Even though this year’s holiday celebrations might not have the same allure and glory of the good old days, some gatherings will definitely be marked on your unorganized but deadline packed magnetic fridge calendar. If those gatherings happen to be with family, friends and other people you can’t use the gift hallpass or pull the broke university student card with, you’ll definitely need to shop for some easy and affordable gifts, north of Dollarama and south of Nordstrom. Here are 5 places where you can find holiday gifts for pretty much anyone!
- Amazon
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Duh… Ever since the beginning of the pandemic (and arguably even before that), Amazon has always been a safe bet. This year more than ever, when you can receive your order within the same day, ordering your holiday presents from Amazon not only saves you the hassle of shopping at a mall or a busy store, but is also a great option if you still feel uncomfortable with a larger-than-usual flow of people.
- Hudson’s Bay
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Yes, this is slightly more expensive than Amazon, but if you have to buy something with more pizzazz for your parents, partner, and best friends, a gift card probably won’t cut it. As a frequent shopper of the Bay, I can testify that not only does it have great-quality gift ideas, but there are always lots of very convenient sales going on. Especially if you already have in mind what kind of gift you would like to purchase, my advice would be to start planning early on and make sure to receive notifications when the price drops!
- Indigo
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This probably is one of my favorite places to shop for gifts all year round. Not only do the stores display great gift ideas and pre-made packages, but also there are lots of discounts closer to the holiday season. Plus, their gift wraps are always so cute, especially if you go to the kids section.
- Etsy
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Although I don’t frequently shop at Etsy, I know lots of people who absolutely love it! Not only can you customize a present for a special someone, but also you can find unique, never-seen-before products that will easily make an impression.
- Local or small business
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Be it an actual crafty jewelry store or an online small business selling unique soap bars, buying small and local not only supports your community but also allows your gifts to stand out of the crowd! Some of my recent favorites are Meeku (skincare products) and NoMiNoU (Athletic and yoga clothing).
This concludes my roundup of favorite places to shop for holiday gifts! Ultimately, I believe finding the right present for everyone can be challenging, especially when your budget isn’t exactly amazing; the greatest advice I can give is don’t stress too much, more is less, and at the end of the day, it’s always the thought that counts!