We took a poll from the citizens about when and where they do their Christmas shopping. 46% said they already started, and 66% said they plan to do get their shopping done online. This got us to thinking about what our own shopping list will look like and how we can get more creative (and Canadian) with our gifting. Hopefully our list of online finds can inspire you in your efforts to find customizable, cozy, DIY, entertaining, and socially conscious gifts this year.
Customizable Gifts
Custom Stamps
Custom Stamps by Canada Post, $17 - $64
No one buys stamps until they desperately need them, which makes a custom stamp the perfect gift. Canada Post makes this easy: Just select a template, upload a good shot, and they'll deliver it within two weeks.
Personalized Candy
Personalized Candy by Papabubble
If you have any entrepreneurial friends who run their own business, transform their logo into a hard candy as a sweet gesture this Christmas.
Letter Hats
Letter Hats by Province of Canada, $56
Know any newlyweds? Gift them a hat with their shared initial. Looking for a creative way to announce your new baby's name? Gift the grandparents a hat with his or her initial. The opportunities are endless.
Cozy Gifts
Made in Canada Knit Blanket
Merino Wool Knit by Mulder and Company, $299 - $499
These oversized knits are carefully crafted in BC's Fraser Valley and make for a pretty special Christmas gift. Everything about them is Canadian: They're made into roving in Toronto, hand-dyed in Edmonton, and knit in Abbotsford/Chilliwack by artist Jenelle Cumiskey.
Made in Canada Candle
Soy Candle by Murphy & Jo, $32
A good candle can be both an easy and thoughtful gift. They're easy to find and even easier to wrap, but the warmth they bring personalizes them in a way that just feels like Christmas. We suggest checking out the made in Toronto candle selection at Murphy & Jo's.
Made in Canada Hoodie
The Weekend Hoodie by Province of Canada, $98
The Weekend Hoodie is the gift that your friends will rave about for years to come. The lightweight French Terry fabric and relaxed structure gives it the perfect worn-in feeling. You know, the kind of feeling that makes wearing it at 5pm on a Friday the favourite part of your week.
DIY Gifts
Barista Training
Barista Training at Pilot Coffee, $150
Have we mentioned that we're obsessed with Pilot's lattes? The only thing better than grabbing one every afternoon would be learning how to make one. This Pilot gift certificate is for beginner or experienced baristas, and includes a training manual and bag of coffee.
Glass Blowing
Glass Blowing Workshop at the Harbourfront Centre, $45
We tried this workshop last year prior to Christmas and gifted our hand-made ornament on Christmas Day. If you live in the Toronto area and your family is into doing experiential gifts, try this out.
Entertaining Gifts
The Arkells' Rally Cry Tour
Arkells Tickets, $43 - 347
Hamilton's own is going on an international tour. It's pretty cool to see the Arkells rise from headlining McMaster University's homecoming to headlining the largest stages across Canada. We're going to see them at the Scotia Bank Centre (Air Canada Centre?) on February 16, and we'll likely gift an extra ticket to a friend.
John Legend's A Legendary Christmas Tour
John Legend Tickets, $104 - 255
This one is more of an early Christmas gift for the extra nice kids on your list. John Legend is challenging Bing Crosby with a jazzy Christmas tour across the US and a quick stop in Toronto. Catch him if you can.
A Canadian City Food Tour
City Food Tour, $57
Get to know your city in a different way with a local food tour. This guided tour will take you to Canada's best culinary destinations. If you're up to a real challenge, plan out a food tour of your own.
Socially Conscious Gifts
Canadian Socks that Give Back
Cotton Socks by Province of Canada, $14-$16
Did you know that socks are the least donated clothing item in Canada? For every pair of socks sold, Province of Canada is donating a pair to a Canadian shelter. 'Buy one, give one' sounds like a real Canadian thing, if you ask us.
Canadian Shoeboxes that Give Back
A Stuffed Shoebox for The Shoebox Project, $50
Our friend Jessica Mulroney founded The Shoebox Project back in 2011. They collect and distribute luxury shoebox gifts to women impacted by homelessness across Canada and the US. We love their emphasis on encouraging women in need with thoughtful gift arrangements. Make your own shoebox.
Canadian Mattresses that Give Back
Made in Canada Mattress from Endy, $675
We were happy to hear that Endy, the Canadian-made mattress in a box company, partners with charities from coast to coast. Their donation project takes mattresses that are returned through their 100 day trial and distributes them to Canadian shelters and furniture banks. We choose to support them because they afford sleep to Canadians who really need it. That's a pretty beautiful Christmas gift, if you ask us.
