With the holiday season almost upon us, it's time to start thinking about gift ideas for friends and family. No matter how much time you give yourself, we all know the feeling of just not knowing what to get someone. When I made my way to the opening of a retail space for Coach House Shortbread Company, a Toronto-based baker who specializes in a variety of handmade, buttery shortbread goodies, I immediately thought that these were a perfect gift idea. Owner Carl Stryg has been baking and selling shortbread for 25 years and has come up with a myriad of flavour combinations to satisfy every palette. On the sweet side, there's dark chocolate and fleur de sel, as well as almond and sugared rose combinations. And for a more savoury option, the Stilton and rosemary, and cheddar and chipotle pairings make for original and tasty flavours. Each shortbread package is gift-wrapped using different colours making it a gorgeous present. What are some of your small gift ideas for the holidays? Coach House Shortbread Company 235 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4M 2S1 Photos by Jennifer Bartoli. Jennifer Bartoli is a Toronto-based food writer, photographer and recipe developer who grew up in Paris. Her longstanding passion for food took her to New York City, where she studied at the French Culinary Institute. For delicious recipes and more, check out Jennifer’s blog Chocolate Shavings.