Illustration by Allison and Cam
No matter how particular the people that make up your holiday to-gift list are, we have clever options for a range of budgets. And if you need more inspiration, shopkeepers from across the country share tips for tracking down perfect presents.
The best books to gift this year
The Quiet Quitter
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For anyone working hard to clearly delineate off-duty time, shop for a present that encourages exploring out-of-the-office passions
Under $50
Unwind after work away from screens with a craft project. Kits with everything you need to paint-by-numbers, cross-stitch or macrame make it easy to learn a new skill and create something to display at home.
The Stranded Stitch cross stitch kit, $32.95 at Indigo (chapters.indigo.ca).
Under $200
Transform a smartphone into a gaming console with the Razer Kishi V2. Available for Android and iPhone devices, this universal mobile gaming controller lets you play your favourite games while on your commute or lunch break.
Razer Kishi V2, $129.99 through razer.com.
Over $200
Make a work-from-home break under a weighted blanket extra cozy with a comfortable PJ set from Au Lit Fine Linens.
Henry men’s PJ set, $220 at Au Lit Fine Linens (aulitfinelinens.com).
Expert advice: According to Jen Williams, co-owner of the Collective Good in Whitehorse (thecollectivegood.ca), a quiet quitter is “someone who’s consciously focusing on their whole self, redefining their interests and passions and not letting their day job define them. It’s about reclaiming balance and setting boundaries,” she says. Consider after-work experiences, gifts that promote self-care or kits that encourage getting creative. When shopping for the quiet quitter, Williams advises you to “stay away from anything geared to work or a day planner, unless it’s for counting down to quitting time.”
The Wannabe Influencer
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If someone on your list’s closet looks more trending than trendy, it’s time to brush up on Barbiecore brights, the Y2K revival and other social media fashion inspiration.
Under $50
Accessorize your Instagrammable outfit by layering on jewellery. When it comes to charms, you can never wear too many, and a zodiac pendant will be the star of your mix.
Horoscope gold vermeil gemini pendant, $50 at Melanie Auld Jewelry (melanieauld.com).
Under $200
Reach new heights in sky-high platforms that are as comfortable as a five-inch heel can be.
Kersaudy satin platforms, $130 at Aldo (aldoshoes.com).
Over $200
Get the retro look in a pair of sunglasses that transport you back to the new millennium such as Jenny Bird’s rectangular frames.
JB Sun’s The Y2K, $220 through jenny-bird.ca.
Expert advice: Before buying clothing as a gift, Whitney Shier, the store manager at Nettle’s Tale (nettlestale.com) in Vancouver, recommends “paying attention to outfits they routinely wear, what brands they like, what types of clothing get a lot of use in their wardrobe, and some of their favourite stores.” A person whose sense of style is driven by viral looks likely has specific taste, so try and get a sense of what that is before you start shopping. Shier says that “fun accessories, little statement pieces and great basics make great gifts.”
The Clean Beauty Buff
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Beauty sets are a go-to gift and an easy way to try new products in smaller sizes. As we become increasingly aware of what goes into our makeup, natural, cruelty-free ingredients are the key to cosmetics success
Under $50
Unwind with Fika Beauty’s cruelty-, paraben- and preservative-free body scrub that exfoliates and hydrates the whole body without harsh chemicals.
Fika Beauty Grapefruit Glow body scrub, $39 through fikabeauty.ca.
Under $200
Merit’s products make it hard to give the wrong shade. Try the creamy and buildable highlighting balm, lightweight lipstick in Aperitif (the perfect holiday red), paired with everything you need to achieve a glam yet minimal festive look in its La Fête Édition.
Merit La Fête Édition, $100 through meritbeauty.com.
Over $200
Reduce wrinkles and fight acne with light therapy at home with the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro. The rechargeable device can be used on its own or paired with Dennis Gross Skincare products to boost hydration.
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $555 at The Bay (thebay.com).
Expert advice: “The perfect gift is something that makes your recipient feel special as most people have their beauty essentials already,” says Tara Miller, founder of Health Hut (shophealthhut.com), which operates locations in Toronto’s Little Italy and Leslieville neighbourhoods. “Elevate their routine with a product or two that may feel out of their price range, or just something a bit ‘extra’ that you’ve been holding out on buying makes the best gift.”
The V.I.P. Child
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A kid whose wardrobe and toy chest is already exploding with stuff might be the trickiest person to buy for. You have two options: keep it simple or spoil them rotten
Under $50
Organic cotton fleece outfits from Miles the Label will become go-to weekend wear throughout the winter.
Miles Basics Winterberry print on light heather grey terry dress, $48 through milesthelabel.com.
Under $200
Monogram their name on a gift set they will cherish as they grow. This knit blanket and organic hooded towel can be embroidered with a name or initials and paired with a teddy and bamboo muslin swaddle blanket to make bedtime more personal.
Ketzel personalized XO gift box, $150 through ketzelbaby.com.
Over $200
Drive to school on the sidewalk in style in a downsized Volvo. Designed to look like the Swedish automaker’s S90 R-Design in metallic Bursting Blue, this electric ride incorporates realistic features such as lights, a music player and safety belt.
Volvo Kids S90 electric ride-on car, $650 through volvocars.com.
Expert advice: One of the most important things to remember when shopping for the kid who seems to have it all is how the child will interact with the gift. “Avoid giving an only child multiplayer board games or sports equipment that require another person to make the toy fun,” says Nicole Balderston, the co-founder of Owls Hollow (owlshollow.com) in Charlottetown. If all else fails, Baldeston says she’s yet to meet any child of any age that doesn’t like another plush stuffed animal to snuggle up with.
The Digitial Nomad
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Tech-savvy people on the go love gadgets most, but any accessory that does double – or triple duty – will never leave their side.
Under $50
Track your most precious items with an Apple AirTag. While this has become a popular tracker for travellers to find lost luggage, you can also place this handy device in your wallet, laptop bag or any other belonging you don’t want to lose.
Apple AirTag, $39 through apple.com.
Under $200
Boost your devices on one sleek desktop pad. This catch-all fits everyday items on an accessories tray equipped with a wireless charger and USB port.
CATCH:3 Essentials, $137.29 through staycourant.com.
Over $200
Convert handwritten notes into digital text with the world’s thinnest tablet. ReMarkable 2 promises to inspire paperless creativity, allowing you to jot down ideas, review documents and sketch designs on one device.
ReMarkable 2, $579 through remarkable.com.
Expert advice: Whether you are working from home or remotely while travelling, the rise of digital-first jobs has given way to a more nomadic lifestyle for corporate and creative workers. “Since digital nomads are always on the move, they need practical items that they can easily carry with them,” explains Jacinthe Pilote, editor and curator at Paperole (paperole.com) in Montreal. “Instead of decorative items for the home, opt for practical and multifunctional items that help them to travel lighter and better.”
The Downsizer
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If they’ve just gone Marie Kondo on their home, the last thing you’ll want to do is give them a new cache of items that spark a little joy
Under $50
Serve a holiday drink with a twist by brewing one of Blume’s vegan holiday Gingerbread Latte, Nut Nog or Mint Cocoa blends made from superfood ingredients.
Blume Gingerbread Latte blend, $25 through itsblume.com.
Under $200
Elevate any cocktail bar without an ounce of booze with the Seedlip trio. Whether you’re stocking up for Dry January or looking for a spirit-free way to celebrate the season, these aromatic blends add complexity to mocktails.
Seedlip special offer trio, $135 through seedlipdrinks.com.
Over $200
Don’t toss that vintage vinyl. Instead, drop the needle on this Sonos turntable. Its profile is sleek enough to rest discreetly on your media console and it connects to WiFi speakers so there won’t be a cord in sight.
Sonos Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB turntable, $599 through sonos.com.
Expert advice: As retirees move into smaller homes and city-bound Canadians find their square footage increasingly limited, they appreciate gifts that won’t create clutter. “I would suggest items that can be multipurposed throughout their home, like a blanket that can be used as both as a tablecloth and a coverup,.” says Dorota Vannan, the owner and curator at Grace & Company (graceandcompanyltd.com) in Winnipeg. Consumable gifts such as food and wine are another good option for the storage conscious.
The Revenge Traveller
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Anyone who has been saving up their frequent flyer points and is eager to cash them in on a bucket list getaway will appreciate these wanderlust essentials
Under $50
Switch out your 100-ml hair products for all-natural, salon-quality solid shampoo or conditioner that is cabin bag-approved.
Jack 59 Energize conditioner bar, $20 through jack59.ca.
Under $200
Pack lighter with 100-per-cent merino wool jersey wardrobe basics from Unbound Merino that are odour- and wrinkle-resistant. They wick away moisture, regulate body temperature and can be worn multiple times on the road before washing.
Unbound Merino men’s long sleeve merino crew, $139 through unboundmerino.com.
Over $200
Upgrade the airport experience with 10 lounge passes from Plaza Premium that can be used for up to 12 months after activation. Depending on travel plans, choose between the Canadian Lounge Pass (valid at five airports across the country) or a Global Pass for frequent international flyers.
Plaza Premium Lounge 10-visit pass Canada, $388 through plazapremiumlounge.com.
Expert advice: “When planning gifts for the traveller, think outside the box and avoid single-use or gimmicky travel items for gifting and instead search for packable multi-tasking products that they’ll enjoy for many adventures to come,” says Hannah Findling, the manager at the Travel Bug (thetravelbugstore.com) in St. John’s. “Instead of a packable airplane blanket that takes up valuable carry-on space, consider a quick-dry towel that can do double-duty by keeping you warm on the plane and brought to the beach.” Findling also recommends stocking stuffers like earplugs, packing cubes and solid cosmetic products to “relieve the stress that stems from liquid allowances, product sizes and frantic TSA checks.”
The Nature Lover
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These options balance an appreciation for the great outdoors with a more eco-aware lifestyle at home
Under $50
Make a candle at home in under two minutes with Everly’s Clean Candle Refill Kit. Choose between reusing a container you already have or pairing this gift with a unique vessel that can be topped up again and again.
Everly clean candle refill kit, $35 through tryeverly.com.
Under $200
All-season hiking is made all the more sustainable with Native Shoes’ Fitzsimmons Citylite Bloom style, a lightweight microfleece-lined waterproof bootie made from algae.
Fitzsimmons Citylite Bloom, $135 through nativeshoes.com.
Over $200
Grow more than 200 varieties of edible plants indoors all year long with the Eve, a space-conscious vertical garden designed by Just Vertical. Available in five different finishes and only 46-cm wide, it will grow edible produce in even the smallest spaces.
Just Vertical the Eve, $699 through justvertical.com.
Expert advice: When searching for the perfect present for someone passionate about sustainability or connecting with the great outdoors, Bailey Vernon, manager at The Tare Shop (thetareshop.com) in Halifax, opts for reusable gifts with minimal and compostable packaging or shopping locally where possible to avoid the packaging and emissions associated with shipping. “Think about what hobbies they enjoy, and find a gift that can enhance that hobby or choose an experience you can enjoy together,” says Vernon, who often gifts sustainable alternatives and low-waste versions of everyday items.
The Experimental Chef
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After bingeing on social media cooking hacks, many home cooks are experimenting with new flavours and gadgets to make mealtime more exciting
Under $50
Try out every TikTok butter board variation on the Casey wooden board from Everyday Joy. This photo-worthy serving accessory made from durable Australian acacia wood will kick your snack spread up a notch.
Everyday Joy Casey wooden board, $49 through shoppeverydayjoy.com.
Under $200
Zwilling’s Fresh & Save will not only help your leftovers last longer, you can use the vacuum-sealed bags to try sous-vide cooking at home.
Zwilling plastic vacuum starter set, $175 through zwilling.com.
Over $200
Experiment with wood-fired cooking beyond your favourite pizza recipe in this Ooni pizza oven, which has a slender high-heat interior for cooking your favourite meat or vegetable.
Ooni Karu 12 multi-fuel pizza oven, $519.99 through homehardware.ca.
Expert advice: Gino Marghella, general manager at Alberta-based Italian Centre Shop (italiancentre.ca) notes go-to culinary gifts often include premium versions of non-perishable staples like “high-end chocolate, craft cocktail bitters, aged balsamic vinegar, finishing salts or a big wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano.” For something more interactive, Marghella enjoys “giving experiences like cooking classes or tickets to a local collaboration dinner” to enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones.
The Second Home Host
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Whether renting out a newly purchased cottage or considering home stays in a basement suite, a newbie host’s needs differ from what you might give for his or her own living space
Under $50
Winterize a powder room with the refreshing scent of Saje’s Peppermint Twist Duo. The set includes a 100-per-cent natural hydrating hand lotion and foaming hand soap made with a blend of peppermint, orange and Peru balsam.
Peppermint Twist Duo, $40 through saje.com.
Under $200
Refresh the linens in their vacation rental with a lightweight and anti-microbial bath sheet in a classic colour that still adds personality to a room.
Flax Home waffle bath sheet, $88 through shopflaxhome.com.
Over $200
Protect a home from afar with the Ecobee Smart Security starter kit. Each set includes a Smart Thermostat Premium, one SmartSensor and two SmartSensors for doors and windows. Together, they allow a homeowner to adjust temperatures and monitor the space through an app.
Ecobee Smart Security starter kit, $359.99 through ecobee.com.
Expert advice: Fredericton-based Modern Komfort’s co-founder, Anna Rubaj, starts her gift shopping by thinking of the items the host would appreciate, yet not necessarily splurge on themselves. “If they are renting out their second home, take into consideration who they are renting to and what they could use for their guests,” she says, suggesting home goods like replacement linens, fancier candles and high-quality soaps as safe bets. For any homeware items, Rubaj recommends sticking with neutral colours and tones to blend into their space unless you really know their decor preferences.
