Here are the presents they didn’t even know they wanted — and the ones that just might even inspire next year’s wish list!
There’s always that one friend or family member who insists that they don’t want anything for the holidays, which doesn’t help when you’re set on getting them a gift. To embrace the festive spirit without causing a fight, avoid superfluous gifts and choose a present that supports a cause instead. Alternatively, treat them to something that’s pampering or practical (or both!) to get them through the winter months ahead.
Clean and Simple
Bar soap gone from a ubiquitous good to a luxury object. Case in point: these limited-edition bars from Binu Binu in collaboration with Smythe and H Project. Each soap is different, featuring natural ingredients like charcoal, black sesame, and hibiscus, and finished off with a Raven design by Haida artist Bernard Kerrigan, of the Raven Clan.
Binu Binu x Smythe x H Project Limited Edition Soap Box Set, $115 at Holt Renfrew.
Wrapped Up
The classic point blanket has been given an update, resulting in this versatile three-in-one version that is ready whenever for whatever the season has in store. They can use it as a throw, a wrap, or an oversized scarf, and bring it with them wherever they go thanks to the buckled leather strap.
3-in-1 Multi Colour Throw, $99 at Hudson’s Bay.
Soft Staple
This scarf from Sentaler checks all the boxes: It features the brand’s signature ribbed detail, borrowed from its fan-favourite coats, comes in trendy millennial pink, and supports a good cause, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale benefitting the SickKids Foundation.
Adult Ribbed Scarf in Pink, $245 at Sentaler.
About Face
Count on this kit to protect the skin against harsh winter weather, with a Low-Viscosity Cleaning Ester, Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate, Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex, and Photography Fluid, which cleanses, hydrates and plumps to leave skin looking radiant.
Set N.1, $70 at Deciem.
Pendant Pick
Handmade by Turquoise Mountain artisans in Kabul, and designed by Jenny Bird, this minimalist pendant is simple and versatile, with the added benefit of supporting Afghan craftspeople and communities. Look good and feel good — what’s not to love?
Jenny Bird x Far + Wide Longevity Pendant – Afghanistan, $95 at Far + Wide Collective.
Bright Idea
Make a donation on behalf of a friend or family member by purchasing a Gifts of Light Emergency Kit through the CAMH Foundation. Each kit contains essentials like socks and toiletries for patients who arrive with nothing, for contribution that really makes a difference.
Gifts of Light Emergency Kit, $34 at CAMH Foundation.
Deck the Halls
Ornaments are a gift that they can enjoy year after year, and this unique set is sure to become a favourite. Made from capiz shells by Filipino artisans, the colourful animals are a welcome addition to any tree.
Capiz Shell Animal Ornament Set, $85 at World Vision.
Oh, Canada
Spark ideas for their 2018 reading list with this box set of Canadian lit from Indigo. With a mix of classics, including Anne of Green Gables, and modern titles by Thomas King and Joseph Boyden, there’s something here to help everyone through the hibernation months.
The World Needs More Canada Box Set 1, $50 at Indigo.
Sweet Tooth
Who doesn’t love some chocolate, especially one with a heartwarming backstory? Peace by Chocolate was created by Assam Hadhad, a Syrian refugee who was a chocolatier in Damascus before fleeing the war and immigrating to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Crafted in the Syrian style, the beautifully shaped and creamy chocolates are a tasty, feel-good treat.
Box of Assorted Chocolates (24 pieces), $22 at Peace by Chocolate.
Wine Time
Take the guesswork out of what new wines are worth a sip with a subscription to WineCollective, which sends four bottles from around the world each month for four months. It’s the perfect excuse to get yourself invited over for a glass or two (or more).
2017 Holiday Mixed 4 months shipment, $390 at WineCollective.
Walk This Way
A gift that works for him or for her, the Mx is a genderless sneaker from Aldo that looks as good at the gym as it does on the street. Even better, 100% of the proceeds from the special-edition deep-red, black-on-black, and grey-mix colourways supports Global Citizen’s “Education for All” initiative, helping disadvantaged children around the world get the education they deserve.
