It’s officially December, and we are feeling properly holly ‘n’ jolly🎄. We’re also working our way through our holiday shopping list, which means scouring the shops (both online and IRL) to find truly stellar gifts for our friends and family. But let’s face it: gifts can be pricey, so we’ve decided to share our picks for the best gifts under $50, so you can treat your loved ones without breaking the bank.
Sephora Canada
Save yourself the guesswork of picking out their favourite lip balm flavour by gifting them a variety pack. In case you’re unfamiliar, here’s what you need to know: inside each pot is a silky-smooth, ultra-hydrating lip mask that’ll protect your lips all winter long and save them from a chappy fate. The kit also comes with a petite spatula for application.
@renphogroup/Instagram
Cardio might not be their favourite exercise, but that’ll change the second they test out this smart jump rope. It can be connected to the companion app to supercharge their sesh and keep track of stats, and it boasts adjustable (and tangle-free) cords that won’t damage their floors if they’re skipping indoors. Reviewers love that the handles are big and soft enough to comfortably hold with sweaty hands, with a decent heft to add to the workout.
Walmart
Just a few minutes in the microwave will transform the hard beads into spreadable wax, allowing them to remove any unwanted hair right in the comfort of your own home. The kit also comes with a silicone cup for heating, plus a tool for precise application.
Grown Alchemist
Nothing says “little luxury” like a bougie hand care duo. This one comes with an exfoliating hand wash and rich cream to help keep their skin in top condition (no matter how many times they lather up). Instead of harmful microbeads, the scrubbing formula uses teensy pumice beads to lift away dirt, debris, and dead skin. When it’s time to moisturize, they’ll love that the lotion has a non-greasy feel and a zesty vanilla-orange scent.
Amazon Canada
A weighted blanket is one thing, but a weighted plushy is a whole other ballgame. Smaller and more compact (read: more convenient) than a hefty blanky, they can easily tuck this pooch into bed with them, even if they sleep with a partner. It’s shaped to snuggle but offers all the therapeutic benefits of other weighted sleep accessories, with the bonus of being travel-friendly. Reviewers have reported that it’s helped them with anxiety while acting as a comfort for elderly family members and children.
Amazon Canada | @meltocandles/Instagram
Cozy vibes abound with this scented candle that happens to be well-equipped for a hearty dose of aromatherapy (thank you, eucalyptus and pine essential oils). The cotton wick will keep soot and smoke to a minimum while they’re burning it, and burn it they will because it has an impressive 50-hour burn time that’ll keep the party going all season long.
Amazon Canada
We see a perfectly groomed beard in their future! Especially when they give it a good clean with the aloe-infused beard wash and follow it up with the included pair of conditioning products. The cleanser removes any traces of product, leaving their beard hair soft and hydrated. The conditioning shave keeps the hydration party going by protecting strands from drying out (especially important during the winter season when indoor heating and cold winds can wreak havoc on hair). And, of course, there’s a bottle of beard oil to smooth down flyaways and lock in their style.
lululemon
Each zippered pouch is enough for credit cards, house keys, lip balms, and other small odds and ends they’re toting around that day, but they can detach them separately if they’re looking to ditch the extra weight. Reviewers love how modular the design is, allowing them to clip the pouches onto belts, keychains, or even other bags when they want a smidge of extra storage space.
Amazon Canada
Regularly steaming pores helps loosen dirt and gunk, resulting in fewer breakouts and a smoother complexion. It’s also really effective at boosting hydration (because we know the combo of cold air and harsh indoor heating can be incredibly drying) and improving the absorption of their fancy-schmancy skincare. Reviewers say it not only lets them skip regular facials but also soothes dry eyes and works wonders as a humidifier, too.
Amazon Canada
It’s like a mini buffet of loose-leaf teas! Each tin offers a different blend, and reviewers say each one is equally delicious. You might get lucky and be allowed to have a cup or two, but don’t be surprised if your partner or pal decides to keep them all to themselves. They’ll get English Breakfast, Vanilla Spice Masala, Hibiscus Rush, Masala Chai, Sweet Cinnamon Spice, and an herbal Turmeric Spice.
@lapcos_usa/Instagram
No matter what skincare concerns she wants to address — dryness, congestion, you name it — they’ll be able to tackle it with one of these sheet masks. Reviewers say they’re like getting a pricey facial (sans the hefty price tag), and you won’t have to guess which formula they’ll like because this variety set includes seven different ones.
Amazon Canada
Reviewers are equally obsessed with the final result as they are with the actual process of crafting this handmade sculpture — hello, cute date night idea. The cast captures realistic details (like veins, skin folds, and jewellery), and the set comes with paint and brushes in case they feel like decorating the finished product.
Simons
They may already have an impressive collection of Stanley cups, but this one is ideal for all their adult beverages. Its wide, easy-to-fill opening will prevent accidental spills (because every drop counts!), while the brand’s iconic insulation will keep what’s inside crisp and cool ’til the last sip — without any weird, metallic, or just plain unpleasant aftertaste.
Sephora Canada
We are leaving dry, cracked skin behind, folks. Grab this four-piece handcare set, comprised of travel-friendly tubes that are easy to tuck into pockets, purses, and carry-on luggage. Each tube comes in a different scent, so they’re sure to find something that tickles their fancy.
Amazon Canada
Your jet-setting pal will never want to leave home without this genius travel mirror. It’s equipped with several light temperatures for makeup application, an extendable (and adjustable) arm, and a magnetic magnifying mirror in case they need to peep some details. Once folded down, it’s nearly flat, saving them tons of space in their luggage or carry-on, and best of all, one charge lasts for up to 30 days so they won’t end up tethered to a plug on vacation.
Amazon Canada
With its extra-large opening, your giftee won’t have to struggle to stuff their to-go toiletries inside. And there are even internal pockets so they can keep their things organized.
Simons
Cocktail aficionados on your shopping list will appreciate this collection of artisanal mixers that are designed to amplify the flavours of brown liquors (think whiskey, bourbon, and the like). Each batch is handmade in Montreal, so you can feel good knowing you’re supporting Canadian businesses.
Amazon Canada
Cooking at the campsite can feel like a challenge, but it won’t be after they test out this genius mess kit. It has everything they could need to whip up a tasty meal, including a non-stick pot (with matching lid, no less), two bowls, folding utensils, a cleaning sponge, and a nylon drawstring pouch for toting their stuff from site to site. Some of the reviewers‘ favourite features include its durability, lightweight material, and space-saving design.
@buddhaboard/Instagram
Perfect for doodlers, artists, and fidgeters alike, it’ll let their creativity run wild without the pressure of trying to create ~art~. Once the water dries, their creation will fade, leaving the board ready for their next chill-out sesh. If they’re always on the go, consider getting them the mini version instead.
Amazon Canada
When activated, the alarm emits a 130db siren (which, for the uninitiated, is pretty dang loud) and a flashing strobe light to help frighten off would-be attackers. Reviewers say that simply having it on their person made them feel safer walking around late in the evenings or while in foreign cities.
Amazon Canada
We all need a little pick-me-up sometimes, but when you’re not around to give your friend the boost they need, this handy little deck will be just the ticket. Each card features an illustration by a Canadian artist paired with a cheeky affirmation that never feels hokey or patronizing.