From zero-waste scrunchies to personalized jewellery, these stocking fillers will suit all budgets
Give Santa a helping hand this holiday season by picking up these thoughtful and quirky stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. And we won’t judge if you treat yourself at the same time.
Gifts under $20
1. Notebook Set by Fox & Fancy, $14
Fox & FancyIs there anything sweeter than popsicles and pies? Just this notebook set by Fox & Fancy. Other cute-as-can-be notebook duos from the Vancouver brand include pretzels and beers, erasers and rulers, and pens and pencils.
2. Dandelion Calendula Spa Bar by RavenSong, $10
RavenSongThe star ingredient of the Dandelion Calendula Spa Bar by RavenSong is dandelion. This abundant weed has long been prized by Indigenous peoples for its antioxidant and medicinal benefits, such as regenerating skin cells. Each bar is handcrafted in small batches in Campbell River.
3. Louis Pasture Pork Crisps from Primal Sisters, $6.99
Primal Sisters Anyone following a keto or paleo diet—or who just likes addictively salty, crunchy snacks—can’t resist Louis Pasture Pork Crisps from Primal Sisters. Handmade in small batches on Vancouver Island from ethically raised pork, these preservative-free crisps come in salt and vinegar, white cheddar, jalapeño, barbecue and other palate-pleasing flavours.
4. Prayer Candles from Make, $19.50
MakeDoes the smart aleck in your life need their own special prayer candle? Fortunately, Make has created one featuring B.C.’s sassy Ryan Reynolds. The Vancouver company has a whole line of original prayer candles featuring everyone from Hugh Jackman (shhhhh—don’t tell Ryan Reynolds) and David Rose from Schitt’s Creek (“Ew, David!”) to Rihanna and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
5. Zero-waste Scrunchie from Hernest Project, $15
Hernest ProjectThe spirit of the ’80s lives on in the Zero-waste Scrunchie from Quebec company Hernest Project. These soft and stylish scrunchies are easy on hair and on the planet—the fabric comes from leftover samples, customer returns, old prototypes and production fails, and the elastic inside is made from organic cotton and natural rubber.
6. Poutine boxers from Main and Local, $19.99
Main and LocalFor the person who adores Canada’s much-maligned national dish, poutine boxers from Main and Local are sure to satisfy. But the cheeky Canadian company is not responsible for any resulting food cravings.
7. The New York Times: All I Want for Christmas Is Crosswords, $17.50
The New York Times: All I Want for Christmas Is CrosswordsWhat’s a 14-letter word meaning “a person who loves crossword puzzles”? That would be a cruciverbalist. Your favourite word nerd will love a copy of The New York Times: All I Want for Christmas Is Crosswords, edited by acclaimed puzzle master Will Shortz.
Gifts under $60
8. Team Canada 22 Future Legacy Crossbody Bag from Lululemon, $38
LululemonSupport Olympic and Paralympic athletes with a Team Canada 22 Future Legacy Crossbody Bag from Vancouver brand Lululemon. This versatile little bag can be worn crossbody or on a belt, and 10 percent of sales go to the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada.
9. The Wild Unknown Pocket Tarot by Kim Krans, $21.99
The Wild Unknown Pocket Tarot by Kim KransPerfect for popping in a pocket or purse, The Wild Unknown Pocket Tarot is a brand new, miniature version of the wildly popular tarot deck and guidebook by artist and seeker Kim Krans. This travel deck contains 78 cards and an illustrated guide, all tucked inside a tiny tin.
10. Sewing Kits by Seluna, $45
SelunaHats off to Seluna, the Vancouver company behind the Venus Bucket Hat Sewing Kit and other kits that make sustainability look stylish. Each kit comes with all the fabric and thread needed to make a slow-fashion project, and waste is minimized by using deadstock fabric and trims from local stores. A link to a step-by-step video ensures that even newbies won’t get tangled up.
11. Tech Organizer from Herschel Supply Co., $49.99
Herschel Supply Co.Help someone conquer cable chaos with a Tech Organizer from Herschel Supply Co. Best known for their iconic backpacks, the beloved Vancouver brand has included lots of pockets and elastics in this compact pouch, to keep tech accessories organized.
12. Nilotica Shea Butter from Obakki, $49
ObakkiObakki’s Nilotica Shea Butter adds much-needed moisture to dry skin and hair. Wild-harvested from Northern Uganda, this all-natural, cold-pressed shea butter helps to provide a sustainable income for women entrepreneurs in Africa. Obakki is a Vancouver-based, purpose-driven lifestyle brand that creates sustainable partnerships with artisans around the world.
13. Toque from Ecologyst, $55
EcologystThis cute and cozy toque from Ecologyst is lightweight but warm, thanks to a blend of Merino wool and recycled cashmere. The Victoria brand focuses on reducing waste and building clothing that lasts.
14. Mantis 2 Waistpack from Arc’teryx, $40
Arc’teryxThe Mantis 2 Waistpack from Vancouver brand Arc’teryx is the perfect small size for individuals on the go, whether that means around the corner or around the globe. Packed with pockets, this lightweight bag can be worn around the waist or across the body.
Gifts worth the splurge:
15. Peanuts Swatch from the Swatch x Peanuts collection, $110 to $130
Swatch x Peanuts collectionGood grief! Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock and the rest of the gang have popped up in the new Swatch x Peanuts collection. The six designs from Swatch are sure to evoke nostalgia in anyone who grew up with Charles M. Schulz’s ubiquitous comic strip and TV specials.
16. The Simply Beautiful Box, $115
Simply Beautiful BoxFrom the latest Evalina Beauty lip gloss to the cutest Blush Peony toque, the contents of each Simply Beautiful Box are sure to delight trend-hunters and savvy shoppers alike. Four times a year, the editors of BCLiving curate an assortment of the season’s best beauty products, style pieces and home decor delights and pack them into one irresistible subscription box.
17. Ear Warmer from Canada Goose, $150
Canada GooseAn ear warmer from Canada Goose wards off even the worst of winter weather. Made from ultra-soft cashmere, this handy headband is small enough to easily stash in a pocket.
18. Makeup Brushes from Evalina Beauty, $65
Evalina BeautyFor glamorous gals and guys who want to apply their cosmetics flawlessly while on the go, the Travel Makeup Brush Set from Evalina Beauty is the perfect travel companion. It includes eight vegan brushes for concealer, blush, eyeshadow and more. The Vancouver brand is all about enhancing—rather than covering up—each individual’s natural beauty.
19. Personalized Jewellery by Meirako, $129 to $154
MeirakoThis is jewellery at its most meaningful: Canadian brand Meirako can create a Custom Handwriting Cutout Necklace in sterling silver, gold vermeil or rose gold vermeil. Simply upload a photo of the word or signature to be immortalized, and they’ll create a gorgeous bespoke piece in just a few weeks.
20. Star Wars Socks, Bed Bath & Beyond, $119.99
Bed Bath & Beyond“I find your lack of…socks…disturbing.” The Force is strong with these seasonal Star Wars socks from Bed Bath & Beyond. The festive three-pack includes patterns featuring Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper and R2-D2.
21. Luna Eye Mask from Ellie Mae, $125
Ellie MaeSweet dreams are pretty much guaranteed with a Luna Eye Mask from Canadian brand Ellie Mae. Made in Canada from 100 percent silk, this luxurious eye mask has extra padding to block out light and a comfortable elasticized headband.
22. Celestron ThermoCharge 10 from Mountain Equipment Company, $69.95
Mountain Equipment CompanyThe ingenious little Celestron ThermoCharge 10 Warmer/Charger from Mountain Equipment Company keeps fingers toasty warm while simultaneously charging electronic devices, plus it has a built-in flashlight, making it the indispensable companion on Mother Nature’s chilliest days.