50 Problem Solving Presents Under $50: The Great Canadian Gift Guide
Updated: Nov. 18, 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.
Ideal for dogs that scarf their food, are overweight or just easily bored, this rubber “puzzle feeder” bowl turns chow-time into a challenge.
Top Paw grey puzzle feeder, $11, Petsmart
Know someone who’s feeling out of the loop since the lockdowns lifted? Help them reconnect with friends and family the old-fashioned way: hand-written letters. This charming kit includes a card to mail for each week of the year, plus a guided journal and tips on note-writing.
A Year of Connection letter kit, $33, Chapters Indigo
Psst—here’s what to write in a Christmas card, in case you find yourself stumped this season!
These plush velvet slippers only look luxe! A stylish way to keep even the coldest toes nice and toasty.
Velvet slippers, $45, Drake General Store
Getting in that morning protein just got easier with this set of silicone egg poachers. The hands-free design onto the rim of your pan, and ensures the boiling water circulates evenly around the egg for results that are just *chef’s kiss*.
Egg poacher, $21, Cuisipro
Make sure you’re not making these mistakes with eggs.
Protect a well-travelled laptop with this handsome leather folio. Working on the go never looked so good.
Gry Mattr vegan leather laptop folio (for 15.6″ laptop), $30, Staples Canada
Find out how to save a laptop after a spill.
Know someone who’s always looking for the next challenge? A roundup of record-breaking environmental achievements could inspire them to make the world a better place in 2022.
Guinness World Records 2022 (fully revised and updated), $29
Need an excuse to schedule some quality time with the fam? This addictive update on classic Monopoly will have everyone clamouring for Game Night.
Monopoly Builder board game, $37, Toys R Us
Here are more great two-player board games worth adding to your Game Night rotation.
An airtight storage container is the perfect present for the coffee connoisseur. Not only will it keep up to 2.5 pounds of their favourite beans fresh, it can also be used to store pantry essentials like flour, sugar, oats and popcorn.
Airscape Kilo, $37, Planetary Design
How many of these common coffee brewing mistakes are you making?
A wireless charging pad not only reduces wear and tear on a device’s original charging cable, but also works across all devices, from phones to tablets to smart watches. (They’ll never have to hunt for the right cord/adaptor combo again!)
Nordmärke wireless charger, $10 (pair with USB-C cable, $5, sold separately), IKEA CanadaÂ
Find out how often you should restart your phone.
A compact hand mixer makes a great gift for burgeoning bakers—or anyone with limited cupboard space. This affordable option features easy-clean beaters, which make quick work of thick cake batters and sticky icings.
Hamilton Beach six-speed hand mixer, $35, Walmart
Looking for inspiration? Check out 30 delicious desserts that start with cake mix.
A streaming content player makes virtually any TV Netflix-ready—in stunning 4K clarity.
Roku Express 4K, $50, Roku
Once they’re up and running, try streaming the best Christmas movies of all time.
As any outdoor enthusiast will tell you, there’s nothing worse than socks that start to slouch at the beginning of a hike. These durable mountain-print beauties from Canada’s own Smartwool are designed to stay put—with the added benefit of mesh zones for breathability and comfort, no matter where you roam.
Men’s hike light cushion mountain print crew socks, $29, Smartwool
Here are the best hikes across Canada.
Here’s something no neat freak should be without: A wall-mounted toothpaste dispenser that keeps the bathroom counter clutter-free, and delivers the perfect amount of paste every time.
Toothpaste dispenser, $18, Chapters Indigo
Want to pass on some wisdom along with your gift? Here are 20+ secrets professional organizers don’t want you to know.
Students, commuters and frequent flyers alike will appreciate this backpack’s padded straps, multiple interior pockets (including a laptop compartment) and external USB port with charging cable.
General Supply Goods & Co. daypack with USB port, $50, Staples Canada
Find out 10 surprising ways you’re shortening the life of your phone.
White wine, champagne, rosé—it’s all better cold, and your giftee will never have to wait for their bottle to chill again with these stemless wine glasses that are made for stashing in the freezer.
Host Freeze cooling wine glasses (set of two), $26, Amazon
Don’t miss these genius tricks to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew.
New to Canada, Millie Bobby Brown’s skin-care line focuses on combating environmental stressors—think UV, pollution and blue light—that are taking a toll on our complexions. Treat someone to a spa day (at home) with this facial-in-a-box, including a full-sized peel-off mask, travel-size pore mask and a pair of under-eye gel pads.
Florence by Mills Double Masking kit, $33, Shoppers Drug Mart
Always do this if you want to avoid dry skin in winter.
A great addition to any traveller’s arsenal, this battery-powered electric toothbrush comes in a slim case for easy packing. It boasts micro-vibrations that gently clean the teeth and a timer that guides through two-minute brushings.
Philips One by Sonicare electric toothbrush, $35, Philips
Canada’s own Saje Natural Wellness recently launched a new skin care range that targets different skin concerns. For those suffering from dry, flaky skin, relief can be found in this oh-so-giftable travel-size set of True Dew cleanser, moisturizer and face oil.
True Dew Collection, $44, Saje
These are the best foods for healthy skin that glows.
Smart-sizing shouldn’t just apply to real estate. Complete with travel cups, this mini-blender is great for whipping up single-serving smoothies to go. (Psst—it even doubles as a coffee mill!)
Starfrit electric personal blender, $35, Walmart
For a finishing touch, print off and share these healthy smoothie recipes!
Phones and water aren’t a good mix, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a soundtrack along with your daily soak. This Bluetooth speaker is waterproof, and designed to float in the tub or hang in the shower from a suction cup. Brilliant!
Art + Sound waterproof Bluetooth speaker, $30, Hudson’s Bay
Find out the most popular song from the year you were born.
If they’re working from home on a permanent basis these days, they’re probably spending a lot of time on video conference calls. For just $20, this kit —with a flexible ring light, phone holder, clamp and wireless remote—will add a bit of polish to those professional appearances (even if they’re still in their PJ pants).
For You vlogging kit, $20, Walmart
Here are more tips to help you make the most of working from home.
Small enough to tote on an airplane or stash in a gym bag, these perfume-oil rollerballs are instant mood-boosters when applied on pressure points. Between Coconut Wave (coconut, eucalyptus and sugarcane), Soft Vanilla (vanilla cream, almond blossom and pistachio) and Crisp Citrus (lemon and lime zest), at least one of the scents is guaranteed to please.
Summer Fridays The Trio perfume oils, $47, Sephora
Foster a budding do-it-yourselfer’s home improvement skills with a compact jigsaw. The versatile tool makes smooth cuts in everything from wood to metal and aluminum, and the cordless design is a dream to manoeuvre.
Benchmark 20V Max cordless orbital jigsaw, $40, Home Hardware
You can tackle these quick home repairs in 10 minutes—or less!
Emergency first-aid for salt-stained shoes.
Perry Ellis seven-piece shoe shine kit, $48, Hudson’s Bay
This tiny recyclable aluminum tube contains enough body wash for 30 washes, reducing waste and taking up minimal space in a shower or carry-on. Give it to the eco-conscious individual in your life, or the traveller or camper who needs to pack light.
Everist waterless body wash concentrate (100 mL), $28, Everist
Don’t drop a ton of cash on hockey equipment before your kid is ready to commit. This lightweight, budget-friendly stick is ideally suited for beginners.
Sherwood Playrite youth hockey stick, $50, Sport Chek
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.
An evergreen-scented candle is the next best thing to a fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Thymes Frasier Fir aromatic candle, $38, Chapters Indigo
Are you on the market for a fresh-cut fir? Here’s the best time to buy a Christmas tree in Canada.
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 (120 mL), $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, $30, DavidsTea
Check out the health benefits of drinking tea every day.
Even if the pandemic has put paid to their annual escape south, they can still enjoy a natural-looking sun-kissed glow.
St. Tropez everyday tinted body lotion (200 mL), $40, Sephora
Learn to spot the telltale signs you’re not getting enough sunlight.
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 gallery of gorgeous Canadian bird photos.
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
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.
A Bluetooth tracker ensures they’ll never lose their keys again.
Tile Pro Bluetooth item tracker, $40, Best Buy
Here are 40 home organizing hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Professional-grade tools take the sweat out of fresh-baked bread.
Breadsmart Artisan bread whisk and bench scraper, $20, Amazon
These easy bread recipes are a great place to get started!
A cozy throw blanket can breathe new life into an old sofa.
Chunky knit throw blanket, $40, HomeSense
Here are more great ways to cozy-up a home this season.
Keep tabs on a furry friend with a streaming pet cam.
Wyze V3 indoor/outdoor camera, $44, The Home Depot
Get to know the most common household health risks for pets.
Part Twister, part Simon Says, this interactive game will get any couch potato moving.
Hands Full game, $40, Mastermind Toys
Need to give your brain a workout? Try these printable crossword puzzles.
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
Elevate their mocktail game with a distilled non-alcoholic spirit.
Seedlip Garden 108, $50, Cocktail Emporium
Don’t miss this roundup of refreshing frozen drink recipes.
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 quick fix for knives that have dulled in the dishwasher.
KitchenIQ compact electric and manual knife sharpener, $50, Bed Bath & Beyond
Find out how the pros care for their kitchen knives.
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, $23, Chapters Indigo
Check out more inspired winter gardening tips from landscaping expert Carson Arthur.
If they’ve been hunched over their little laptop since the pandemic kicked off, a wireless keyboard spells relief.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth keyboard for Mac, $50, Best Buy
These pain management tips from physiotherapists could also come in handy.
This LED-illuminated necklace makes nighttime walks a little safer—especially if your loved one’s pooch is prone to bolting.
Nite Ize NiteHowl LED Safety Necklace, $12, Walmart
Discover 13 ways to help your pet live longer.
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, $25, Hudson’s Bay
Don’t miss our best-ever Christmas cookie recipes.
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.
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, $40, The Home Depot
If you loved these Canadian gift ideas, you’ll also get a kick out of these hilarious holiday jokes.
