37 of our top picks for the best gifts to give this holiday season
Snow is falling, carols are playing, and you’re well on your way to getting in the holiday spirit. If you plan on giving presents, that likely also means plotting out what you’re getting for parents, siblings, besties, coworkers, partners and beyond. But there are a lot of options out there, so we’ve made a list of the best gifts to give this year so you can be sure to knock it outta the park.
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
Amazon Canada
Relief is on the way for all of their aches and pains. This massager’s incredibly easy to use (it uses one button to power on and select speed) so you won’t have to help them decode instructions or talk them through it over FaceTime. Reviewers are especially fond of its compact and portable size, making it great for tucking into carry-on bags (it’s TSA-approved!) or weekenders when they head out of town. A single charge will give them three hours of usage.
Jenny Bird Puffy Heart and Cherry Earring Play Kit
Jenny Bird
They’re always changing up their look, so it stands to reason that this playful earring set would be a major hit for your style maven pal. It comes with a petite set of huggie hoops, with two interchangeable charm pairs so they can change things up whenever the mood strikes.
LuvLink Friendship Lamp
Amazon Canada
You touch yours, and theirs lights up (and vice versa), so you can still stay connected even if you’re doing the long-distance thing. Bluetooth setup is easy-peasy, and they’re USB-rechargeable, so no one will have to stress about plug compatibility. Using the app, you can even send each other secret coded messages.
Sawyer Oversized Cashmere Polo
Reformation
You can’t go wrong when you gift cashmere. It’s plush, warm, and oh-so-soft, making it a true wardrobe classic that’ll never go out of style. This option is perfectly oversized (which makes nailing their sizing a smidge more forgiving), so it’s ideal for layering in the winter without feeling bulky under their winter coats. Come warmer weather, they’ll love slinging it over their shoulders or even snuggling up with it on a chilly flight.
Silk & Snow Hand-Knitted Weighted Blanket
Silk & Snow
No glass beads here — this ultra-soft and dense blanket is made of chunky, hand-knitted cotton yarn that’ll make them feel swaddled and cozy when you’re not around.
Carhartt Work Apron
Simons
This durable cotton apron is ideal for all household activities, whether they’re whipping up one of their famous dinners or getting busy in the garage. It’s loaded with pockets galore for storing extra utensils, tools, or small knickknacks, and when it gets dingy, they can just toss it in the wash with their regular clothes — it’ll withstand just about anything they can throw at it!
Subminimal NanoFoamer
@subminimal/Instagram
They often wax poetic on the difference between a café au lait and a latte and are lightly pretentious about which coffee shops they frequent. If that sounds like your giftee, then consider tucking this uber-popular frother under the tree for them. Reviewers were shocked at just how effective it was at producing ultra-fine microfoam (in 30 seconds, no less) and said it was almost shockingly simple to use, too.
Bathorium The Crush Gift Set
@bathorium/Instagram
Self-care aficionados on your holiday list will love this discovery set of bath soaks. Each one targets a different issue, like dry skin or sore muscles, using all-natural ingredients to treat their bod to a truly spa-like soak. Make sure to ask which one was their favourite so you can gift them a full-sized bag for their next birthday!
Phoenix Vine Self-Watering Terracotta Planter Set
Amazon Canada
Whether they’re an aspiring plant parent or a seasoned gardener, these genius planters are sure to be a hit. Using a combination of glass and unglazed terracotta, they prevent overwatering and ensure anything planted inside is always well-hydrated (instead of drowned). Reviewers say they’re great for ensuring their leafy babies don’t dry out when they’re travelling, too.
Deco Cuff Beanie
Urban Outfitters
The weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean their outfits need to be. A chic blinged-out beanie is just the ticket for keeping their noggin warm and dry through winter weather, with rhinestone detailing adding a little je ne sais quoi to their cold-weather wardrobe.
Gifts for Good*
Gifts for Good
It is the season of giving, after all, so perhaps your giftee would appreciate a philanthropic gift. You can select an option and donation amount that fits your budget (or aligns with their values), like helping pay for a stove for underprivileged families, sending financial support to build a school in an underserved area, or sponsoring school meals for hungry tots.
Jo Malone London Mini Cologne Collection Set
Sephora Canada
Inside this cute gift set are five of the brand’s most iconic fragrances: Peony & Blush Suede, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Blackberry & Bay, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, and English Pear & Freesia. That gives them plenty of options and basically guarantees they’ll find a scent they love (not to mention each one comes in a cute travel-friendly bottle).
M&M’s x Kate Spade New York Embellished 3D Crossbody
@katespadeny/Instagram | Kate Spade
Cute, kitschy, yet infinitely practical — sign us up! This circular bag is iterated in smooth leather, with glitzy logo detailing and an oversized top handle for easy carrying. When they want to switch things up (or just give their hands a break), they can use the shoulder strap for crossbody wear. Thanks to a full zipper, they won’t need to worry about anything inside going missing, either. Plus, we can practically guarantee they don’t already have this fun little number in their collection.
Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife System
Ninja
Got a home chef on your list? This set includes all the knives they’ll need to craft a tasty meal, including a chef knife, utility knife, santoku knife, paring knife, kitchen shears, and a four-piece set of steak knives. The storage stand has an embedded sharpening tool that reviewers say helps keep the blades keen for weeks.
Bluboho Imprint Forest Necklace
Bluboho
Jewellery is always a great gift option, but trying to remember their ring size (or the number of piercings they currently have) can be a nightmare. Skip the stress by gifting an engravable gold necklace they’ll be able to wear for a lifetime. Its simple and classic design also happens to pair nicely with any other bling in their collection!
Adidas Gazelle Shoes
Adidas
This popular shoe style has been around since 1996, and for good reason: reviewers say they’re one of the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn and are easy to style (a major bonus in our books). This updated option features a stacked gum sole for extra height and a soft suede upper that distinguishes them from the rest of the runners in their footwear collection.
Beautiful 2 Qt Slow Cooker Set
Walmart Canada
Instead of an enormous (and cumbersome) appliance, consider these compact slow cookers instead. Each one is big enough to make a two-person meal, but there are no rules that say they can’t use to whip up warm snacks or dips for their guests — just make sure to score an invite to their next dinner party! A slew of clever features add to their practicality, such as the removable ceramic pot insert for easy-breezy serving, and the keep warm function that’ll (you guessed it!) keep their eats warm ’til serving time. The handles even stay cool during the cooking process so they won’t accidentally scald themselves.
Merit Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum
@merit/Instagram
They’ve likely seen this sculptural bottle all over their FYP, but it’s what’s inside that’s causing major commotion. It’s the brand’s first fragrance, with notes of bergamot, jasmine, and musk that reviewers call the perfect blend of light, fresh, and cozy. Obviously, every scent dries down differently on different people (thank you, body chemistry), but if you’re looking to give something sophisticated for the holiday season, this may be a good place to start.
Sonos Roam 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon Canada
It’s waterproof and comes with a handy charging base to keep the tunes blasting all day long — with stellar sound quality to boot. To be honest, no other Bluetooth speaker compares to the ease of use (there’s even a companion app that’ll let them control each speaker individually) and the sound quality that makes it perfect for parties, backyard hangs, and everything in between.
Voluspa Wicked Pink Goes Good With Green Candle Duo
Voluspa
With all the hullabaloo about the movie adaptation of the award-winning musical, we’re well and truly in the mood for some wicked treats — see what we did there? This candle set fits the bill perfectly, offering two distinct scents (one sweet and floral, the other lush and verdant), a gold wick trimmer, and clever packaging that doubles as a fancy-schmancy candle holder.
Kindle Scribe
Amazon Canada
Think of this as the ideal digital notebook. They can doodle, draw, make lists, and even convert handwritten notes into digital assets so they’re easier to organize and reference when they need ’em. They can also import files and PDFs to annotate them or make quick edits, all while still being able to read their favourite novels. Reviewers say they’ve ditched their other e-readers entirely!
Fancii Nano Ionic Facial Steamer
Amazon Canada
While there’s no equivalent to a good sauna or steam room session, this at-home treatment comes pretty damn close. Its moisturizing and pore-clearing powers are matched only by its spa-level features, like six facial treatment modes, a rotating nozzle, and aromatherapy options. Reviewers say their skin felt softer and more moisturized and looked noticeably clearer after just one use.
Knix Modal Robe
Knix
A robe may not seem like a thrilling gift option, but they’ll fall in love the second they slip it on. It’s made of a buttery, drapey modal fabric that’ll feel just as good after a hot soak as it will at the end of a long day. Since it doesn’t have a traditional robe look, they can even rock it as a soft layer when they’re lounging around the house or when they’re popping out for a quick errand. It also has a pair of pockets and a self-tying belt.
Our Place Always Pan Trio
Our Place
After testing this set, I can safely say it can easily replace their entire existing collection of frying pans. Each piece has a durable (and non-toxic) non-stick coating and comes with a lid and wooden spoon that’s designed to slot right onto the handle — no more saucy drips and messes here! The standard-size pan also comes with a nesting basket for steaming, which can double as a colander when they’re in a pinch.
Zadie Lab Grown Sapphire Ring
Mejuri
Three rings in one? Sounds genius if you ask us. Two rows of glimmering sapphires amp up the sparkle, while a glossy silver sliver adds a reflective streak to the trio. Best of all, they’re all fused into one ring, so you won’t have to worry about them accidentally losing one of the bands.
Dyson Gen5detect Absolute
Dyson
Arguably, this may not be the sexiest gift on this list, but this dust detective is truly a game-changing device (especially for those tired of battling against dust, pet dander, and general household dirt). Its cordless design means they won’t be tethered to a plug during vacuuming, while its clever headlight shows all the particles invisible to the human eye, resulting in a deeper and more effective clean. It also has genius software that adjusts its suction power depending on the size of the dirt particles.
Charli XCX — Brat Limited Edition LP
Urban Outfitters
Whether they’re a teen (or a teen at heart), everyone is sure to love this limited edition LP that’s, quite frankly, loaded with bangers. In addition to the tunes, reviewers say they love the colour scheme and say it makes a funky addition to their collection of records.
Meater Plus Smart Meat Thermometer
@meatermade/Instagram
Simply popping this handy device directly into their protein will take the guesswork out of roasting, baking, and grilling. Using the companion app and dual sensors, they’ll be able to check both internal and external temperatures so their goods come out perfectly cooked every single time. Reviewers love that it can even tell you when it’s time to remove food, too.
Cabin Porn: Inside
Amazon Canada
They may be living in the city, but that doesn’t mean they can’t dream of a woodland escape. This tome is chock-full of gorgeous imagery of peaceful cabins and handmade homes from around the globe that just might inspire them when they finally make their metropolitan exodus.
Alta High Top
Vessi
This bestselling boot will be their ideal winter companion, keeping their feet warm and (perhaps most importantly) dry when they’re out and about this season. They’re completely waterproof and kitted out with a padded collar for extra warmth and dense treads to prevent slippage on icy streets. If they normally wear a half-size, consider sizing up for a better fit.
Mannkitchen Pepper Cannon
Amazon Canada
Having tested it for over a year, I can safely say I will never go back to any other pepper mill. It’s more powerful than any I’ve ever used and loaded with clever little details — like a base cap to keep crumbs off counters and an adjustable rust-proof grinding mechanism that can go from “cracked” to “fine powder” in actual seconds. The top pops off easily when it’s time for a refill, too!
Fresh Mini Colour & Care Lip Collection Set
Sephora Canada
Winter is the chappy season, but you can save them (and their lips) from a dry and crispy fate with this cute gift set. They’ll get five of the brand’s iconic lip balms — some tinted, one untinted — that’ll wrap their smoocher in hydration and keep it protected all day long. Selfishly, you’ll also probably love kissing them a lot more when their pout is soft and moisturized, rather than dry and crispy😉.
VRURC Power Bank
Amazon Canada
If you’re hunting for a great gift with an element of practicality, your search is over. This pocket-sized travel bank will ensure they’re always powered up, whether they’re using an iPhone, Android, tablet, or e-reader. It’s equipped with three different output cables, a fast-charging output cable and can charge up to four devices in one go. Reviewers are big fans of its small size and lightweight design, making it both easy to carry and ideal for travel.
Baggu Cloud Carry-on Bag
Urban Outfitters
The reviews are in: this is The Best travel bag. Like the brand’s other iconic styles, it’s made of a lightweight fabric that folds up nice and small when it’s not full of stuff (and tucks neatly into its storage bag). Once unfolded, it’s big enough to fit all their weekend essentials and it even has a trolley sleeve so they can slip it over their suitcase.
OXO Vertical Lever Corkscrew
OXO | Amazon Canada
There’s a reason this corkscrew tops the list of best wine openers: it’s just plain amazing. With little effort, they’ll be able to remove both natural and synthetic corks without straining or spraining their hands in their quest for vino. All it takes are two moves to both remove and release the stopper, with reviewers reporting it’s easy and comfortable to use even for those with arthritis or other mobility problems.
Houseplant Stack Lantern
Urban Outfitters
Whether they’re partaking indoors or out, they’ll be glad to have this multipurpose lantern by their side. It emits a warm glow, but a dimmer switch gives them total control over brightness so they can set the mood or get full illumination. The top doubles as an ashtray and has an integrated storage compartment hidden underneath where they can keep their accessories and accoutrements. It’s rechargeable, with one charge giving them 15 hours of light.
Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask
Sephora Canada
We see beauty sleep in their future. This buttery silk number will block out all light for a better snooze, with contoured eye cups that won’t crush their lashes (while also letting their eyes comfortably move through the REM cycle).