The Globe and Mail

For the softie
Bookhou beaver pillow

What sentimental Canuck could resist this adorable beaver softie by Toronto's Bookhou Design? About 12 inches tall by six inches wide, the spongy, baby-friendly cushion sports an original drawing handprinted onto a cotton envelope with polyester filling. John Booth and Arounna Khounnoraj, who founded Bookhou in 2003, offer a menagerie of other animal softies, including turtles, owls and cats. But "dam" if the beaver — one of their newest — isn't our favourite. $20 through BOOKHOU DESIGN (www.bookhou.com). - Danny Sinopoli

For the worldly man
Grassroots shaving kit

Given that shaving is a chore for many guys, you can't expect them to get excited over grooming gifts. Lathering up will become more meaningful, though, when they discover that the handmade soap in this shaving kit contains organic, fair-trade ingredients. Pure and decidedly unpretentious, the Simply bars are eco without being evangelical. And the shaving brush is made with genuine boar bristles. $15 through Grassroots Environmental Products (www.grassrootsstore.com). - Amy Verner

For the homebody
Joe Boxer socks

If you think that socks are uninspired, play a game this season and try to find a pair that are actually made in Canada. Doing so supports our embattled economy. And it will emphasize the quality of Canadian manufacturing. Our picks — Canuck-made Joe Boxer socks — offer bold colours and stylish argyle patterns. Their plush softness will keep tootsies warm, which will help if the heating bill is in arrears. $10 a pair at the Bay (www.hbc.com). - Amy Verner

For the glamour gal
Long red gloves

Diamonds, as the song says, are a girl's best friend. But unless you're an especially posh pal, there's no need to shell out for bling. These elbow-length evening gloves channel Marilyn Monroe and look stunning when paired with costume jewellery. They're also perfect props for a Christmas striptease; cue the naughtiness, Mrs. Claus. $15 through Courage My Love (416-979-1992). - Amy Verner

For the food geek
Keyboard salt and pepper shakers

These days, culinary websites abound on the Net, so it was only a matter of time before computer motifs made it into the kitchen. One example: designer James Burgess's plastic salt and pepper shakers in the shape of computer keys. To refill them, you simply pop off their silicone bases. They even have the ultimate endorsement in this digital age: a nod from the geeks at NerdApproved.com. $15 a pair at Function 13 in Toronto (www.function13.ca) or through www.giftsforengineers.com. - Danny Sinopoli

For the music lover
Woodchuck speakers

Although they're ideal for iPod addicts, these compact folded-cardboard mini-speakers from Kikkerland are sure to appeal to other types, too. Their handsome faux-woodgrain surfaces, for instance, will delight the retrohead. The fact that they're as light as feathers makes them perfect for laptop-toting travellers. Whoever uses them, though, is sure to be impressed by the sound quality. That's a lot of musical bang for less than 15 bucks. $14.95 per set of two through Eye Spy (www.eyespygifts.com). - Danny Sinopoli

For the design buff
Miniature designer chairs

Sure, it would be nice to surprise the design fan on your list with an iconic piece of furniture by the likes of Mies or Le Corbu. But who has a few thousand dollars lying around for a chair? The next best thing: miniature versions of classic 20th-century seating by a firm called Reac Japan. Each of the tiny repros, which mimic such masterpieces as the Eames chair, the Pantone chair and Eero Saarinen's Tulip chair, fit in the palm of your hand. And they're packaged in so-called blind boxes, meaning you don't know which chair you've bought until you open the box. Surprise! $15 at Toronto's Magic Pony, which ships across Canada (www.magic-pony.com). - Danny Sinopoli

For the beauty junkie
Balmshell lip stain

Being in the red can have its upside if the red in question is a new lipstick. Smear Campaign, the latest product from Toronto-based Balmshell, goes one step further by multitasking a paraben-free lip and cheek stain. Twins and founders Jen and Fiona Lees even added a sponge at the other end for no-mess application. $19 at select Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora outlets. - Amy Verner

For the host or hostess
Wendy Tancock guest towels

Toronto designer Wendy Tancock specializes in whimsical and witty linens and housewares. These Canadian-made hand towels, designed with a holiday theme, are a cheeky case in point. Yes, you could give the friend who entertains a lot a tasteful set of crisp white waffle towels as a gift. But if that friend has a sense of humour, you might consider this pair embroidered Naughty and Nice. (Note which one is ticked off.) $15 per set of two at stores across Canada (visit www.wendytancockdesign.com for retailers). - Danny Sinopoli

For the DIY fashionista
Anni Albers necklace

Based on an original 1941 piece by Anni Albers, textile designer par excellence and wife of Josef, this do-it-yourself studio kit turns common objects — grosgrain ribbon and 25 steel washers — into a gorgeous piece of jewellery. Just complete a series of no-brainer knots and you've got an edgy-meets-arty necklace on par with Prada. $19.95 through Swipe Books (1-800-56-SWIPE). - Amy Verner