More Practical and Less Fluff:

Ideas for Christmas gifts 2025

        Practicality is the buzz word when choosing Christmas gifts this year. Faced with less discretionary spending and rising prices, shoppers should be focusing on what is needed rather than a present that would be described by some as a ‘dust-collector’ is in vogue.

        Brent Kinney, a financial planner from Saint John, NB, suggests a couple of things to do before you even get started. He says, “Be realistic about your Christmas budget and divide your spending into a few categories such as food, gifts, etc., in order to keep track of where your money is going.” In regards to purchasing gifts, Kinney advises, “Try to use only cash and don’t rely on credit cards. You want to avoid a situation where the bills start coming in after Christmas and you realize you will be paying for your purchases until 2027!”

        Some of these suggestions will surely find their way into your shopping cart for Christmas, 2026:

·         Though people usually have supplies such as bandages on hand, a first aid kit provides the materials needed in many emergencies. Kept at home, in the car or when pursuing outdoor activities, a first aid kit is an often overlooked necessity.

·         Hand and foot warmers add comfort when spending time outdoors or in an ice rink.

·         A wet/dry vacuum will come in handy for both house and car messes.

·         With many plastics going the way of the dodo bird, reusable bags of all sizes are great for groceries, refrigerator and freezer foods and in lunch bags.

·         Whether for a female or a male, if you know their skincare routine, giving them some component such as face cream for women or beard oil for men are great options.

·         For Apple users, Air Tags can be placed on anything that users frequently misplace such as their Smartphone, glasses and keys. Air Tags save time by instantly being able to locate items no matter where they were left.

·         A vehicle emergency kit is the ultimate ‘better to have and not need rather than to need and not have’. There are several different kits available which typically include battery cables, an emergency blanket, red flashing light, a tow rope and a fire extinguisher.

·         Weighted blankets are on trend with proven scientific results. Steven Carleton (CACIII, LCSW) an executive clinical director at Gallus Detox, in regards to weighted blankets offers, “This pressure puts the autonomous nervous system in a state of relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.”

·         Kids that are in the toy and building stages will love the Clixo Rainbow 42 Piece Pack. Getting youngsters away from a screen and using their imagination is a welcome gift. Designed by Clixo, this product builds 2D and 3D creations with durable and flexible material, secure magnets, are educational and fun as well as being travel friendly.

·         An insulated water bottle keeps beverages hot or cold and can be taken anywhere.

·         Air Fryers are a favourite for roasting and baking foods with the fan on top ensuring even cooking results. Requiring little to no oil, quickly heating up and fast cooking make them healthier and more convenient than a conventional deep fryer.

·         Solar or battery chargers for Smartphones - when the power goes out, it is a way to charge their phones. This keeps people connected to the outside world which adds security when the lights go out.

·         Soft slippers that come that come in carry pouch are portable, easily fitting into a purse or pocket. Keeps feet snug and warm while visiting or flying.

·         Add fun with your family or guests with a game called ‘Words are Hard’. Played even with younger aged children, this game has a simple concept – flip over a card with a picture and the first one who says a word that starts with the same letter of the photo on the card wins. If a ‘hospital’ picture is depicted then you can win by being the first person to say ‘house’ and slapping the card.

·         Cathy Bittman of Leduc, Alberta, says, “My sister often does a hamper box for my daughter and her family. Over the years there has been everything from a turkey and ham to toilet paper and toothbrushes. Almost anything you can think of that is needed on a regular basis.”

People on your list will appreciate any present that can ease their financial burden into 2026.

Kinney reminds shoppers to, “Plan ahead and keep an eye on the flyers, weekly specials, Internet savings and deal-finder Apps on your phone.” He further advises, “Once this Christmas is in the books, you can make a financial plan for 2026. This way you can save a little extra every month which will ease the budget crunch when Christmas rolls around again.”

While gift cards may seem impersonal they still fall under the old adage ‘it’s the thought that counts’. A tank of gas will surely trump a candle that adds fragrance to a room. Perhaps consider giving the gift card with a small gift such as body wash or adding an item to what the recipient collects.

Giving the donation of your time by way of a certificate for free babysitting, house cleaning, mowing the lawn and clearing away snow will help ease the financial strife and stress felt by so many families muddling through this uncertain economy.

Tanis Easton of Brampton, ON, says, “Reminiscing, listening and sharing stories is worth more than any physical gift can buy.”

Remember it is not about what’s under the tree but rather who is around it.