What are your go-to holiday gifts?

As I prepare to start my own holiday shopping this weekend - with the hopes that my to-buy list soon has a few more details than "presents" and a list of people's names - I'm also keeping an eye out for sweet hostess gifts and handy emergency presents.

While I'm all about sourcing thoughtful, personal gifts for the people on my list, I find it never hurts to have a few items tucked away in a closet in case of a spur of the moment swap, surprise present or impromptu dinner party.

My normal go-tos include silver or pewter ornaments - guaranteed to match anyone's decor, be it trendy or traditional - and pretty bottled water, like the designer series from Evian, for practical and reusable gifts. Check out some more of my faves in last year's roundup. 

Being ever on the lookout for ways to switch up my options for giving - after all, even my "unique" standbys will become tired if given year after year - I've been asking all of my interviewees this season about their go-to gifts.

This week, I asked Julia Black, of discoveringjewels.com, about her top gift picks for this article, and loved her suggestion of trolling vintage shops - her favourite haunt is Gadabout in Leslieville - for beautiful items that can be framed or put in a shadow box for easy gifts that pack a serious, and sentimental, decor punch.

What are your holiday giving go-tos?

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