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Looking for gifts with great value? Our editors share ideas that are thoughtful, useful and even cozy—plus they can save your friends and family money.
Canadians are very cost-conscious this holiday season, consumer surveys show. Why not give gifts that help friends and family save money year-round? We’ve found 10 highly practical gifts, many of which are food-related—very timely, since grocery inflation remains stubbornly high. Many of these items are currently discounted for Black Friday. Click the links to see what’s on sale.
I live in these toasty insulated booties all winter, wearing them like house slippers. Never mind that they were designed for campers and backcountry skiers—desk jockeys get cold feet, too. The booties are made of colourful nylon (blue, red or yellow) and certified-responsible duck down, and the soles are textured to help you stay upright on icy ground (or just in your kitchen). Plus, warmer feet means not turning on your office space heater every time the temperature dips. —Jaclyn Law
MEC Get Down Booties, $99.95
Food inflation is still uncomfortably high. This compact, five-tiered vertical planter will help your loved ones grow their own nutritious veggies and herbs at home. It creates plenty of extra growing space for small backyards and condo balconies. The planter is made of sturdy iron, and each box is six inches deep, giving plants plenty of room to take root. —J.L.
Costway Vertical Raised Garden Bed, $197.99
Boarding a dog (or, worse, two!) at a kennel while you’re on vacation can feel like you’re paying for a second hotel room night after night. 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. —Michael McCullough
TrustedHousesitters one-year membership, from $199
Delight your friends and family who love ice cream, gelato, sorbet or milkshakes by giving them a Ninja CREAMi. It whips up custom frozen desserts (with or without dairy) out of just about anything you put in it—think fruit, nuts, chocolate and even protein powder—for less than the cost of premium ice cream bars or a family trip to Dairy Queen. —J.L.
Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, $229.99
Why wait to show the child in your life about how interest rates, inflation and the stock market all work? This 146-page book is written by Maya Corbic, who is both a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) and a CA (Chartered Accountant). She’s a mom, too, and if you follow her on instagram (@teach.kids.money), you’ll know that her kids invest in assets like exchange-traded funds (ETFs). But back to the book: It’s part textbook and part workbook, giving kids aged 13 to 18 a good sense of how investing works before they get tempted to buy crypto or anything else. —Lisa Hannam
From Piggy Banks to Stocks: The Ultimate Guide for a Young Investor (self-published, 2023), $30
Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths meant to be used again and again. They come in beautiful patterns and fabrics, and they require no adhesive tape, bows or ribbons. (Here’s how to use furoshiki.) You can buy them or make your own, if you’re crafty. Plus, they make lovely gifts for the hosts of holiday parties. —J.L.
Next Chance 3-pack furoshiki, $27.99
Ordering chicken and fries week after week can add up. But you can satisfy that craving at home with a countertop air fryer. It’ll make breaded chicken and fries taste crispy like the shop down the street (and will be healthier with a lot less oil). Plus you’ll keep hearing your friends tell of successful culinary experiments: spiced cauliflower! Grilled cheese! Bacon! —M.M.
Ninja Air Fryer, $129.99
No, lattes have not ruined the finances of an entire generation. Yes, there are significant cost savings to brewing your own cup of joe. A French press coffee maker is the perfect gift for the coffee aficionado who doesn’t want to compromise on taste and freshness, but who wants to forgo a daily $5 splurge (plus tip!) at the local coffee shop. With a French press, you can whip up a delicious cup in minutes—no pricey pods required. —Justin Dallaire
Lagostina stainless steel French press, $29.99
Even single people can consider buying food cheaply in bulk at Costco with the help of a vacuum sealer. Just portion out the chicken legs, pork chops or whatever you’ve got, package them in their own air-free pouches and store them in the freezer. They’ll stay good longer this way, helping your loved ones avoid food waste. —M.M.
FoodSaver vacuum sealer, $149.99
There are cheaper screen protectors out there that might save you from having to replace your smartphone next time you drop it, but accessory-maker Zagg guarantees its see-through shields for the life of the phone. If you crack the plate, the manufacturer will replace it—all you have to pay is shipping. —M.M.
Zagg screen protectors, $39.99 and up
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I love the ideas in this guide! Gifts that are thoughtful and save money are always a win. Can’t wait to try some of these for my family!
I love the idea of giving gifts that not only show you care but also save money in the long run! These suggestions are fantastic for the holidays. Can’t wait to try some of them out!