Gift guide: Everything CL staffers are wishing for this holiday season

Dyson vacuum

Yes, it’s expensive, but these cottagers each swear by it. (No, seriously. Dyson didn’t pay anybody to recommend vacuums.)

This was my first summer with a cottage, and I get it: you’re not supposed to care about things like dog hair whilst there. But it drove me nuts! So given the number of times I wished I had my Dyson Ball Animal 3 there, I’m putting one on my list! Don’t judge: they just released a new model, so obviously I need it (they’re made for pet hair). I’ll keep it at home and my current one can come up north. I’ll try to pick it up on sale (not that you can put a price on my sanity). Especially at the cottage.—Aubray Boyd, VP Marketing

I chose a Dyson v8 Animal vacuum. We now have four dogs coming up to our cottage. One dog owner I know packs their Dyson every time they go to the lake. It would sure beat the 20-year-old vacuum that we currently have.—Rosemary Munroe, Director, Cottage Life Media Sales + Brand Integration

I have the Dyson Ball Animal 2 at home, which convinced me of the value of Dyson vacuums. The cordless Dyson Outsize Absolute would be perfect for quick exits from the cottage on Sunday night or a fast cleanup of sand (or fish crackers) in the boat and in the car!—Travis Lunau, Director, Consumer Marketing

Staub enamelled cast iron french oven

I usually ask for books about my favourite artists, or my boyfriend and I will ask for cookware, such as this Staub enamelled cast iron french oven, that we usually wouldn’t spend money on ourselves.—Taylor Kristan, Associate Art Director

Mahogany handmade solitaire set

I played this handmade solitaire board in Elora, Ont., this summer at a barber shop, and it was a nice coffee table game to play alone.—Megan McPhaden, Managing Editor

Thunderbird by CJ Houle

Indigenous art is a great way to spruce up cottage walls. I like to purchase directly from the creator, so I know I’m supporting them. CJ Houle has some beautifully colourful prints (like “Thunderbird”) done in the woodland style.—Bradley Reinhardt, Art Director

MEC Classic Klettersack

When I was in high school, the coolest bag to have was the MEC Classic Klettersack. It’s probably more appropriate for a hiking trip than heading to class, but the rugged good looks of this pack made it a must-have. I love that they’ve brought it back almost 30 years later!—Michelle Kelly, Editor

Mobile Warming heated wool socks

I’d like some Mobile Warming heated wool socks to keep my toes warm whether I’m hiking, skating, or standing by the winter campfire.—Liann Bobechko, Deputy Editor

2023 Cottage Life calendar

I love the 2023 Cottage Life calendar because it features images taken by cottagers, and it’s curated by the CL team.—Jennifer Williams, Campaign Strategist, Consumer Marketing

Yeti Rambler

As an early riser, I’d love a Yeti Rambler to keep my tea hot for my sunrise moments through to my mid-morning paddles.—Mylène Tomkin, Head of New Business Development, Cottage Life

Black + Decker electric pole saw

We have Manitoba maples that have an uncanny ability to spring new branches anywhere you don’t want them. Precarious ladder work does not appeal to me, but this Black + Decker electric pole saw sure does.
—Greg McLeod, Director, Consumer Shows

Patagonia Jackson Glacier parka

I have the Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka already, but if I didn’t, I’d ask for it. It’s lightweight but somehow warm enough without being too hot. I’ve worn it for everything (even walking outside in the dead of January). I never sweat in it, and I’m never cold. Magic.—Marie Waine, Assistant Editor

Cold Steel hatchet

I recently took up axe-throwing, so it would be great to have my own axe. This Cold Steel hatchet could double as a handy tool for splitting firewood (or a selfdefense weapon that I can now throw with varying accuracy).—Alysha Vandertogt, Senior Associate Editor

Kahtoola Exospikes traction devices

These Kahtoola Exospikes traction devices are an essential gear item for winter—cottage or city; trails, roads, or hills, they provide that extra security that allows us to venture outside even when it’s icy or slippery.—Rena Bennett, Manager, Office & IT Services

Bluetooth handheld mic

I’m known for throwing karaoke parties. I have a few wireless microphones already, but you can never have too many! I like this Bluetooth handheld mic from Bonaok.—Kathleen O’Hare, Production Artist

WordARound

I played WordARound at a friend’s cottage this year. It was so fun! (Or, it was fun for me. Turns out, I’m really good at it.) But I also like that you can play with only two players or lots of players, and it’s very portable, like a deck of cards.—Jackie Davis, Senior Editor