Shopping for other people can be tricky! We all have unique likes and dislikes. With that said, the human desire to indulge in self-care rituals or jump into an outdoor adventure to beat the winter months is universal and can take the guesswork out of gift-giving.
In partnership with Southcentre Mall, I scavenged the entire mall directory and picked out items I own, want to own, or have gifted in the past. In this guide, you’ll find not only items from trusted retailers that we all know and love but also unique gifts from locally-owned businesses. Southcentre houses over 15 local retailers, making it the perfect go-to spot for finding creative gifts that feel more personal.
The mall also provides digital tools to make shopping safe and time-efficient. The Search. Find. ShopNOW. toll gives you the option to find the item you are looking for ahead of time and then visit the mall to view it in person. And oh, gift cards are also available to purchase online.
Ok, enough chit-chat. Let’s start this $150 and under holiday hunt that has cozy plush bathrobes to surprisingly stylish snowshoes and everything in between.
Retailer: Hudson’s Bay
Price: $79.99
A beauty junkie’s absolute dream gift. A mini cooler for all their treasured skincare products. I like the mirrored door that’s handy for the product application, and the dimmable LED lighting makes the beauty fridge feel luxurious.
Retailer: The Bomb Bar
Price: $14.95
The number of times I strolled by this store in the mall and didn’t notice it should be criminal. The Bomb Bar is a family-owned business specializing in some of the most creative, hand-made bath bombs I have ever seen. They make them in every shape, size, character or theme you can imagine. I’m talking from Harry Potter to Strawbery Shortcake-shaped bath bombs. While the bombs make great stocking stuffers, one item in their selection of bath indulgences makes for a great standalone gift — the Date Night Bubble Bath. This magical dust in a bag explodes into luxurious, thick foam as soon as it comes in contact with water. Whoever receives this will surely rave about it.
Retailer: Rocky Mountain Soap Co
Price: $28
RMS Co combined their best sellers and packaged them into a sleek set. Aside from the incredible smell, the best part about their soaps is how gentle they are on sensitive skin. The bars from this set, in particular, pack hydrating shea butter, coconut oil and other deliciously nourishing ingredients
Retailer: La Vie en Rose
Price: $59.95 – 129.95
A Christmas without plush, cloud-like comfort is just sad. Here are some ideas from La Vie en Rose that look like the perfect staples for at-home spa dates: Knit Effect Plush Robe, Faux Fur Collar Long Plush Robe and Waffle Texture Terry Spa Robe
Retailer: Joydrop
Price: $49 – $140
There are certain places that make shopping a special experience, Joydrop is one of them. Not only that, their selection of jewelry showcases pieces made by women here in Canada and from all over the world. Your gift recipient has sensitive skin? No problem there. All Joydrop jewelry is nickel free.
Price: $40
The kit that will make your recipient cancel plans to stay in to enjoy this gift. The detox mask that’s included sounds especially relaxing. The items also come in a cute, limited-edition box.
Retailer: Saje
Price: $86.40
A brand so nice, I had to have it in here twice. The minimalist design and the warm light work together to make this diffuser the perfect ambience setter.
Retailer: Oak and Tonic
Price: $58
By far, this spray was one of my favourite items I’ve received this year. If a product is good enough to make it to my nightstand for regular use, it becomes a “good till the last drop” kind of item. The formulation is lightweight and incredibly gentle, making it suitable for many skin types.
Retailer: Oak and Tonic
Price: $29.95 – $49.95
No respectable self-care routine is complete without a great candle. Oak and Tonic’s inventory plucks the best out of Canadian wellness and delivers natural, ethically made candles for your loved ones to enjoy.
Retailer: Sephora
Price: $7 – $150
Since there is no such thing as too many sheet masks, they always make for great gifts. Sephora gives a great selection from everyday use to more luxurious sheets. My personal favorites are the Dr. Jart+ masks and the skyn ICELAND eye gels.
Retailer: The Hudson’s Bay
Price: $100
UGG slippers have been a gift staple of mine for YEARS. Everyone I know owns a pair and it’s most likely because they got it as a Christmas gift from me. The best thing to slip into after cold, winter commutes. For an alternative pair, I also found this glorious beige pair.
Retailer: Decathlon
Price: $80
I don’t know much about figure skating, but I do know a thing or two about comfortable footwear. I took these puppies out on the ice and thrived. No blisters. Smooth skating. Ten out of ten would recommend it for someone who wants to get into the activity without dishing out a heavy price tag on equipment. .
Retailer: Sporting Life
Price: $89.98
When it comes to activity-tracking, FitBit is intuitive and very easy to use. Pretty much everyone in my immediate circle owns one. The tracker was full price just last week, this is a great bargain if you purchase it from Sporting Life.
Retailer: Mountain Warehouse
Price: $134.99
This coat reminds me of the super puff without the outrageous price tag. While we are on the subject of warmth, there is something to be said about practical winter wear. Practicality is not something I like to splurge on, so I appreciate it when someone gifts me clothes that help me brave the elements. Here’s a cozy winter wear selection from the Mountain Warehouse: Snowdon Melange Fleece, Idris Half Zip Fleece and Winter Accessories.
Retailer: Decathlon
Price: $80
Last winter I tried snowshoeing for the first time and loved it. It’s an underrated, easy and surprisingly fun activity. I can guarantee that this gift will be unexpected but welcomed to anyone receiving it. Throw in some insulated pants in that package to set them up for success.
Retailer: Sporting Life
Price: $113.98
This mat screams new year energy. The description says that it’s roomy, perfectly cushioned and anti-odor. Check, check and check.
