Gift cards can get a bit of a bad rap. Some say they display a lack of imagination on the gifter’s part; others point to the masses of gifting money left unspent on forgotten cards. But if you put some thought into your recipient’s favourite places to shop and really nail their preferred outlets, you are actually giving the wonderful gift of choice, of optimal sizing calculation, and of the ability to shop the end-of-year sales. Plus, of course, there’s the fact that you can purchase them up to the verrrry last minute.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to the best (and not-so-obvious) gift cards for everyone on your list.
The best fashion gift cards
Everlane: Does their style lean classic? Do they love a good basic? An Everlane gift card is the answer for the person who favours unfussy silhouettes and quality materials like wool, cashmere and organic cotton. Everlane gift card: everlane.com
Lululemon: A new yoga outfit, some techy outerwear or even sleek loungewear awaits the sporty-leaning recipient of a gift card from this powerhouse Canadian brand. Lululemon gift card: lululemon.com
Urban Outfitters: Particularly ideal for the Gen Zs on your list. Whether they’ve been eyeing trendy, oversized cardigans or a quirky poster for their gallery wall, a gift card to UO has them covered. Urban Outfitters gift card: urbanoutfitters.com
Simons: We love this Quebec City-based department store for its delightful, affordable fashion from in-house labels Twik and Contemporaine and rich assortment of artisanal home finds. Simons gift card: simons.ca
Away: Away is known for partnering with celebrities on buzzy collabs and generally creating the kind of luggage you’d actually be excited to tote around. A gift card is perfect for the person who’s cautiously venturing into the world of travel again. Away gift card: awaytravel.com
Mary Young: Lingerie, but make it cool, comfortable and modern. This Toronto-based designer also makes dreamy loungewear and bodysuits — it’s a great gift card to send to a chic friend. Mary Young gift card: maryyoung.com
Fabletics: Yes, it’s a celebrity fitnesswear brand (thank you, Kate Hudson!) and yes, it’s a source of really great stretchy-wear in every colour of the rainbow — and then some — and an inclusive size range from XXS (size 0) to 4X (size 22-24). Fabletics gift card: fabletics.com
Dr. Liza Shoes: Posture expert and manual osteopath Dr. Liza Egbogah makes pumps, booties and fluffy-soled slippers, all designed with built-in orthotic support and mega-cushioned soles for maximum comfort, even if they’re on their feet *all* day. Dr. Liza gift card: drlizashoes.com
The best beauty gift cards
Sephora: Fact: Even the most low-maintenance, bare-essentials kind of person can rack up a serious bill at Sephora. That’s why you can’t go wrong with a gift card from the mega beauty retailer. From skin care and hair care to makeup and more, your giftee is sure to find something they’ll love. Sephora gift card: sephora.com
Fenty: For the RiRi fan/makeup lover/skin care devotee in your life. Fenty Beauty does it right with fun, high-quality products designed to work on absolutely everybody. Fenty gift card: fentybeauty.com
Charlotte Tilbury: To try a Charlotte Tilbury product is to fall in love. From her famous lipsticks and complexion enhancers to her decadent skin care, the celeb makeup artist has a way of making anyone feel like a billion bucks. Charlotte Tilbury gift card: charlottetilbury.com
The Detox Market: The destination for all things clean beauty, The Detox Market stocks only the best. Think: organic skincare that truly works, natural makeup that feels super luxe and self-care treats guaranteed to help anyone relax. The Detox Market gift card: thedetoxmarket.ca
The best jewelry gift cards
Jenny Bird: Pieces by this beloved Toronto-based designer top the wish lists of many stylish women. From sculptural earrings to chunky statement chains, there’s a gold (or silver!) find to match anyone’s style. Jenny Bird gift card: jenny-bird.ca
Mejuri: This cool (and Canadian!) company helped usher in a new era of jewelry shopping. The brand is always adding new pieces, so they’ll definitely find something they like, whether they’re celebrating a milestone or nothing at all. Mejuri gift card: mejuri.com
Pandora: Know someone with a Pandora bracelet? Let them have all the fun in picking their next set of charms. Pandora gift card: ca.pandora.net
The best homewares gift cards
Brooklinen: Three words: Crisp new sheets. This much-hyped bedding brand creates dreamy linen, sateen and percale sets in classic shades. Someone’s sleep just got upgraded. Brooklinen gift card: brooklinen.com
Indigo: Help a friend meet their annual reading goal — and stock up on a wide range of lovely decor items from candles to stationery to throw blankets. Indigo gift card: chapters.indigo.ca
Etsy: Ideal for lovers of all things unique, handmade or vintage, an Etsy gift card is an easy way to support local makers. Etsy gift card: etsy.com
Hudson’s Bay: Not exactly sure of their style — home decor or clothing-wise? A Hudson’s Bay gift card could buy them new wine glasses, a classic striped comforter or some new designer swag. The options are nearly endless. Hudson’s Bay gift card: thebay.com
PinkCherry: So, vibrators are not exactly homewares but they are used *in* the home, okay? Hundreds of The Kit readers have added sex toys to their carts, which leads us to believe an orgasm is at the top of just about everyone’s wish list this year. For a little *ahem* privacy when selecting the stimulator of their choosing, a PinkCherry gift card is the perfect way to show you know what they really want. PinkCherry gift card: pinkcherry.ca
Babeland: With gift card denominations that range from $10 all the way up $500, Babeland is another great option if you’re looking for a cheeky holiday gift. The Pleasure Works Electra vibrator was a hit with Kit readers, but the options are endless. Babeland gift card: babeland.com
The best gift subscriptions
Hello Fresh: Treating friends to a delicious homemade meal (without the dreaded trip to the grocery store) *might* just be the most wonderful gift of all. A meal delivery kit subscription from HelloFresh is the perfect way to save them precious time and nourish them with fresh ingredients and curated recipes. Monthly from $79. Hello Fresh subscription: hellofresh.ca
Bark Box: This monthly subscription box comes with a different theme every time, like Home Alone or Lick or Treat and is filled with chew toys — from soft chewer to super chewer — and all-natural treats made in Canada and the U.S. From $45. Bark Box subscription: barkbox.com
Creation Crate: Have a STEM-enthusiast (ages 12 and up) on your list? This portal will encourage budding inventors/engineers to create such cool projects as a Rover Bot, Digital Clock or Bluetooth Speaker by setting them up with virtual workshops and component packages. From $29. Creation Crate subscription: creationcrate.com
Aaptiv: This comprehensive fitness app offers unlimited access to thousands of workouts in categories like running, elliptical, yoga and strength training, led by certified trainers and designed for use at home, outside or at a gym. Up to 30 new classes are added every week, so they’ll never get bored. From $49/year. Aaptiv subscription: aaptive.com
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