25 Gifts Under $25

Things going downhill with the neighbours? Perfect. Since you're regularly meeting up at the toboggan spot anyway, give them a gift you know will go to good use: the new Walrooz connectable sled available in two sizes for kids and adults. Fine on their own, and more fun (read: faster) when connected, this is a great gift for the good friends next door.

Have a friend who suffers from bad timing? Gift a reliable and portable timer, the simply igneous Cube Timer. Place it down anywhere for the amount of time needed (5, 15, 30 or 60 minutes) and when the time is up, the cube repeatedly beeps. It's great for the kitchen, working out at home, napping…and maybe to keep track of certain little people's timeouts.

Some legends are seared into our memories: Jack Nicholson, Pete Sampras, Steve Jobs. And then there are local legends (at least in their own minds): your father, Uncle Harry, or your brother-in-law. Let them leave a lasting, or rather, temporary impression with a Barbecue Branding Iron from Danna Bananas. This heavy duty poker comes with 52 changeable letters (no tools required) to spell out their message onto the meat (or eggplant). It's truly a hot gift that will be burned into their memory forever.

Canadian born Patrick deWitt has earned hundreds of accolades and several prestigious book awards for his smart, inventive take on the Western. If your avid reader isn't typically a Wild West fan, fear not. While deWitt's book follows some standard Western protocol (saloons, gun-slinging and more), the book is thoroughly enjoyable remarking on the everyday lives of Eli and Charlie, two brothers following a mission of mayhem across the US.

The perfect gift to encourage an ecological mindset. Tree in a Box, a self-planting tree kit provides the seeds, soil and instructions on how to grow (and then transplant) a Canadian Sugar Maple. Chosen for its hardy, disease-resistant attributes and ability to withstand temperatures of -40°C, this token tree gift may warm their hearts, while reducing global warming.

What a tool. The practicality of the Automobile Emergency Breakaway Kit, which can cut seatbelts, pop airbags, break windows and includes a compass, flashlight, whistle and more, will please any recipient. Especially your wannabe MacGyver. This gift really is the bomb.

Dogs love scraps but even if the pooch receiving this gift isn't allowed food from the table, their owner won't mind these sort of leftovers. Planet Dog makes eco-friendly dog toys and the Orbee-Tuff RecycleBONES are made from the leftover bits of their other products. Non-toxic, recyclable and rinses clean—you've mastered the pet present perfectly with this one.

Let's be brief, shall we? Undergarments (for him) are rarely an indulgent or overly thoughtful gift, but J Crew's Labrador-patterned boxer shorts are the perfect cover up. Super-soft with a supple elasticized waist, these shorts will last a long time, making your gift the top dog of his underwear drawer.

This gift is guaranteed to be pretty hot. Green anyone's house with an Heirloom Pepper Indoor Garden which provides two heirloom pepper varieties—purple, orange, yellow and scarlet (every container will yield different versions)—that won't require transplanting. The garden includes a galvanized, waterproof planter, organic heirloom seeds, organic soil-less growing mix, and instructions. With this gift, you really have planted a little seed.

Mon Dieu. Who knew that master spy novelist Len Deighton was well versed in the fine art of French cooking? This fabulous, simply illustrated cookbook, with comic-strip style instructions, will crack the code for anyone who enjoys or wants to know how to prepare and understand true French cooking, including sauces, charcuterie, butchery and ways to prepare vegetables.

Ice and wine don't typically mix (though we're pretty sure ice and whining do, when it comes to hockey practices with kids). The Platypus Wine Preservation system allows for portable protection of your coaches' favourite red or white beverage while on the go, by eliminating the liquid's exposure to oxygen.

Grading may have gone hi-tech these days—more mouse, less writing—but teachers hands still get tired from too much typing. Black Diamond Warm-Up Balls may be the key to their heart, er…hands. These rolling balls are used to increase circulation and exercise tired, stiff fingers and palms. Originally developed for climbers, they are just as appropriate for adventurous educators. Made of hollow steel.

Serenity now. If you've volunteered for even 10 minutes in any classroom, you'll know a teacher gift deserves more thought than a scented candle or joke-inscribed tea mug. Dr. Hauscka's Body Care Kit will be a surprising and supremely appreciated gift for any female instructor who has earned a hit of holistic indulgences. The kit includes soap-free body washes, hand creams, bath and body oils and moisturizers, all infused with natural lemon, rose, lavender and quince.

She's seen you at your best (as you left the house) and your worst (your late-night return) and never complains about last-minute cancellations or extended hours, so giving a holiday gift to your favourite teenage sitter is probably smart. This knit fedora from online hat site lids.ca is a cool accessory that shows you know what's hip…even if she thinks you are anything but.

What gifts to expect when you are expecting over the holidays? Cute winter-themed onesies and baby toys are great ideas, but a journal for recording unforgettable comments/quotes/questions will give new parents a taste of what's to come, and provide a lasting memory for those unintentionally funny, or insightful things kids say. The new parents may never get around to organizing photos, but thanks to you, their kids' spoken words will be well-recorded.

The Silly Band craze is over, but Braced-Lets may be the newest bling bonanza for kids and teens. Created by two New York-based orthodontists, these arm adornments literally come from the material used to create braces, and made pretty by brightly-coloured stretchy bands. A gift of these could just bring out the perfect smile.

Life would be a little less sweet, less enjoyable (or, some days, less tolerable) without her, wouldn't it? Surprise the friend who always is there for you with a little Love. Suetables line of charitable ornaments benefit Sick Kids Hospital with 20% of the proceeds being donated and give you the perfect opportunity to tell her how much she means to you. We 'heart' this gift idea.

Is someone you love getting flack for never being able to relax? Wrap up a Dream Designs Flax Seed Eye Pillow, which helps reduce stress by placing gentle pressure on the eyes and relieving eye strain. Great for the same use in yoga class too, the pillow is hypoallergenic and comes with a removable 100% organic pillow case for easy care.

Home, office, off camping—true coffee lovers want access to a real cup of Joe wherever they are, and don't necessarily want a whole pot or the instant version. Easy and quick, the Melitta Pour Over System will let your coffee-lovin' friend easily brew one cup of regular coffee at a time wherever she is (and she'll thank you for helping her avoid those morning coffee-shop lines).

His masculinity is what you love about him. It's also what drives you crazy. For the gym rat, sport-playing, or handy (even not-so-handy), mighty male in your home, we recommend a gift of Performance Remedy™ Mr. Fix It™ Antimicrobial Wound Rescue by Jack Black (not the actor, we checked). It quickly heals cuts, nicks, and prevents the growth of germs and bacteria that are common in workout or construction areas. This gift really is a cut above the norm.

Gone, but not forgotten. They may have moved to the good ol' US of A, but don't forget your friends formerly from up North. Birchbox will send your special someone a small sample size of luxury products—think Kerastese, Smashbox, Kiehl's and Stila—each month for a mere $10, giving them a taste of what they are missing, including thoughtful you.

Don't underestimate the importance of a good sole. For the male member of your family, or your sister's current flight-of-fancy, investing in a big gift may be overdoing it. But a smart pair of wool socks from renowned menswear retailer Harry Rosen? Solid.

Granted, not every grandparent is always on the go, but for those who love a sense of adventure (outside of babysitting your kids), the Telescoping Hiking Stick is a great gift. Made from strong aluminum, the sticks lengthen then lock at the height needed, and also offer an anti-shock element as well as a compass and thermometer. Great for walking on solid ground, deep snow, and even sand.

You don't need a little bird to tell you there's someone on your list that deserves the personal touch. These beautifully illustrated cards from Canadian Etsy store, craftedbylindy, will be a sweet stationery supplement for anyone extra-special. Each order comes with eight cards personalized with your name and eight brown bag-style envelopes. You'll definitely hit the right note with this gift.