Gift guide | Exchange of gifts, exchange of smiles

Let’s not shy away from our pleasure: an exchange of gifts generates truly funny moments. Here are some suggestions for fun and affordable gifts that will be a hit around the table.

Plant lover

Want to think outside the box for that upcoming gift exchange? Here’s an original idea: a box of bonsai! These “Bonsai Boxes” are created and packaged on the South Shore of Montreal. They contain what you need to grow four types of bonsai at home. If the lucky person has a green thumb, they will have decades of pleasure.

Bonsai Box, Ikigai Box, 39,99 $

Visit the Ikigai Box website

Game lover

Often compared to Uno, Skyjo is a German board game released 10 years ago, but which already has the aura of a classic. Each player has 12 cards in front of him and shares a common goal: to finish the game with as few points as possible. The mechanics are simple enough for children (from 8 years old, even 7 years old), but the game is frankly entertaining at any age.

Skyjo, Magilano, 27 $

Rum lover

This pretty box contains four bottles of rum from the Rosemont brand, by the Distillerie de Montréal. The lucky recipient will be able to discover the brand’s most popular sellers: Baba au rhum, Après-ski, pineapple rum and spiced rum. Microdistilled and bottled in Montreal.

Rum discovery box, Rosemont, $38.25

Visit the SAQ website

Amateur the popcorn

Who says exchanging gifts, says little splurges. Here’s one, and an affordable one at that: a turquoise-colored popcorn machine, which produces 12 cups of popcorn in three minutes using a hot air cooking system. All that remains is to melt some butter… and choose a movie to watch.

Popcorn machine, Ricardo, $34.99

Visit Ricardo’s website

Coffee lover

If there’s a flavored coffee lover in the room, they’ll set their sights on this set of coffee syrups from the young Montreal company 3/4 oz. The box includes three syrups: salted maple caramel, spiced chai latte and orange blossom pistachio. Just add a spoonful to your drinks, even on ice cream or yogurt.

Coffee Syrup Set, 3/4 oz, $45

Check out the 3/4 oz site

Coffee lover (repeat)

A little something at a low price, easy to give and to love: a porcelain cup with sinuous lines, dotted with little red hearts, perfect for coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Practical, it is dishwasher and microwave safe. For young and old.

The little hearts embossed cup, Maison Simons, $9.50

Visit the Simons website

Tea lover

If there is a tea lover at the table, they will be tempted by this infuser teapot. Its particularity? Add the tea, let it steep, then place the teapot directly on your cup to fill it. Ontario-based Grosche’s profits are reinvested in projects that help provide clean water to people in underdeveloped regions.

Teapot with infuser Aberdeen, Grosche, $30 for a 550 ml teapot, $35 for a 1000 ml teapot

Visit the Grosche website (in English)

Comfort lover

What’s more typical of an exchange gift than a pair of cow-patterned socks? Be careful, it’s quality: they are made from 48% merino wool and are guaranteed for life. Proceeds go to food banks in Vermont, where the socks are made. Available in different sizes.

Dairy Air Lightweight Crew Socks, Darn Tough, $32

Visit the Darn Tough website