Hello Fran's Holiday Gift Guide Under $100
omw to get some gifts! Photo by Arden Wray
We’re here again: It’s gift giving season and I am all for it. If you believe in love languages, gifts is high on my love language list. This year the holidays are definitely different than years before. So many things I used to take for granted are not available, like hugging my friends and family, walking into a small business or eating at a restaurant. All of these things combined make me feel like this is the perfect opportunity to take special care of the ones we love, not just friends and family but neighborhood haunts and small shops too.
I think there is something inherently so special about giving a gift, it means you take the time to pay attention and think of someone you love. These things do not have to be expensive or time consuming to make someone feel like a million bucks. Here are some of my favorite gifting ideas no matter what your budget from $4-$100! I hope you enjoy and know that it’s the thought that counts, do what you can to let the people in your life know you love and appreciate them this time of year, I think we could all use a few more reminders these days.
Gifts Under $20
Holiday Cards by Allison and Cam from $4-$6
There is nothing nicer than receiving a handwritten note! I love these cheeky holiday cards and think they are the perfect accompaniment to this weird and wonderful holiday season. I would write a cute heartfelt note of one of these cards and deliver it to a friend with some homemade cookies or lasagna: a damn near perfect gift if you ask me.
A selection of spices from Tyger Tyger Shop from $8.99- $11.50
As someone who loves to cook, getting new and different spices is such a fun gift! It’s an opportunity to expand your culinary knowledge and try out new flavours at home. For bonus points, Tyger Tyger has a few printable, one-page recipe zines to add to your gift for a little extra something special.
Felted Ornaments from Modern Felt Shop set of 3 for $15
If you are going to be celebrating the holidays from a distance why not send a little something to your friends or family to add to their tree collection. I love the idea of having the same ornaments on each distanced holiday to celebrate together.
Cozy Merino Socks from Province of Canada $16
Socks are the gift that keeps on giving, nothing is worse in the winter than cold feet if you ask me. As someone who loves to be outdoors these merino socks are perfectly comfy, cozy and practical for anyone on your list this holiday season.
I love these bags and have amassed a pretty large collection of them. Luckily they are stylish, handy and reusable. I love the versatility of these little guys, that hold up to 30 lbs of groceries and fit, neatly folded into a pocket or purse! They come in the best prints and patterns so great for folks who love a bit of flair.
Province Apothecary Black Spruce and Balsam Fir Incense $16
These beautifully fragrant incense made with pure essential oils transport you to the forest almost immediately. These are a great gift to fill your home with rich and woodsy scents, like the best smelling christmas tree all winter long.
Cacao Mylk from Lake and Oak Tea $18
I love a loaded hot chocolate in the middle of winter, after a long walk or when it’s snowing outside and this blend is incredible. This functional hot cocoa is full of adaptogens like Chaga, Maca and raw Cacao powder.
Gifts From $20-$50
Amalusta Truth Balm in Pop $20
As someone who loves make up but is also easily intimidated by it, I love a multi product like these Truth Balm sticks. Great on the cheeks or the lips and packed with lots of extra hydrating ingredients like shea butter, mango butter papaya and pomegranate extracts to protect skin against free-radical damage, soothe irritation and keep dryness at bay. Fun and functional :)
Do It For Yourself Guided Journal $20
For those folks with big questions and their whole future ahead, why not get them this wonderfully designed guided journal. These 75 thought-provoking prompts created by creativity and productivity expert Kara Cutruzzula. Journaling is one of my favorite suggestions for helping to bring awareness and intuition back into your everyday life. This book is cute, colorful and offers lots of inspiration to kick start a new year.
Oro Di Sicilia Green Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil $21.99
A beautiful bottle of Sicillian Olive Oil is a thoughtful and elegant gift if you ask me. A bottle of wine can only be enjoyed one night, a bottle of nice olive oil however, can be enjoyed much longer. This finishing oil is LUXURY: great to drizzle on top of grilled bread or veggies, made into salad dressings or on just about anything. This particular bottle has a light and peppery flavour I love on radicchio or bitter greens. I picked mine up from Manita and I’m obsessed , when you pop by to pick up yours, make sure to get yourself one of their incredible breakfast sandwiches, you won’t regret it!
I’m obsessed with this entire line and the women who make it. Not only does this soap smell incredible (essential oils of yuzu, basil and cedar), 40% of the profits of the entire line are donated to women’s health organizations. They use 100% recycled bottles. Nontoxic, biodegradable and naturally fragranced, could you ask for anything more, especially when hand washing has become a full time job these days!
Lark Sparkling Water Subscription from $26.15 per month
I adore Lark water, not only do they have perfectly bright and bubbly sparkling water, they also have oat milk, spring water and gently flavoured options. I love a subscription and think this is a fun option for people who love to experiment with cocktails or who are looking for a more sustainable option to the cans of sparkling water available.
I found this candle brand at my favourite massage studio Eastwood Wellness and have been coveting them ever since. This indigenous owned brand has really lovely and interesting scents like Tobacco + Honey + Oakmoss or Sunflower and Ozone. With over 50 hours or burn time, these make a great gift for folks who want to get cozy this winter!
Michelle Ross Chloe Hammered Cuff $45
Michelle Ross makes beautiful jewelry that’s timeless, wearable and hard working. I love this classic cuff with a sweet twist detail. This bracelet looks great on it’s on own or stacked with other favourites.
Gifts from $50-$100
Sirius Glassworks Cobalt Tumbler $50
These glasses have now become a tradition for me each holiday season. I gift myself one each year at their holiday sale and now I have amassed a pretty cute collection of one of a kind glassware. I’m not sure about you but having a beautiful, sparkly object to drink from does improve my hydration game.
Artist Print by Leia Bryans $50
The universal theme of this year is stay home. So why not give gifts that lean into it and make home feel a bit new, fresh, different! I love these classically cool artist prints from Leia Bryans and think they would make a great addition to any home. Who doesn’t want something beautiful to look at while we’re all stuck inside.
Okay Shoe Okay Oracle Deck $50
Part poem, part prompt, part inspiration deck: can’t we all use a bit more of each! The Okay Oracle deck is a great gift for those trying to connect deeply and listen to their inner guidance. This deck of 60 cards is designed for intuitive mindfulness and intention setting. They come with easy to follow instructions and are great for any age, no prior tarot experience necessary.
5-pack Kundalini classes from Golden Chain $55
If this time of lock down has you craving movement, breathwork and community. Why not treat you and a friend to a few classes with Krista of Golden Chain! Her energy and early morning classes are addictive. Why not get freaky and try something new!
The Woodsman's Daughter Wooden Serving Board $65
This wooden serving board is so beautiful and great for an intimate cheese plate for 2 . There is something about a hand-carved piece of wood that feels so special and timeless. Take care of her properly and you will have a beautiful family heirloom one day. The handle also lends itself nicely to being artfully hung in the kitchen like the beautiful piece of art it is.
Corey Moranis Lucite Rod Bracelet $90
I love Corey’s bright and unfussy jewelry. My favorite pieces being these lucite rod bracelets in a kaleidoscope of colours! These are sturdy, unique and add the perfect je ne sais quoi to an outfit. If jewlery feels like too much of a commitment to gift someone, I suggest one of her incredible keychains, they are beautiful objects that catch the light so nicely and work well because you can’t forget a statement keychain like this!
Wool and The Gang Rushmore Scarf Kit $99
Is it just me or does everyone feel tempted to take up knitting as soon as it starts to snow? I remember knitting an uneven dishcloth one year but this scarf kit feels different! Warm, cozy, cute colours this fun diy gift is perfect for someone who wants to try their hand at being crafty without keeping track of a 1000 piece puzzle. The directions say this scarf should take just about 3 hours to make so it’s not super intimidating. With any luck, the recipient will have a brand new, handmade scarf before the new year.
Tap on the links to be sent directly to a small local business to purchase! For those of us in Toronto right now, we know the lockdown is affecting these incredible spaces so please do what you can to support these incredible folks this holiday season.