Need a surefire gift idea for that person on your list who seems to have everything, or a thoughtful last-minute stocking stuffer? We’ve got you covered with this roundup of some of the best stocking-sized gifts our editors tested this year.
Victorinox Swiss Champ knife
I got my first Victorinox Swiss Army knife for Christmas when I was 12 years old (thanks Uncle Gerald! It’s still going strong). Of course, it was a relatively simple, few-tool essential and over the years it has been great to get the odd new version with even more screwdrivers, scissors, knives, etc. So I was happy to put the latest Victorinox Swiss Champ model 1.6795 through its paces. While it’s slightly heftier than a smartphone at 6.5 ounces, its 33 “functions” (standard issue, with welcome bonuses such as a ballpoint pen, magnifying glass, ruler and pliers) make it as essential an outdoorperson’s multitool as a multitasking businessperson’s iPhone. And naturally, it’s built with the renowned quality of the 130-year-plus Victorinox Swiss Army brand — sure to stand up to the rigours of any 12-year-old and last their lifetime. $132; swissarmy.com
—Aaron Kylie, editor
Nuu-muu exercise dress
I was skeptical of the concept of an “exercise dress” — surely a t-shirt is adequate for most activities? — but donned the Nuu-muu for a day of summer fun at Fitzroy Provincial Park near Ottawa. I could see why the promotional photos usually show it worn with leggings or capris: the dress is quite short. Still, the quick-dry material made it a great cover-up for kayaking, the scoop neck and A-line cut are flattering on larger bodies like mine, and the secret back pocket is handy for toting a phone along on a hike. Bonus: it comes in a range of colours and prints cute enough to wear to a backyard barbecue later. US $88; nuu-muu.com
—Alexandra Pope, digital editor
Ecoffee cup
This year, I’ve been desperately trying to reduce my plastic waste consumption by eliminating my use of disposable cups every time I buy a coffee to go. The answer to my problem: Ecoffee Cup. Made with naturally organic and sustainable bamboo fibre, Ecoffee Cup aims to reduce the more than 100 billion single-use cups sent to landfills each year. The reusable travel mug comes in four different sizes and dozens of pattern and colour combinations (the silicone lids and sleeves are interchangeable). The best part: Once your Ecoffee Cup has run its course, simply crush it down and throw it in compost. Perfect for the eco-conscious coffee lover in your life! $13.50-$21.99; ecoffeecup.eco
—Kiley Bell, copy editor and fact checker
Tile Pro Series
I lose everything. I left a brand new iPhone in a cab, a beautiful amethyst pendant fell off my neck the first time I wore it, and don’t even get me started with car keys. So when a Tile Pro Series crossed my desk, I was excited to give it a try. The Tile is basically a durable, water-resistant beacon that syncs to your phone via Bluetooth. When the Tile is attached to, say, your keys, you can use your phone, and the user-friendly Tile app, to ring your Tile or locate it on Google Maps. The Tile works in reverse too. If you have your Tile, but lost your phone, simply press the circle button on the Tile twice and your phone will ring loudly, even if it’s set to silent. However, this only works if your phone is within Bluetooth range (about 90 metres). If it’s not within range, you can still log into your Tile account to see its last known location. One downside is that it runs on a battery, which lasts about a year — don’t forget to replace it! So will losing my keys, and everything else, be a thing of the past? I’d probably need 100 Tiles for that, but this one will help. $109.99 for a 4-pack; amazon.ca
—Michela Rosano, associate editor
More favourites
Fujifilm Instax SQUARE SQ6 camera
Don’t spend all season on Instagram. Instead, keep things simple by capturing and sharing the festivities with this vintage inspired camera, which spits out square prints, has three colour filters and shoots in five modes (including selfie, of course). Read our review of the camera. $159.99, fujifilm.ca
Copper shot glasses
Toast the season by pouring a splash of your favourite libation into these engraved copper shot glasses from United By Blue, which removes half a kilogram of trash from waterways for every product sold. $42, mec.ca
Mèreadesso Travel Ease + Kit
Give your weather-beaten skin a little R&R with this all-natural travel-size skincare set, which contains moisturizer, cleanser, body balm and a cleansing cloth. $54, mereadesso.ca
Flyair Matte Black Sunglasses
Take in winter’s spectacular vistas without annoying smudges or dirt obstructing your view. The lenses of these Bollé rimless wraparound sunglasses are hydrophobic and oleophobic, meaning they stay smudge- and glare-free, and their polycarbonate construction means they’ll last for hikes to come. $109.99 USD, shop.bolle.com
