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TBR’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on December 6, 2022December 6, 2022 by Maddie

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 2022 Holiday Gift Guide


{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.

Photo by Fran Allen (hellofran.co)


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
A few stores that we love! Photos from stores’ respective social media or websites


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

Out for a hike wearing my Vessi sneakers & Slingwell carrier!

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?

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Welcome!

Welcome to Toronto Beauty Reviews!

TBR is a space for us to share reviews of beauty products we love, easy makeup tips, and insights into our personal wellness journeys.

We believe that beauty and wellness are for people of all genders, all skin tones, hair types, backgrounds, and ways of being.

We hope you’ll find something here that helps you feel beautiful, inside and out!

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About Maddie | Toronto Beauty Reviews
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Maddie Monroe (TBR)

torontobeautyreviews

Editor of #TorontoBeautyReviews.
Sharing our beauty & wellness faves ✨
📍Toronto, ON
maddie@torontobeautyreviews.com

Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷 Wearin Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷

Wearing @colourpopcosmetics Ultra Matte lip in Jellies and @annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner in Black*

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #bluelipstick #boldmakeup #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #colourpopme
Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that show off every hue of you? Check out @annabellecosmetics new Big Show Multi-Use Eyeshadow Pen! 🎨

✨ Canadian 🇨🇦
✨ Cruelty-free
✨ 12+ hr wear
✨ affordable ($10!!)

#ad #Annabellecosmetics, #AnnabelleUGCTeam #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #natapr #canadianmakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #easymakeup
Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? ✨ Swing by @touchmassagebar for a seated massage!

Here’s a quick peek into my experience with the « I Want it All » foot, hand, neck, and shoulders massage with the « Free Your Mind » scalp massage add-on. Heaven! 😍

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #massagetoronto #footmassage #scalpmassage #touchmassagebar #treatyoself
Putting these on the grid so I can look at them lo Putting these on the grid so I can look at them long after they’ve gone 🥰💐 

@wellingtonfleur did an amazing job creating this custom bouquet! (And @adam__malek did an exceptional job picking things out!)
💙🩵🩶 Wearing: @hauslabs Triclone skin te 💙🩵🩶 

Wearing:
@hauslabs Triclone skin tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted 
@annabellecosmetics kohl eyeliner in black* + Sky Limit mascara*
@tower28beauty GetSet powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number (as blush)
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate 
#QuoBeauty Love Is Love palette
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #boldmakeup #blueeyeshadow #makeupinspo #drugstoremakeup #beautyforeveryone #canadianbrand
Little pop of color to brighten the grey day 💚🖤

Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Kohl eyeliner in Balsam Green*+ Sky Limit mascara* + Perfect Fit setting spray*
@colourpopcosmetics Just My Luck palette
@hauslabs Triclone Skin Tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted + cooling water jelly tint in Splash 
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel
@tower28beauty GetSet powder in translucent + Oneliner in Paint My Number 
@kjh.brand Hyper Shine Highlight kit in Lite Pink 

*gifted products 
#mytbrfave #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #greeneyeshadow #easymakeup #makeupinspo
Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way of your holiday shopping? 😬 Not to fear - TBR’s elves have got you covered! 🙌🏼

Check out our last-minute holiday gift guide highlighting local stores where you can get amazing presents for everyone on your list! ✅🎁

Featuring: @thedetoxmarketcanada @aaniin.hello @goodintentions.to @soccoliving @juxtaposeannex @shoppersdrugmart @canadiantire @wildcraftcare @sharkbeauty @sodastreamcanada @annabellecosmetics @marcellecosmetics (and a pro tip from @calenmikenzie!) 

*some products were gifted for editorial consideration 

#lastminutegifts #holidaygiftguide #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #shoplocalcanada #torontobusiness
🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋 Hallowee 🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋

Halloween as a librarian who used to be an MUA 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #halloween2024 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #makeupinspo #easycostume #bookstagram
Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂 # Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂

#torontobeautyreviews #librarian #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dailymakeup
Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weat Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weather changes? Learn more about why LoLa loves @byoma - and why you should definitely check out this drugstore powerhouse - in her latest piece for the blog. 

🔗 in bio! 🙌🏼

*products kindly gifted

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #byoma #villabrill #brillcom #lexpr #shoppersbeauty #drugstoreskincare
Prague! 🇨🇿 1 - Charles Bridge 2 - St Vitus Prague! 🇨🇿

1 - Charles Bridge
2 - St Vitus Cathedral (took 600 yrs to build; I cried because it was so stunning in person)
3 - Cute lil gargoyle 
4 - Palace gardens
5 - Beer Spa + beer chocolates in Tycho Brahe’s former home! (Check out my recent reel for more on this)
6 - Truffle gnocchi in champagne foam @cafeimperial_praha 🤤
7 - Klementinum Baroque library 
8 - from the top of the Astronomical Tower! 
9 - Astronomical Clock 
10 - Wunderkammer at Strahov Monastery 
11 - Philosophical Hall at Strahov Monastery
12 - c. 1800 Dendrological Library at Strahov (books carved from trees, covered in their bark and lichen & filled with their leaves and seeds!)
13 - 800 yr old natural sandstone water spring underneath Strahov Monastery, now housed in what they call “Hell” restaurant. 😂 @napekle 
14 - Travel friends! @kendranh 
15 - *Immediately* losing at pinball at @joystick_bar_prague 👾
16 - Getting *very* into the all-you-can-drink wine bar (!) @nasklenicku 🍷
17 - obligatory trashy snacks after the wine bar 
18 - peacock chilling on the hotel grounds @hotelupava 
19 - Fun restaurant where you pay by the skewer (sooo tasty) @bistrospejle 
20 - the views were ok, I guess 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #prague #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #praha #europetrip #visitprague
Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show in July ✨❤️ The Lonely Hearts Club tour was an absolute banger. CANNOT WAIT for the next album! Get your glitter ready, friends. 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #lonelyheartsclub #lonelyheartsclubtour #arianaandtherose #torontoevents #synthpop #indieartist
Venice! 🇮🇹 1 - gelato 2 - stunning architec Venice! 🇮🇹

1 - gelato
2 - stunning architecture everywhere 
3 - snacks 
4 - the original horses from St Mark’s Basilica
5 - Ponte dell’Accademia 
6 - 🍝
7 - the staircase of books at the Libreria Acqua Alta 
8 & 9 - canals 
10 - Torcello
11 - Burano 
12 - 1300 yr old church 
13 - casual ceiling in Doge’s Palace
14 - glass art from Murano
15 - St Mark’s
16 - tiramisu cannoli. Italian food turducken!
17 - Vivaldi concert w orchestra in Baroque costumes
18 - 🍕

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #venice #italytrip #summertravel
Come with me to pick up the art piece created from Come with me to pick up the art piece created from the flowers in my bridal bouquet! 🥹❤️

Getting my flowers preserved and turned into this incredible piece was one of the best decisions I made during my wedding planning. ✨

Amanda and her team are extraordinary artists (and wonderful humans!) who give your flowers a new life and preserve memories. Every time I walk past this piece on my wall, my heart glows with flashbacks of my wedding day. 

If you have an important event that includes flowers, do yourself a favor and book with Parched to get them preserved. They accept flowers from across Canada, and have worked on blooms marking all occasions of life, from graduations, baby showers, weddings, and memorials. They can even create pendants using flower remnants! 

Bouquet: @coolgreenandshady 
Wedding photographer: @alexa.studios 
Wedding planner: @karinalemkeweddings 
Preservation artists: @parchedfloral 

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #smallbusinesssupport #floralpreservation #torontowedding #weddinginspo #parchedfloral #weddingflorals
Come visit a Beer Spa with us in Prague! 🤯🍻🛁

This was definitely a unique and fun experience during our vacation. And our skin felt soooooo soft after! 😍

#Beer #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #prague #europetrip #tripideas #spaday 

Would you try this?
Recent looks 💁‍♀️💋 I just came back fr Recent looks 💁‍♀️💋 I just came back from a trip and challenged myself to switch up my makeup throughout. From pops of color to a more neutral look to a glam evening, I definitely had lots of fun. 😊

Hero products include: 
@annabellecosmetiques skinny mascara* & kohl eyeliners in Balsam Green* + Wood Charcoal*
@tower28beauty swipe concealer in BU
@milkmakeup cooling water jelly tint in splash 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate
@kjh.brand hyper shine highlight in lite pink

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #easymakeup #beautyforeveryone #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave
If you’ve followed me for any length of time (or If you’ve followed me for any length of time (or met me in person for like 5 mins!), you’ve heard about my love for @lezethelabel 🤩

This brand is phenomenal. I love every piece of theirs that I own and wear a Lezé item almost every day. 

@lezethelabel is:

✅ WOC founded 
✅ Canadian
✅ Ethically produced 
✅ Sustainably made using innovative fabrics (like 🌽 or material made from recycled fishing nets!) 
✅ THE COMFIEST 
✅ Designed for real bodies! (Big pockets, lots of stretch, extended sizing)

The humans in charge are also incredibly kind and generous. ❤️

➡️ Since it can be hard to figure out sizing when purchasing online, I put together this little lookbook for you. Basically, I wear a L in their items made from their recycled fishing net fabric, but an XL in the corn, since they’re a little closer to the body and I like a baggier fit in that fabric. I typically wear a size 14. 

If you’re interested, check them out! And feel free to use my discount code (TORONTOBEAUTYREVIEWS15) for 15% off! 🔗 in bio. 😊

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #sustainablefashion #canadian #canadianfashion #comfycrew #lezethelabel
Dark circles? I don’t know her. 🙃 If you’r Dark circles? I don’t know her. 🙃

If you’re in the market for a new eye cream, I highly recommend checking out @sahajanskincare’s Golden Glow Eye Balm. ✨ It’s formulated with ghee (!) and feels sooooo silky and gorgeous. This powerhouse ingredient has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, and for good reason! This eye balm is mega hydrating but feels light and melts right into your skin 🤩 

In addition to ghee, it also includes rose oil and eyebright - these high-performance ingredients work together to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. 

This Canadian brand is WOC-founded, and products are cruelty-free as well as eco-friendly. 🇨🇦🐇🌍

Have you tried @sahajanskincare yet? 

 *Gifted @1milk2sugarspr 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #ghee #canadianbrand #cleanskincare
I loved my long hair, but I was ready for a change I loved my long hair, but I was ready for a change. 💇‍♀️ @leeoc_hair at @thecellarsalon is the only person I would trust when chopping off this much! (I think it was around 10”!) If you’re looking for a hairstylist who is knowledgeable, talented, and the absolute sweetest, give her a call! ❤️

This bob is going to take some getting used to after my messy mane of long hair, but I already feel sooooo much lighter ✨

What do you think of the new look? 🙃👩🏻‍🦰

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #torontohair #bobhaircut #hairtransformation #thecellarsalonto
If you know me IRL, you know I’m a cleaning frea If you know me IRL, you know I’m a cleaning freak. 🙈🧼But, since I’m allergic to everything (fragrance, harsh chemicals, etc 😖) and also care about the environment, I try to find options that are natural as well as effective. 🌍🫧 That way, they’re gentle on my skin and the world, but tough on germs and dirt!

We’ve been using @nelliesclean dish sticks, stain stick, laundry soda for the past few months and LOVING them. ❤️ I even purchased Nellie’s Oxygen brightener recently, which is a bleach alternative that boosts color and keeps whites white. They WORK. (And look very retro chic!)

If you’re looking for effective, naturally-derived cleaning products from a Canadian company, I highly recommend that you check out @nelliesclean! 🇨🇦

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #cleaninghacks #naturalcleaning #cleaningproducts #nelliesclean #lucidpr
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