Last-minute holiday gifts for condo owners

Today’s condominiums come in all shapes, sizes and configurations – but one thing they have in common is the efficient use of their square footage. Over the years, developer and builders have come up with genius ideas on how to maximize space, with elements such as linear kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and barn doors to open up or section off bedrooms. The effect is akin to a luxury hotel suite, and you could add to that aura with carefully chosen holiday gifts for the condo-owners or soon-to-be owners on your list.

Multi-functional

First, think multi-functional, especially in the kitchen. Gone are the days when people had space to store numerous small appliances such as rice cookers, toasters, slow cookers, yogurt makers, pressure cookers and the like. The great news is that nowadays, manufacturers have come up with innovative small appliances that do the job of several of these. Think toaster oven, air fryer or instant pot. For the single person, a single-cup coffee maker could be perfect. A small gift of stacking coffee mugs or kitchen towels that will add pops of vibrant colour are other possibilities, depending on your budget. Thinking along the line of kitchens again, you can get LED light strips that can be strung under cabinets or along walls. And there are convenient over-the-sink dish drying racks that roll up when you’re finished.

If you want to go a little larger and know the condo-owner’s decor tastes, consider an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table, seating and/or storage unit. For occasions when a friend or relative sleeps over, how about a self-inflating air mattress that can be stored in a closet until needed? And if the condo owner travels a lot, that person may appreciate a collapsible rolling suitcase.

Heart, imagination and budget

If you are looking for stocking stuffer ideas, consider a decorative wall hook or a USB drive your loved one can use for digital media storage. Let your fingers do some shopping on your computer keyboard for more ideas, such as edible gifts, a cosy blanket beautiful enough to use on the bed or as a throw, a fabric laundry bag that can hang on the back of a closet door, or serving trays that can double as dining surfaces. Even better, tickets take up very little space in a wallet. A new or recent condominium purchaser may be on a tight budget for a while, so think about an experience gift in the form of tickets to a play, concert or sporting event. A magazine subscription is another great idea.

Bed linens, placemats, a multi-tool gadget, scented candles, wine, a selfie photo printer, handheld vacuum, space-saving hangers… the possibilities are beautiful and exciting. Just remember that your family and friends who live in condos likely do not have space for a lot of “things.” Then go with your heart, imagination and budget, and you will find the perfect gift.