‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, Michael Bublé, and of course, buying gifts for ourselves others. While we may not be able to celebrate in-person with our family and friends this year, we can still spread the holiday spirit through sending the perfect gifts and supporting independent businesses.
You don’t need another business telling you how the past year has been crazy, but we promise we have a reason. We’re switching up our gift guide to take into account all the changes in eCommerce (and life) in the past year. So, true to our brand, we’ve curated a data-driven list of the top-performing categories of the year to show you what’s on everyone’s wish list and some of our favourite products in those verticals.
Plus, make sure to follow us on Instagram as we’ll be hosting three holiday giveaways featuring some of the incredible companies on this list!
Gifts for the WFH Founder
Building a business can be overwhelming. Add on the challenges of this past year and we guarantee that the founders in your life need a little extra love. Help them get cozy and beautify their WFH space with the following gift ideas:
1. STIL Classics’ 2021 Planner
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2. A Gift Card to Plant Muva
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3. The Great Fantastic’s Swoveralls in Forest Green
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Gifts for the Skincare-Obsessed
Earlier this year, analysts predicted that the beauty category would experience a massive decline. And it made sense: people were staying home and didn’t need to spend as much time or money on their makeup. But Zoom’s beauty filter wasn’t enough to deter consumers from focusing on a strong skincare routine. Compared to 2019, we’ve seen an 102.88% revenue growth for companies in the beauty space.
Here are a few of the skincare products and tools that are on our holiday wishlists:
4. Vanity Planet’s Aira Facial Steamer
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5. Atolla’s Custom Skin Serum
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6. Koffee Beauty’s Espresso Yourself Bundle
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7. Spongellé’s Holiday Assorted Pack
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Gifts for Those who Miss the Gym
We all know someone that’s facing serious gym withdrawal. It comes as no surprise that fitness has experienced a huge 74.51% growth this past year, with fitness enthusiasts being forced to shift their exercises to their homes. Treat a friend (or yourself) with one of these special gifts:
8. Vejo’s Bestseller Starter Kit
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9. Agogie’s Resistance Training Pants
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Gifts for the Little Ones
For all the parents reading this, you probably saw this coming. With many schools moving online and more kids staying home, toy sales have soared in the past year, with a 76.26% jump compared to 2019. Looking for a unique gift for the little ones in your life? Here are some of our faves:
10. When We Wear Young’s Leo Leo Cuddle Buddy
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11. Cricket + Ruby’s First Go Balance Bike by Banwood
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12. 100 Toys’ Nest Rings by Grapat
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Gifts for Those with a Sweet Tooth
We’ve all been guilty of ordering too much delivery pre-COVID but this year, the relationship between food & eCommerce has only grown stronger, with a 86.69% increase from last year. But no judgment here, who doesn’t want a sweet treat this holiday season? Whether you’re craving a chewy chocolate chip cookie or a delicious chocolate, we’ve got you covered with our holiday picks:
13. Wunderkeks’ Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever
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14. Vosges Chocolate’s Ritual Collection for Self-Love
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Gifts for the People Saving the Planet
The holidays are a beautiful time of the year, but it can also be a time of excess waste and unnecessary harm to the environment. Did you know that Americans throw away 25% more trash in the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? If you’re looking for positively impactful stocking stuffers, check out these purpose-driven brands that are ethically and sustainably-made:
15. Paskho’s Contemplation Track Pants
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16. Aisle’s Hipster Undies
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17. Karst Stone Paper’s Woodless Artist Pencils
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Gifts for the Fashion Icons
Nowadays, there may be less pressure to dress up but this isn’t stopping shoppers from splurging on accessories and loungewear. Although low compared to the growth of other categories, apparel and accessory sales have increased by 48.59% and 29.88% respectively. Want to step up your looks for your next call? Here are some of our favourites:
18. A Gift Card from The Upside
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19. Jenny Bird’s Stevie Chain Necklace
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Gifts to Give Back
The holidays are a time to spread cheer and show love for our families and friends while we reflect on all the ups and downs of the past year. But while we’re working on our Christmas wishlists, there are many groups and organizations that could use our help. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, there are plenty of opportunities to give back and support your community. Find a cause that’s near and dear to your heart and do your research to make sure they’re aligned with your values. Here are just a few organizations to get you started:
- SickKids Foundation
- Food Banks Canada
- Feeding America
- Nature Conservancy Canada
- Rainforest Alliance
- Color of Change
Want to Win?
Don’t forget to show some love for yourself this holiday season! Head to our Instagram where we’ll be hosting three giveaways from December 7th until Christmas Day – don’t miss out!
Thanks for reading and have a happy holiday season!