Dear friends,
The number of times we have written “During this weird year…” or “In these unprecented times…” I couldn’t even begin to say. Our content over the past eight months has largely been focused on bringing you relevant information, tips and tricks for the situation we’re all facing, in an attempt to do our part to help everyone feel a little less alone in pandemic parenting.
That’s why, when we started to curate our gift selection for the holiday season, we thought about a few things: 1) how could we support smaller retailers who are weathering this storm? 2) how can we help people select personal, unique gifts from the comfort of home? and 3) how can we also choose gifts from larger retailers where the price point may be lower, to help those who may be experiencing a loss of income? The result is what you’ll find here, with gifts from stocking stuffers to splurges, from larger stores to small, Canadian retailers, with the hope that we’ve found something for everyone. And if you need to round out your gifts, consider gift cards from area restaurants and shops to support your community.
On a personal note, one of my favourite stories of the season is The Gift of the Magi. If you don’t know it, look it up. It features a husband and wife who are down on their luck, and tells how they respectively sell their most prized possessions to buy a gift for the other. For me, the overall message of prioritizing kindness and joy has stuck with me since I first heard it, when I was no more than 12 or 13. This year we will need that selflessness more than ever, when we can’t actually see or touch many of our most important people. Perhaps a carefully chosen, meaningful gift will go a long way when we physically can’t.
Happy holidays to you all, from all of us at ParentsCanada, and from my house to yours.
Katie Dupuis
Editor-in-chief
For the foodie: Eating Out Loud by Eden Grinshpan
Why we love it: Loaded with bright flavours and colours, Canadian chef and personality Eden Grinshpan shares her Israeli heritage in a laid-back and fun way with loads of family-friendly picks that will entice everyone to tighten their apron strings.
$35, indigo.ca
For a little indulgence: Chocolat de Kat Hot Chocolate Bomb
Why we love it: For fans of bath bombs, this is its tasty cousin! Heat up two cups of your choice of milk and pour over the pretty, vegan bomb to make rich, indulgent hot chocolate for two. Add marshmallows at will, of course. $13, www.chocolatdekat.com
For the at-home groomer: Tobacco and Rosewood Argan Beard Conditioning Oil
Why we love it: Not only will this stuff make you (or who you're living with) smell like an absolute dream c/o the sweet and slightly smoky aroma, but this blend is very restorative and moisturizing. The amber bottle doesn't look too bad in the bathroom, either. We always love a made-in-Canada product, and this is a mom-and-pop operation from Calgary. $30, mammothbeard.ca
For the outdoorsy type: Cotopaxi Dorado Half Zip Fleece
Why we love it: It's cozy, warm and perfect for layering. Plus, with different colour-ways, this pullover is no slouch in the fashion department.
$130, mec.ca
For the hard worker: Sharper Image Deep Tissue Percussion Massager with Case
Why we love it: A close-to-professional massage at home? There's a lot to praise here. With five attachments and a sleek case to keep it neat, the industrial-grade motor helps hit those sore spots and relieve tension in your deep tissue. Another perk: it's quiet, no aggressive buzzing here. $175, bedbathandbeyond.ca
For the sentimentalist: Lumin Jewelry Personalized Signet Ring
Why we love it: Handmade in Vancouver, these gold-fill rings are more durable than gold-plated and better for people with sensitive skin. Plus, this delicate band is fully customizable and can be worn on a pinky or stacked with other jewelry.
$50, etsy.com
For the home chef: Le Creuset Cast Iron Oval French Oven
Why we love it: The new colour is here. Riffing off now-retired Fennel, Artichaut offers a deep, emerald hue that will become the gem of every home cook's kitchen. Cast iron and made in France, these are investment pieces that come with a lifetime guarantee. The oval French oven is large enough for roasts, stews and soups and goes from stove to oven. Overweight handles distribute the weight easily on the enamel-coated piece.
$435 for 4.7 Quarts, kitchensmart.ca
For the designer: Upstate: Living Spaces with Space to Live by Lisa Przystup and Sarah Elliott
Why we love it: With more time at home this year, there's a lot of nesting and home design happening to make our spaces feel their absolute best. Loaded with shots from slow living in Upstate New York, this hardcover coffee table book is a home decorator's dream. All the inspo you need for your character-filled home is right here.
$60, amazon.ca
For the skincare enthusiast: Dermalogica Our Best + Brightest Set
Why we love it: The holiday season is for being merry and bright, and this trio of hard-hitting Dermalogica bestsellers is here to help brighten (and moisturize!) your skin. The set includes a full-size bottle of Skin Smoothing Cream and travel-friendly bottles of Daily Microfoliant and BioLumin-C Serum.
$99, sephora.com
For the cologne collector: Jean Paul Gautier Le Male Le Parfum
Why we love it: We’ll let you in on a little secret: while this cologne is aimed towards men, it’s a very androgynous scent. Calling in reinforcements from cardamom and lavender, it’s warm, woodsy and smells really good on anyone. Starting at $98, thebay.com
For the omelette-maker: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Frypan
Why we love it: There’s no butter or oil required here. Food slips right off this exclusive non-stick coating, plus, it’s metal-utensil safe, dishwasher-safe, chip-resistant and can handle the heat of the oven up to 500F. A great pan for teaching the kids to cook eggs, too.
Starting at $170, canadiantire.ca
For the hard to buy for: PWRDF World of Gifts
Why we love it: PWRDF World of Gifts has everything you need for the person who has everything (or the person on your list who always looks for ways to give back!). Provide families with a source of nutrition and income with goats, chickens and seeds, and make clean water accessible so girls have time to go to school. pwrdf.org/worldofgifts
For the musicophile: Rush Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary 3LP Vinyl Deluxe Edition
Why we love it: This year we're extra thankful for Canada and Canadians, including the Toronto-formed rock band with some of the most iconic drum solos of all time. This 40th anniversary reissue of one of their most poignant albums includes three LPs, two of which are bonus live recordings and a 20-page booklet.
$80, amazon.ca
For an at-home blowout: Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
Why we love it: Time for grooming is usually limited, but this magical tool is worthy of carving some time out for. Creating a salon-worthy, frizz-free blowout in half the time, this hair dryer, brush and volumizer in one is comfortable to hold while producing the shine we all seek. $65, walmart.ca
For the comfort-seeking fashionista: Yoga Jeans Emily Slim Rush
Why we love it: Offering comfort without compromising style, these made-in-Canada (the company has also shifted gears slightly to produce scrubs for frontline workers during the pandemic), high-waisted jeans pick up where sought-after ‘90s variations left off. Only this time there’s no stiffness, just perfect, already-worn-in stretch. These jeans give a slim silhouette and cropped ankle, perfect for dressing up or down and also squatting in. Seriously, these are so comfy.
Emily Slim Jeans, $188, yogajeans.ca
For the fashionable animal lover: WillowforWildlife beaded earrings
Why we love it: Handmade in Canada and with all profits going to local wildlife initiatives, these intricately beaded earrings are beautiful and come in a variety of colours and sizes.
Starting at $25, etsy.com
For the makeup buff: Laura Mercier Standing Ovation Cheek Palette
Why we love it: First off, it's inspired by ballets of Paris, and who doesn't love a Parisian moment? But beyond the bright, beautiful hues, this blush trio is silky-smooth and blends into skin seamlessly to create a perfectly natural look. But it's also buildable if you feel you need a bit more colour. Sleepless nights will drain it from you, amiright? $71, sephora.com
For the candle lover: Stone Tulip Goods Beeswax Candles
Why we love it: A Canadian and queer-owned small business, Stone Tulip Goods offers hand-rolled beeswax tapers that will hygge up any space. Available in two sizes and an array of colours, they're made with 100 percent Canadian beeswax and let off a soft, sweet aroma as they burn (cleanly at that!).
Starting at $18, likelygeneral.com
For the charcuterie lover: WoodworkingViking Hardwood Edge Grain Cutting Board
Why we love it: If you have someone who loves to nibble and construct a cheese or charcuterie board, this beautiful handmade one will do nicely. Use one side for serving and the other side for cutting, no matter how you choose to use, the 18-inch by 12-inch walnut board is a special keepsake.
$100, etsy.com
For the sleep deprived: Luna Nectar Nocturne Magnesium Sleep Oil
Why we love it: If sleep eludes you, try this Canadian-made, vegan and organic oil. Don't believe us? People rave that it helps them fall asleep and stay asleep. Not only that, the topical oil can help reduce stress and anxiety, migraines and muscle pain. $33, lunanectar.ca
For the one who likes to be bundled up: Tna The Super Puff Jacket
Why we love it: Babies aren't the only ones who enjoy a swaddle. If you're averse to the cold (and, really, who isn't?), a long, mega-warm, goose-down-filled parka sure would help make playing outside, school pickup, stroller walks and driveway-shovelling a lot warmer. And chicer. $350, artizia.com
For the skincare sampler: Laboratoire Dr Renaud Essential Kit
Why we love it: It's 2020, so we can't dub this for the traveller, but this kit will be amazing for our someday travel plans. But it's also an amazing way to try new things. With six skincare goodies inside including a cleanser, plumping serum, anti-aging eye patches, makeup remover and a hydrating emulsion, this set comes in a reusable bag and is a perfect little stocking stuffer. $65, ldrenaud.com
For the astrologist: Moon Lists Prompted Journal
Why we love it: Providing writing guides based on the phases of the moon and '70s astrology, this beautiful, 160-page notebook is a place to jot down what you're grateful for as you celebrate and reflect on each season.
$20, oldfaithfulshop.com
For those who love clean beauty: Biossance Uplifted and Bright Set
Why we love it: Biossance is vegan and cruelty-free, banning over 2000 products from their ingredients list to provide a clean formula with no icky stuff. This set is a great way to segue into the line, or replenish some faves. It targets fine lines and helps to maintain a youthful appearance (even when you're going through sleepless nights) with the included three hard-hitters. There's a full-size bottle of Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil and two travel-size bottles of Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum and Squalane + Omega Repair Cream.
$95, sephora.com
For a frazzled friend: Saje Peace of Mind Relaxation Kit
Why we love it: It's hard for so many people to unwind -- especially this year, and especially during the holidays. Give someone on your gift list a little nudge toward self-care with this essential oil-based kit. (Are you feeling fried, too? Don't be afraid to gift this to yourself!) $34, www.saje.com
For the mixologist: SÄLLSKAPLIG glasses
Why we love it: Ikea is a classic choice, but this new set of four glasses picks up where your grandma's beautiful, old-fashion glassware left off, but way less fragile than her crystal. The set is timeless and good for everyday, but we love it for mixing up your fave drinks. Cheers.
$11 for a four-pack, ikea.com
For the slipper-lover: Sasawashi Room Shoes
Why we love it: Swap from North American slippers and slide into Japanese room shoes. These minimalist treads are made from Sasawashi fabric, which won't pill and absorb moisture and odour from the skin so you'll always feel fresh and cozy.
Starting at $97, junehomesupply.com
For the always-prepared: Willful
Why we love it: For so many people, "get a will" is moved from to-do list to to-do list because it seems like a daunting task. Willful makes it easy to get your affairs in order from the comfort of home, with the ability to create legal estate planning documents, like a will and a power of attorney. Just think, you'd be giving someone in your life much-needed peace of mind. www.willful.co
For the sweet tooth: PC The Decadent Chocolate Bar with Cookie Pieces
Why we love it: A perfect stocking stuffer or little handout to a neighbour or friend, this velvety semi-sweet chocolate bar is imported from France and studded with buttery pieces of the iconic chocolate chip cookie so many Canadians know and love. presidentschoice.ca
For the lounger: Red Sky Ray Lounge Set
Why we love it: 2020 has been the year of loungewear, the baggier the better. This roomy set by Canadian brand Red Sky is a waffled cotton weave and is comfy to the max.
Starting at $70, shopredsky.com
For the sparkle-seeker: Mejuri Sapphire Hoops
Why we love it: They're dainty and sparkly, perfect for everyday wear. They're made from graded gemstones and a thick layer of 18K gold over sterling silver.
$80, mejuri.com
For the cult classic junkie: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Set
Why we love it: If you don't know that Pillow Talk—a nude shade of lipstick that looks good on virtually everyone—is a cult classic, where have you been? The limited edition, four-piece set includes a full-size Matte Revolution Lipstick, Collagen Lip Bath Gloss, mini Lip Cheat Lip Liner, Jewel Lip Gloss and Collagen Lip Bath Gloss. $60, sephora.com
For the masker: Fresh Self-Care Masking Set
Why we love it: This year we're masking harder than ever, and the masks that don't involve self care are often causing skincare issues. Soothe your face with this four-piece set of some of Fresh's greatest hits. Includes travel-size pots of: Sugar Face Polish, Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, Travel-size Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask and Rose Face Mask.
$112, nordstrom.ca
For the hockey fan: NHL Stanley Cup Air-Pop Popcorn Maker
Why we love it: Fans of hockey and snacks are going to flip over this Stanley Cup-shaped popcorn maker. I mean, look at it. $90, bedbathandbeyond.ca
For people short on time: Avene Hydrance Rich Set
Why we love it: Whether you're testing the waters with a new line or just don't have time to slather all the lotions and potions you see people talk about on TikTok, this four-piece trial set is a winner. It's French, so you know it's nice, has a great price point, plus, this totable set includes cult fave Thermal Spring Water. Trust us when we say you're going to fall for this. A spritz will have you feeling energized, even when you didn't sleep a wink. $38, shoppersdrugmart.ca
For the after-bedtime zen out: Yummi Ginger + Meyer Lemon Candle
Why we love it: Small batch and hand-poured, this candle will burn with its unique scent for 40 hours (that's a lot of hours of TV-watching and wine-drinking when the kids are out cold!). $28, www.yummicandles.ca
For the fashion-forward: Love And Lore Heather East-West Tote
Why we love it: This vegan leather tote is functional, versatile and elegant at a price point you can't beat. This roomy carryall has space for everything but the kitchen sink (as your grandmother might say) plus a small zipper interior pocket for keys or a phone. The long handles allow this to easily be slung over the shoulder. $39.50, www.chapters.indigo.ca
For those in need of a little self-care: Lipcandy Luxury Lip Serum
Why we love it: We're facing down a long winter and sometimes lip balm doesn't cut it. This pretty, small-batch lip serum is made with essential oils like sea buckthorn and rose hips, and it's packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids. $34.95, www.lipcandy.ca
For the foodie: Eating Out Loud by Eden Grinshpan
For a little indulgence: Chocolat de Kat Hot Chocolate Bomb
For the at-home groomer: Tobacco and Rosewood Argan Beard Conditioning Oil
For the outdoorsy type: Cotopaxi Dorado Half Zip Fleece
For the hard worker: Sharper Image Deep Tissue Percussion Massager with Case
For the sentimentalist: Lumin Jewelry Personalized Signet Ring
For the home chef: Le Creuset Cast Iron Oval French Oven
For the designer: Upstate: Living Spaces with Space to Live by Lisa Przystup and Sarah Elliott
For the skincare enthusiast: Dermalogica Our Best + Brightest Set
For the cologne collector: Jean Paul Gautier Le Male Le Parfum
For the omelette-maker: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Frypan
For the hard to buy for: PWRDF World of Gifts
For the musicophile: Rush Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary 3LP Vinyl Deluxe Edition
For an at-home blowout: Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
For the comfort-seeking fashionista: Yoga Jeans Emily Slim Rush
For the fashionable animal lover: WillowforWildlife beaded earrings
For the makeup buff: Laura Mercier Standing Ovation Cheek Palette
For the candle lover: Stone Tulip Goods Beeswax Candles
For the charcuterie lover: WoodworkingViking Hardwood Edge Grain Cutting Board
For the sleep deprived: Luna Nectar Nocturne Magnesium Sleep Oil
For the one who likes to be bundled up: Tna The Super Puff Jacket
For the skincare sampler: Laboratoire Dr Renaud Essential Kit
For the astrologist: Moon Lists Prompted Journal
For those who love clean beauty: Biossance Uplifted and Bright Set
For a frazzled friend: Saje Peace of Mind Relaxation Kit
For the mixologist: SÄLLSKAPLIG glasses
For the slipper-lover: Sasawashi Room Shoes
For the always-prepared: Willful
For the sweet tooth: PC The Decadent Chocolate Bar with Cookie Pieces
For the lounger: Red Sky Ray Lounge Set
For the sparkle-seeker: Mejuri Sapphire Hoops
For the cult classic junkie: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Set
For the masker: Fresh Self-Care Masking Set
For the hockey fan: NHL Stanley Cup Air-Pop Popcorn Maker
For people short on time: Avene Hydrance Rich Set
For the after-bedtime zen out: Yummi Ginger + Meyer Lemon Candle
For the fashion-forward: Love And Lore Heather East-West Tote
For those in need of a little self-care: Lipcandy Luxury Lip Serum