Once again this season, FAJO is bringing back its popular Luxury Holiday Gift Guide. As in previous years, our team has reviewed several dozen products and below are our absolute favourites. Check out our latest recommendations for this year that are sure to make anyone on your list very, very happy!

1. De’ Longhi’s Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew

Every holiday season, we love reviewing our latest favourite pick from De’ Longhi. You really cannot go wrong with their products and we can guarantee that De’ Longhi coffee machines will make anyone on your gift list exceptionally happy.

This season, we have picked the new Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew, which is the only fully automatic espresso machine with both hot and cold foam technology and Cold Extraction Technology. The Eletta Explore will allow you to craft your favourite espresso beverages (cappuccino, latte, iced latte, cold foam) and cold brew, all in one compact machine at home. The LatteCrema™ Hot System textures milk or your favourite milk alternatives to perfection. This system delivers velvety milk cold foam at the ideal temperature for cold drinks like iced lattes and cappuccinos.

Eletta is easy to use, and has delicious results. The touch screen makes the entire experience very user friendly.  The machine grinds your beans, ensuring you always have a fresh, aroma-filled cup of coffee, anytime of the day! The built-in grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for all your favourite espresso beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew and iced lattes. With 13 grind settings, you can explore your favourite bean varieties and prepare them for optimal extraction.

Eletta’s parts are removable and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. The package also includes a travel mug, in case you would like to take a cup of deliciousness to go.

We also cannot emphasize enough the elegance of De’ Longhi coffee machines. They perfectly complete any kitchen, no matter its aesthetic, size or overall decor. They would look great in a condo, house, office or work-from-home set-up!

This product retails at $2,599.99.

– Reviewed by Hannah Yakobi

 

2. La Canadienne’s ABBA Bootie and Berun Leather Shoes

For footwear enthusiasts who value quality, great style and excellent functionality we recommend our two favourite picks by La Canadienne: the Abba Shearling-Lined Suede Booties and Berun Leather Shoes. 

For over 30 years, La Canadienne has engineered high-performance footwear that marries design, function and ethics. They use excellent materials and craftsmanship for every pair and we particularly like that both of these items are handmade.

The Abba booties are made from exceptional quality suede and lined shearling, for sophisticated design and ultimate comfort. The front zip feature allows for easy on and off wear, and the stitched trim sole offers good traction on snowy winter days. The City Dry™ technology features waterproof Italian suede lined to the toe with genuine shearling, which keeps you warm and dry thanks to its breathability. Cushioned memory foam insole is another advantage as is the fact that this product is handmade in Canada. Perfect for outdoors whether you are in Canada or traveling. Their signature waterproof technology means that water is instantly repelled from the surface, insuring comfort and breathability, while keeping feet dry.  The 40mm (1.5″) heel and 30mm (1″) platform provide an ideal balance between style and practicality.

If you are looking for something more sporty, check out Berun Leather Shoes, which La Canadienne describes as “a sneaker with attitude”. This is, truly, high-end athleisure at its best. These sneakers feature unique panels, a statement sole and a classic lace opening. They it can be worn with anything from workout clothes to midi skirts. Once again, the City Dry™ technology features waterproof Italian leather and a breathable leather lining that keeps you comfortable whether indoors or outside. Cushioned memory foam insole is another advantage as is the fact that this product is handmade in Italy.The kicks feature distinctive panels, a statement sole, and a classic lace opening, making them a great addition to your wardrobe. Material-wise, the Berun sneakers are constructed from high-quality leather with a leather lining. The rubber sole offers durability and grip, while the 45mm (1.75″) heel and 25mm (1″) platform provide a balanced and fashionable elevation.

These gorgeous items from La Canadienne would be a perfect gift for yourself or someone very special in your life. 

The Abba booties retail for $585 and the Berun sneakers retail for $365.

– Reviewed by Hannah Yakobi

3. Ninja’s Creami Deluxe

The Ninja Creami Deluxe stands out as an indulgent and innovative addition to any kitchen. Evolving from the original Ninja Creami, the Deluxe model impressively expands its repertoire from 7 to an astounding 11 functions: ice cream, light ice cream, sorbet, gelato, slushi, Italian ice, milk shake, frozen drink, creamiccino, frozen yogurt and mix-ins.

The machine’s claim to fame is its ability to turn virtually anything you have frozen together in a pint glass into any frozen dessert or beverage of your choosing – and in the easiest way. There’s no need for a traditional custard base or extensive churning. Simply freeze your mix in the provided pint containers (recommended for 24 hours), choose one of 11 settings, and watch the machine churn it into something magical. We tested out frozen Greek yogurt (lime Greek yogurt base adding in strawberries and peaches, chef’s kiss) and French Vanilla candy cane-chocolate chunk ice cream, and the results were exceptional. Note that if your freezer is exceptionally cold, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of water for the mixture to hold together in the perfect consistency, so it does not process to be powdery – we had to do this for the frozen yogurt, but not for the ice cream.

The machine features a countdown timer, so you know exactly how long you must wait for the frozen treat to finish processing and become ready to enjoy, and the mix-ins feature allows you to have fun with customization. The Ninja Creami Deluxe includes 2 generously sized pint cups that you can freeze in two layers to get two different flavours in one container, with a corresponding setting on the machine to only process the top half or the entire pint. Additionally, its user-friendly and easy-to-clean design enhances the overall experience.

This is so much more than an ice cream maker; it’s a gateway to culinary creativity and luxurious indulgence – the perfect gift for those who cherish the art of homemade frozen delicacies, blending convenience with a touch of gourmet delight.

This product retails at $299.99.

– Reviewed by Amy Pigeon

4. Philips’ Sonicare 9900 Prestige Toothbrush

The Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige Toothbrush confidently maintains its top status by seamlessly blending aesthetics with utility, making it an ideal gift for the holiday season. Presented in an elegant champagne colour, Phillips has redefined the standard for electric toothbrushes with its SenseIQ technology. 

The 9900 Prestige constantly monitors pressure, motion, coverage, duration and frequency up to an impressive 100 times per second. This toothbrush adapts in real time, intelligently adjusting intensity to prevent excessive force during brushing. Setting up and using the 9900 Prestige is a quick and seamless experience, complemented by its lightweight and ergonomic design, effectively eliminating the cleaning challenges of its competitors with a user-friendly structure. The accompanying app enhances the oral care journey by pinpointing areas that may need extra attention during brushing, and the timing feature proves to be especially helpful.

The inclusion of a matching, stylish travel case not only adds practicality but also enhances the overall aesthetic, ensuring that your oral care routine maintains a sophisticated touch, even on the go. 

Serving as both a fun and useful gift, we highly recommend the Sonicare 9900 Prestige for its exceptional blend of innovation, ease of use and aesthetic appeal. This product is available in 3 additional colours: Midnight Blue, Pink and Limited Edition Pink.

This product retails at $499.99.

– Reviewed by Andra Balaci

5. Violette_FR’s Sérum Superlatif Set

The Violette_FR Sérum Superlatif Set is an exquisite addition to our holiday luxury gift guide, perfectly blending French elegance with advanced skincare technology. This collection features 5 specialized serums, each formulated to rapidly restore and maintain the skin’s natural health depending on your skin’s needs:

• Skin Barrier Rescue: Microflora Support Serum for strengthening skin defenses against the elements
• Blemish Rescue: Breakout Calming Serum, ideally for acne-prone skin
• Reactive Skin Rescue: Rapid Soothing Serum for sensitive skin.
• UV Damage Rescue: After-Sun Calming Serum to alleviate post-sun exposure effects
• Dullness Rescue: Radiance + Revival Serum, crafted to brighten and rejuvenate the skin

Collaborating with esteemed French beauty Chemist Luc Jugla, Violette_FR has created these serums with a focus on balancing the skin’s microbiome, treating visible skin issues, and preventing future problems. Their 96% naturally-sourced ingredients make them suitable for sensitive skin, and they proudly boast vegan, fragrance-free and cruelty-free credentials.

Presented in minimalist-chic 15 mL pink-frosted bottles, the serums radiate luxury, elegance and clean ingredients. The lightweight oil consistency ensures smooth application and quick absorption, leaving skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Violette_FR Sérum Superlatif Set is a fusion of luxury, effectiveness and ethical beauty, making it an ideal holiday gift for those who cherish sophisticated skincare solutions.

This set retails for $299.

– Reviewed by Amy Pigeon

6. Aman Spa’s luxury experience

The Aman Spa in downtown Toronto is truly a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. From the moment you step through its doors, the tranquil ambiance and attentive staff set the stage for an indulgent spa experience. The spa boasts a myriad of services that cater to every aspect of wellness, offering everything from therapeutic massages to luxurious facials. 

One standout feature is the use of 111 Skin products for facials, adding a touch of luxury to the skincare experience. The attention to detail in selecting premium products reflects the spa’s commitment to providing top-notch service. As the holiday season approaches, the Recharge Package is a limited Holiday Special that is the perfect gift to offer loved ones. Gifting an experience at Aman Spa is a wonderful way to express care and thoughtfulness, allowing recipients to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in a world of tranquility. The Aman Spa in downtown Toronto is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to unwind, and any of their packages make it an especially delightful and rejuvenating gift.

We recommend a $330 gift card (valued at $385) for the ultimate luxury experience.

– Reviewed by Ada Yakobi

7. GANT’s Men’s Car Coat

The GANT Men’s Car Coat offers a refined twist on a vintage classic. Crafted from a premium Italian wool-blend, this coat has a luxurious feel and expert construction. Its relaxed fit ensures both comfort and a laid-back vibe.

Complete with a hidden button closure, adjustable sleeve cuffs and welt side pockets, every detail of this coat is crafted for both style and function. It effortlessly transitions from casual outings to formal occasions, providing great versatility. Whether paired with jeans for a relaxed look or teamed up with a suit for a polished appearance, this coat adapts to one’s personal style. If a snugger fit is preferred, we suggest sizing down by one or even two sizes.

With roots dating back to 1949 as a high-quality shirtmaker in the US, GANT embodies the perfect blend of preppy style, evolving into casual-yet-smart American Sportswear. Explore their premium 240 Mulberry Street Collection for more gifting options, paying homage to New York and their East Coast heritage. The collection features preppy classics like Oxford shirts, varsity jackets and quality denim.

Consider gifting the GANT Men’s Car Coat to a loved one this holiday season: it’s a timeless style that combines classic charm with a modern edge.

This product retails at $995.

– Reviewed by Andra Balaci

8. Columbia’s Skywalker Pilot Ski Jacket

If you are looking to add bright colour and excitement to someone in your life, check out Columbia’s Skywalker Pilot Ski Jacket as the ultimate fun gift item. Featured in Columbia’s Star Wars collection and inspired by Luke Skywalker’s iconic flight suit, this special-edition jacket features many fun details Star Wars™ fans and skiers will love. Some of the features that particularly stand out for us are the multifunctional chest, ski pass and hand pockets that add wonderful stowage capacity. We also liked the adjustable hem and cuffs that offer additional comfort. 

This unisex jacket is Omni-Tech™ waterproof/breathable, offers Omni-Heat™ Infinity advanced thermal reflective, features elastic at waist, and has a zippered chest, a ski pass and interior security pockets. It also has zippered hand pockets, a cargo pocket and adjustable cuffs. All in all, it’s bright, fun, warm and very convenient.

For winters in Canada, we particularly liked the fact that it’s waterproof with synthetic insulation.

This product retails at $499.99.

– Reviewed by Hannah Yakobi

9. Aesop’s Rōzu Eau de Parfum and Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

For the ultimate spa experience at home, we recommend two products from Aesop: the Rōzu Eau de Parfum and the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm (the 500 ml bottle). We love that all Aesop products are vegan.

The first item on our list is the eau de parfum bottle, which is available in a 50 ml size. This fragrance is described by the brand as “complex” and is inspired by the “life, work and enthusiasms” of designer Charlotte Periand. It articulates the lifecycle of a rose that bears her name, over green and woody undertones. This perfume is suitable for all genders and features the floral, green and woody aromas. Key ingredients include mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas. 

We recommend pairing Rōzu with the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. Its 500 ml size is very generous and will last you a long time. Bonus: Aesop’s 500 ml bottles are made from a minimum of 97% recycled plastics. The balm features citrus, woody and herbaceous aromas. It’s perfect for winter and will readily absorb and moisturize your arms. The brand also recommends it for dry, tired feet and we love the fact that the balm can be used for different purposes. 

Combine these two items, for a total retail price of $385.

– Reviewed by Hannah Yakobi

10. Toys R Us’ 36-inch 12-in-1 Games Table

The 36″ 12-in-1 Games Table from Toys R Us is an absolute delight and a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of fun and excitement to their holiday festivities. This versatile game table is a true gem, offering a diverse range of 12 classic games that cater to all tastes and ages. From chess and checkers to foosball and air hockey, this table has it all, providing endless hours of entertainment for family and friends.

What truly sets this game table apart is its quality construction and thoughtful design. The compact 36″ size makes it perfect for any home, allowing you to bring the joy of a game night to even the coziest spaces. The sturdy build ensures durability, promising years of enjoyment for both kids and adults alike. Assembly is a breeze, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday preparations.

This product retails at $300.

– Reviewed by Ada Yakobi

Photo credit: all images courtesy of each respective brand.