This year has been a lot – to say the least – but the holiday season is finally upon us, reminding us to slow down, reconnect, and spread joy as 2025 draws to a close. And what better way to spread joy than by finding the perfect gift for someone you love?! Keep reading to learn about my beauty, skincare, and home holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list!
{TBR’s Holiday Gift Guide 2025}
Disclaimer: Products identified with an asterisk were provided to me at no cost for editorial consideration. While I am part of Annabelle Cosmetics’ User-Generated Content team, all opinions regarding Annabelle Cosmetics and all other brands mentioned below are my own.
If you’re anything like me, seeing someone’s reaction as they open their dream gift is one of the best parts of the season! To help you find gift-spiration, we’ve put together a list of our recent fave items, brands, and experiences. As always, we’re highlighting products at a range of price points, and have included a legend to help you find holiday gift ideas that align with your priorities as well as those of your recipient.
- C: Canadian business
- CF: Cruelty-free
- E: Eco-conscious
- IBPOC: Founder is Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Color
- W: Woman-owned business
Skincare Holiday Gift Ideas
Stoic Beauty: Stoic checks all my skincare boxes. Their products are incredibly effective, good for the planet, and they don’t irritate my skin! I love that they have offerings that address rosacea, eczema, and acne in addition to the standard pro-aging products. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from this brand, but my absolute favourite is Apothekario ($42), an AHA/BHA serum that reduces hyperpigmentation and minimizes breakouts by clearing pores from harmful bacteria. Stoic Beauty also has a few different product bundle options available, for a holiday gift that’s as easy as it is thoughtful. (PS: Use code MADDIE10 for 10% off purchases over $50!)
–> C, CF, E, W
Cosmette Skincare: Cosmette’s origin story begins with the founder’s personal skin challenges. Struggling with reactive and sensitive skin but still craving a luxurious skincare experience, founder Meghan decided to take matters into her own hands – and Cosmette was born! Like all of Cosmette’s line-up, their made-in-Canada Rosy Glow Clay Mask* (currently on sale for $44) is as beautiful as it is nourishing. This mask would be the perfect “me time” gift for anyone who loves indulging in a beauty ritual!
–> C, CF, E, W
BKind: Quebec brand BKind has an astonishingly vast product range, from hair and skincare items to nail polish and even accessories! They truly have something for any beauty lover. While I’d be hard-pressed to pick a favourite product from this company, I’d be very happy to find their Superfruit Moisturizer with Bakuchiol* ($76) under the tree! Looking for something a little easier on the wallet? BKind’s green tea-infused Konjac sponge is just $12! (PS: if your recipient lives in Montreal, they can even refill some of their products at one of BKind’s locations once they’ve finished the jar!)
–> C, CF, E, W
Available in the GTA at Coal Miner’s Daughter, V de V, Gorgeous and Beautiful, and more!
Province Apothecary: PA has been a mainstay in my skincare routine for over a decade, and I absolutely love gifting PA products to show my friends and family just how amazing these items are. Province Apothecary’s natural ingredients, effective formulas, and product innovation are second-to-none! Their Repairing & Conditioning Lip Balm ($8) is the perfect stocking stuffer, and opening up Province’s newest hero product – the Illuminating & Radiant Vitamin C Serum* ($86) – would make any skincare junkie squeal with glee.
–> C, CF, E
Available in the GTA at Rexall, The Detox Market, and more!
Splurge Item: Shark CryoGlow Mask* ($499). OK, hear me out: Is this product incredibly expensive? Yes. BUT: it’s also incredibly effective. With four different clinically-tested treatment programs (fine line reduction, breakout management, radiance, and undereye revival), this one product is one heck of a multitasker. Plus, since it’s available at Shoppers, you can redeem Optimum points towards the purchase, which could help the price point seem more accessible! If you’ve got a sizeable gifting budget this year, the CryoGlow is worth considering.
Makeup Gift Ideas
Bonjou Beauty: In case you hadn’t heard, I love a multitasking product. For a homegrown multi-hypenate, I recommend Bonjou Beauty’s 3-in-1 Beauty Stix* ($40). This product glides beautifully, melts into the skin, and has strong color payoff that lasts. Not sure what shade your giftee would love most? Spoil them with the 3-in-1 Mini Beauty Stix Trio! ($48). Shopping for a teen? Bonjou has you covered with their curated selection of lightweight products suitable for teenage skin.
–> C, CF, E, W
Annabelle Cosmetics: Looking for a holiday gift idea for someone who loves playing with makeup? Annabelle Cosmetics should be your very first stop. With so many affordable products in a dizzying array of colours and formulas, Annabelle products and holiday sets are my go-to for gifts for my besties. My top picks this year are the Skinny Multi-Use Liquid Liner* ($14) and the Chrome Single Eyeshadow* ($12). Perfect for creating dramatic looks for holiday parties and beyond! Grab a few products for yourself while you’re shopping, and thank me later. 🙂
–> C, CF
Available in the GTA at most drugstores
Madeup Beauty: If your gift recipient loves high-impact colour and clean formulas, you’ll definitely want to pick them up something from Madeup Beauty. Founded by makeup artist Shirley Ibe, who was tired of having to custom-mix shades for her diverse clientele, Madeup Beauty’s lineup is full of fun, rich colours that flatter every skin tone. My current fave from Madeup Beauty is the Creamy Temptation Blush* ($28), but the Meltdown Lip Therapy ($15) would be another fantastic gift for anyone on your list whose lips need a little love. (Which means all of us – Canadian winters are no joke!)
–> C, CF, IBPOC, W
Madkind: madkind may be the new kid on the makeup block, but they’re coming in hot with a small but mighty lineup of skincare and lip products. I absolutely love madkind’s philosophy of transparency, accessibility, progress, and community (including donating 25% of net profits each year to charities and creating care packages for people experiencing cancer.) And their products are amazing, on top of that?! Talk about a unicorn of a company. Keep madkind on your radar, folks, cause this is one to watch. Spread the word by making sure that your gift recipient is one of the first to try the stunning Feather Light Lipstick* ($21) or the silky Lippy Lube Gloss Balm* ($25).
–> C, CF, E, W
Ideas for Home Gifts
Cheeks Ahoy: Instead of bringing a host gift like flowers that will only last a week to your next holiday party, why not surprise someone with a zero-waste home essential from Cheeks Ahoy? From festive cocktail napkins ($20) to reusable non-paper towels ($20+) and more, Cheeks Ahoy has a ton of cute options for bringing a sustainable touch to any holiday gathering. Their Cotton Facial Rounds ($15) would also make a great stocking stuffer!
–> C, CF, E, W
Plastic Flux: I met Hanson, the founder of Plastic Flux, at the One of A Kind Show last week and was blown away by his products and his ingenuity. Plastic Flux collects takeout containers, detergent jugs, and other single-use plastic items, shreds them, and – through a process that seemed equal parts science, magic, and artistry – turns them into beautiful, useful items for your home. I bought a 4-pack of Coasters ($35) on the spot, and would 100% be gifting these if I didn’t actually plan to keep them for myself. (Also, in case my husband is reading this: the Catch-All Tray in Chromelle would look realllllly good on my vanity! Just saying! 🙂 )
–> C, CF, E, IBPOC
Claxton Grove: If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for wildflowers and vintage books. So when I stumbled upon Claxton Grove’s pressed flower designs, I was in heaven. Designer Lauren transforms ethically sourced blooms into jewelry, art pieces, and more! The set of Fridge Magnets ($20) is extraordinary, made with real pressed flowers on pages from vintage gardening encyclopedias! They’re the dream holiday gift for the bookworm or nature lover on your list. (Psst – Swifties: there are also some special art prints featuring quotes from Folklore!)
–> C, CF, E, W
Sonnihaus: Sonnihaus’ 3D printed designs are at the intersection of function and design, and a fabulous gift idea for any organizationally-minded folks on your list. These products are sustainably made of plant-based biodegradable material, are truly beautiful, and have countless uses. I love that the trays are stackable and that the pieces can be used in different configurations. The Large Stackable Catchall Tray ($40) is my top gift idea, since it’s the ideal size for storing remotes, puzzle pieces, or snacks – also known in my house as the holiday trifecta 🙂
–> C, CF, E, IBPOC, W
Available in the GTA at Thyme Studio, the Gardiner Museum Shop, Corktown Designs, and more
Splurge Item: Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush* ($349). Never in my life did I think that I would be sincerely and wholeheartedly recommending a toothbrush as a holiday gift idea, especially one with an inarguably hefty price tag. But then I learned about the iO series brushes. The Oral-B iO Series 8 Toothbrush is by far the coolest brush I have ever seen, and the only one that has convinced me to move away from my usual bamboo toothbrush. The iO Series 8 provides real-time feedback on brushing time, level of pressure, and missed areas, and tracks your use over time, helping you set goals to improve your oral health. There are even six different modes to choose from, including Super Sensitive, Whitening, and Gum Care, to further personalize your experience. If your gift recipient takes their oral health seriously, this might be their favourite present of the year!
Ideas for Experience Gifts
Guess Where Trips: If your gift recipient is up for an adventure, surprise them with a mystery road trip from Guess Where Trips ($65)! Answer a short quiz to decide which trip option would be the best fit (whether or not you’re traveling with kids/dogs, level of physical exertion, theme, driving time, etc.), and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget! You’ll receive a “Before You Go” package to help you prepare, plus envelopes with details about your four surprise stops. Once your travel day has arrived, just open your First Stop envelope, then hit the road! Wait until you’ve fully explored your First Stop before opening your Second Stop envelope and heading to your next destination. The envelope for each stop includes activities, local information, and fun facts. Adam and I did one of these trips a few years ago and had an absolute blast! It took us to places we never would have seen otherwise, and allowed us to make so many memories spending a beautiful day together.
–> C, CF, W
Touch Massage Bar: After this crazy year, I think we could all use a little pampering! For a unique self-care experience, gift your loved one a seated massage at one of Touch Massage Bar’s locations ($95+). My favourite is the I Want it All – a hand, foot, scalp, and upper body massage. You’re clothed and seated for these treatments, so they’re also a great group gift, as you can share a room and enjoy the relaxation together! Touch is also a café and wine bar, meaning you can grab a glass of wine or tea to finish off the experience. Now that’s some serious holiday cheer.
–> C