It’s that time of year again: as the 2022 holiday season approaches, those of us who celebrate Christmas are officially stumped for cool, unique and will-actually-be-appreciated Christmas gift ideas. But fear not: this year we’ve embraced our inner Mariah “Queen of Christmas” Carey and rounded up plenty of ideas for the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.
Whether you’re shopping for someone close to you or you’re stumped for the best gifts for your new roommate or for a gift exchange, read on for our predictions for the most popular holiday gifts for 2022. Our tip? Shop early — some of these may sell out sooner than later.
You may also like: Christmas gifts 2022: 10 best gifts under $50 in Canada.
Best gifts for your partner 2022
A sweet star map
Was your love written in the stars? The holidays are a great time to celebrate your love — so why not give a gift that’s part home decor and part sentimental keepsake? This personalized map shows what the stars looked like where and when you met.
Bemaystar Custom Star Map, Amazon, $36 + shipping.
A lover’s kit
It’s cuffing season, after all — so why not give your partner a gift that both of you can enjoy? This kit contains Province Apothecary’s best-selling Sex Oil (a light and moisturizing oil that can be used on any part of the body) and their Lover’s Oil (perfect for sexy massages).
Lover’s Kit, Province Apothecary, $44.
Emotion in a bottle
If you’re in a long-distance relationship, then this may be the sweetest (scented) gift for your partner. PHLUR’s Missing Person Eau de Parfum went TikTok viral this year as people say that it brings them “nostalgic emotion” — we love a scent that just may evoke feelings whenever your lover wears it, no?
PHLUR Missing Person Eau de Parfum Set, Sephora, $127.
A hot game for cold days
Settling in to play a game with your partner is a fun way to spend a cold winter day — and one of the most popular games this year is NHL 23. The latest edition of this long-running game series lets you build teams with male and female players, personalize the arena and use X-Factor abilities.
NHL 23 (for Xbox Series X, sold separately), Best Buy Canada, $90.
A better beard
Do you love someone who is always struggling to keep an unruly beard looking its best? This kit contains all the essentials, like a 3-in-1 wash (for face, beard and body), face and beard oil, styling cream, scissors and a beard comb.
L’Oreal Paris Men Expert Beard Grooming Kit, Amazon, $35.
Related: What to get someone you’ve just started dating.
Best gifts for best friends 2022
Wearable wisdom
We’ve been fans of wearing matching BFF jewelry since we were teens and love the idea of gifting a meaningful piece that your bestie can wear all year long. The tarot card-themed necklaces in the Choose Your Destiny collection from Canadian woman-owned small business Haley Made is a gorgeous gift with options like Wisdom, Good Fortune and Protection.
Wisdom Tarot Card Pendant Necklace, Haley Made, $40.
Eye-opening essentials
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty is one of the celeb beauty brands that we actually really love, and the perfect-for-gifting duo carries is gorgeous on everyone – making it an ideal gift. Featuring a limited-edition liquid eyeliner and mascara, it’s like giving your BFF a glam look in a box.
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Eye Essentials Duo, Sephora, $36.
A ‘friendly’ celeb memoir
If your bestie is a) a big Friends fan and b) loves a juicy celebrity memoir, then you better snap up a copy of Matthew Perry’s just-released book for them ASAP. Perry’s dark and revealing memoir offers behind-the-scenes tidbits from the iconic sitcom — along with his candid revelations about his struggles with addiction.
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry, Indigo, $35.
Related: Amazing gifts your best friend didn’t even know they wanted.
Best gifts for beauty and wellness lovers
An easier at-home mani
We love a fresh mani, but getting to the nail salon isn’t always possible, or in the budget. Enter these elevated press-on nails. Easy to apply and reusable, this kit makes it simple to get a salon-quality manicure in minutes.
Glamnetic Press-On Nail Kit, Sephora, $20.
A sleek fitness tracker
We all want to stay on top of our health and fitness, but convenience and style are important too — which makes this gift a popular choice for your wellness-minded pals. This sleek fitness tracker from FitBit helps monitor multiple health and wellness factors like heart rate, skin temperature and even blood oxygen levels.
Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate Monitor, Best Buy Canada, $130.
Juicy lips
Sephora at the holidays is to beauty lovers as a toy store is to little kids. With four full-size Maracuja Juicy Lip products packed into this gift, this holiday set makes a coveted present.
tarte Maracuja Juicy Squad Lip Set, Sephora, $52.
A better at-home blowout
Who doesn’t love the look of freshly blow-dried hair (especially as the weather gets colder)? This blowout brush is easy to use and saves lots of time – making it an ideal gift.
Revlon One-Step Ionic Hair Dryer and Volumizer, Amazon, $55.
More-sustainable makeup removal
Machine washable so that they’re more eco-friendly than disposable makeup wipes, these super-soft makeup wipes are a thoughtful gift for a friend who is looking for sustainable swaps — and also loves a thorough makeup and skincare routine.
Reuseable Makeup Wipes, Amazon, $20.
You may also like: Our favourite beauty products this November.
Best gifts for Secret Santa 2022 under $50
A special snack
Does your gift exchange have a tight budget? No worries — a unique, yummy and Canadian-made treat is the perfect gift. This gourmet popcorn from Eatable is infused with the sweet flavours of sangria for an elevated take on a classic.
Pop Goes Sangria Gourmet Popcorn (Regular, 4 Cups), Eatable $9.
Smarter scrunchies
File this under one of those things that you wouldn’t buy for yourself, but that could actually be super useful: a plush hair scrunchie with a built-in zip pocket. While we wouldn’t recommend putting anything super valuable inside your hair tie, a tiny pocket allows you to carry an emergency bill, lip balm or another small item hands-free while you head out for a jog.
Velvet Hair Scrunchies with Zip Pocket, 3 Pack, Amazon, $13.
Sweeter soaps
Elevate your secret Santa’s hand-washing game for the season with this best-selling sweet-peppermint-scented duo of foaming hand soap and lotion.
Peppermint Twist Duo Foaming Hand Soap and Lotion, Saje, $36.
A moon-like atmosphere
Moon lamps are trending this year, and it makes sense — who doesn’t want to create a cozy atmosphere at home? And, the unique moon-inspired design looks pretty cool, too.
Mydethun 3D Moon Lamp, Amazon, $49.
See also: These Canadian small businesses blew up — thanks, in part, to TikTok.
Best gifts for fashionista friends 2022
The coziest puffer
Puffer vests are the new staple this season, and the Super Puff vest delivers warmth and style — making it the perfect gift for chilly days.
The Super Puff™ Vest, Aritzia, $198.
Cute little hoops
Little hoop earrings are one of the most popular accessories right now, and these chunky gold-tone hoops are lightweight, shiny and affordable (they’re made with a stainless-steel needle).
LILIE&WHITE Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings, Amazon, $17.
Audio sunglasses for a hot girl walk
Has your favourite fitness-loving fashionista been embracing that #hotgirlwalk lifestyle this year? If so, these Bose audio sunglasses are going to be a game-changer for keeping the glare out of their eyes for the year to come. Featuring Bluetooth, these sunglasses let the person wearing them hear lifelike audio — while the people around them hear practically nothing.
Bose Frames Tenor Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses, Amazon, $199.
See also: The best gifts for that person who has everything.
Best host and hostess gifts for Christmas 2022
Something to serve in
If your host or hostess is known for creating beautiful cocktails, then why not surprise them with a stunning set of coupes (ideal for serving champagne or sparkling cocktails). This set of 10 coupes features an assortment of delicately tinted glass designs — cheers!
OUI Colourful Glass Coupes, Set of 10, Indigo, $65.
A better board
From butter boards to charcuterie platters, putting it all on display is the trend right now — so any avid entertainer will surely be delighted with this maximalist board (complete with a pull-out drawer and a four-piece serving knife set.
Charcuterie Platter & Serving Tray Set, Amazon, $48.
Instant warmth
A luxe candle is always a much-loved gift, and Brwn Collective’s yolande candle takes your gifting game to the next level. Featuring a fragrance blending tobacco flower with vanilla absolute and vevtiver, this best-selling candle brings warmth to the room.
yolande (tobacco + vanilla absolute + vetiver) Candle, Brwn Collective, $55.
See also: It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the Starbucks holiday menu is here.
Best gifts for mom 2022
A restful sleep
No one deserves a good night’s sleep more than mom, and so we’re betting that this unique sleep headband will be one of the most popular gifts for mom (and everyone, really) this year. Comfy (like a soft headband) and featuring a 10-hour battery life (if only we all had 10 hours to sleep!), the Livlab Hoomband wireless audio sleep headband features more than 100 hours of sleep-inducing audio (think: stories, meditations and ambient sounds).
Livlab Hoomband Wireless Audio Sleep Headband, Best Buy Canada, $100.
A bright advent calendar
If mom always treats you to a special countdown-to-Christmas calendar for the holidays, why not repay the favour? This advent calendar includes 12 of Voluspa’s bestselling-fragrance candles in gorgeous embossed votives.
Voluspa 12-Day Advent Calendar, Sephora, $99.
A facial massage to go
Let’s be real: the best part of a spa facial is always the facial massage, right? If you’re shopping for a mother figure who could use a bit of extra pampering, this coveted wearable home massage device is a must. Therabody’s Smart Goggles feature a unique blend of vibrating motors, massage chambers and heating pads to reduce facial tension. And, because it features a foldable design, they can bring it with them anywhere.
Therabody Smart Goggles, Best Buy Canada, $250.
Related: The best gift for every zodiac sign.
Best gifts for dad 2022
The cult-fave pan
Do many of your favourite memories with the father figure in your life involve cooking yummy food in the kitchen? Then this cult-fave, best-selling pan from cookware brand Our Place is the perfect gift. Designed to do it all (it replaces eight traditional pieces of cookware), your dad can braise, sear, steam, strain, sauté, fry, boil, serve and store this pan with ease. The cool blue hue is a stylish stovetop addition, too.
Our Place Always Pan, Indigo, $195.
A warm cup
Give the dad in your life the gift of a hot cup of coffee (or any hot drink dad enjoys!) every day via a clever temperature-controlling mug. Designed to keep a drink hot for up to 80 minutes on a full charge (or all day on the charging coaster), dad can control the smart mug via the Ember app.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2, Amazon, $170.
A festive sip
Speaking of hot beverages that dad will love, this limited edition minty maca-powered hot cocoa (it’s made with dark cocoa powder and two types of mint) is a delicious, comforting gift for the holiday season.
Mint Cocoa Blend, Blume, $25.
Best gifts for roommates 2022
A festive atmosphere
Whether you’re living with your bestie or a new roommate, sharing your living space with someone can be tricky around the holidays. One way to make your home feel more special and inviting for your roommate, guests (and, let’s be honest, yourself) is to give the gift of atmosphere via this set of four limited-edition room sprays.
Smells Like Home Holiday Room Spray Kit, Saje, $40.
A tea-making aesthetic
Does your roomie love to sip on a hot cup of tea? This decidedly bougie, pleated-looking kettle is an art-worthy countertop addition, while also (of course) boiling water.
Alessel Plissé Electric Kettle, Indigo, $135.
Related: 10 questions to ask your potential roommate *before* moving in.
Best gifts for travel companions 2022
A versatile crossbody
Part fanny pack, part crossbody, Uniqlo’s nylon belt bag went TikTok viral earlier this year — and for a reason. The half-moon-shaped bag fits so much, sits close to the body and is super durable. It’s a practical (and trend-right) gift for your fave travellers this year.
Nylon Crossbody Fanny Pack, Uniqlo, $19.
Hydration to go
Ideal for travel or even just a daily commute, this unique water bottle takes convenience to the next level. The sleek design features a self-cleaning function (via a UV-C based purification system in the cap that reduces microbes up to 99.99 per cent), so you can drink from a clean water bottle anywhere, anytime (even when you don’t have access to soap and water).
UVBrite Go Self-Cleaning UV Water Bottle, Amazon, $50.
Effortless organization
Whether your jet-setting friend just takes a carry-on or they check multiple bags, chances are that they hate packing (who doesn’t?). Make packing so much easier with the gift of these packing cubes. The durable, water-resistant cubes come in different sizes, so it’s easy to stay organized (and find what you’re looking for when you get there).
9 Packing Cubes for Travel, Amazon, $34.
You may also like: The best gifts to buy for your boyfriend.
Best gifts for pet parents 2022
The comfiest pet bed
Your pet deserves the best – especially when it’s time for them to get their rest. This is where Casper comes in. Designed by the same team that makes Casper’s sleep products for humans, this super-comfy pet bed is made to keep your four-legged friend as comfy as can be.
Casper Dog Bed, Small, Indigo, $170.
More stylish walks
Dog owners spend a lot of time walking their pups, so a simple upgrade to their walking routine is a thoughtful gift. This sleek and streamlined pet waste bag holder is made from canvas for a durable alternative to flimsy plastic holders. And, it features a bag-dispensing window for convenience.
Pet Waste Bag Holder, Indigo, $10.
Related: 15 of the best customized gifts for dog lovers.
Best gifts for people who have everything 2022
Instant ambiance
Shopping for a person who doesn’t really need anything, but who you want to celebrate with something special? We’re guessing that the gift of ambiance and atmosphere will be a much-appreciated delight, and this touch-activated electric diffuser delivers twinkly light and a soft aroma for their home or office.
Aroma Light Starry Night Electric Diffuser, Saje, $42.
A touch of the Wizarding World
If you have a Harry Potter fan in your life, but they’ve already devoured the books, movies and a few trips to Universal Studios, then this LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hungarian Horntail Dragon set just might move them to tears. Part of the 25th Anniversary Collection, this set makes a great activity gift that true fans will love to display once it’s built.
LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hungarian Horntail Dragon, Indigo, $65.
