50 Problem Solving Presents Under $50: The Great Canadian Gift Guide
Updated: Feb. 15, 2021Tired of giving gifts that end up collecting dust on the shelf? These thoroughly practical presents are guaranteed to please everyone on your holiday shopping list.
The definitive stocking stuffer of the pandemic: an antimicrobial tool to avoid direct contact with high-touch surfaces.
No-touch tool, $20, Chapters Indigo
Emergency first-aid for salt-stained shoes.
Shoe shine kit, $17, Marshalls
Next, find out how to get rid of the salt stains in your car!
An illuminating alarm clock that wakes you up gently, with a gradual increase in brightness and volume.
Fnurra alarm clock/wake-up light, $25, IKEA Canada
Here’s more great advice on how to wake up happier every morning.
Beautifully-designed flash card discs to master the ABCs of American Sign Language.
ASL alphabet flash cards, $28, Tree Fort Toys on Etsy
Discover the fascinating histories of eight classic Christmas ornaments.
Dry-mouth sufferers will appreciate this refreshing alcohol-free rinse.
Marvis mouthwash (120mL), $23, Hudson’s Bay
Feeling fresh enough to pucker up? Here’s how the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe got started.
Tasty tea blends specifically designed to soothe common cold symptoms.
Cold Survival tea kit, $29, DavidsTea
Check out the health benefits of drinking tea every day.
A breathable face mask they can comfortably wear during cardio.
UA Sportsmask, $35, Under Armour
Make sure you’re avoiding these common face mask mistakes.
This back-to-basics coffeemaker is pretty enough to keep on the counter.
Bodum pour-over double-wall 1-litre coffee maker with filter, $40, Chapters Indigo
How many of these common coffee brewing mistakes are you making?
Inspire a New Year’s resolution to count every blessing in 2021.
Gratitude journal, $12, Pocket Squares on Etsy
Don’t miss these pro tips on how to be more thankful every day.
An entire tool kit concealed in an impossibly slim phone case.
Swiss+Tech iPhone multi-tool case, $14, The Home Depot
Even if the pandemic has put paid to their annual escape south, they can still enjoy a natural-looking sun-kissed glow.
Clarins Liquid Bronze self tanning lotion (125ml), $43, Sephora
Learn to spot the telltale signs you’re not getting enough sunlight.
For a family game night that brings out the best in everyone.
Totem: The Feel-Good Game, $25, Amazon
Check out more of the best-reviewed board games of 2020.
Not a morning person? This sleek vanity mirror is the perfect pick-me-up: it doubles as a wireless speaker!
Glacier Bay double-sided LED vanity mirror with Bluetooth technology speaker, $30, The Home Depot
An evergreen-scented candle is the next best thing to a fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Thymes Frasier Fir aromatic candle, $35, Chapters Indigo
Are you on the market for a fresh-cut fir? Here’s the best time to buy a Christmas tree in Canada.
A lap desk turns any seat in the house into a home office.
Pink marble lap desk, $20, HomeSense
These working from home tips could also come in handy.
Glass weights to keep home-pickled produce fully submerged in the brine.
Masontops Pickle Pebbles fermentation weights (pack of four), $23, Amazon
These Depression-era cooking tips are just as relevant today.
Lightweight binoculars will bring a backyard bird feeder into focus.
Tasco 10×25 binoculars, $25, Canadian Tire
Avid birders will also want to check out our collection of great Canadian bird stories.
A compact food processor makes healthy meal prep *that* much easier.
KitchenAid 3.5-cup mini food processor, $49.99, The Home Depot
Find out how to cook everything faster!
Make it a “green” Christmas with a toque fashioned entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
Love & Lore cable pom hat, $29, Chapters Indigo
Check out nine ways to trick your body into feeling warmer on a frigid day.
A Bluetooth tracker ensures they’ll never lose their keys again.
Tile Pro Bluetooth item tracker, $40, Best Buy
Find out more things highly organized people do on their smartphone.
Professional-grade tools take the sweat out of fresh-baked bread.
Breadsmart Artisan bread whisk and bench scraper, $20, Amazon
Check out more clever kitchen hacks that will save time, money and effort.
Awkward angles are no match for this flexible cordless screwdriver.
Benchmark Twistor cordless screwdriver, $49.99, Home Hardware
Armed with that new screwdriver, they’ll be able to tackle these quick home repair jobs in 10 minutes or less.
A chic throw blanket can breathe new life into an old sofa.
Kapaster throw, $30, IKEA Canada
Thinking of offloading a present you’ve received? Here’s expert advice on how to regift—and get away with it!
Keep tabs on a furry friend with a streaming pet cam.
Wyze V2 Pet Camera, $40, PetSmart
Get to know the most common household health risks for pets.
A mega-moisturizing gift pack that’s perfect for toting around in their bag.
Weleda Skin Food travel moisturizers, $20, Well
Always do this if you want to avoid dry skin in winter.
Part Twister, part Simon Says, this interactive game will get any couch potato moving.
Hands Full game, $40, Mastermind Toys
These heartwarming stories about meeting Santa will fill you with the Christmas spirit.
This laser level is all they’ll need to install the gallery wall of their dreams.
Ryobi Air Grip compact laser level, $40, The Home Depot
Feeling crafty? Try your hand at these DIY Christmas decorations anyone can make.
Elevate their mocktail game with a distilled non-alcoholic spirit.
Seedlip Garden 108, $49, Cocktail Emporium
Don’t miss these holiday cooking tips we learned from our grandmas.
They’ll never have to hunt for a power outlet—no matter how far they roam.
Backpack with USB charger, $35, Staples Canada
Find out 10 surprising ways you’re shortening the life of your phone.
A seed-sowing template ensures perfectly-spaced plants—and a bountiful veggie patch.
Seed spacer garden tool, $33, Amazon
Check out more expert gardening tips that will save time, money and effort.
A streaming content player makes virtually any TV Netflix-ready.
Roku Express, $40, Roku
Once they’re up and running, try streaming the best Christmas movies of all time.
Including a luxe shampoo, conditioner and mini-oil, this salon-grade hair treatment will restore lustre to dry and damaged locks.
Wella Professionals Oil Reflections holiday box, $37, professional salons across Canada
These home remedies for dry and damaged hair could also come in handy.
A quick fix for knives that have dulled in the dishwasher.
KitchenIQ compact electric and manual knife sharpener, $38, Bed Bath & Beyond
Find out how the pros care for their kitchen knives.
A wireless charging pad reduces wear and tear on a phone’s original charging cable.
Belkin Boost Charge 10W Qi wireless charging pad, $35, Best Buy
Here’s the reason why cold weather seems to drain your phone battery.
Green-up their grooming routine with an eco-friendly natural deodorant.
Make This Universe natural deodorant kit, $35, One of a Kind Show
Find out what it’s really like switching to natural deodorant.
Because no amount of insulation is enough to keep hands toasty warm in -20C.
Rechargeable hand warmer, $22, Chapters Indigo
Read the chilling story of what it was like on the coldest day in Canadian history!
The historical records on Ancestry.ca could help fill the gaps in a family tree.
Ancestry.ca gift subscription, $15/month
Find out what happened when these Canadians discovered their AncestryDNA results!
When they’re living without a garden, but still want to flex their green thumb.
Modern Sprout self-watering basil grow kit, $33, Chapters Indigo
Check out more inspired winter gardening tips from landscaping expert Carson Arthur.
If they’ve been hunched over their little laptop since lockdown began, a wireless keyboard spells relief.
Rose gold wireless keyboard, $25, Winners
These pain management tips from physiotherapists could also come in handy.
Bring order to a teen’s chaotic schedule with this daily organizer.
Framed whiteboard, $25, HomeSense
Want to pass on some wisdom along with your gift? Here are 20+ secrets professional organizers don’t want you to know.
An LED-illuminated necklace makes nighttime walks a little safer.
Nite Ize Nitehowl LED Safety Necklace, $11, Walmart
Discover 13 ways to help your pet live longer.
With its handsome leather tying-strap, this durable charging cord is virtually tangle-proof.
General Supply Good + Co. charging cable, $30, Staples Canada
If they go through three rolls of parchment paper prepping for the annual cookie exchange, a silicone baking mat pays for itself.
Anna Olson Kitchen silicone baking mat, $22, Hudson’s Bay
Don’t miss our best-ever Christmas cookie recipes.
When furry friends can’t wait until spring for their next bath.
TropiClean papaya waterless shampoo for pets, $12, PetSmart
Here are 20 things you’re doing that veterinarians wouldn’t.
A clever kitchen gadget specifically designed to split, pit, slice and scoop avocados.
OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 avocado slicer, $13, Bed Bath & Beyond
Psst—the healthiest part of an avocado is probably in your garbage!
Finally—a water filtration pitcher for the condo-sized fridge.
Brita Soho pitcher, $20, Walmart
Still buying bottled water? Here are 50 facts that will make you rethink single-use plastics.
A hands-free leash makes walking the dog an invaluable opportunity to multi-task.
Arcadia Trail hands-free leash, $47, PetSmart
Feeling winter’s chill? Find out exactly when it’s too cold for a dog to be outside.
This innovative new LEGO collection serves double duty as storage.
Bygglek LEGO boxes (set of three), $16, IKEA Canada
Find out more about IKEA’s collaboration with LEGO.
Even if they’re saying no to dairy, they can still say yes to this tasty holiday tradition.
Earth’s Own almond nog, $4, grocery retailers across Canada
Raise a glass to our countdown of the 20 best Christmas songs—ranked!
If it’s hard to get everyone’s attention when Christmas dinner is served, take a page out of the Wild West playbook.
Lodge chuckwagon dinner bell, $36, The Home Depot
If you loved these Canadian gift ideas, you’ll also get a kick out of these hilarious holiday jokes.