{TBR’s Holiday Gift Guide 2025}

Disclaimer: Products identified with an asterisk were provided to me at no cost for editorial consideration. While I am part of Annabelle Cosmetics’ User-Generated Content team, all opinions regarding Annabelle Cosmetics and all other brands mentioned below are my own.

If you’re anything like me, seeing someone’s reaction as they open their dream gift is one of the best parts of the season! To help you find gift-spiration, we’ve put together a list of our recent fave items, brands, and experiences. As always, we’re highlighting products at a range of price points, and have included a legend to help you find holiday gift ideas that align with your priorities as well as those of your recipient.

• C: Canadian business
• CF: Cruelty-free
• E: Eco-conscious
• IBPOC: Founder is Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Color
• W: Woman-owned business
  
  

Skincare Holiday Gift Ideas

Stoic Beauty: Stoic checks all my skincare boxes. Their products are incredibly effective, good for the planet, and they don’t irritate my skin! I love that they have offerings that address rosacea, eczema, and acne in addition to the standard pro-aging products. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried from this brand, but my absolute favourite is Apothekario ($42), an AHA/BHA serum that reduces hyperpigmentation and minimizes breakouts by clearing pores from harmful bacteria. Stoic Beauty also has a few different product bundle options available, for a holiday gift that’s as easy as it is thoughtful. (PS: Use code MADDIE10 for 10% off purchases over $50!)
–> C, CF, E, W

Cosmette Skincare: Cosmette’s origin story begins with the founder’s personal skin challenges. Struggling with reactive and sensitive skin but still craving a luxurious skincare experience, founder Meghan decided to take matters into her own hands – and Cosmette was born! Like all of Cosmette’s line-up, their made-in-Canada Rosy Glow Clay Mask* (currently on sale for $44) is as beautiful as it is nourishing. This mask would be the perfect “me time” gift for anyone who loves indulging in a beauty ritual!
–> C, CF, E, W

BKind: Quebec brand BKind has an astonishingly vast product range, from hair and skincare items to nail polish and even accessories! They truly have something for any beauty lover. While I’d be hard-pressed to pick a favourite product from this company, I’d be very happy to find their Superfruit Moisturizer with Bakuchiol* ($76) under the tree! Looking for something a little easier on the wallet? BKind’s green tea-infused Konjac sponge is just $12! (PS: if your recipient lives in Montreal, they can even refill some of their products at one of BKind’s locations once they’ve finished the jar!)
–> C, CF, E, W
Available in the GTA at Coal Miner’s Daughter, V de V, Gorgeous and Beautiful, and more!

Province Apothecary: PA has been a mainstay in my skincare routine for over a decade, and I absolutely love gifting PA products to show my friends and family just how amazing these items are. Province Apothecary’s natural ingredients, effective formulas, and product innovation are second-to-none! Their Repairing & Conditioning Lip Balm ($8) is the perfect stocking stuffer,  and opening up Province’s newest hero product – the Illuminating & Radiant Vitamin  C Serum* ($86) – would make any skincare junkie squeal with glee.
–> C, CF, E
Available in the GTA at Rexall, The Detox Market, and more!

Splurge Item: Shark CryoGlow Mask* ($499). OK, hear me out: Is this product incredibly expensive? Yes. BUT: it’s also incredibly effective. With four different clinically-tested treatment programs (fine line reduction, breakout management, radiance, and undereye revival), this one product is one heck of a multitasker.  Plus, since it’s available at Shoppers, you can redeem Optimum points towards the purchase, which could help the price point seem more accessible! If you’ve got a sizeable gifting budget this year, the CryoGlow is worth considering.

Makeup Gift Ideas

Bonjou Beauty: In case you hadn’t heard, I love a multitasking product. For a homegrown multi-hypenate, I recommend Bonjou Beauty’s  3-in-1 Beauty Stix* ($40). This product glides beautifully, melts into the skin, and has strong color payoff that lasts. Not sure what shade your giftee would love most? Spoil them with the 3-in-1 Mini Beauty Stix Trio! ($48). Shopping for a teen? Bonjou has you covered with their curated selection of lightweight products suitable for teenage skin.
–> C, CF, E, W

Annabelle Cosmetics: Looking for a holiday gift idea for someone who loves playing with makeup? Annabelle Cosmetics should be your very first stop. With so many affordable products in a dizzying array of colours and formulas, Annabelle products and holiday sets are my go-to for gifts for my besties. My top picks this year are the Skinny Multi-Use Liquid Liner* ($14) and the Chrome Single Eyeshadow* ($12). Perfect for creating dramatic looks for holiday parties and beyond! Grab a few products for yourself while you’re shopping, and thank me later.
–> C, CF
Available in the GTA at most drugstores

Madeup Beauty: If your gift recipient loves high-impact colour and clean formulas, you’ll definitely want to pick them up something from Madeup Beauty. Founded by makeup artist Shirley Ibe, who was tired of having to custom-mix shades for her diverse clientele, Madeup Beauty’s lineup is full of fun, rich colours that flatter every skin tone. My current fave from Madeup Beauty is the Creamy Temptation Blush* ($28), but the Meltdown Lip Therapy ($15) would be another fantastic gift for anyone on your list whose lips need a little love. (Which means all of us – Canadian winters are no joke!)
–> C, CF, IBPOC, W

Madkind: madkind may be the new kid on the makeup block, but they’re coming in hot with a small but mighty lineup of skincare and lip products. I absolutely love madkind’s philosophy of transparency, accessibility, progress, and community (including donating 25% of net profits each year to charities and creating care packages for people experiencing cancer.) And their products are amazing, on top of that?! Talk about a unicorn of a company. Keep madkind on your radar, folks, cause this is one to watch. Spread the word by making sure that your gift recipient is one of the first to try the stunning Feather Light Lipstick* ($21) or the silky Lippy Lube Gloss Balm* ($25).
–> C, CF, E, W

Ideas for Home Gifts

Cheeks Ahoy: Instead of bringing a host gift like flowers that will only last a week to your next holiday party, why not surprise someone with a zero-waste home essential from Cheeks Ahoy? From festive cocktail napkins ($20) to reusable non-paper towels ($20+) and more, Cheeks Ahoy has a ton of cute options for bringing a sustainable touch to any holiday gathering. Their Cotton Facial Rounds ($15) would also make a great stocking stuffer!
–> C, CF, E, W


Plastic Flux: I met Hanson, the founder of Plastic Flux, at the One of A Kind Show last week and was blown away by his products and his ingenuity. Plastic Flux collects takeout containers, detergent jugs, and other single-use plastic items, shreds them, and – through a process that seemed equal parts science, magic, and artistry – turns them into beautiful, useful items for your home. I bought a 4-pack of Coasters ($35) on the spot, and would 100% be gifting these if I didn’t actually plan to keep them for myself. (Also, in case my husband is reading this: the Catch-All Tray in Chromelle would look realllllly good on my vanity! Just saying! )
–> C, CF, E, IBPOC

Claxton Grove: If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for wildflowers and vintage books. So when I stumbled upon Claxton Grove’s pressed flower designs, I was in heaven. Designer Lauren transforms ethically sourced blooms into jewelry, art pieces, and more!  The set of Fridge Magnets ($20) is extraordinary, made with real pressed flowers on pages from vintage gardening encyclopedias! They’re the dream holiday gift for the bookworm or nature lover on your list. (Psst – Swifties: there are also some special art prints featuring quotes from Folklore!)
–> C, CF, E, W

Sonnihaus:  Sonnihaus’ 3D printed designs are at the intersection of function and design, and a fabulous gift idea for any organizationally-minded folks on your list. These products are sustainably made of plant-based biodegradable material, are truly beautiful, and have countless uses. I love that the trays are stackable and that the pieces can be used in different configurations. The Large Stackable Catchall Tray ($40) is my top gift idea, since it’s the ideal size for storing remotes, puzzle pieces, or snacks  – also known in my house as the holiday trifecta
–> C, CF, E, IBPOC, W
Available in the GTA at Thyme Studio, the Gardiner Museum Shop, Corktown Designs, and more

Splurge Item: Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush* ($349). Never in my life did I think that I would be sincerely and wholeheartedly recommending a toothbrush as a holiday gift idea, especially one with an inarguably hefty price tag. But then I learned about the iO series brushes. The Oral-B iO Series 8 Toothbrush is by far the coolest brush I have ever seen, and the only one that has convinced me to move away from my usual bamboo toothbrush. The iO Series 8 provides real-time feedback on brushing time, level of pressure, and missed areas, and tracks your use over time, helping you set goals to improve your oral health. There are even six different modes to choose from, including Super Sensitive, Whitening, and Gum Care, to further personalize your experience. If your gift recipient takes their oral health seriously, this might be their favourite present of the year!

Ideas for Experience Gifts

Guess Where Trips: If your gift recipient is up for an adventure, surprise them with a mystery road trip from Guess Where Trips ($65)! Answer a short quiz to decide which trip option would be the best fit (whether or not you’re traveling with kids/dogs, level of physical exertion, theme, driving time, etc.), and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget!  You’ll receive a “Before You Go” package to help you prepare, plus envelopes with details about your four surprise stops. Once your travel day has arrived, just open your First Stop envelope, then hit the road! Wait until you’ve fully explored your First Stop before opening your Second Stop envelope and heading to your next destination. The envelope for each stop includes activities, local information, and fun facts. Adam and I did one of these trips a few years ago and had an absolute blast! It took us to places we never would have seen otherwise, and allowed us to make so many memories spending a beautiful day together.
–> C, CF, W

Touch Massage Bar: After this crazy year, I think we could all use a little pampering! For a unique self-care experience, gift your loved one a seated massage at one of Touch Massage Bar’s locations ($95+). My favourite is the I Want it All – a hand, foot, scalp, and upper body massage. You’re clothed and seated for these treatments, so they’re also a great group gift, as you can share a room and enjoy the relaxation together! Touch is also a café and wine bar, meaning you can grab a glass of wine or tea to finish off the experience. Now that’s some serious holiday cheer.
–> C

And that’s a wrap on our 2025 holiday gift guide!
Wishing you a joyful and restorative end to the year – see you in 2026!

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{Multi-Use Products for Easy Summer Beauty}

During the summer, the last thing I want to do is feel like I’ve got a full face of makeup on. Don’t get me wrong: I still want to play with colour and look put-together; I just don’t want to mess around with 10 different products to achieve the look. It’s just too dang hot to deal with all that! Enter: the multi-use lip & cheek. These formulas have maximum payoff with minimum effort, leaving you more time for summer fun.

Our three faves are:

• Tower 28’s OneLiner Pencil
• KJH Brand’s Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek
• Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly Tint

Each of these has a different formula but is a multi-hyphenate powerhouse, taking the place of 2-4 products in your kit. Read on to find out more about each one!

Tower 28’s OneLiner Multi-Liner

I have been using this multi-use product daily since it was released, and it has racked up its fair share of celeb fans, too. (Billie Eilish, for starters!) I love that it’s compact, mess-free, requires no brushes for application, and comes in six gorgeous shades.

In addition, Tower 28’s OneLiner ($22 at Sephora) is vegan and fragrance-free, so it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. It also has a long-wear formula that isn’t drying, meaning you don’t have to worry about reapplying or unwanted flakiness.

OneLiner has a beautiful glide – no tugging at the eyes! – and blends seamlessly with just your fingers. I also love that I get a good amount of payoff per application without having to sharpen the pencil each time.

If you have oilier skin or are looking for a multi-use product that isn’t cream-based, I highly recommend you check out Tower 28’s OneLiner!

KJH Brand’s Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek

When a world-renowned makeup artist and educator launches their own line, you know it’s going to be good! Katie Jane Hughes is all about empowering people to understand and embrace how makeup works for them. She decided to put her decades of experience in development and artistry towards creating the products she always wished for, and KJH Brand was born!

I’ve raved about their Hyper Shine Light Pigment for years (I got to test it shortly before the launch, which was a dream!), but a hot new bombshell has entered the KJH villa: Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek ($30).

This multi-use product has an innovative cream-to-powder formula, meaning it applies easily but has insane long-wear power and doesn’t transfer. Available in five stunning shades, ranging from bright coral to deep raisin, Soft Smudge is buildable, allowing you to go from sheer to bold in just a few swipes. You can apply it with a brush for a more blurred application, or direct from the tube for higher impact.

 And –  as with all KJH Brand products – Soft Smudge is designed to play well with others. Add a drop of KJH’s Hyper Shine Serum and the formula becomes opaque and glossy. Mix in some of the Hyper Shine Lite Pigment and you’ve got a sumptuous glow. The applications are endless! (Which is kind of the whole point.)

Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly Tint

This groundbreaking multi-use product shook the beauty world upon its launch, and though it has since been imitated, its innovation has never been replicated. Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly Tint ($36 at Sephora) is truly one of the coolest (ha!) products I have ever encountered, and I use it daily. It has mad payoff (seriously; a little goes a long way) and feels incredible on the skin, providing long-lasting, juicy colour with basically no effort.

Available in six gorgeous shades plus one pH-adaptive tint, there is truly a Cooling Water Jelly Tint for every mood. (I have three different colours and will probably buy the full range eventually!) The jelly formula encapsulates the pigment to keep it moist, giving the product a longer shelf life than most stains and maintaining the high-impact colour.

This lip & cheek tint also contains vegan collagen, aloe, and seawater to soothe, plump, and hydrate the skin. The whole “cooling” aspect isn’t just marketing – this multi-use product feels genuinely refreshing on your skin! Exactly what you need during the muggy summer months.

Multi-Love for Multi-Use Products!

The benefits of a multi-use product reach beyond ease of use. Financially, you’re saving money by purchasing one item instead of a few different ones. Ecologically, you’re creating less waste. And, for us condo dwellers, saving space in one’s makeup drawer is a game-changer. Each of these is reason enough to explore using products that work double- or triple-duty, but when the products themselves are this good, it’s an absolute no-brainer!

Whether you’re looking for a multi-use product to reduce your consumption, to save money, time, or space, or simply because you love the products, I hope this has helped you decide which multi-use product might be right for you.

Which multi-use product is your summer must-have?  

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{TBR’s Guide to Last-Minute Holiday Gifts}

Disclaimer: The products identified with an asterisk were provided to me at no cost for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

Since online shopping options have been significantly limited by a labour dispute, many people have been choosing to shop in-person again. This is a phenomenal way to support small, local business, but can also be overwhelming for those who aren’t sure where to go. (*Procrastination has entered the chat*) Luckily, our TBR elves have heard your cries for help and are ready to direct you to some of the amazing Toronto stores filled with great ideas for last-minute holiday gifts!

Keep reading to learn more about why we love:

• The Detox Market
• Aaniin’s Eaton Centre Pop-up
• Juxtapose Cards & Gifts
• Socco Living
• Good Intentions
• Plus, keep reading for specific gift ideas!
  

Toronto Stores for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

The Detox Market
Where: 116 Spadina Ave / 1170 Yonge St / 65 Front St W (Union Station)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
If the person you’re shopping for loves beauty, haircare, or bodycare, then The Detox Market should definitely be your first stop. Each of their three locations features a curated collection of high-performance, natural brands that will help you snag some last-minute holiday gifts that are as good for the planet as they are for your giftee. You can shop items from many of our faves at The Detox Market, including Graydon Skincare, Three Ships Beauty, Province Apothecary, Wildcraft, and Sahajan! BONUS: If the person on your list is more inclined towards experiences than items, you can pamper them with a gift certificate for one of The Detox Market’s services like facials or makeup lessons!

Aaniin Pop-Up
Where: Level 2, Eaton Centre
Hours: 10am-9:30pm
Aaniin is an Indigenous-owned department store that highlights Indigenous creators from across Turtle Island. Their Eaton Centre Pop-Up (only open until December 31^st!) features amazing items ranging from streetwear to high fashion, home goods, accessories, footwear, art, and more. Over 40 brands are included in the pop-up – including TBR fave Cheekbone Beauty – making it well worth braving the mall for.

Juxtapose Cards & Gifts
Where: 430 Bloor St W
Hours: 10am-9pm
Juxtapose is probably one of the stores I visit most frequently in the city. I’ve been shopping there for years and am always excited by their unique offerings. Juxtapose’s stock rotates frequently, but they always have an excellent range of bath and body products, candles, games, trinkets, and kids’ items. They also carry many charmingly off-kilter items such as socks with swear words. For example, I have personally received a gold triceratops skull necklace, a Freddy Mercury Christmas tree ornament and a stuffed toy in the shape of a pancreas that were all purchased at this gem of a store. You absolutely cannot beat Juxtapose for if your last-minute holiday gift list includes stocking stuffers or someone with a good sense of humor.

Socco Living
Where: 1020 Queen St W
Hours: 11am-6pm
If your gift recipient’s taste veers more towards the chic, minimalist side of the spectrum, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you stop by Socco Living. This beautiful store offers items that look like they came straight out of a designer’s home tour. Socco carries many big-ticket items like stonewashed linens, pottery, and coloured glassware, but it also has a fantastic collection of more affordable finds like a peppermint foot mask, a book on hygge, or even a candle in the shape of tinned fish. Even just being in the store is aspirational, to be honest.

Good Intentions
Where: 1434 Danforth Ave
Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-7pm / Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm
As a West-end gal, you know a store must be good if I’m trekking all the way to The Beaches to drop by! For last-minute holiday gifts that you can’t find anywhere else, Good Intentions is worth the voyage along the Danforth. This collective of women-owned small businesses offers a range of jewelry and accessories, art, clothing, quilts, candles, home décor and more. Many items are handcrafted, meaning your gift recipient gets something highly original and you get added warm fuzzies, knowing you supported a local artisan. Head to the store’s Instagram for a preview of some of the cool gift ideas currently in stock!

Inspiration for Specific Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

Need a bit more guidance for your shopping trip? Here are some of our picks for specific gifts that you may want to check out!

Personalized Mini Gift Sets: I got this idea from Calen Mikenzie, my favourite Shoppers Beauty Pro. She recommends snagging a few different gift sets and splitting them up into personalized gift bags! Such a genius way to save money, get gifts for a bunch of folks at once, and still make everyone feel special by customizing the items for each person! Shoppers carries gift sets from tons of brands, but ones from Quo Beauty, Annabelle Cosmetics, and Marcelle caught my eye. Great products, great value, and a great way to sneak a little gift for yourself, too. Where to buy: Drugstores or other beauty retailers. Price: Varies (but usually $10-$50)

Wildcraft Beauty*: I’ve recently added Wildcraft products to my skincare routine, and I’m never going back. Handcraftted in small batches in Toronto, the Wildcraft line is plant-based, cruelty-free, high-performance, and (gasp) affordable! Treat your gift recipient to one of Wildcraft’s hero products like their Pure Radiance Vitamin C Eye Cream or their Revive Bio-Retinol Serum, or pick up one of Wildcraft’s holiday sets for an incredible bargain. Where to buy: The Detox Market. Price: Varies (ranges from $13-$45 per item)

Shark FlexStyle*: If you have a higher gifting budget and want to find something that your recipient will use long past the holiday season, check out the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System! It includes a (crazy fast) hair dryer, plus three different styling attachments, including auto-rotating curlers. This has now become my go-to hair tool: I’ve done everything from a blow-out to tousled curls with this baby! It has truly changed my hairstyling game, especially since I can go from wet hair to dry and set curls in under 30 mins. Where to buy: Canadian Tire. Price: $300

SodaStream Crafted Mixers*: To borrow a phrase from Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that bubbly water tastes better than flat water. My SodaStream is probably the only reason I’m not an actual raisin at this point! If you’re looking for a last-minute holiday gift for someone whose passion for carbonated water equals mine, then you’ll want to snag a few of SodaStream’s new Crafted Mixers. They’re cocktail-inspired flavour boosts that you can add to your water with – or without – a spirit. Since more and more folks are becoming sober-curious of late, SodaStream’s Crafted Mixers are a great way to gift the fun and creativity of mixology with the added benefits of swapping (or reducing) alcohol in favor of water. Where to buy: Canadian Tire. Price $8

There might be just a few days before the holidays, but there is still time to get something meaningful, beautiful, and special for everyone on your list! So: now that you have all the info on the best stores to check out and even a few specific suggestions for last-minute holiday gifts, what are you waiting for?

Get shopping before it really is too late!

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