Karl Lohnes: Five Foolproof Christmas Gifts That Show You Care

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In little more than a month, many people will gather around a tree to open gifts from their loved ones. Depending on the present, some will be happy with their gifts, others might think, “Well, it’s the thought that counts.”

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It is important to think of a personal gift. If you’re putting the effort, time, and money into shopping and then wrapping, you can also turn it into something the recipient will love.

I’ve put together a few categories and purchased foolproof gifts that will not only be appreciated on Christmas morning, but will be used well all year long. If you know someone who fits into any of these categories, then your vacation to-do list is shortened. Happy shopping!

The homework teacher

Do you know someone who can put together boxed furniture or who likes to organize a bookcase? A puzzle is the perfect gift to keep them busy after the holidays. Winter Skaters Puzzle from General Supply Goods + Co ($ 16.98. www.staples.ca ) has 500 pieces and while simple in design, it will challenge the best dissectologists in your circle of friends and family.

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The History Buff

I have often wondered about the history and lineage of my last name (German and Dutch I think). I have heard many stories passed down over the years, and now there is a way to separate the truth from the fantastic tales.

If you know someone interested in finding out more about their genealogy, Ancestry.ca offers the AncestryDNA kit ($ 129, www.ancestry.ca ), allowing them to find their ethnicity in more than 1,500 regions around the world, while also comparing them to living relatives with whom they share DNA and who are on the AncestryDNA network.

Thinking that receiving this as a gift will teach the recipient a lot; You may even end up meeting new relatives and adding to your Christmas card list for the next year.

Parents of a newborn

There is some joy in baby’s first Christmas. One gift that many new and future parents have on their wish list is a baby sleep monitoring system. Now the technology in these monitors is so advanced that even vital signs can be checked.

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A popular option is the Owlet Smart Sock ($ 479, www.owletcare.ca ) that uses infrared light to track the baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels (works similar to an Apple Watch). Pair a sock with a base station, then put it on baby’s foot to send data to your smartphone. Peace of mind, and a good night’s sleep, is a great gift for parents and baby.

The sandwich

Do you know someone who likes to make snacks at night? This year’s hottest home appliance trend is the deep fryer. They make crunchy treats without using a lot of oil, if any, and speed up the cooking process compared to a normal oven.

The Hamilton Beach 5L Digital Air Fryer ($ 180 is the best price in www.walmart.ca ) is the perfect treat for the snack of your life. Features air for frying, broiling, baking and reheating up to 1,700 watts, which means food cooks faster than in traditional ovens. Plus, the extra-large cooking basket accommodates large family-size portions (like a five-pound chicken), ensuring there will be enough for everyone.

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Gift this kitchen helper and the happy recipient will be able to enjoy the best crunchy sandwiches all year long. I hope you share!

The feline of the family

You know that the family cat will be looking for something under the tree this year, and if there is nothing there, it will look up and maybe climb the tree.

Why not treat them to their own little house complete with a scratch pad, a clever way to keep the side of the sofa from being shredded? The Vesper Minou Bench Scratcher and Hideout ($ 99, www.catit.ca ) earns extra design points for its cheeky cat-shaped design, memory foam mattress, and replaceable sisal scratch pad.

A happy cat means a happy holiday – Meowy Christmas!

Do you have a decorating dilemma or want to give your opinion? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes.