25 Gifts Under $25

Teachers, favourite coaches, bus drivers, the best-ever crossing guard, your babysitter, the office secret Santa, and more. You absolutely don't need to buy gifts for all of these people, but at least a couple of them will be on most mom's lists. We've scoured the shelves this season to find thoughtfully appropriate gifts for all those extra people we need to shop for. So there's no need to be left scrambling this year.

A small tube of spa-quality lotion is lovely and useful gift that anyone would appreciate. This all-purpose hydrating lotion promises to leave skin soft while the scent of bergamot and patchouli make you feel like you are back at the spa. $15, available at skinnourishment.ca.

Anyone who has ever scrambled around trying to find a pair of headphones in the morning knows just how perfect this gift is. The Happy Plugs are a solidly functional pair of earbuds that include good sound quality, a nice long cord, sound controls, and a mic. Oh, and they also come in a bunch of fun colours. $25, available at bestbuy.ca.

These mittens tell it like it is which is already reason enough to buy them. But the soft knit mitts also do a good job keeping people warm and cozy on those SOOO COLD days. Perfect for those who watch our kids make snow angels all winter long. $24.50, available at chapters.indigo.ca.

Here's the perfect gift for your craft beer aficionados short of buying them actual beer (which really doesn't travel well with children.) This Toronto company makes a variety of soaps from all-natural oils and butters and craft beer. Soap has been made from beer for thousands of years and is great for your skin. But we probably had you at beer. $10, available at bigbeersoapcompany.ca.

This is perhaps the perfect teacher gift. Your children can wish their teachers joy for the holiday season and give a child from around the globe the school supplies they need to receive an education. $15, available at shop.unicef.ca.

A custom mug is always a thoughtful and useful gift. It's as easy as uploading an image of your choice online and picking it up at your local Staples. A picture of your child is a popular choice but some fun text or a special, inside joke image are also great ideas. $11.20, available at staples.ca.

Who wouldn't want a handmade candle that makes the whole home smell like a Christmas tree? This made-in-Canada Etsy score is made from pure non-GMO soy wax, has a 50 hour burn time, is smokeless, and comes in a glass jar. But did we mention it smells like a Christmas tree? $25, available at etsy.ca.

Math and logic nerds will love this. Infinite sudoku possibilities await a cozy winter nights tucked away from the cold. Be warned, though! Unlike in the sudoku books, there's no answers to cheat from with this puzzle. $18, available at chapters.indigo.ca.

Even loveable, old grumps deserve holiday gifts. These Grinch-themed cocoa mugs are a fun, just-barely-festive gift for the grumpiest Suess-lover in your life. $14, available at retrofestive.ca.

Everybody needs socks—so an extra thick warm pair is both practical and luxurious. This knit pair in forest green gives an everyday necessity a touch of indulgence. For sleeping and lounging, these special woolies will make down time extra cozy all winter long. $24.50, available at chapters.indigo.ca.

There's only one time of year when anybody wants to smell like a candy cane and this is it. So let them! We like Philosophy because it's a skin care line that we trust won't dry our skin out like other bubble baths. $22, available at thebay.com.

An oh-so-snuggly blanket scarf is always appreciated. One can never have too many scarves. $24, available at abercrombie.ca.

Because men deserve to get fancy too. This small-batch aftershave is handmade in New Brunswick and makes for one supple lumberjack. It's made with witch hazel, natural oils, and scented with Australian Sandalwood. $16, available at etsy.ca.

A teacher friend once told us her favourite, most unexpected gift was a bottle of pure maple syrup. And since we're all feeling especially proud to be Canadians this year, this heritage bottle will serve especially well over holiday pancakes. $8, available at thebay.com.

Anything shiny and gold spreads festive holiday cheer, if you ask us. This 'Imagine' accent sculpture beseeches anyone in the room to tap into the childhood wonder of imagining. Who has a favourite English teacher to shop for? $25, available at chapters.indigo.ca.

Don't worry if you don't get the reference, any baseball fan worth their salt knows the epic moment referenced here. $24, available at breakingt.com.

The gorgeous prints and designs from Rifle Paper Co. get us every time. Treat your colleague, office Secret Santa, or bff to a luxe calendar that will pretty up their work space. $19, available at chapters.inigo.ca.

This pretty package comes with three signature David's Tea's blends that will make their morning cup extra special. When in doubt, always gift something that warms the heart, right? $20, available at davidstea.com.

Take your favourite holiday, vacation, or anytime picture and have it blown up into a vibrant poster for a one-of-a-kind gift that means a little more. Of course, the sky's the limits when it comes to custom photo prints, but a simple poster is both affordable and unique. $3.50 to $21, depending on size, available at www.posterjack.ca.

For your fave babysitter or the cool tween in your life, give them these pretty lip balms in flavours that appeal to the younger set: Charming, Pink Bubblegum, Cotton Candy. Delish. $14, available at sephora.com.

No holiday gift guide is complete without a chocolate recommendation. There are many local chocolate artisans that are worth supporting in neighbourhoods throughout Canada. But as far as a readily available gourmet chocolate goes, there is simply no improving on the creamy Swiss chocolate delicacies of Lindt. $17, available at lindt.ca.

These are so lovely it would almost be a shame to waste them on keys. I can see them clipped to handbag zippers or hanging at someone's desk as well. $25, available at anthropologie.com.

There is still no substitute for a Moleskine notebook and they make amazing gifts. It's book bound (so pages stay put), durable, and wonderful to hold and write in. We think the red is particularly festive, but you can play by your own rules. Perfect for the friend who has been meaning to start a bullet journal. $24, available at staples.ca.

A small sachet of dried herbs, flowers, and essential oils wrapped beneath a warm holiday card is the perfect token gift. A lovely scented bundle to tuck into a drawer or even keep in the car will keep pleasant feelings afloat for months to come. $12, available at fieldguidebotanicals.ca.

For a funky teacher, the babysitter you love, or a kiddo with pierced ears, we love the Etsy shop Kicks and Taffy for fun and colourful jewellery. $17, available at etsy.ca.