Finding the perfect gift can be tough—especially if the recipient doesn‘t need more stuff (and who does these days?).
Whether for your partner, sister, co-worker, or anyone else on your holiday list, consider experience gifts and consumables like beverages instead – these gifts create lasting memories, generate less waste, not to mention anxiety, around unwanted presents, and make fabulous last-minute gifts (since most are available as e-gift cards or certificates).
From spa and relaxation to lattes and art, the gift of an experience is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Gift Pampering and Relaxation
Canada’s favourite spa gift, WaySpa Gift Cards are redeemable for massage, spa days, facials, manicures, yoga classes, hair care and much more at hundreds of partner spas, salons, and studios across Canada.
You can ship a traditional plastic card with a gift sleeve, or choose the print or email option with your choice of holiday theme and message.
WaySpa Gift Cards can be purchased in any amount between $25 and $500. And while any amount is appreciated, consider the person you are buying it for and what treatment they might be interested in.
Here’s a handy list of price ranges to help you choose, along with details on how to buy and redeem WaySpa Gift Cards.
P.S. WaySpa gift cards are perfect for employee perks as well! Read 5 Ways to Reward Your Team with a WaySpa Gift Card.
Gift Spa-at-Home
For those who enjoy a cozy bubble bath or curling up with a good book, a spa-at-home box from The Spa Curator is in order.
Filled with luxurious step-by-step home treatments, these Spa Boxes are beautifully wrapped and delivered to your (or their) door.
Choose from the Retreat Collection, a Mani/Pedi Box, Ageless Skin, and even a box just for men. And, you can redeem WaySpa Gift Cards with The Spa Curator as well, should you already have one in hand.
Gift Superfood Lattes
For the wellness enthusiast on your list, Blume’s organic superfood powders strike the right note.
Based in Vancouver, Blume creates healthy blends free from caffeine with their favourite cafe flavours – without syrups, refined sugars, or caffeine.
We can personally vouch for how delicious these are! and recommend the Sweater Weather or Holiday Bundle.
Gift Dinner Out
Even for the person who loves to cook, the gift of a meal or evening enjoyed out with friends and loved ones always hits the spot.
From fine dining to steakhouses to casual eats and seafood, the choice of restaurant gift cards is outstanding, and some allow redemption at more than one brand.
Check out the Restaurants’ selection at GiftCards.ca for ideas on some of the top places to dine out in Canada.
Gift History and Art
One gift idea we don’t see suggested very often but absolutely love to give is memberships.
Whether they like art, film, history, or special events, you can give memberships or subscriptions to art galleries, museums, cinemas and more in their area.
Gift Mindfulness
We can all use some mental downtime to calm and nourish our minds and spirits, and meditation (yes, you’ve heard it before!) is truly a remarkable practice to learn.
For the curious, the seeker, the stressed-out and everyone in between, the gift of a meditation or mindfulness app will be well-received.
We like InsightTimer and Calm, but there are plenty to choose from. Bonus points if you gift the app with a meditation cushion or throw.
Gift Bubbles
From date nights to the big day, champagne is a celebration in a glass and one of our favourite gifts to give during the holidays.
You can find sparkling wine and champagne at every price point, but a couple of recommendations never hurt:
- For smaller budgets or secret Santa-type giving, seek out Cava or Prosecco
- Medium (and better) bottles are Reserva, Franciacorta or Blanc de Blanc varieties
- For the creme-de-la-creme, Brut Champagne – specifically Cristal, Veuve Clicquot or Dom Pérignon
Gift Wisdom
Have you heard of MasterClass? For the budding author, actor, or chef on your list, give the gift of virtual learning – from the pros.
Learn acting from Natalie Portman, cooking from Gordan Ramsey, entrepreneurship from Richard Branson or songwriting and producing from Alicia Keys.
Inspire the person who inspires you. New classes are added every month.
Gift a Getaway
Whether together or solo, a weekend away can lift spirits and spark feelings of excitement, often sorely needed during the dark days of winter.
A romantic couple’s escape might include a cozy cabin in the woods or a luxury hotel mini-vacation. Or treat your sister or girlfriend to a yoga weekend or Nordic spa escape.
WaySpa Gift Cards are also redeemable at a selection of Canada’s best Destination Spas to give the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation to look forward to.
Gift Nature
Does someone on your holiday list love the outdoors and camping?
An annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers admission to more than 80 destinations for 12 months, offering the gift of history, nature, and adventure from coast to coast to coast. 450 000 km2 of memories await!
…and for yourself? Check out our Top 5 Self-Care Holiday Gifts when you need some pampering this holiday season.