HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES are now live!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again; the one that accelerates all the feels! Admittedly, I find the holidays really do exacerbate whatever emotion you’re feeling at the time. If you’re happy- they make you (even) giddier… If you’re struggling or going through a tough time; they have the potential to make you feel a little more alone. So do not forget to carve out time for your nearest and dearest; we’re all finding new and creative ways to establish the human connection we so crave and miss.

Thread carefully and always take care of YOU. Remember that the gift is in the giving; not in the gift itself. This year has been weird, hard and all sorts of volatile. I get a roller coaster of emotions just thinking and reflecting on it.

I never really share gift guides on the blog per se; but a few of you asked and I also saw it as an amazing opportunity to promote small business; so that we can shop intentionally and support them with our dollar now more than ever.

What makes this gift guide special is that ALL of the small business picks came directly from you guys through my Instagram survey.

I’d love your feedback, so if this is something you’d like me to do more regularly- please leave a comment!

I’m going to share three carefully curated and fun lists:

• Gifts for Every Budget! (from $15 to $150)
• Gifts for the Talented Homecook
• Gifts for the Little Hands in your life!

1. Tarte Gift & Glam Collector’s Set: Can we say BEST VALUE? I love this clean make-up brand… I am a huge fan of their shape tape concealer, too! But back to this gift set: you get 4 palettes of eye shadow, cheek shades, and a bonus of mascara and lip gloss. Use Code CYBER until November 29th to get 30% off on their website, only. Fave thing: the individual palettes pop out of the larger case and drop into your purse or makeup bag.
2. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush: If like me; you love to rock nice hair on minimal effort- meet your BFF. Drying and styling made possible in one tool with three heat settings to chose from. Fun Fact: one of you guys recommended it to me, love it!
3. Eberjey PJ’s at Brava Boutique: Brava Boutique in downtown Toronto is my favorite destination for all things luxury lingerie, swimwear, loungewear and personal accessories. Owned by my sister-in-law, Christine, I had to share this intimate apparel local shop where you’ll find everything you need to treat yourself. Eberjey PJ’s will be 15% off on Cyber Monday! P.S. they ship ALL across North America, too!
4. BEAUTYCOUNTER: Counter + Overnight Resurfacing Peel: my go-to when it comes to getting glowing, smooth, brighter skin. I’ve been using it for over 6+ months and totally swear by this gentle, but effective 2-3 times per-week peel with AHA/BHA. Fun Fact: got introduced to it by blog reader Jenn Torres from The Clean Life Edit @thecleanlifeedit
5. UGG Women’s Scuffette Slippers: the eponymous comfort shoe brand also houses the coziest, comfiest slippers. Let’s be honest- we never spent as much time at home as we did in 2020. Investing in a solid set of slippers is key and these are my fave!
6. Eucalyptus & Himalayan Salt Bath Bomb from NICHE Boutique: When one of my Instagram followers submitted this boutique to my support small business initiative- I didn’t hesitate to include it. They offer a fun self-care category and bath bombs are one of the best inventions since sliced bread, I kid you not. The lemon and lavender one also looks pretty appealing, perfect gift for under $10.
7. Relax Salt Soak from PICTUS Goods: Another Instagram submission- I’m in love with all their charming handmade gifts like holiday ornaments, cards, candles, florals, and wellness buys. This salt soak is the best way to unwind in the tub after a long and stressful day (we’ve had a lot of those lately!) Dead Sea salt exfoliates, cleanses and absorbs skin impurities. Check out their amazing section for gifts under $25 and $50.
8. Soft Forms Bud Vase from PICTUS Goods (again): Couldn’t help but share another gift idea from the same spot; as we all need some florals in our life. These vases are perfect for the kitchen window, the bedroom, the bathroom- pretty much anywhere you like. Blooms just brighten the mood and these vases have such a pretty and minimal aesthetic!
9. Classic Mask, Wolford: Mask, but make it stylish! Nothing beats classic black, in my humble opinion. High-quality, breathable fabric and a comfortable and perfect fit thanks to elastic bands. Can’t go wrong with the brand that makes comfort and premium quality the cornerstone of all their products.
10. Best Sellers Hot Chocolate Gift Tea Set by Plan de Vida Tea: Another reader submission; this box offers something for everyone! From Chai Hot Chocolate to Candy Cane Hot Chocolate to Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate; this is the perfect little gift to keep warm this holiday season while supporting small shops.
11. The Jade- Adorn by Adri: Yet another reader submission; handmade jewellery that ships to the U.S. and Canada and makes for the best stocking stuffers or snail mail gifts. Light, durable, and unique earrings anyone would love!
12. Vinoperfect Radiance Serum by Caudalie: Another skin regimen win, it’s time to glow! I love this French clean-beauty brand and I also use their brightening daytime moisturizer. This serum has viniferine which is stronger than Vitamin C when it comes to brightening and helping you vanish any sun spots or skin damage. I also love that a little (a few drops) go a long way! It’s oil-free, too!

1. Mini Waffle Maker Machine by DASH: I legit took a little too long to commit to a waffle maker; but this one is a serious game-changer. Portable convenience, take it with you on your next little road trip or weekend at the cottage. But hey; it’s not strictly for waffles- you can make paninis or hash browns, too!
2. Diala’s Kitchen Cookbook by Diala Canelo: This one hits close to my heart; as this talented friend and Dominican chef has launched her first cookbook and it’s a compilation of her favorite foods from her trips around the globe. Since we can’t quite travel- I can’t think of a better way to explore the world right now and indulge your palate in the best flavors each culture brings to the table. Her book is Pescatarian-friendly, and packed with delicious, eclectic and hearty recipes!
3. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Ricer Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker & Warmer: A bit of a mouthful… but the most useful kitchen appliance there ever was. The title itself tells you everything it can do to make your life easier and save up on counter space. Totally worth the investment; and the time you will save while prepping your go-to meals with this pretty practical gadget. Also, literally half-priced right now!
4. Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother: It almost doesn’t matter which coffee maker you have, this is the ONLY milk frother you need. My trusty friend Danielle (a fellow coffee aficionado) once sent me a picture of my baked goods sitting pretty next to a tall and frothy homemade latte. I asked her about it and she recommended this frother. LIFE-CHANGING, friends. You’ll never look back. You’ll get lots of mileage out of this gift, as we’re mostly having at-home coffees these days, too.
5. Always Pan from Our Place: the ultimate non-stick, non-toxic ceramic pan to hit the market! I am dead serious. Whether you want to braise, sear, sauté, fry, steam, etc- this pan can do it all with the help of some useful accessories. It’s currently $50 dollars off, best money ever spent on cookware.
6. Just Crumbs Cookbook by Suzie Durigon: An immensely-talented baker with a no-nonsense approach to baking (and life)! Her book is peppered with fun jokes and you’ll quickly understand why her friends and family love her unique sense of humor and delicious, fool-proof food! The most fabulous brownies, butter tarts and apple cake await!
7. KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Mixer: For the everyday baker; this indispensable gadget makes for the easiest cakes and cookies each and every time. A lot of my recipes are no-mixer required; but I absolutely love having this on hand (quite literally) to make fluffy meringue, coconut whipped cream, whipped feta, and the best buttercream frosting.

1. Award-Winning Hape All-in-One Wooden Kid’s Art Easel: I don’t know about you, but I have a munchkin who’s super crafty and loves to draw. I really enjoy giving them toys that foster the imagination while keeping them busy and engaged.
2. Gund Winter Sloth: Self explanatory, cuteness overload! Is there an animal that’s had a stronger 2020 comeback than the sloth? From sloth emojis to storybooks, this cute plush toy is the perfect gift.
3. Skip Hop Bath Toys: Stack & Pour Buckets: Two words: amazing affordability. One of the most durable toy brands ever; and every munchkin needs some bath fun. My little Miles loves these, and they make a great gift for under $10.00
4. LeapFrog Speak and Learn Puppy: Full disclosure: we were gifted this toy by one of our favorite toy brands. I never expected Miles would love it this much and it’s really encouraging him to use his words and say more than a few at once. Such a great toddler toy; honestly 100% recommend it!
5. Mattel Games UNO: The quintessential 90’s card game. I vividly remember playing this on end at the beach during weekends while growing up. Perfect gift for any kids over 8; it’s a classic game that encourages players to engage with each other and I love board and card games so much.
6. Winter Gear & Mits from mimiTENS: My munchkins love these. A great, Toronto-based small business to support. Their gear is waterproof and EXTRA cute. Worth every penny and a great way to shop locally and intentionally.
7. Dog Man Kids Book from Silly Goose Kids: These are my Ethan’s favorite book series, and quite frankly, this is my favorite friendly-neighborhood toy store to support in the East end. The owners and staff are the kindest people I know; and they carry a wide array of classic toys that focus on interaction, independent play, and creativity. I also love their winter gear- I have purchased their BOGS & wool Padraig Cottage Slippers for years. Amazing to keep little feet warm in the winter months!
8. Fisher-Price Serving up Fun Food Truck: Cutest gift idea, ever! I know my munchkins love all things food and this is the perfect little playstation for Miles. It’s great for toddlers 18-36 months and I feel it’s one of those toys that encourage independent play and stimulates their imagination. I’ll be lining up here, for sure! 🙂
9. Mabel’s Fables Gift Basket: This bookstore is a Toronto institution; and has been operating for 30+ years in midtown. I used to come here often to buy books when I was expecting Ethan and they honestly have an incredible selection. Their popular gift baskets are their best-selling item and they make for the perfect, enriching holiday gift.
10. Pom Pom Toque from mini mioche: 100% organic merino wool to keep the tiniest heads warm this winter. They go from 0-18 months and they’re hand-knitted in Nepal. This small shop carries the cutest, great-quality clothing gear for kids of all ages.

By: Aleyda | The Dish On Healthy

Please note; some (but not all) of these items contain affiliate links. The Dish On Healthy receives a small percentage of purchases made via these links. This does not apply to any of the small business items featured on this post; your purchases benefit them directly and I’m happy to feature them here.