With the holidays creeping up around the corner, we can all feel that gift-giving panic starting to set in. When you're shopping for people who can generally buy themselves anything they really need or want, it's hard to come up with thoughtful, useful gift ideas for everyone on the list. We can't always give the present we would truly like to, like gifting our loved ones an all-inclusive trip to one of the most spectacular Caribbean islands for a week, but maybe we can match that energy on a smaller scale, like a winter getaway in Algonquin to recharge and reset.
This curated list of gift ideas is centred around wellness and travelling (with a few little treat yo'self items thrown in) so that you can give them the present of being in the present, getting back to being themselves or preparing for their next trip — even if you can't send them on one. Ranging from small self-care items to wallet-busting winter gear, there's a gift idea or inspiration here for everyone.
And if the stress of the holidays or the end-of-year burnout has got you out of sorts, why not gift one of these sweet little self-care items to yourself? The holidays are a time for spreading love, and that means self-love too. Happy gifting!
Wellness and travel gift ideas
If their shower routine is in need of an overhaul or they're looking to make their lifestyle more sustainable, the Better Basics Clean Routine Starter Kit is for them. The box comes with a gentle and natural shampoo and conditioner, a gentle moisturizing face wash and balm. And it all comes in 100 per cent recycled paper packaging.
Give the gift of an incredible sleep with the Henrie Adjustable Pillow. It comes inside a breathable, removable organic cotton outer cover that’s machine washable, and is stuffed with chopped CertiPUR-US memory foam and kapok (a renewable, sustainable and cruelty-free material). The stuffing is removable, allowing for a fully adjustable pillow that can be customized to the perfect size and the perfect sleep.
Cozying up by the outdoor fireplace sipping a hot drink on a weekend away? Yes please. Southampton's Beach Motel offers a serene getaway with some of the best sunsets we've ever seen. Grab a gift card to make their day or take them on a mini vacay.
Whisk your sweetheart away to a luxurious boutique hotel in Stratford for a romantic winter getaway. Hotel Julie's nine different flats each come in a rich colour palate with marble accents. Full kitchens mean you never have to leave your cozy abode. Hubba hubba.
Made in Vancouver by contemporary Canadian artist Zoë Pawlak, the Vessels & Muses oracle deck features 40 beautiful gold embossed cards with her original artwork. Pull a card at random and reflect on themes like focus, justice, joy, fellowship and discernment as you follow along with the included booklet that expands on the meaning of each word and journal prompts to discover a deeper understanding of yourself.
We love any item of clothing that folds up small, doesn't crease too much and is comfy enough to wear all day when we travel. These overalls not only hit the mark, but they're adorable to boot. Plus, Alder makes recreational outdoor wear specifically for women with sustainability and inclusivity in mind, which fits us perfectly.
Hats are a tricky business when it comes to travel. Do you wear one for the whole plane ride so it doesn't get smushed? The riddle is solved thanks to this packable hat from Brixton which can be rolled, folded and stored in your suitcase during your journey — only to pop back into shape when you're ready to rock.
Gratitude can often be a great remedy to stress, anxiety and the winter blues. Encourage someone (or yourself) to start a gratitude practice with this easy-to-follow book. It's full of journal prompts, affirmations, motivational quotes and lessons about gratitude that will help shift your outlook to a more positive one. Please Notes is also a Black-owned, Toronto-based business.
Look the bee's knees when you're soaking up all that Vitamin D. Cutler and Gross, (a U.K. brand with a Queen Street location) has been at the forefront of optical design for more than 50 years, so they know a thing or two about making a quality pair of frames. Choose from colourful cat-eye styles or go for the classic aviator lenses.
Whether they're hitting the slopes and need a warm base layer for under a shell or are just hanging out in the cabin, Burton's Stockrun Warmest Hooded Full-Zip Fleece will keep them warm and cozy with thermal fleece. Add on the cushy Stockrun Grid Pants for a comfortable matching set on and off the hills.
This Indigenous skincare line honours Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) knowledge and ancestral traditions by using sustainable and organic plants to balance, renew and protect the skin. Their Botanicals Calming Set includes bath salts, a bath and body oil, and a salve for deep relaxation, rejuvenation and healing.
Take a step on the journey towards truth and reconciliation by gifting or booking an experience with Talaysay Tours for your next trip to the west coast. Owned and operated by members of the Sechelt and Squamish Nations, Talaysay Tours' guides share their stories and culture on fun, educational and land-based walking tours that range from Forest Bathing to Talking Totems. They also sell gift cards.
Whether you're commuting to the office or flying around the world, keeping your laptop safe and scratch-free is a must. Monte & Coe's 13-inch merino wool laptop sleeve does more than just that, though — it keeps you looking sleek and stylish no matter where you're lugging your computer. Handcrafted in Montreal, this sleeve is part of Monte & Coe's brand-new line of elevated lifestyle products.
The Kimpton Saint George hotel and Culinary Adventure Co. just dropped the most exciting partnership of the year. When you stay overnight at the Kimpton Saint George, you can also sign up for an in-depth, food-packed tour of Toronto's most eclectic foodie neighbourhoods.
Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Ligwiłda’xw people, the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah First Nations, this Haida Gwaii company makes small-batch candles, soaps and bath products with natural ingredients. Drop this blend of honey, milk, almond and oatmeal into the bath for a comfort food treat for your skin — and why not light some of their candles for a relaxing ambience while you're at it?
Take the guesswork out of gifting with Savorly's beautifully curated holiday-themed gift boxes. They're full of delicious items like quality-made treats and teas, cooking ingredients and cute housewares from independent makers. For long-distance loved ones and those who can't come home for the holidays, they ship across Canada and the U.S.
The sea of black parkas can get very mundane come winter, so stand out from the crowd with a silver metallic bomber that can fight frigid temperatures. The hood is removable from this Moose Knuckles jacket, and there are plenty of internal zips and pockets to keep your belongings as warm and dry as you are.
Switch up your carry-on case for your next weekend getaway. Made from ultra-microfibre vegan leather, you can feel morally upstanding when you sling this sleek duffel onto your shoulder. The padded strap circumvents shoulder ache, plus there are pouches and tech pockets to help you organize this roomy bag and avoid upending luggage when you reach security.
If you actually swim while you're on vacation (no, splashing around at the pool bar doesn't count), throw a pair of these high-tech goggles into your case ahead of your next trip. These gamified, augmented reality swim goggles are the first of their kind and can provide you with distance, time and stroke rate information when synced with fitness apps.
These waterproof-yet-breathable boots from Columbia are the pinnacle of hiking comfort. Made with full-grain leather and accessorized with convenient, woven pull tabs to help secure the optimal fit, Columbia's new Landroamer boot won't let a bit of rain, snow or slush ruin your big day out on the trail. The Techlite Live cushioning will keep your soles comfortably performing at their best, too.
