The 2022 Stimulant Gift Guide

This year's selection of under-the-radar ideas includes better for the planet deodorant and a way to level up your bread making.
By
December 21, 2022

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Smelling good despite the stress of the season

Still searching for the perfect gift for your sweaty, stressed out friend? Look no further than Routine, a female-founded deodorant and body products company based in the Canadian Rockies. The brand’s schtick is that it only creates products that are body- and environment-friendly. Love that, but trust me when I tell you that you’ll come for the sustainability and wellness but stay for the incredible range of scents (that harness more power than conventional sticks).

Routine offers 17 different scents with names that ooze personality such as Bonita Applebom (a cinnamon scent perfect for winter), Blackberry Betty (bursting with berry goodness) and Johnny’s Cash (targeted to the fellas out there). My personal favourite is Superstar, which includes magnesium to purportedly handle stress sweats, as well as prebiotics to promote skin health. There’s a formula for every need: baking soda free, vegan or no beeswax.

Another thing that’s cool (and weird if you’re a newbie), is that the original line-up of Routine’s deodorants come in refillable glass jars. Bonus points for the environment, and also gives you a chance to get friendly with your pits (fun fact: rubbing this stuff under your arms promotes lymphatic drainage, and can help to support your immune system). Squeamish about getting all up in there? Routine also comes in convenient sticks.

One jar is about $30 depending on the scent you choose, and lasts for about six months.

– Chelsea Clarke, associate editor

How to make a difference (on a deadline)

Editors always default to deadline reality checks, so this year’s holiday gift guide picks recognize the impending due date. I have two options, and both can be wrapped by Auto-fill and one click.

For the kids in your life (there’s no upper age limit on this demo), check out the Giving Tree, by Toronto Zoo’s Wildlife Conservancy. Direct a donation towards zoo denizen treats like “Party Time” or “Snack Time & Foraging” (don’t ask what they put in the Meerkat’s Kong toys), and instill the joy of charitable giving. Hanging around the zoo back when my son took behind-the-scenes classes, I got to see the Orangutan painting, so the Craft Supplies option caught my eye.

For pretty much anyone on your list, consider a donation to World Central Kitchen (in lieu of stuff). They were one of the first to arrive in the Ukraine, and continue to feed hordes of people in multiple crisis zones despite danger, so vicariously helping in those efforts would be a welcome gift.

– Mary Maddever, editorial director and EVP Canadian Media Brands

From baking to beauty essentials

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During the pandemic, I dove into the bread-making trend headfirst – as it turned out, I was pretty good at it. Now instead of buying bread, I bake sourdough and treats weekly. Next up on the to-perfect list is the art of baguette making. So this year, to make that task easier, this Williams Sonoma pan is at the top of my wish list.

For the tricky-to-buy-for folks on your list, I’m convinced this skincare set from Province Apothecary has magical powers. I received it as a gift two years ago and I’ve never looked back. Plus, the brand is Canadian and its products are plant-powered.

Finally, for the eco fashionistas, Susan Harris, a Toronto-based designer, creates eco-friendly, one of a kind pieces that are hand-crafted using recycled clothing. Keep your loved ones warm this winter with her unique designs that also care for our planet.

– Lisa Faktor, publisher

Break away from the grasp of big streaming

Gift cards have never been considered the most thoughtful gift in the world, but this year, it feels like it might set some movie and music lovers in the right direction.

With streaming platforms taking even the most well-loved programs off of their platforms this year – which some have suggested is a way to cut back on royalty payments – it has been a reminder that we don’t actually own the content we stream. So, it might be time for the good old iTunes gift card (or Google Play gift card, depending on their platform of choice) to make a comeback. (Ideally, you’d be able to get them a Blu-Ray copy, but the days when TV series and movies automatically made their way to physical media have long since passed.)

And for the music lover in your life who might be aware of the middling royalties platforms like Spotify and Apple Music pay artists, Bandcamp – a music platform that directs almost all revenue to artists – actually sells gift cards too.

– Josh Kolm, digital editor

Soma is worth (re)visiting

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Toronto’s Distillery District is a favorite walking neighbourhood this time of year and many locals are already familiar with the treats on offer at Soma Chocolatemaker.

They aren’t exactly an unknown brand, I know, but if you haven’t checked it out in a while, now would be a good time. This year, the home for artisanal chocolate, hot chocolate, cookies, and gelato is offering some holiday gift collection treats that are a bit off the beaten path including gingerbread cat ninjas, chocolate “salami” and large chocolate birch branches.

– Chris Lombardo, senior reporter

Keeping it local

I’ve focused my suggestions on ease of access (read: within blocks of my house). So if you’re a west ender, this may be useful, and hopefully has something for everyone.

Blue Button Shop on Fundas West has some incredible one-wash denim from OrSlow, for men and women. Remember when the hipsters in your life wanted the driest denim? Now we want it rinsed. Once. No more. No less.

If clothing is too risky of a choice they also have incredible stationery – or if your recipient is anything like me and they love burning money – check out their selection of incense that they offer.

If you don’t find anything at BBS, head directly across the street. Rose City Goods has amazing finds ranging from home goods to apothecaries in addition to fun and games. Their stained glass lamps are beautiful – as are their artsy puzzles.

If you want consumable gifts, make your way over to Sunnyside Provisions on Roncy for a fantastic selection of food and beverages. You can also enjoy a beer while you shop.

– Neil Ewen, associate publisher