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December is upon us. We’ve been knee-deep in holiday gift guides since early November, ensuring you are completely prepared for the biggest gifting season of the year. No matter what holiday you celebrate, we have unique, local, practical, sustainable, heartfelt and thoughtfully curated gift ideas for everyone on your list. If you’re looking for affordable and practical gifts for men, unexpected (and amazing) gifts for women, top toys for kids, presents for beauty lovers, want-to-be chefs, health nuts and home dwellers or shopping for a secret santa exchange, we have you covered. On a budget, try our gifts under $50 and under $20.
We are constantly searching for the best, most practical or efficient gadgets, tools, beauty products, home goods and services the Canadian marketplace has to offer. After extensive product testing, researching and reviewing, we narrow our list to offer our readers the best of the best. We’re often asked things like, “What’s on your wishlist?” or “What products are you most excited about?” If you’re curious about our favourite products of the moment (and why), read on.
To discover more of our top picks, check out our favourites from October.
HexClad Hybrid Roasting Pan
Why I love it: “Cooking for a large group tends to leave me feeling slightly anxious, especially when it comes to hosting an important holiday gathering. I’ve always relied on single-use aluminum foil roasting pans, which come with many limitations. I’ve lost roasting juices to the bottom of the oven on numerous occasions (super fun to clean up after hours of washing dishes) and even burnt myself after a flimsy foil collapse. This pan solves all my issues in one fell swoop, plus, it helped to produce the best, most evenly cooked turkey to date. Make use of the included rack, for an even 360-degree bake and don’t forget to use those drippings in your gravy!” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor
Price: $265
Where to buy: HexClad
Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian – Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
Why I love it: “I’ve always heard great things about the Beats Studio Pro headphones, and the new colours in collaboration with Kim Kardashian were enough to convince me to pick up a pair. The sound quality has lived up to the hype, and the headphones come in a sleek carrying case that will be perfect for travel. This collection tends to come in and out of stock as they’re on sale on Amazon, but they’re also available in Beats standard colours of black, navy and cream. They’re the perfect gift for the stylish music fan on your list.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor
Price: $270 (currently on sale from $470)
Where to buy:Amazon | Apple
Saul Good Gift Co. – Sugar Shack
Why I love it: “This gift box includes the most decadent treats from across Canada. Saul Good Gift Co. supports locally-owned Canadian businesses, including many Indigenous-owned producers. Boxes are carefully curated with products that scream Canada-pride and wrapped in sustainable packaging. Fun fact: 478 trees are saved annually by using 100 per cent recycled paper in gift box packaging.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor
Price: $163
Where to buy: Saul Good Gift Co.
Rock Tumbler by National Geographic
Why I love it: “I don’t love it because it’s quiet as a mouse. Rock tumbling isn’t the quietest of hobbies, but it’s interesting and teaches me many things — including patience. I enjoy learning about different types of rocks and seeing them transform into gems. It can take a month to tumble, so it requires me to flex my patience.”
Price: $80 (currently on sale from $100)
Where to buy:Amazon
Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Why I love it: “This viral lip stain lives up to the social media hype. It claims to be “transfer-proof, waterproof and life proof” and I can confirm — it holds up through many sips of wine and even the odd toddler face smoosh (if you know, you know). Available in almost 20 different shades, this stain is the perfect long-lasting, low-maintenance addition to your makeup routine and primed to help you glow at your next holiday soiree. — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor
Price: $22
Where to buy: Wonderskin | Amazon
West Elm Celebration Ornament – Just Married
Why I love it: “I got married this past spring, and was looking for a cute and creative Christmas ornament to commemorate the occasion. West Elm has a couple that fit the bill, including this pink glass car and an adorable glass wedding cake ornament. To my friends who also got married this year, you may just be finding one of these in your Christmas gifts.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor
Price: $10 (currently on sale from $12)
Where to buy:West Elm
CHANEL N°5 Eau de Parfum Refillable Purse Spray
Why I love it: “The ultimate gift idea for the fragrance fan on your holiday list, this special CHANEL No.5 scent is a timeless luxury (the fragrance has been a bestseller since its release in 1921, after all) and on trend. Part petite perfume, part bag charm—plus, it’s refillable!— it’s a covetable, collectable fragrance accessory to wrap up this holiday season.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor
Price: $264
Where to buy: Hudson’s Bay | Chanel | Holt Renfrew
Wicked x ALDO Darlingest
Why I love it: “This is the strongest claw hair clip I’ve ever used, and I have thick, curly hair. I never have to worry about the clip moving or slipping, which is nice. The Darlingest is so reliable that it has become one of my most-used hair accessories, second only to a scrunchie. Plus, it’s a statement piece that adds a touch of magic and sparkle to my look— especially with Wicked being so popular right now.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator
Price: $26 (currently on sale from $35)
Where to buy:ALDO
iMemories – Digitize old home movies and photos
Why I love it: “Prepare for the waterworks This AI tool transforms your old camcorder videotapes into shareable, digital files you can stream with your favourite friends or family on your TV, laptop or smartphone. The company’s restoration experts work in tandem with AI to convert analog files to digital, enhancing quality and sound in the process. A truly customized gift or an absolute treat to yourself. As mentioned, expect happy tears.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor
Price: $15 per videotape using code SAVE50 (currently on sale from $30)
Where to buy:iMemories
Caudalie Prep & Glow Best-Sellers
Why I love it: “For a gift idea that’s sure to please any skincare enthusiast, I love this set from Caudalie. It contains three bestsellers: one full-size Beauty Elixir Mist plus minis of the Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum and Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask. It’s one of the best value holiday sets you can find at Sephora, as it’s the same price as a bottle of the Beauty Elixir Mist on its own.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor
Price: $66
Where to buy:Sephora
Foodiepages Winter Spa Gift Box
Why I love it: “Another Canadian brand celebrating Canadian craftsmanship and making gift-giving easy. Purchase the box to save money on individual products like Deadsea salt soaks and reusable soy candles and disperse items amongst friends, or send one lucky recipient the whole lot. Foodiepages is based in Toronto and not only supports small, Canadian-owned businesses, they also donate 1 per cent of sales to local charities like Daily Bread Food Bank and Canadian Mental Health Association.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor
Price: $80
Where to buy: Foodiepages
Déhanche Mixed Metal Leather Belt
Why I love it: “I’ll be the first to admit that my go-to event outfit typically involves a pair of jeans and a cashmere sweater. Especially during the busy holiday season. This effortless (read: very easy, and maybe even lazy) outfit combination means I lean into accessories like this two-tone belt from the Parisian brand Déhanche to add some pizzazz to my ensemble. Featuring two-tone metal hardware, the smooth leather design will add a touch of glamour to all your festive party looks.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor
Price: $435
Where to buy: Holt Renfrew
Roam the Brand O Christmas Tree Candle
Why I love it: “This candle from Vancouver-based Roam the Brand is Christmas, camping and freshly cut cedar all swirled together like an ice cream cone and bottled up in a beautiful vessel. Said vessel is either matte black or white, depending on your decor style, and the burn time is a lush 45+ hours. Enjoy hints of fir, cedarwood, citrus and barberry as you gear up for the holidays, and rest easy knowing all packaging and materials — down to the FSC-certified wooden wick — are sustainably sourced.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor
Price: $65
Where to buy: Roam the Brand
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ltaveroff@postmedia.com