful for this time of year!
msdickinson28 at hotmail dot com
Following you on twitter as @wendylady75 and tweeted about the contest.
the Fresh & Creamy Butter Kit is my favourite
nancyrobster at gmail dot com
follow you on twitter
greeeneyedwhwom
I love the canvas bread basket and I’m always up for maple syrop.
BeaverTails Pancake Mix looks best
Hot Sauce of the Month is a great giveaway
I love the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set
I like the snowflake pancake mix.
FreshPaper- what a cool idea!
I love the “Seize the words” mugs…these are a great gift!
My top brunch-themed pick is BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set.
I love the Snowflake Pancake Pan.
Follow you on twitter @skyalive1976
tweet: https://twitter.com/skyalive1976/status/280797354980954113
I like the Beavertails pancake mix gift set-what a great gift for anyone!
I just love the snowflake pancake pan. I may have to get one now.
I love the Eat Local calendar
pancake mix with maple syrup. I love maple syrup!
Fresh & Creamy Butter Kit
https://twitter.com/BeeWBedard/status/280822544947359745
the bread basket from Indigo
my top brunch item from this list is the Snowflake Pancake Pan
I like the Snoflake Pancake Pan – my grandkids would really enjoy the design.
I think the BeaverTail Mix would be a great brunch treat
I like Snowflake Pancake Pan
The Kate Spade mugs are cute.
The Snowflake Pancake pan is adorable and is a hit with any age group
The snowflake pancake is adorable and will be a hit with any age group
I love the mr and mrs santa clause glasses.
I follow you on twitter-twitter name wildcardacehigh
and I tweeted https://twitter.com/wildcardacehigh/status/280864372170055680
I would love the Snowflake Pancake Pan
THE PANCAKE MIX WOULD HELP MAKE A GREAT BRUNCH.
Th snowflake pancake pan is pretty cool.
love the snowflake pancake pan though would be fun to make my own butter
I really like those vegetable keep sacks!
I love the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set .. this would be a great gift with a basket full of fresh blueberries, raspberries or rhubarb !
tweeted it for a bonus ! https://twitter.com/boot_lip/status/280951803846201344
I love the Beavertails Pancake Tails Mix Gift Set. It looks yummy!
The Snowflake Pancake Pan is adorable!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/littlecomper/status/281004610632699905
I love the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set.
angelsspot at hotmail dot com
I love the snowflake pancake pan.
WE HAVE PANCAKES EVERY SUNDAY SO I LOVE THE SNOWFLAKE PANCAKE PAN AND THE ORGANIC MIX AND SYRUP-YUM-THANKS!
The Hot Sauce of the Month Club – Packages start at $59 from @ From Mild To Wild
meikleblog at gmail dot com
Follow on Twitter (@vesper1931) and sent out a Tweet -https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/281076688383791104
love the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set
The homemade butter kit is my fav.
Oooohhhh, LOVE the Snowflake Pancake Pan and the Hot Sauce of the Month Club prize. Can never have enough hot sauce, lol!
beavertails yum
beavertail mix would be lovely
I like the pancake mix set, it has a nice design to it
Mmmmm, the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set sounds like it would be delish for brunch.,… especially if someone else were to make ’em for me!
Lazy brunches are one of the highlights of the holiday season.
I like the snowflake pancake pan, we make pancakes all the time here!
I love the Snowflake Pancake Pan
The beavertail pancake mix gift set looks like a great gift idea. I think I may head over to Winners right now.
That Beavertail package looks really fantastic, would like to try that
snowflake pancake pan
I would love to try the fresh and creamy butter kit
hot sauce of the month. omgosh hubby would love that.
I think this one is the cutest! Canvas Text Bread Basket
Kate Spade ‘Say The Word’ Mugs – $20 each @ Horchow
I’m going with the vegie keep sacks, nice
I want the snowflake pancake pan!! I love panckaes!!
snowflake pancake pan
I love the Beavertail pancake gift set
The Breadbasket is super cute! We have been using a breadbox for years, but somehow it ended up becomming a vitamin box 😛 would be great to have a place for the fresh bread again. ❤
the pancake mix set for sure
suzquiz
I like the simple Canvas Text Bread Basket would get use daily and I need a place to put the bread
https://twitter.com/truthful/status/281540865028136961
I like the Vegetable Keep Sacks.
I looove the Fresh & Creamy Butter Kit !!
rebthecatsitter at gmail dot com
I follow on Twitter and tweeted!
I love that snowflake pancake pan! 🙂
I love the snowflake pancake pan. These would be delish!
love the butter kit 🙂
Veggie keep Sacks is what i love!
i think the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set would be an awesome house warming gift!
The Beavertail Pancakes package
Mr. & Mrs. Holiday Cocktail Glasses
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the Snowflake Pancake Pan is the best!
kate spade mugs
Snowflake pancakes would be great for brunch on a snowy winter’s day!
The pancake gift set – my father in law would love it!
snowflake pancake pan
Definately the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set..hmm sounds yummy!!
My top brunch-themed pick from this list is the “Buy Local Calendar – $24 @ Claudia Pearson”. What a great way to remember what is in season locally. Would make nice framed images as well after the year is over.
Bonus Entry: Following you on Twitter & Tweeted https://twitter.com/SoulSeeker0/status/282375789050228736
Thank you
I LOVE BeaverTails and think the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set would be perfect for a Sunday morning family breakfast!
love love love the snowflake waffle pan,,, its so cute
It was SO hard to choose! However, thinking back to an enjoyable visit to Ottawa, I chose the Beaver Tails Pncake Mix Gift set. I would be so much fun it would be to prepare them on Christmas morning.
Beaver Tails Pancake Mix
I like the Snowflake Pancake Pan
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow on twitter as prairiebelle and tweeted
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
Vegetable Keep Sacks – $8.99 – $11.99 @ Mastrad
and the Kate Spade Mugs hard to choose just one from this great list!!! I would be equally happy with any of these as a gift!
https://twitter.com/Shandon00/status/282651536830652417 Follow you and tweeted!
Love the snowflake pancake pan.
I think the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set is awesome. I do love me some panckaes!
hot sause of the month is a great idea
I love the Snowflake Pancake Pan! Very cute!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/tagna09/status/282968820283502592
I love the vegetable keep sacks…what a great idea…and gives a real charm to the kitchen.
The Pancakes and the maple syrup is my fave, it is a special treat in our home
Pancake Mix Gift Set
My pick would be the Fresh & Creamy Butter Kit.
Tweet~ http://twitter.com/glogirl3/status/283278917622714369
I like all the things that are in the basket. My kids love pancakes and the pancake snowflakes would be a nice change for a special winter brunch. The vegetable bags would come in handy at harvest time. too.
The Pancake Snowflake Pan is so unique and amazing 🙂
I liked the Kate Spade ‘Say The Word’ Mugs – $20 each @ Horchow – Sure could use some cute mugs. 🙂
I follow you on twitter and tweeted this giveaway
I am @sue2sueper on Twitter
Hmm, I think the beavertails stuff. A friend of mine tried some and said it was awesome.
i like the ‘mr & mrs glasses’
Love the vegetable keep sacks!
I really like the vegetable keep sacks! They are both cute and practical!
I would love to have more maple syrup, you can never have too much maple syrup.
love the snowflake pan
BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set
Hot sauce of the month is the best gift on the list!
I like the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set.
My favourite is the Hot sauce of the month club. My brother would love this!
I already follow on twitter, and tweeted about this giveaway, @oddball2003 🙂
the vegetable keep sacks look like a great item to have, thanks
Definitely the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set. I used to live in Ottawa and miss beavertails! This seems like a good way to get my fix 🙂
The “Buy Local Calendar” is very nice! However, I am curious about how the “BeaverTails Pancakes” would taste. Difficult choices. 🙂
Bonus entry: I tweeted! Here is the link: https://twitter.com/PumpkinGirl78/status/284875140003684352
The Hot Sauce of the Month Club sounds like more fun than a book of the month club for sure!
I really like the idea of the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set….natural and organic…what more could you ask for!!!
Hot Sauce of the Month kit — how fun!!
BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set
My favourite is the Buy Local tea towel version!
My fave is definately the BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set!! SO YUMMY!!
i like the Mr. & Mrs. Holiday Cocktail Glasses
I like the vegetable keep sacs
I tweeted https://twitter.com/Taigakat/status/285540975303073793
I like the Beaver Tails pancake mix set. It is making me hungry.
Snowflake pancake pan is cute 🙂
https://mobile.twitter.com/toocutebows/status/285857127111741441
Beaver tails pancake mix set looks wonderful
Love the snowflake pancake pan!