It is the time to play Santa to friends and family – but before you put a little special extra special under tree – you might want to consider these things
It is the most wonderful time of the year, unless you are stuck for what to give as a gift. As marijuana legalization has spread with over 50% of the population having access to legal products, some are considering cannabis treats. It is natural as people can purchase and give weed, it would appear on the gift giving circuit. During the holidays 60.6% of people who purchased alcohol gave as a gift.
The mainstreaming of marijuana means it is joining in festival occasions. But what to consider before giving marijuana as a gift. You need to know the recipient and make sure they are going to enjoy the present or will it go the land of regifting or, worse, into the trash can.
Photo by megaflopp/Getty Images
Know if they indulge in anything. Do they drink, have the indicated they are open or are they already consumers? These are critical as you plan on a purchase. If they drink and have shared they are open, maybe a couple of one time vapes or an edible would be perfect. Just like you wouldn’t give a casual friend Everclear, you wouldn’t want to give a strong joint or flower.
Read the room, especially if there are kids around. If it is an intimate group, it might be better since you can explain and evaluate how the gift goes down. Also, think about how you package it so it doesn’t have any sign or smell of what is in the box/bag/stocking.
Consider if they have any health issues medical marijuana can help. Inflammation, back pain, trouble sleeping or light anxiety can all be helped the perfect present of an edible, oil, or ointment.
If they are not already consumers or very light consumers, consider gummies. According to BDSA, gummies are the most popular product with almost 50% of people preferring this on-the-go treat. Easy, flavorful and a great entry point, this could be a winner.
At most, make sure you give it in the right spirit to make it a merry season.
This may be the season of gift giving, but if you ask me, receiving gifts is just as nice. I love taking a moment to review my holiday wish list and treat myself, and because I live, breathe, and work in fashion, this list can be extensive. So this year, I decided to narrow it down to one category: shoes. Nordstrom‘s shoe selection has been beckoning me all season long with some of my most-wanted styles including The Row’s Almond Toe Pumps and the ever-popular Ferragamo Astro Sculpted Heel Sandals. So naturally, I headed to this retailer to start checking these shoes and more off my list. Keep scrolling for all the pairs that made it to checkout.
Christmas is in one week and it’s crunch time, folks. Not to stress you out or anything, but the time to order those last-minute gifts is now. The deadline has already passed on some retailers’ sites but there are still plenty of options that will arrive prior to December 25—from the likes of Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Amazon, to name a few. (In some cases shipping will cost you a fee at this point but others are still offering free shipping with arrival by Christmas.)
With Christmas being so very soon, your mind is probably going in a million and one different directions, and figuring out what to buy people is undoubtedly more difficult when you’re distracted and busy, so I’m playing elf. I did a deep dive into the best last-minute gifts on the internet and found some great crowd-pleasing ideas that are sure to suit someone on your list. Scroll on to get gifting.
I’m at the age where everyone I know is finally moving out of their college apartments and, for the first time in their lives, stepping into the scary real-estate world. Whether you’re in your hometown or an overwhelming urban metropolis, chances are, you have several friends starting to rent or buy their first “real adult” apartments or houses.
Although shopping for home decor and furnishings is uniquely personal, you most likely have pride in surrounding yourself with a ton of stylish, chic friends whose personal sense of interior design matches their cool taste in fashion. If you’re looking to gift your luxe, bougie bestie something this year for their brand-new home, look no further. I’ve compiled some of the most stylish home furnishing and decor options below, starting at just $10. From TikTok viral gifts for the hyper-wellness friend to dog crates that, frankly, are practically Birkin bags for pups, shop the 31 best luxe home gifts your friend will never stop thanking you for.
Let me take you through a little exercise: Imagine your loved one unwrapping their holiday gift and their eyes lighting up like the moon on a dark winter night. What have you given them? Without fail, I can tell you the best gifts I’ve ever received are always jewelry. Don’t get me wrong—I love unwrapping a gift from a Black-owned brand, and I live for a good handbag, but jewelry has never disappointed me. There are trendy gifts, and then there are timeless gifts, and jewelry always falls in the latter.
Whether you’re shopping for your mother, stylish friend, or partner, the simplest gift idea that can ensure the biggest awe factor is always something sparkly. But before you stress over the price tag, the style, or where to even shop for jewelry online, keep reading as I’ve rounded up the 60 best jewelry gift ideas at every price point. Trust me when I say these gifts will delight and dazzle.
Too often, gift shopping feels like a gamble. What do they need that they don’t already have? Will they actually use what I picked out? And most importantly, Does it comes with a gift receipt? These are just a few of the questions that pop into my head when I’m trying to pick out the perfect gift for someone on my list. What I’ve learned over the years is that unless you’ve pressured them to tell you what their heart really desires or you happen to be a mind reader, there’s no way to guarantee that the gift will hit. That is, unless you already own and use the gift in question.
That brings me to the topic of today’s gift guide: the best wellness gifts that I can personally attest to. As someone who spends her free time nerding out on workout recovery techniques, binge-listening to The Huberman Lab podcast, and going through lots of trial and error to find the best combination of supplements to take, I have a bit of expertise on the subject. Luckily for you, I’ve put together a guide to the best wellness gifts I personally swear by and use on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Plus, there are a few more I haven’t tried yet but would be over the moon to unwrap this holiday season.
There are officially two weeks left until Christmas Day…and with Hanukkah underway already, you may be scrambling for that last-minute perfect gift. It’s not always easy, especially when you’re shopping for the chronically online person whose always buying themselves a “little treat”, you often wonder: “What do I get the person who has it all?”
I know my friends have this issue when shopping for me because I am not shy about treating myself. Being a material girl in a material world also means that I know the perfect gift for everyone in your life. If you’re waiting for your next paycheck to do some final holiday shopping this year, and are in need of some brilliant inspo- you’ve come to the right place.
Here are our picks for our 2023 holiday gift guide!
As you know, I rarely share or promote companies unless I truly love them and since I am not much of a shopper, it’s rare that I discover amazing stuff before anyone else. That being said, I might have a few special trinkets up my sleeve that you may not be familiar with or have yet to discover how awesome they are. This is my Ultimate Healthy Living Gift Guide!
When I shop for myself or presents for others, I always want to feel great about my purchases. I love supporting local or small businesses (I am an Etsy junkie!) and companies with ethical give-back programs. Also, if there’s a crystal on it, I will love it.
Of course, I am also a huge advocate for skipping the holiday shopping altogether and giving other things.
My Favourite Kind Of Gift Giving: Experiences
???? Eat In Together: Prepare a beautiful meal to share with the special people in your life.
???? Make It Yummy: Prepare a delicious edible gift.
???? Get Creative: Use your own unique talent to create something – maybe a poem, a song, a love letter, some natural beauty care products, a painting, or a self-choreographed dance.
???? Do Something: Give an activity you can do together – a trip to a museum or gallery, a dance class, a dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, a movie, a couples massage, a holiday!
???? Do Unto Others As They Won’t Likely Do For Themselves: Give something they need but would never buy themselves – a high speed blender (here’s theUS link to the one I love), a massage, or an extra cozy pair of new slippers (why do we always wear our slippers until they’re barely holding together?!).
⏰ Your Time: In this epidemically busy world we now live in, time could be the very best gift of all. Give yourself over to someone you love, someone you haven’t seen in ages, someone you want to get to know more, and be together. Go for a long walk, make dinner together, or for those with children, offer to babysit!! That is the best gift of all.
The Gifts That Give
Gifts that give back are at the top of my Healthy Living Gift Guide and for good reason! I have seven nieces and nephews and I found it challenging watching kids who have everything unwrap a ton of plastic garbage toys that were undoubtedly stashed away in a closet or broken within a month. So I voted to give each child one gift card to get something special, and to make a family donation to a cause that the kids could all choose together.
Given that we live in a very abundant culture, I am a big fan of the gifts that serve a greater purpose and can honour the ones you love by helping those who have less:
Adopt a family and provide gifts for a family in need in your local community.
Create a lending team with Kiva and give in honour of your family.
All of these organizations are set up to allow you to donate as a gift in honour of someone you love.
Of course, sometimes, we just want to give something tangible and thoughtfully chosen for the people we love. There is joy to giving presents and it’s good for our health too.
Below is a list of gift ideas that I’d love. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration here for yourself or for a loved one!
Ultimate Healthy Living Gift Guide
The Gift Of Chemical-Free Sleep
Why our bed tends to be the lowest on the rung of things we make investments on is beyond me. We spend 1/3 of our life in bed. Most beds are loaded with chemicals and most of us aren’t sleeping well. Could the bed make all the difference?
What if instead of buying each other a bunch of little things, you instead invest in the gift of a new bed? Something you will enjoy for optimally eight hours a night for the next 20 years.
I have long been a fan of Sunshine Mattress Co. They sell organic latex mattresses, foundations and accessories and they’ve done the work for you. There is no mattress company with the standards and knowledge that they have.
Use coupon code MEGHAN5 for 5% off mattresses and MEGHAN10 for 10% off accessories at Sunshine Mattress Co. If you’re in the GTA and want to head to the store to try a bed in person, drop my name for 5% off.
Did you know that I am a huge fan of essential oils for travel, beauty care products and home cleaning? I have a 4-Perfume Pack from Living Libations and it is the best thing ever. I now keep it in my purse and carry it with me. It’s a sweet way to try out a few different scents, and since natural oils don’t have the toxic pervasiveness of chemical-based perfumes, and because the natural aromas work in harmony, you could even wear one scent during the day and switch it to a different scent in the evening. This company is based in Haliburton, Ontario and carefully sources the purest oils from around the globe.
After the birth of my son, I found it hard to get back into a fitness routine that I could realistically maintain. That is, until I found Obé Fitness. There are very few things I’ve experienced in my life that I would call life-changing, but this habit that is new in my life absolutely has been. These workouts are on-demand, short, full of variety and are utterly FUN. Most important for me, however, is the mental and emotional shift I am feeling. I feel stronger, and more resilient mentally.
This is one of those gifts you may have to be mindful of – you don’t want someone to take it the wrong way 😉 But I recommend making it a group thing and gift it to yourself and a friend and make it happen together!
In addition to the quality ingredients, I also appreciate the thoughtfulness towards low and zero plastic packaging.
Their teas along with the growing line of products makes this both a brand to love now and to keep an eye on as they grow and expand their product line.
You can use the code ‘MEGHAN’ at checkout to save 10% on your purchase.
This tallow-based moisturizer is basically a miracle worker. I use it on any dry patches on my knees, elbows and feet. It’s anti-inflammatory and the tallow is made from organic, grass-fed, pasture and humanely raised animals. It won’t clog your pores, either.
I am obsessed with this cream: How it feels, how it smells and the founder is just delightful!
Pact is my go-to for organic cotton clothing, and I especially love their leggings (plastic free ones are really hard to find) and underwear, but they also make organic bedding and towels (which do make for a nice gift too).
What I love most about Pact is that their goods are certified Fair Trade, made with organic cotton because we really need to stop with the idea that sweating in plastic fitness clothes is okay (especially the ones that are all up in our business). Let’s be honest, plastic is plastic, whether it has a fancy name and trademark or is greenwashed as ecological because it’s recycled.
Organic cotton just feeeeeeeels good.
If you’ve never tried Pact before, you can use code ‘MEGHANT15’ at checkout to save 15% on full-price apparel.
I have a pair of blue light filtering glasses from Swanwick, but there are a lot of non-prescription and prescription options out there, so in my opinion they would be a good gift for those in your life who spend a lot of time in front of devices.
But of course I am going to blatantly plug my own book as a most awesome gift in my Healthy Living Gift Guide. The UnDiet Cookbook is where playtime comes in with 130 beautiful gluten-free and dairy-free recipes, gorgeous photos, entertaining and travel tips, a whole chapter of beauty care recipes and of course, practices to help you live a healthy and awesome life. It’s available online from all major book sellers and in most major book stores.
This small business specializes in beeswax candles and incense, though it also offers a few extra goodies like crystals and necklaces.
What I adore about Carlyn’s products is her focus on using the candles for ritual and intention-setting. I invited Carlyn to present a candle-making and intention-setting for a ‘Crafternoon’ session with my team, and she was chock-full of brilliant ideas for how to use candles mindfully to manifest your dreams and goals.
I am a huge fan of elixirs – I make them almost daily in my high-speed blender. Yes, I am a little biased because Josh is my husband. But also, I’m certain I would love this product no matter who made it!
This blend is incredibly tasty, sugar-free, packed with adaptogens and superfoods, and so easy to blend and use. This works in hot and cold elixirs, smoothies, homemade chocolates, nut/seed butters, and is a fantastic alternative to coffee too.
One of the best investments that I made this year was in my Rouge Red Light Therapy. I use it daily to help regulate my circadian rhythm (hello sleep!), boost my immune system, and help get my hair and skin glowing.
It functions differently from a sauna for a few reasons, but generally a sauna is powerful by nature of it being a ‘stress’ on our body, where this feels like adding nourishment and relaxation. It offers a similar mood boosting feeling as you get from laying out under the warm sun, an extra bonus in the darker, colder months of the year.
Yes, Red Light Therapy is a significant investment, but it makes an excellent gift for yourself or for a special loved one.
Use the code ‘MEGHAN’ to save $50 on your purchase of $400 or more.
It’s not just an air purifier that helps keep your indoor air quality safe. It’s a medical-grade air purifier that delivers the highest level of performance for the most affordable price. I have this one and love it.
To complete this Healthy Living Gift Guide, this stainless steel cookware is absolutely beautiful, long-lasting and has a lifetime warranty. Using toxin-free cookware is important, as what we cook in (especially at high heat) comes in direct contact with our food. I am obsessed with the 360 slow cooker. No more fears about what’s coating those ceramic slow cookers leaching into the food!
As you know, I rarely share or promote companies unless I truly love them and since I am not much of a shopper, it’s rare that I discover amazing stuff before anyone else. That being said, I might have a few special trinkets up my sleeve that you may not be familiar with or have yet to discover how awesome they are. This is my Ultimate Healthy Living Gift Guide!
When I shop for myself or presents for others, I always want to feel great about my purchases. I love supporting local or small businesses (I am an Etsy junkie!) and companies with ethical give-back programs. Also, if there’s a crystal on it, I will love it.
Of course, I am also a huge advocate for skipping the holiday shopping altogether and giving other things.
My Favourite Kind Of Gift Giving: Experiences
???? Eat In Together: Prepare a beautiful meal to share with the special people in your life.
???? Make It Yummy: Prepare a delicious edible gift.
???? Get Creative: Use your own unique talent to create something – maybe a poem, a song, a love letter, some natural beauty care products, a painting, or a self-choreographed dance.
???? Do Something: Give an activity you can do together – a trip to a museum or gallery, a dance class, a dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, a movie, a couples massage, a holiday!
???? Do Unto Others As They Won’t Likely Do For Themselves: Give something they need but would never buy themselves – a high speed blender (here’s theUS link to the one I love), a massage, or an extra cozy pair of new slippers (why do we always wear our slippers until they’re barely holding together?!).
⏰ Your Time: In this epidemically busy world we now live in, time could be the very best gift of all. Give yourself over to someone you love, someone you haven’t seen in ages, someone you want to get to know more, and be together. Go for a long walk, make dinner together, or for those with children, offer to babysit!! That is the best gift of all.
The Gifts That Give
Gifts that give back are at the top of my Healthy Living Gift Guide and for good reason! I have seven nieces and nephews and I found it challenging watching kids who have everything unwrap a ton of plastic garbage toys that were undoubtedly stashed away in a closet or broken within a month. So I voted to give each child one gift card to get something special, and to make a family donation to a cause that the kids could all choose together.
Given that we live in a very abundant culture, I am a big fan of the gifts that serve a greater purpose and can honour the ones you love by helping those who have less:
Adopt a family and provide gifts for a family in need in your local community.
Create a lending team with Kiva and give in honour of your family.
All of these organizations are set up to allow you to donate as a gift in honour of someone you love.
Of course, sometimes, we just want to give something tangible and thoughtfully chosen for the people we love. There is joy to giving presents and it’s good for our health too.
Below is a list of gift ideas that I’d love. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration here for yourself or for a loved one!
Ultimate Healthy Living Gift Guide
The Gift Of Chemical-Free Sleep
Why our bed tends to be the lowest on the rung of things we make investments on is beyond me. We spend 1/3 of our life in bed. Most beds are loaded with chemicals and most of us aren’t sleeping well. Could the bed make all the difference?
What if instead of buying each other a bunch of little things, you instead invest in the gift of a new bed? Something you will enjoy for optimally eight hours a night for the next 20 years.
I have long been a fan of Sunshine Mattress Co. They sell organic latex mattresses, foundations and accessories and they’ve done the work for you. There is no mattress company with the standards and knowledge that they have.
Use coupon code MEGHAN5 for 5% off mattresses and MEGHAN10 for 10% off accessories at Sunshine Mattress Co. If you’re in the GTA and want to head to the store to try a bed in person, drop my name for 5% off.
Did you know that I am a huge fan of essential oils for travel, beauty care products and home cleaning? I have a 4-Perfume Pack from Living Libations and it is the best thing ever. I now keep it in my purse and carry it with me. It’s a sweet way to try out a few different scents, and since natural oils don’t have the toxic pervasiveness of chemical-based perfumes, and because the natural aromas work in harmony, you could even wear one scent during the day and switch it to a different scent in the evening. This company is based in Haliburton, Ontario and carefully sources the purest oils from around the globe.
After the birth of my son, I found it hard to get back into a fitness routine that I could realistically maintain. That is, until I found Obé Fitness. There are very few things I’ve experienced in my life that I would call life-changing, but this habit that is new in my life absolutely has been. These workouts are on-demand, short, full of variety and are utterly FUN. Most important for me, however, is the mental and emotional shift I am feeling. I feel stronger, and more resilient mentally.
This is one of those gifts you may have to be mindful of – you don’t want someone to take it the wrong way 😉 But I recommend making it a group thing and gift it to yourself and a friend and make it happen together!
In addition to the quality ingredients, I also appreciate the thoughtfulness towards low and zero plastic packaging.
Their teas along with the growing line of products makes this both a brand to love now and to keep an eye on as they grow and expand their product line.
You can use the code ‘MEGHAN’ at checkout to save 10% on your purchase.
This tallow-based moisturizer is basically a miracle worker. I use it on any dry patches on my knees, elbows and feet. It’s anti-inflammatory and the tallow is made from organic, grass-fed, pasture and humanely raised animals. It won’t clog your pores, either.
I am obsessed with this cream: How it feels, how it smells and the founder is just delightful!
Pact is my go-to for organic cotton clothing, and I especially love their leggings (plastic free ones are really hard to find) and underwear, but they also make organic bedding and towels (which do make for a nice gift too).
What I love most about Pact is that their goods are certified Fair Trade, made with organic cotton because we really need to stop with the idea that sweating in plastic fitness clothes is okay (especially the ones that are all up in our business). Let’s be honest, plastic is plastic, whether it has a fancy name and trademark or is greenwashed as ecological because it’s recycled.
Organic cotton just feeeeeeeels good.
If you’ve never tried Pact before, you can use code ‘MEGHANT15’ at checkout to save 15% on full-price apparel.
I have a pair of blue light filtering glasses from Swanwick, but there are a lot of non-prescription and prescription options out there, so in my opinion they would be a good gift for those in your life who spend a lot of time in front of devices.
But of course I am going to blatantly plug my own book as a most awesome gift in my Healthy Living Gift Guide. The UnDiet Cookbook is where playtime comes in with 130 beautiful gluten-free and dairy-free recipes, gorgeous photos, entertaining and travel tips, a whole chapter of beauty care recipes and of course, practices to help you live a healthy and awesome life. It’s available online from all major book sellers and in most major book stores.
This small business specializes in beeswax candles and incense, though it also offers a few extra goodies like crystals and necklaces.
What I adore about Carlyn’s products is her focus on using the candles for ritual and intention-setting. I invited Carlyn to present a candle-making and intention-setting for a ‘Crafternoon’ session with my team, and she was chock-full of brilliant ideas for how to use candles mindfully to manifest your dreams and goals.
I am a huge fan of elixirs – I make them almost daily in my high-speed blender. Yes, I am a little biased because Josh is my husband. But also, I’m certain I would love this product no matter who made it!
This blend is incredibly tasty, sugar-free, packed with adaptogens and superfoods, and so easy to blend and use. This works in hot and cold elixirs, smoothies, homemade chocolates, nut/seed butters, and is a fantastic alternative to coffee too.
One of the best investments that I made this year was in my Rouge Red Light Therapy. I use it daily to help regulate my circadian rhythm (hello sleep!), boost my immune system, and help get my hair and skin glowing.
It functions differently from a sauna for a few reasons, but generally a sauna is powerful by nature of it being a ‘stress’ on our body, where this feels like adding nourishment and relaxation. It offers a similar mood boosting feeling as you get from laying out under the warm sun, an extra bonus in the darker, colder months of the year.
Yes, Red Light Therapy is a significant investment, but it makes an excellent gift for yourself or for a special loved one.
Use the code ‘MEGHAN’ to save $50 on your purchase of $400 or more.
It’s not just an air purifier that helps keep your indoor air quality safe. It’s a medical-grade air purifier that delivers the highest level of performance for the most affordable price. I have this one and love it.
To complete this Healthy Living Gift Guide, this stainless steel cookware is absolutely beautiful, long-lasting and has a lifetime warranty. Using toxin-free cookware is important, as what we cook in (especially at high heat) comes in direct contact with our food. I am obsessed with the 360 slow cooker. No more fears about what’s coating those ceramic slow cookers leaching into the food!
Not to be dramatic, but for fashion people, the holidays are basically our form of the Super Bowl. Hear us out: it’s the season of shopping. All of those bi-annual sales? We’re ready to make a run through those aisles. All of the forthcoming trends for the new year? We’ve already pre-grieved what we’re parting with to make room for what’s to come in our closets. And, of course, there are the holidays themselves, for which we want to find the best presents for our loved ones. In short, it’s shopping season, baby!
And while many might derive joy from this time of year, that doesn’t mean everyone does. Finding holiday gifts has its fair share of challenges—especially when shopping for a boyfriend. Finding the perfect present for a friend or family member? Easy. But your lover? It’s a whole different story. Whether you’ve been together for a few months or a long time, finding something that feels special enough for your special person can be stressful. Sure, you could get them socks, but do you really want to? Probably not. No one wants to gift their loved one something cliché, but it can be challenging to find gifts for men that are actually chic.
Luckily for you, we live to make shopping so much more enjoyable. We’ve rounded up the 36 best gifts for boyfriends at every price point. No matter their style or hobbies, there is undoubtedly something that will surprise and delight them to be found ahead.
I’m someone who takes gift buying very seriously. I always want to give people useful, thoughtful gifts, and some of my favorite gifts to give are those that I’ve tried myself. It makes me feel great to see the happy look on the recipient’s face and to tell them that the gift is something I too own and love. As you know, we’re getting down to the wire with gift shopping now that it’s almost mid-December, so I’m here to provide a little expertise.
I compiled some of my favorite items I use in my everyday life that I think would make excellent gifts during the holidays and any other occasion throughout the year. And there are options for a variety of budgets, so be sure to scroll all the way through. The clock is ticking, so let’s get to it. Read on for 29 gift ideas I can vouch for.
Confession time: I am one of those people… You know, a bag lady. Despite pleas from loved ones, I can’t stop buying more handbags. In fact, I could consider it a full-fledged hobby at this point because I’m constantly searching for rising brands, secondhand gems, and new trends. It may be annoying to some, but true fashion insiders know that this accessory is one of the best investments you can make.
Not only can a handbag make or break an outfit, but designer accessories can also retain and gain value over time. Unsurprisingly, then, there’s no better gift idea than giving them a handbag. But if you are shopping for someone who’s a self-professed bag person (like me), you can’t give them any old purse. You’ll want to give them a bag that can retain value and become a pivotal part of their wardrobe.
In that vein, I did the research to identify 37 purses that will retain value and remain stylish well into 2024. Keep scrolling to see the best handbag gift ideas at every price point.
For as long as I’ve been with my husband, there’s been the debate: Who is more fashionable? And while I’d like to say, as someone who works in fashion, that it’s me, he really knows his stuff when it comes to men’s style. He’s an avid NBA tunnel ‘fits observer, a quiet luxury aficionado (before it was a thing), a streetwear connoisseur, and a little bit of an Adam Sandler follower. (It’s called balance.) You can find him in anything from a shirt by fashion-crowd-beloved brand John Elliott to a niche hoodie by an up-and-coming designer. While he used to be hard to shop for, having been with him for almost six years, I’ve gotten pretty good at finding holiday gifts that suit his picky taste. Curious to see what I mean? Keep scrolling. And if your S/O is “throwing ‘fits,” as the infamous podcast would say, they might like these picks, too.
If you have a gardener on your holiday gift list you are a lucky person indeed. Not only do you probably share an interest, you also have an excellent starting point to give them a gift they will absolutely love. And then there’s the benefit of being able to do a little shopping for yourself at the same time.
This guide is an eclectic list of fun, beautiful and functional gifts that is sure to please your favorite gardener. If you’re looking for a really classic gift idea, check out my most tried and true tool recommendations gift guide.
This gift guide is not sponsored, but in the interest of transparency, items from companies I’ve partnered with in the past are marked with an asterisk. Some links are affiliate links, which means The Impatient Gardener may receive a commission if you purchase through them. Thank you for supporting The Impatient Gardener.
TOOLS AT THE READY
When I was at Chanticleer Garden in Pennsylvania in September a lovely young woman walked up to me and introduced herself. She was working at the amazingly inspirational garden as an intern (and that is a great, hard-to-land gig, by the way). Well it turns out that she also happens to sell a fabulous leather tool belt. With several nice “pockets” for pruners, knives, a phone and other in-the-garden necessities, it also has a wide nylon waist strap, which I find to be more comfortable than a leather one. And you can’t beat the price.
I can’t think of a piece of garden gear I’ve tried in the last five years that has revolutionized my gardening experience the way the Hoselink hose reel has. I was fully anti-hose reel for many years and resisted trying it. And when I did, I immediately bought reels for every spigot. Aut0-retracting, articulating and with a variety of mounting options, the Hoselink really is as good as you hope it will be.
Peter Jackson, the potter behind the Wakefield Handmade brand, creates gorgeous collector-worthy pots, that make beautiful gifts on their own or along with a little something to grow in them. He typically sells via pre-orders, but check the website for in-stock studio items. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, as is typical will something made with love. I’ve given these on multiple occasions to very happy recipients and it’s a joy to see them in use year after year.
By the holidays, lot of gardeners and would-be gardeners are chomping at the bit to start growing. But it’s too early to start almost anything for the next gardening season. Enter microgreens, which are fun and easy to grow, satisfy the gardening itch and quite popular with a wide range of recipients. (What I’m trying to say here is that you can buy these for your grandmother or your nephew, and they will both love them). I love this set from Park Seed which is the whole package—seeds, soil and the perfect tray—so your recipient can plant and get growing before the wrapping paper is cleaned up.
I’ve been recommending (and giving) Caste Glass’s hand-blown glass birds as a gifts for several years because I think they fill a hole in the “impossible to buy for” category of recipients. Garden art is very specific and should be approached cautiously. But these abstract birds are small enough to be tucked in to a special spot in the garden and manage to fit into any aesthetic. Each is unique, just like the person you’ll buy it for.
If you’re thinking traditional with a twist, an unusual amaryllis is the ticket. Instead of the typical big, red blooms, how about a Royal Dream Harlequin, a beautiful creamy double flower with a dark pink to red picotee edge, all planted and ready to go.
Fatshedera ‘Angyo Star’ rising above a shady container this summer.
Oh sure, we all know about some of the classic holiday plants, but what about giving a plant that’s a little bit more special? Fatshedera ‘Angyo Star’ (a cross between English ivy and Fatsia) from Southern Living Plant Collection is one of those plants that everyone asks about. I know this because I grew it in a container outside this winter and I’m pretty sure almost everyone who came to my house asked about it. That same plant is now inside, doing quite well as a houseplant. Reaching 5-6’ high by 4-5’ wide when mature, it’s shade tolerant and thrives outdoors year-round in Zones 7a-9b. Imagine all the oohs and ahs when someone opens up a stealthily wrapped ‘Angyo Star’.
A big, beautiful, high-quality pot is one of those things that a lucky recipient will have forever. They are classic and classy, and just about every gardener can use one. Seibert and Rice makes stunning, frostproof, Italian terracotta pots that will be used for decades to come. If you’re struggling to choose a style, I think you can’t go wrong with any of the rolled rim designs.
With the advent of the easy-to-assemble raised bed kit, you actually can give a garden as a gift. I’m partial to the round Corten steel variety (like I installed for my mom a couple years ago, and she loves it), but the Epic Gardening shop has a wide range of styles and colors of metal raised beds that come in a wrappable box.
After awhile, a lot of gardening stuff starts to look the same, so when something different comes along, it’s not only tantalizing (in the “try not to buy it for yourself” vein) but also a pretty good bet that even a longtime gardener won’t have something like it yet. These very classy willow cloches (honestly, I’d call it more of a mini obelisk) fall under that category.
I love a good combo gift. The next gift ideas are ones I envision being mixed and matched, but of course they all work on their own as well.
A GORGEOUS SEED BOX
I will admit my love of all things Sneeboer, but that’s because they are just that good. And this simple seed box—a collaboration with the great New York garden shop Gardener—is up to Sneeboer snuff. The box is made from light wood, but the heavy clasp has the most satisfying click. It’s the little things right? Fill this with your favorite seeds and this is a total winner of a gift.
This blog started with my struggles with water wands and I’ve been trying just about every one on the market since then. And I’m happy to report that I now have two I quite like. The first is Dramm’s Professional Watering Wand in the 36-inch length, which you think you don’t need but you do. It works better for me with the 170 water breaker (that’s the smaller one that provides better flow, in my opinion). Thumb “volume” control is where it’s at.
The other is Hoselink’s water wand. This one is a bit thicker and has a fixed head that puts out a nice, soft flow. It has a bend to it that is odd at first and then suddenly seems very natural and practical. It comes with the Hoselink quick connect fitting attached and I recommend this one if you don’t want a longer length wand and you use the Hoselink Hose Reel.
OK, so the color of twine isn’t that important, but I do love black twine, which disappears in the garden when used for propping up gravity-afflicted plants. Nutscene Tin o’ Twine also has nice packaging, which is how garden twine can become a gift. I like that it lasts all season but can go in the compost to break down.
If your recipient is all about practical, then it’s time to dispense with fancy and go fully functional. And that’s where this photo storage-turned seed storage system comes in. I’ve been using these (I have two) for years and they are the best for sheer practicality.
Niwaki’s Crean Mate is a little block of magic. I’ve been told it’s a pumice stone, but it seems more magical than that. A Crean Mate and a little water cleans rust, sap and whatever the goo that ends up on pruners and other blades is. The Crean Mate is the first step in cleaning or sharpening my tools and I’d be lost without it. In fact, I just bought three more to stick in drawers all over the place. There is a regular size and the new mini, which I prefer because it’s easier to get into nooks and crannies.
Gloves are one of those things I prefer to buy inexpensively. I lose them (only one of each pair, of course) far too often to spend a lot of money on them, and I’m not alone (all of our right-handed gloves are having a heck of a party somewhere). I like gloves that are thin but protective. These also have touch screen sensitive fingers so I can look up a weed on my phone without taking off my gloves.
Touch Screen Gardening Gloves, $12 for two pairs (I wear a size smaller in these gloves than I do in Atlas Nitrile Gloves)
HANDY CLIPS
Every year I find more use for these clips in the garden, and they are a lot quicker than any other method that I’m aware of.
Tub trugs should comes as standard issue with every garden because there are about a billion uses for them, from collecting weeds, to moving plants, washing vegetables and so much more. Fun colors help.
A garden journal makes an excellent gift for a gardener who is just starting to get serious, and Linda Vater’s beautiful take on it, offers the opportunity for a five-year record of the beautiful spaces a gardener is setting out to create.
If you’re looking to give a book that’s loaded with enough inspiration to get any gardener through winter, Claus Dalby’s new book on cottage gardens is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to achieve the look. Full of gorgeous photos and information to help achieve the look, this is a book that will certainly bring a great deal of joy.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Before online DTC brands were a thing, did you ever think you’d buy groceries and pantry staples anywhere other than your local supermarket? Probably not, but brands like Fly By Jing make us happy that the food shopping scene has changed so much. Instead of hitting up the same grocery stores and only having access to a select few hot sauces and condiments, you can head directly to Fly By Jing’s site and discover new favorites that’ll elevate just about any meal, from stir fried noodles and veggies to eggs, ice cream, and more. Our own editors are huge fans of the brand’s jarred sauces, especially the fan-favorite Sichuan Chili Crisp. You can imagine, then, how excited we were to learn that FBJ is hosting a holiday sale on all of their gift sets!
Now through December 20, you can save up to 40 percent on condiment trios, their best-selling hot pot starter set, and other highly coveted bundles. Although they’d all make wonderful gifts, we’re sure you’ll want to purchase a sauce trio or two for your own condiment cabinet. Stock up now, before the deals end!
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Nobody likes going to the office on a cold day, but it becomes a lot more bearable when you have the right protective gear. Whether you’re marking off a holiday shopping list for co-workers or fellow working professionals, it’s worth considering what winter jacket options might best work. For example, you could get this Gamma Graphene-Infused Heated Jacket + Heated Power Bank Bundle on sale for just $179.97 (reg. $575) through December 17 only. It’s important to note that on-time holiday delivery cannot be guaranteed for this product.
Designed with graphene-infused materials, this jacket is supposed to keep whoever is wearing it warm in even the most challenging conditions. It works with a smart heating system that uses power from a connected power bank to distribute heat evenly throughout the upper body. It offers uniform heat distribution and a smart thermoregulation system that, while warming the person wearing it in the winter, can also cool them in the summer.
This jacket is water- and wind-resistant as well as machine washable and hypoallergenic, which lends itself to a wide variety of uses and needs. It also comes with a Heta Hand Warming Power Bank, so powering it will be no problem. With three adjustable heat settings, the power bank doubles as a hand warmer, offering even more comfort on the chilliest winter days.
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Got a few Swifties on your shopping list? Look no further than our ultimate gift guide for Taylor Swift fans. We all have that one friend who takes their adoration for Swift to a whole new level — they’re the first to spot her famous music video Easter eggs, always have a dedicated countdown for every album release, and just can’t seem to shake off the Swiftie love. Although bringing them face to face with Swift herself would be the ideal gift for any true superfan, that’s not exactly achievable, so we uncovered some fun Taylor Swift gifts they’ll cherish for a long time — even if they couldn’t snag tickets to the Eras Tour.
From collectible vinyl CDs and prints they can display as wall art to cozy sweatshirts and candles perfect for calming nights at home, these Taylor Swift gift ideas do not disappoint. We even included a few out-of-the-ordinary options like a puzzle inspired by “King of My Heart” and a few jewelry and clothing pieces so they can replicate Swift’s iconic style. Whether they’re embracing their “Reputation” era, feeling those intense “Midnights” emotions, or are all about the “Folklore” and “Evermore” vibes, there’s a gift for every type of fan. Keep reading to shop our picks for the best gifts for Taylor Swift fans with products from Amazon, Etsy, and more retailers ahead.
— Additional reporting by Amanda Prahl, Lauren Harano, and Kyley Warren
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
If your friend group or family (or both!) like to spice up gift-giving during the holidays, you might be on the hunt for white elephant gifts. We’ll always be the first to tell you that you should head straight to Amazon. You’ll find endless options—from practical ideas to straight-up silly ones—along with faster shipping options in case you procrastinated big time and need a quick fix.
In our eyes, there are three main white elephant gift categories: useful, coveted, and funny. You could go the practical route by wrapping up a streaming stick or smartwatch that’ll serve them a purpose for years to come. Alternatively, maybe you want to get a present that comes from a popular brand or went viral on TikTok. JBL headphones and the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer are prime examples of this group. And last but not least, gifts that’ll garner cheeky smiles and belly laughs. The Bob Ross Chia Pet, giant baguette pillow, and anything with a pop culture reference are sure to put everyone in a good mood.
Regardless of your approach to picking the perfect white elephant gift, we know this game usually follows a budget, which is why we divided this list into different price points. Whether your group’s budget is $10, $25, or $50, we’ve got you covered. So keep reading for the best Amazon white elephant gifts you can bring to the party.
Amazon White Elephant Gifts Under $10
Mattel Games.
I have my own The Office UNO deck and don’t think I can ever part ways with it. A classic deck is cool, but you’ll have so much more fun seeing Michael and Dwight’s faces every time you have to pick a card to play. Plus, there’s a Kevin’s Famous Chili rule twist to the game.
StationaryGiftStore.StationaryGiftStore.
The friend who will never lose hope for the Taylor Swift and Harry Styles ship will get a laugh out of this bumper sticker.
Burt’s Bees.
The Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream, Hand Salve, Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Coconut Foot Cream, and Beeswax Lip Balm all for just $10? This Burt’s Bees gift set is such a steal.
Courtesy of Lotteli Kitchen.
For that one person who throws literally everything into their air fryer, get them these handy cheat sheets that tell them exactly how long to cook their food.
Amazon White Elephant Gifts Under $25
Image: Courtesy of ChopSabers.
The Star Wars mega fan on your list will get a kick out of these lightsaber chopsticks that actually light up.
DASH.
Just wait until they get their hands on this mini waffle maker from DASH. They’ll be making waffles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Photo: Mr. Coffee.
We couldn’t think of a better gift than a mug warmer, because who doesn’t like warm hot cocoa, coffee, and tea on demand?
AERLANG.
Know a gym rat who’s constantly training and sore? Instead of splurging on a Theragun, try this AERLANG Massage Gun
.
JBL.
Yes, yes JBL does have headphones for under $50, and I, too, am shocked. They’re already normally under $50, but you can cop them for half-off right now
.
Everyone’s least favorite part of making dinner is mincing garlic. Save them from sticky, smelly garlic fingers with this super convenient and quick garlic chopper.
Square Enix.
The Marvel fan and gamer on your list will be so happy to unwrap this Guardians of the Galaxy Xbox game. One Amazon shopper wrote, “Great game! Excellent story and progression. Innovative and fun,” while another said, “Believe the hype.”
Carhartt.
Who knew you could get a Carhartt beanie for under $20 on Amazon? I sure didn’t. Browse through the 36 (!!) color options and pick out hats for all of your loved ones.
Chia Pet.
You never know who might really enjoy a Bob Ross chia pet
. I, for one, think this gift is hilarious (and a little nostalgic).
Amazon.
Bet you never thought you could find a streaming device for under $20. Well, now you can thanks to the Amazon Fire TV Stick that lets you watch movies, listen to music, tune into sports games, and more.
Vlando.
Help them store their precious jewelry pieces with this leather organizer. With it, they can say goodbye to knotted-up necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Photo: Amazon.
The friend who’s always concocting a new drink will love flipping through the pages of this cocktail book. It shares over 100 recipes, so it’ll keep them busy and sipping for a while.
Miady.
For the giftee who’s always low on battery, it’s time to slip these handy portable chargers
into their stocking.
Kalinco.
If an Apple Watch is way out of your budget, this Kalinco smartwatch
can monitor your heart rate, blood, pressure, sleep, blood oxygen, and so much more.
Cambridge Soundworks.
The tech guru on your shopping list will love this portable Bluetooth speaker from OontZ
. It’s super compact, making it the perfect gift for those who are short on space or are always on the move.
They might never have to touch their oven again once you gift them this air fryer from DASH. It’ll be incredibly convenient for cooking all of their favorite treats. It’s currently on sale for 17 percent off, so hurry and add this handy kitchen appliance to your cart, stat.
Wild Bobby.
Any Michael Scott fan will have a good laugh over this ugly Christmas sweatshirt
. If it were me, I’d fight like Dwight and Jim for this white elephant gift.
Courtesy of K18.
This leave-in hair mask
is a cult favorite among TikTokers, celebs, and editors, and they all tout it as an Olaplex alternative. Shop it now for the sweet, sweet price of $29.
Photo: Illume.
Candles are go-to holiday gifts, but give them one that stands out among the crowd. This one is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it great for holiday décor and for filling the room with the smell of festive goodness.
Photo: The Happy Planner.
With 2022 on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to gift a planner to your most organized friend. They’ll love this 12-month planner’s aesthetically pleasing design and empowering messages.
Give them the gift of efficiency and quality binge-watching time with the Roku Express Streaming Stick. They can pull up Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, and more. Better yet, this streaming stick has a 17 percent discount as we speak.
Photo: Amazon.
Bet you didn’t think you could ever gift a tablet for under $50, right? Well, you can and you most certainly should.
I take shopping for gifts seriously. I mean as a shopping editor, I kind of have to. But finding great gifts is my forte, especially for my family and friends. I like to give gifts that are personal, something that when the gift wrapping has been torn it immeditaly sparks a look of joy and excitement in the eyes of whomever is receiving the gift. Now that is no small feat, so off to Shopbop and Nordstrom I go.
I wanted to find cozy gifts from Barefoot dreams and Ugg to gift my mom and grandmother, beauty finds from Dior and Charlotte Tilbury for my sisters, home decor gifts for friends, a Malin + Gotez candle for my dad’s office and so much more. Of course Shopbop and Nordstrom had everything I was looking for plus extra’s like discounted Prada sunglasses and the coziest fleece jacket from Sweaty Betty that I’ve ever seen.
Keep scrolling for all of these and more great gifting ideas from Shopbop and Nordstrom.
For the friend who loves dining out (but not the prices)
Dining out is getting more expensive, including tip-flation. Treat a friend to home-delivered meal kits—they can choose fast, delicious meals from a weekly menu (and learn a few cooking skills, too). HelloFresh, for example, delivers to 95% of Canada. According to its website, $75 feeds two people with three meals a week, which is on par with or below the average weekly grocery bill in Toronto nowadays, in my experience. Gift card denominations are $75, $90, $125 and $160. —Margaret Montgomery HelloFresh gift card, $75 to $160
For the home chef
The Always Pan 2.0 boasts 10 functions, from steaming to baking or frying. The pan is made sustainably with 100% recycled aluminum. The 2.0 is a new and improved model since the original launch, which took social media by storm—it’s now oven-safe and non-stick, too. This frying pan will save the home chef on your list plenty of cooking (and washing) time. Plus, we know it’s getting more expensive to eat out, so this gift is perfect for those who want to cook more. Available in three sizes and 11 colours. —M.M. Our Place Always Pan 2.0, standard size, $200 (currently on sale at $139)
For the commuter or outdoor athlete who wants to stay warm
Staying warm in the cold isn’t always about the expensive parka. Enter the merino wool base layer. It’s not just warm but cozy, too. Thankfully, Canada isn’t short of great sportswear brands. Here are a few pieces that will keep Jack Frost from nipping at your gift recipient’s nose—or any other body part. —Lisa Hannam Kathmandu crewnecks, $110 for men and women; Smartwool base layer bottoms, $140 for men and $150 for women
For the lifelong learner or a friend who’s upskilling
A few years ago, I got a MasterClass membership for my birthday, and it’s one of the best presents I’ve ever received. Give someone special the gift of knowledge, imparted by an entertaining all-star roster of instructors including Annie Leibovitz, Helen Mirren, Yotam Ottolenghi, Martin Scorsese, Serena Williams, Alicia Keys, Chris Hadfield, Garry Kasparov and many more. MasterClass offers 185 video courses, and until Dec. 12, you can buy one membership, get one free. —Jaclyn Law MasterClass membership, from USD$13 per month (billed annually)
For your newly self-employed friends
In the past few years, thousands of Canadians have started a company or side hustle. Give the entrepreneurs and freelancers in your life a copy of Going Solo: Everything You Need to Start Your Business and Succeed as Your Own Boss (Sutherland House, 2023). Written by long-time freelancers Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau, this savvy guide covers business plans, marketing, pricing, negotiating, contracts, incorporation, taxes, work-life balance and much more. —J.L. Going Solo (Canadian Edition), paperback $29.95, e-book $9.99
For your book club buddies
Get the avid readers on your list a veritable buffet of books with an e-book and/or audiobook subscription. Prices start at $10 to $15 per month, depending on the platform—a small price to pay for not getting stuck on the library waitlist again. —J.L. Reading subscriptions (fees are monthly): Kobo Plus, $9.99 for audio- or e-books, $12.99 for both; Audible, $14.95 for select audiobooks and one purchase credit; and Everand, $12.99 for audio- and e-books.
For the person with a green thumb
Fresh herbs can turn a mediocre entree into a show-stopping meal. Yet many people hesitate to buy them at the grocery store. Buying fresh is often expensive, and you can easily end up with a bushel of parsley, coriander or mint when you only need a few sprigs. An easy-to-use indoor garden kit, like this one from SunBlaster, solves this culinary dilemma. Your gift recipient can grow their favourite herbs, plants and microgreens all year long, while also creating less waste and saving money on produce. —Justin Dallaire SunBlaster LED Indoor Micro Growlight Garden, $127
For the friend who still wears office clothes
Think of the frustration you feel when starting a load of laundry, only to realize one or two items must be dry-cleaned. Now, picture freeing your friends and loved ones from that stress with a super-affordable laundry hack. Mesh laundry bags allow water to permeate, cleaning the clothes inside while preventing them from rubbing up against other items in the wash. They can help preserve delicates, as well as clothes made of wool and silk—those typically labelled “dry clean only.” Fewer trips to the dry cleaner means fewer dollars spent cleaning clothes that can just as easily be handled at home. That’s a win-win. —J.D. type A Delicates Laundry Wash Bags, 3-piece setat Canadian Tire, $10
For the cost-conscious yogi
If someone you know and love is looking to move their expensive yoga practice from studio to home, then this set is for them. It contains all the good stuff: a bolster, two mini bolsters, an eye pillow, a blanket and two blocks. You could buy them all separately, but this locally made, handmade set is coordinated. All your gift recipient needs is a yoga app to access classes on demand—here are my favourites (fees are monthly): Apple Fitness+, $12.99; Peloton, $16.99; Movement by NM, $15; and Alo Moves, $21. —L.H. Love My Mat Deluxe Restorative Yoga Bundle, $373 (currently on sale at $349)
For the philanthropist
If you know someone who is passionate about making a difference, consider giving them a charitable gift with a tangible impact. Compassion Canada operates programs that are designed to tackle “multidimensional poverty” around the world. The Income Generation Fund helps equip families living in poverty with the skills, training and resources necessary to earn an income—so it’s really a gift that keeps on giving. Compassion Canada is recognized by Charity Intelligence, which created our lists of top impact charities in Canada. —M.M. Compassion Canada Income Generation Fund, $50, plus other options
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