For the first time in almost two years, it finally feels like there’s cause for celebration. This holiday season, many of us are gathering in person and seeing friends and family we haven’t been able to hug for months. While the gifts of health, safety, and love are without a doubt the most important, we’ve also rounded up some of our favourite holiday gift ideas in case you’re looking for a little something to wrap!
{TBR’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide}
Disclaimer: Many of the businesses mentioned below provided us with samples at no cost for editorial consideration. If we received a press sample, we have put an asterisk (*) beside the item name. All opinions are our own.
If you’re like me, finding the perfect holiday gift for a loved one and seeing their joyful reaction can be its own gift to you! While there can sometimes be pressure to purchase something quickly just to have a gift on hand, we hope our 2021 holiday gift guide provides you with inspiration to shop thoughtfully. In order 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 a woman
Skincare, Makeup, and Haircare Holiday Gifts
Okoko: This Vancouver-based luxury green skincare brand is all about sustainable indulgence. They have three different lines of products, each targeting a different area of need: Black Label (Brightening), White Label (Purifying), and Prestige (Youth-Enhancing). Want to wow your gift recipient? Surprise them with the Délice Dragon’s Blood Sleeping Mask* ($150) and they’ll wake up with the best skin of their life, or try one of Okoko’s travel size products ($30-$95) for a smaller indulgence to get to know the brand.
–> BIPOC, CAN, ECO, W
Quo: Shoppers home brand Quo Beauty is a TBR fave – and for good reason! With fun, effective products at accessible price points, Quo is the perfect brand for stocking stuffers, holiday gift exchanges and holiday gatherings with friends. From their iconic Cosmetic Crackers* ($15 for a set of 6) to their eyeshadow palettes* ($25), or skincare* and brush sets* ($25-$60), you can find something for every makeup lover on your list! (You even still have time to go grab a last-minute Hanukkah gift at your local Shoppers!)
—> CAN, CF, ECO
Sade Baron: This mother-and-daughter founded company creates vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based body care. Their formulations are rich enough to deeply hydrate skin plagued by Canadian winters, but gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Sade Baron’s All Moi Multipurpose Balm* ($15) is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who struggles with dry skin.
–> BIPOC, CAN, CF, ECO, W
Province Apothecary: Got a skincare junkie on your holiday gift list? Give them a product and a ritual all in one! Province Apothecary’s Sculpting + Toning Facial Cupping Set* ($29) helps reduce puffiness and increase glow with gentle suctioning massage. Sign me up!
–> CAN, CF, ECO, GTA, W
Havah: Between hats, chronic stress, frequent updos, and dry air, winter can wreak havoc on your hair and scalp. Give your giftee a soothing and hydrating hair oil that will take their locks to the next level. Pick from Strengthening, Nourishing*, or Restorative blends ($42-$50), depending on your giftee’s hair needs. Or better yet, offer to pamper them with a relaxing Ayurvedic champi head massage as you apply the oils (if you’re both double-vaxxed, of course)!
–> BIPOC, CAN, CF, ECO, GTA, W
Cheekbone Beauty: If you’re looking to support an Indigenous-owned business that gives back to the community and produces incredible, sustainably made makeup, look no further than Cheekbone Beauty. I’ve loved every product of theirs that I’ve tried! Their bundles are the perfect way to get to know the brand: the Sustain Eyeshadow Kit (on sale for $99), Sustain Starter Kit ($65) or B.YellowTail x Cheekbone Beauty Capsule ($159) would make any makeup lover swoon!
–> BIPOC, CAN, CF, ECO, W
Annabelle Cosmetics: Gifting makeup can sometimes be a challenge, but Montreal brand Annabelle Cosmetics makes it a breeze with their Secret Santa boxes. Just pick from a Face + Lips, Lips, or Eyes focus, and your giftee will get a box of 2-4 bestselling products! Annabelle’s Secret Santa boxes range from $5.95-$10.95, but have a value of $9-$35! Available in Shoppers stores.
–> CAN
Clothing & Accessory Holiday Gifts
Meirako Jewelry: If your giftee is a jewelry lover, check out Meirako (formerly Tiny Zen Memory). This Edmonton-based company creates meaningful, understated pieces that can express just how special your holiday gift recipient is to you! While the “Mama” necklace* pictured here is no longer available, the Forget Me Knot Ring ($32) and Custom Sweetheart Necklace ($86) are two of my current favourites. (If you want to place an order for a custom piece, you better hustle! Order by Dec. 10th and select Purolator shipping to get your piece by Dec. 25th)
–> BIPOC, CAN, W
Yoga Jeans: Proudly manufactured in Canada, these jeans are incredibly comfortable thanks to their unique 4-way stretch. From dressy, wide-leg options* to the (apparently Millennial) casual skinny jean, there’s a denim option for your holiday gift recipient, no matter their style. Looking for loungewear? Yoga Jeans does cozy, too: their Fleece Joggers ($64.99) have been my jammies of choice lately.
–> CAN, ECO
Do Better Folks: I’m slowly replacing every shirt in my closet with a graphic tee from this inclusive and charitable company. Their clothes are incredibly comfortable, plus I love knowing that a portion of the proceeds from my purchase are going to a cause aligned with the (biodegradable) message on the shirt. Got an advocate on your list? DBF tees explore body positivity, anti-racism, Pride, mental health, and more ($24 for Kids’ tees, $30 for Adults, $45-$50 for hoodies/sweatshirts).
–> CAN, ECO, GTA, W
Home & Wellness Gifts
True & You: While this Toronto company’s star product is their Custom Face Mask* ($65), I also love their candles, which are perfect for gifting. Made of hand-poured soy wax with intoxicating scent blends, packaged in glass and bamboo jars with soy ink labels, any of True & You’s candles ($40) would be a cozy holiday gift. Not sure which fragrance your recipient would prefer? Gift them the Scent Sampler Pack* ($10) so they can find their favourite! Also: get yourself a custom face mask, while you’re at it 
–> BIPOC, CAN, CF, ECO, GTA, W
Shoppers Drug Mart: Shoppers Drug Mart has you covered for host gifts (remember those?) as well as for holiday beauty and fragrance sets. Swing by on your way to a get-together and grab a box of truffles* for the table or a Squishmallow* toy for the kiddies ($12.99). Products vary by store.
–> CAN
Halfmoon: It’s been a tense few years. Help your holiday gift recipient unwind and rediscover balance with Halfmoon’s yoga, sleep, and wellness products. Their Silk Sleep Mask* ($46) will help your giftee slumber beautifully, and the Mini Massage Balls* ($20) will allow them to finally loosen that 2020-sized knot in their back.
–> CAN, ECO, W
Stores With Even More Holiday Gifts
Juxtapose: This Annex staple is an amazing place to stock up on unique gifts from bath products to quirky puzzles, non-traditional ornaments, and fun games. Their sister store, Juxtapose Home, also carries dishes, décor, linens, and other entertaining essentials. Juxtapose is located at 430 Bloor St W, Toronto.
–> BIPOC, CAN, GTA, W
Crying out Loud: If your holiday gift recipient is interested in wellness or mental health, Crying Out Loud will almost certainly carry something they’ll love! From their curated care packages to hilarious greeting cards, cozy clothing, helpful books, and inspiring journals, COL is a wellness gifting mecca. Crying Out Loud is located at 2005 Danforth Ave, Toronto.
–> BIPOC, CAN, ECO, GTA, W
IndigenArtsy: This online marketplace gathers incredible, handmade pieces from Indigenous creators across the nation. Music, art, jewelry, clothing, home goods, and more are available for purchase at a range of price points. IndigenArtsy is curated by the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada, which is a not-for-profit organization with registered charity status that strives to empower and enrich the lives of Indigenous women.
–> BIPOC, CAN, ECO, W
A Different Booklist: if you’re looking to gift some reading material, look no further than A Different Booklist. Focused on the literature of the African and Caribbean diaspora and the Global South, this bookstore carries phenomenal texts for readers of all ages. It’s my first stop whenever I’m gifting a book, and I always discover something new whenever I go. If you’re not sure what to select, the profoundly knowledgeable staff can guide you to something your recipient will love! A Different Booklist is located at 779 Bathurst St, Toronto.
–> BIPOC, CAN, GTA, W
Good Intentions: This boutique is all about women supporting women. Good Intentions exclusively stocks items from women-owned microbusinesses, and vendors retain 100% of sales profit in exchange for a monthly membership fee. Plants, scarves, bags, art, jewelry, apparel and more are featured in the East end storefront, and many of the products are small-batch and handmade, so you’re sure to find a unique gift. Good Intentions is located at 1434 Danforth Ave, Toronto
–> CAN, GTA, W