Money-saving gifts that keep on giving: MoneySense’s 2025 holiday guide

Take a look at some of our favourite items and services for gift giving in 2025.

For the pet owner who likes to travel

TrustedHousesitters one-year membership
Price: from $149 USD

Boarding a dog (or, worse, two!) at a kennel while you’re on vacation can cost more than the vacation itself! A more affordable alternative is a one-year membership with TrustedHousesitters. Post your home and when you’ll be away on the app, and then choose from the user-rated applicants. They’ll care for your pets and keep an eye on the place simply for the free accommodation—no money changes hands.

Prefer pet sitters for a day? Grab your friend a Rover Rover gift card and they can opt for a paid, vetted, local sitter instead of hosting a traveller.

For the person who’s trying to save money

Google Nest Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
Price: $140 CAD

A programmable thermostat isn’t flashy—but it is a long-term money saver. Let your giftee control heating and cooling from their phone and watch the energy savings add up. Plus, Prince Edward Islanders enjoy an instant $89.99 rebate as part of the efficiencyPEI Instant Savings Program.

Pro tip: Mysa Smart Thermostat for electric baseboard heaters ($145 CAD) may be a better fit for older Canadian homes.

For the friend who loves road trips

Portable Car Jumper With Air Compressor
Price: from $90 CAD

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Nothing ruins a road trip like a dead battery or flat tire. A compact jump starter + compressor combo means fewer tow-truck calls and less stress on the Trans-Canada.

Level-up your gifting: If they travel often, you might consider a CAA membership ($30–$149/year). In addition to roadside assistance, they’ll enjoy discounts on gas, car rentals, hotels, and more.

For the person who buys in bulk

Costco Gold Star one-year membership
Price: $65 CAD

Food, diapers, cleaning supplies, clothes, electronics, gas—Costco is basically a budget-friendly survival kit. Give them access to big-box savings all year long (plus the legendary return policy). Costco allows you to purchases gifted memberships online (and sometimes in store), but note that some are for new members and others are for renewals. Be sure to choose the right product before you check out!

Level up your gift: If you want to splurge, an Executive membership ($130 CAD) will get them 2% back on their purchases.

For the person who loves to cook

Starfrit Air Fryer & Convection Oven
Price: $150 CAD

Skip the bulky appliances. A smart toaster oven does it all—air fries, bakes, reheats—while using less energy than a full oven. Starfrit is a Canadian company, and their multi-use countertop ovens are compact, efficient and budget-friendly.

For the friend who’s always on the go

KeepCup
Price: from $42 CAD

A reusable cup saves a couple of bucks every single day—and prevents endless cardboard waste. KeepCup’s glass-and-cork design is stylish, durable, and easy to clean (plus, no more paper sleeves sliding up and down the cup). A money-saving gift that’s great for the environment? Yes, please!

Pro tip: For those who still like their morning Tims, bringing a reusable mug will save you 10 cents off your coffee purchase. It may not be much, but it adds up!

For the home cook who hates food waste

FoodSaver vacuum sealer
Price: $85–$150 CAD

Perfect for batch cooking, freezing meat on sale, or preserving produce before it goes bad. Food waste is one of the biggest budget drains on Canadian households, and a vacuum sealer dramatically cuts it.

For the cocktail enthusiast

Classic Toddy
Price: $17 CAD

Toronto-based Vesper Cocktails makes mixology simple (and affordable). Their hot toddy and cocktail kits include premium ingredients—your giftee just adds booze. Choose from paloma, cosmo, whiskey sour, margarita, and more. Mix or refrigerate, strain, and serve!

For the person who’s always cold

Woolen blanket
Price: from $75 CAD

A cozy PEI-made wool blanket means the thermostat can dip without anyone freezing. MacAusland’s Woollen Mill has been producing high-quality wool since 1902 and currently only uses wool sourced in Atlantic Canada. Choose from lap throws all the way up to Queen-sized blankets in a beautiful assortment of colours and patterns that will last for decades.

Level-up your gift: Let them keep their blanket looking and feeling fresh with gentle, no-rinse Eucalan wool wash (~$25).

For the avid reader (and library lover)

Digital library access
Price: varies

Gift a Kobo e-reader (Canada’s own!) so they can borrow free e-books from OverDrive and Libby instead of buying new releases. We like the Kobo Nia ($129) for its glare-free touch screen, adjustable ComfortLight, and long battery life.

For the person saving for a big goal

GIC contribution
Price: You decide

Cash is great—but cash that earns interest is better. GICs in Canada are currently paying up to 3.65% for short-term deposits. Choose a 90-day, 1-year, or 5-year term and help someone grow their savings for a home, trip, wedding or any big dream.

Pro tip: Bundle the GIC with a card explaining the return they’ll earn. It feels more meaningful than simply handing over cash.

More about holiday spending:

• Budgeting for a less stressful holiday season
• Financial gifts: What you need to know before giving money or investments
• A parents’ guide to home down payment gifts and loans
• The best charities to donate to for impact in Canada
• How to tell friends and family you’re doing “no gifts” this year
• The gift of not giving

About Jessica Gibson

Jessica Gibson is a personal finance writer with over a decade of experience in online publishing. She enjoys helping readers make informed decisions about credit cards, insurance, and debt management.

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