What Our Editors Are Buying (and Asking Santa for) This Christmas

We like to think we're savvy shoppers. So if you're in need of some gift-giving inspiration, we're spilling the beans on what we're putting under our trees this year. From our tough-to-buy-for brother-in-laws to our spouses, from our own moms to ourselves (mama needs a new bag) and more....here's what's on our list. Shhh—just don't tell them!

My four-year-old daughter is crazy about author Todd Parr's picture books after borrowing a few from her school library. This holiday we're starting our own collection from this bestselling series. They're perfect for kids just learning to read.

For the winter days I'm trudging through the snow to get to work, I need bag that will keep my computer (stylishly!) safe from the elements. I'm coveting this neoprene Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag. With a cross-body strap and double handles, it's the perfect bag to tote my gear whether I'm walking or on the subway.

Surprisingly, my teenagers are asking for few things this year, but Roots' comfy, cozy sweatpants are at the top of their wish lists, just like every year, so I'm keeping with tradition and buying them (and their baby brother) each a pair.

I'm completely smitten with Nigella Lawson and would love to find her new book under the tree this year. She inspires me as a cook and a writer, and I would be very happy to spend the holidays curled up reading her wise words.

In early October we shared the kitchen tools and gadgets our editors and Savvy Staffers love most. My mom loyally and lovingly reads every Savvy newsletter, and by the end of the day, she had written me a quick email: 'The citrus juicer and the flipper, please, for Christmas. xox.' Consider it handled, mum.

At 92 years young, Grandpa can be a bit hard to buy for. He's got plenty of socks and sweaters, and unless there's a secret, unreleased Frank Sinatra album he hasn't heard out there, he doesn't want much. So every year I roll up my sleeves and set to braising, stewing, and slow cooking a few week's worth of meals for his freezer. He lives on his own and cooks his own meals (and goes out more than I do) so I know the hearty, homemade, and ready-to-eat meals are appreciated. His favourite, and mine too, is a classic Irish Beef Stew. I use this recipe by Dinner with Julie.

My plates and bowls are starting to look like they've seen one dinner party too many. I fell hard for these pasta bowls, from Gordon Ramsay's line of serveware, while poking around the Home Department at the Hudson's Bay flagship store. With a simple contrasting slate trim, they're simple, elegant (but not too fancy), and the perfect size and shape for serving the hearty pastas, stews, and soups I love to cook.

My son, Ellis, who is 6, is a HUGE Star Wars fan and is very into LEGO right now. So, we are going to splurge and get him this super-awesome Lego Star Wars Poe's X-Wing Fighter to add to his collection. The best part about this gift is that building these Star Wars LEGO models has become a special thing that Ellis and his Dad do together. And, he gets very excited when he gets to display the completed model on his bedroom shelf.

For me, this year has been all about finding quick and easy ways to incorporate healthy foods into my family's diet. My blender broke a few weeks ago, so I am hoping to find a NutriBullet (1700 Watt) under the tree. It's compact, super-easy to use (and clean!) and it boasts serious blending power. Not only will I be able to whip up healthy and vitamin-packed smoothies for the kids, but, with the convenient to-go cup, I can still enjoy my smoothie when I'm on the go.

My husband Dave loves maps and mass transit so this book is a perfect combination of the two. I also love that it is an actual physical book, which is nice to keep and display in this digital age.

Santa is bringing Maddie a Christmas sweater early this year (he's sending it with our Elf on the Shelf, Sparkle) so that she can enjoy it for most of December.

This couple loves music and going to concerts and sporting events, so for Christmas we are giving them the gift of experiences in 2016.

I love the weathered look of these wedge boots and also the fact that they are not only waterproof and lined with soft wool, but will also give me some extra height, which is always welcome!

My boyfriend is a bit of an adventurer: hiking, scuba diving, driving a truck in the city—he likes to live life on the edge. This summer we spent most of our weekends hiking the Bruce Trail through Southern Ontario. I wanted to get him something to remind him of that time and the great outdoors while we're cooped up all winter. The Canadian candle collection from Indigo was perfect. I went with the True North Campfire candle as the pine forest, sandalwood and white birch scents reminded me of campfires along the trail.

I have been searching high and low for the perfect pompom hat for the last two winters. My dream hat has one of those fluffy, faux fur pompoms in the exact same colour as the hat. (That's been the problem with most of the hats I've seen.) Joe Fresh to the rescue! This year they have an adorable pompom hat that comes in three great colours. I'm eyeing the blush but put the grey on my list, too!