It’s that time of year again! Check your wishlists and get out your ribbon and wrapping, because we’ve rounded up our favourite gift ideas for the 2022 holiday season. Read on to learn about products we think anyone would be thrilled to receive, and where we’ll be shopping.

{TBR’s Holiday Gift Guide 2022}

Disclaimer: Many of the products mentioned below were provided to us at no cost for editorial consideration. All opinions are our own.

Before we get into our gift ideas, we first want to acknowledge that this continues to be an extremely challenging time for a lot of people. Many folks aren’t in a place where they are feeling very celebratory, and money is tight for most of us. We’ve tried to select gifts within a wide range of price points to ensure that those who want to purchase gifts can find something in their budget, but we know that the best gift truly is time together. Stay safe out there, friends.

Hand-Assembled Gift Ideas

For a lower-cost and more personal gift, why not try to make or assemble something yourself? With a bit of time and some basic supplies, you can create something that brightens your recipient’s day without breaking the bank.

• Snacks & Treats
  • You don’t have to be a kitchen wizard to whip up something tasty for your giftee! A favourite recipe or even a reusable jar or tin filled with all the requisite ingredients can make for a truly special present. Some of my favourite edible gifts are no-bake gingerbread bombs (vegan & gluten-free) or a jar of everything seasoning – both recipes by Holistic Nutritionist Fran Allen.
    
    
• Memory Books
  • In this digital age, not many folks print out photos or write letters anymore. Getting a few snapshots printed and assembling them with some hand-written memories can be a fun way to look back on the times you’ve spent with your gift recipient. Alternatively, if your giftee is the real raconteur, give them the opportunity to create their own memoir through Storyworth! We got my father a subscription to Storyworth earlier this year, and he has mentioned several times how much he enjoys answering the prompts, and how fun it is to reflect on family stories.

• Coupons
  • Let’s bring back this childhood classic! Gifts of time and service are a beautiful way to show your recipient how important they are to you. Does your giftee have a chore or errand they dread? Offer to complete it for them! Have trouble finding time to connect? Set up a weekly FaceTime. With a just a few pieces of paper, you can show your gift recipient that you plan on being there for them long after the holiday season has ended.
    

Gift-Buying Guide

If you are looking to purchase a gift, here are some of our fave ideas and spaces. To help you shop according to your personal philosophy, we’ve labelled our suggestions with some special interest areas in mind:

• BIPOC indicates that the business or product is run/created by a person of color
• CAN indicates that the business or product is Canadian
• CF indicates that the product is cruelty-free
• ECO indicates that the business or product is eco-friendly or has sustainable elements
• GTA indicates that the business or product is located or made in the Greater Toronto Area
• W indicates that the business is owned or operated by women

Stores We Love

• Good Intentions (1434 Danforth Ave, Toronto)
  • Good Intentions is chock full of unique goods from female-owned businesses. From jewelry to art, candles, clothes, journals and more – there are so many treasures to be found here.
  • BIPOC, CAN, ECO, GTA, W

• Juxtapose Annex / Juxtapose Home (430 Bloor St W, Toronto /  616 Bloor St W, Toronto)
  • These stores are my absolute go-to for any gift. The Annex location has bags, body care products, books, puzzles, and more. The Home location has stunning glassware, linens, kitchen and bathroom items, and even a pet corner!
  • BIPOC, CAN, ECO, GTA, W

• Marigold Market (20383 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County Road 2, South Lancaster)
  • If you’re not in the GTA but are looking for luxe and eco-friendly gift ideas, check out Marigold Market. They have a gorgeous collection of clothing, jewelry, home, and lifestyle products, all sourced from Canadian small businesses. Pet lovers will definitely want to check out their bowties from Bee’s Handmade ($14). Guster looks positively debonair in his.
  • CAN, ECO, W

• Crying Out Loud (2005 Danforth Ave, Toronto)
  • Any store with the motto “Here for the feelings” is going to be high on my list! Crying Out Loud has a gorgeous collection of home goods, books, games, and lifestyle products – all with a wellness focus.
  • BIPOC, CAN, ECO, GTA, W

• GoodMinds (188 Mohawk St, Brantford)
  • Looking for books by Indigenous authors and illustrators? Check out GoodMinds, an Indigenous family-owned store. They have an amazing selection of books that you can feel good about gifting.
  • BIPOC, CAN, GTA, W

• A Different Booklist (779 Bathurst St, Toronto)
  • This Black-owned bookstore is an Annex staple! A Different Booklist carries a phenomenal selection, specializing in works by BIPOC creators. I particularly love their kids’ book selection.
  • BIPOC, CAN, GTA, W
    
    

Home & Lifestyle Gift Ideas

• Half Moon
  • I’ve raved about this brand’s Silk Eye Mask ($46) and Mini Massage Balls before, but another gift idea from Half Moon are their yoga and mindfulness accessories. From meditation cushions ($50) to yoga blocks ($16), Half Moon has tons of options for the wellness seeker on your list.
  • BIPOC, CAN, CF, ECO, W

• Slingwell
  • If you’re looking for a gift idea for someone who loves long walks or has a dog, I highly recommend checking out a Slingwell ($35 USD). This ingenious product has a comfortable (and cute) strap and elastic holster that can carry bottles up to 48oz. I use it every time I go on a walk with Guster, and both he and I are very grateful for the hydration!
  • ECO

• Vessi
  • This Instagram-famous brand is renowned for their waterproof sneakers ($108+). I got a pair a few months ago and have worn them daily through mud, rain, or snow, and questionable puddles at the dog park. They’re comfortable, keep my feet completely dry, and are machine washable. An investment, but one worth making in Toronto’s ever-changing climate.
  • BIPOC, CAN, CF, ECO

• PureBalanxed
  • This sustainable athleisure line is the epitome of cozy! Made with materials like bamboo, cotton, organic fleece, and hemp, Pure Balanxed clothes are designed with comfort in mind. The entire collection is made in Toronto by women, and everyone involved is paid a living wage. One of my favourite features is their affirmation tag, a soft tag sewn somewhere on the clothes with a message of strength and support. Sometimes we all need a little encouragement! Items range from $30 – $140.
  • CAN, ECO, GTA, W
    

Beauty & Skincare Gift Ideas

• Cheekbone Beauty Sustain Complexion Pencils
  • I’ve been a fan of Cheekbone Beauty for years. Their products are gorgeous, sustainable, and high-performance – plus, every purchase supports Indigenous women and youth! I love their Sustain eye pencil & lipstick collections, but my newest fave is their Sustain Complexion Pencil Set. I feel like the most fabulous color-by-number when I use these pencils, and they create a beautiful base. A great gift idea for any makeup lover in your life!
  • BIPOC, CAN, CF, ECO, W

• Hereward Farms’ Lavender Skincare
  • Hereward’s products could not be further away from the perfumey, fake-smelling lavender that haunts nostrils worldwide. Their products are completely farm-to-skin, crafted using lavender grown and picked by the founder, Julie. They smell heavenly, feel luxurious, and harness the healing properties of the lavender that is lovingly used to create each bottle. All of their products would make amazing gifts, but my personal favorites are their Luxurious Hand & Body Lotion ($28) and their Lavish Face Serum ($28).
  • CAN, CF, ECO, GTA, W

• Province Apothecary Reusable Silicone Mask
  • Anything from Province Apothecary would make an excellent gift idea for the skincare lover on your list, but lately, I’ve been loving their Reusable Silicone Sheet Masks for Face & Eyes ($38). All the benefits (and fun!) of sheet masks without the waste.
  • CAN, CF, ECO, GTA, W

• Quo Beauty Holiday Collection
  • It wouldn’t be a TBR gift guide without a shout out to our beloved Quo Beauty! This year’s holiday collection is as fabulous as ever, with a focus on sparkle and shine. The Gua Sha Relaxation Tool with Velvet Pouch ($15) is a perfect Secret Santa gift, while their brush sets, eyeshadow palettes, and lip kits would elicit squeals of joy from any makeup lover.
  • CAN, CF

• Stoic Beauty
  • Got an eco-minded beauty lover on your list? Snag them something from Stoic Beauty, a water-safe skincare line. Formulated to be biodegradable and safe for waterways, Stoic Beauty products are as good for the world as they are for your skin. I love their Eos Morning Mist ($30), which is an invigorating and restorative to start your daily skincare routine.
  • CAN, CF, ECO, GTA, W

And that’s a wrap on our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide! We hope you found our gift ideas to be helpful. Wishing you & yours a safe and happy holiday season!

What gifts will you be giving this year?