Inflation is no joke, and vacations are going to cost a lot more this year. From groceries to gifts, the Canadian dollar isn’t going quite as far as it did a year ago. If that means you’re on a budget when it comes to your shopping list, but still want to look like you’ve spent a fortune, consider the budget gift set.
Many brands and retailers package their best-selling products at significant savings during the holiday shopping season, and we’ve found the best of the best. Here are our favorite game gift packs, ranked from lowest to highest savings.
caffeine kick
For the coffee fiend on your list. This gift pack from Ontario-based Detour Coffee has two of their super-popular holiday blends and one limited-edition blend.
Total Savings: $5
Holiday Tasting Pack, $68, detourcoffee.com
home office organizer
This gift set is for the person who still works from home but hasn’t figured it out yet. With a cupful of spreadsheet shortcuts, little confidence-boosting flashcards, and a mute button that provides 100% certainty your mic is off, you’ll instantly up your WFH game.
Total Savings: $9
Work From Home Gift Set, $126, uncommongoods.com
Something sweet
Rosewood Winery in Lincoln, Ontario not only grows grapes but also raises bees, something they have been doing for over 90 years. Gift four of their unique honeys and a few extras like handmade soap to the gourmet in your life.
Total Savings: $9
Bee Game, $55, rosewoodwine.com
Home Spa Essentials
Handmade in Montreal, Montreal-based Elucx’s Bath Salts and Body Scrub Set is for the gift-giver in need of a little pampering.
Total Savings: $9
Elucx French Cafe Gift Set, $55, simons.ca
Travel essentials
For the jet-setter on your list, this Quebec-made set includes a memory foam pillow and a bamboo sleep mask that will keep them super comfortable on their next flight.
Total Savings: $15
Nuage pillow and sleep mask combo, $149, volprive.ca
handmade hair bows
Made by Mya Beaudry, an 11-year-old girl from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Kokom scrunchies are little works of art for your hair. Usually priced at $10 each, you can buy 10 of their colorful designs at a discount.
Total Savings: $20
Scrunchie set, $80, kokomscrunchies.ca
moisturizing hair care
Everyone’s hair needs a little extra hydration in the winter months. Help them out with this hair mask set from Briogeo, a beloved brand owned by BIPOC of New York.
Total Savings: $23
Briogeo Ultimate Hydrate + Repair Scalp + Hair Mask Kit, $37, sephora.ca
drink of choice
We’re not past the Sbagliato TikTok craze, and if you’ve got a non-drinker on your list, you can help them engage with this non-alcoholic game from Cocktail Emporium. It has everything you need to make an impressive non-alcoholic spritz.
Total Savings: $24
Winter Spritz Set, $100, cocktailemporium.com
canadian candles
Perfect as a hostess gift or for anyone who loves the warmth of a candle in the winter, Lohn’s holiday themed mini set is a no-brainer. Sustainably made in Canada, this trio is a sure winner.
Total Savings: $24
Lohn Winter Moments Mini Candle Trio, $66, eldetoxmarket.ca
anti-aging arsenal
If you have someone in your life who is serious about their skin care regimen, this game will impress you. It has all the products for a six-step routine and includes Holy Grail ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Bonus: Most products are carry-on-friendly under 100ml and the set also comes with a practical travel bag.
Total Savings: $32
Skin Rejuvenating Collection, $430, alumiermd.ca
gardener’s toolbox
For the budding green thumb in your life, look no further than this Lee Valley Gardening Starter Kit. It has all the basic tools to get you started, like pruners and trowels, and a storage bag to keep them all organized.
Total Savings: $45
Garden Tote and Tool Kit, $205, levalley.com
cult skin care
Launched in 2009, Japanese skincare brand Tatcha has amassed legions of fans around the world. For the same price as their plus size moisturizer, this kit has the added bonus of a face wash and serum.
Total Savings: $45
Tatcha Dewy Essential Set, $107, sephora.com
Furry friend’ fits
Vancouver-based Woof Concept makes cute and functional pet accessories that make the perfect gift for the dog owner in your life. This six-piece pack comes with a leash, collar, and harness, plus poop bag holders, a food dish, and treats.
Total Savings: $71
Ultimate Cosmopolitan Package, $170, wowconcept.com
cozy essentials
Organic Basics, a Danish company that makes, you guessed it, basic items in organic cotton, has tons of value packs. Our favorite is the gender-neutral comfy hoodie and sweatpants bundle, 50 percent cheaper than buying each piece individually.
Total Savings: $104
Organic Cotton Midweight Hoodie Bundle, $104, organicbasics.com