Gifts Ideas, 2009

It's that time again. Time to stuff the stockings. Here are a few treats to consider when making your list to Santa...


Handmade and handcrafted
The explosion of online and local sites for finding one-of-a-kind handmade and lovingly crafted items is truly a gift. I could spend all day on Etsy. I also look forward to checking out Austin's Blue Genie Art Bazaar every year. Last year, I picked up some great napkins.



Natural birch wood coasters.

"Folded" hand thrown porcelain bowl.

Heart-shaped measuring spoons in pewter.





Floral tea towels.

Picking Daisies cotton napkins.

Amenity organic cotton and hemp table runner.


For serving...


Wasara biodegradable and compostable tableware for picnics. From Japan, now available in the U.S. from Branch.

La Chamba handmade earthenware pottery. Beautiful black unglazed, lead-free cookware traditionally made by the women of a village in Columbia. Great for cooking beans and other casseroles. Once fired, the volcanic clay used to make this cookware is great at resisting thermal shock. Learn more about La Chamba and order here.

Tiny basket bowls from Branch.




White porcelain spouted bowls from Gleenashop on Etsy.

Oribe square bowl for serving sweets during Japanese moon-viewing celebrations. From DharmaCrafts.

Modern salad bowl with servers. In green, white or black. From A+R.


Cookbooks...



Vij's Elegant and Inspired Indian Cuisine cookbook from Vij's restaurant in Vancouver.

Asian Dumplings: Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas, and More cookbook. Can't wait to get cooking from this one.

Takahashi's Noodles cookbook. Who doesn't crave a hot bowl of noodles this time of year?

Coming soon: tasty gifts to make yourself and share.