Our favourite gifts under $20, $50, $100 and $200

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Mother’s Day in Canada falls on May 14, 2023 — meaning we still have time to find personalized gifts that can be ordered and shipped straight to the recipient’s door. You may be celebrating your mother, a mother figure, your wife, partner or girlfriend or perhaps your favourite furry pet mom.
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Whatever the case may be, I’ve rounded up my top choices for the special person in your life based on budget. I’ve tried all of these products and recommend them because they’re high quality, great at what they do and priced well. And I happen to be a mom, sister, wife and daughter who would love to receive any of these items as a gift (if I didn’t already have them — sorry fam — you’ll have to keep looking).
Under $20

Mixbook photo book ($13.99+)
Create a fully customizable photo book that moms the world over will fall in love with. Give yourself a few hours to go through photos (it’s tough to narrow them down, but you can add as many pages as you like) and customize your book. Mixbook provides beautiful templates but everything is up to you, from the formatting and sizing of images, how many are displayed on the page, text, graphics and cover art. Choose express shipping to receive your book before the end of April.
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SOJA&CO candle ($19)
These 100 per cent natural soy wax candles are handmade in Montreal. The products are vegan and cruelty-free, plus SOJA&CO will plant one tree on Canadian soil for every order purchased. I love the Rose + Champagne or the Eucalyptus Mint & Rosemary scents. Available in 4oz and 8oz options.
Under $50

Versed Thirst Quencher, Dry Skin Duo ($40.99)
This duo includes an antioxidant oil serum and a rich moisture cream that helps relieve even the driest of faces. There’s a difference between hydrating and moisturizing and this product does both. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, squalane and camellia oil will all help to rehydrate your loved one’s lovely face. Non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free and pregnancy safe. They also offer a Spot-Erasing Duo or Brightening Bundle at similar price points.
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Function of Beauty Custom Shampoo & Conditioner ($27 each)
A cool way to customize your gift without breaking the bank. The shampoo and conditioner will be created for your giftee’s specific hair-care needs after you answer a few basic questions about their hair type. Do they have straight, wavy or curly hair? Is it fine, medium or coarse? You get the idea.

Saltyface Tanning Water ($48)
This tanning water is made in Vancouver and it actually works. Picture a subtle summer glow without the streaks, stains or smells of traditional tanning creams. The clean formula is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and leaves your face feeling hydrated. A mini vacation in a bottle.

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This mineral SPF gives the faintest of glows if you don’t think your giftee is ready for a full-on tan, plus it’ll protect from the sun. With both UVA and UVB protection, this natural sunscreen is vegan and “reef friendly,” meaning our ocean friends are protected too. Expect a hydrating, matte finish. Hypoallergenic, gluten and cruelty-free.

ILIA Multi-Stick ($47)
This is my go-to beauty stick for all things face. I’ve used it as a blush on my cheeks, lipstick and eye shadow. It’s subtle and blends really well. It’s certified gluten-free, but not vegan due to the use of beeswax. It’s won a bunch of beauty awards, including “Best Makeup” in Oprah’s Beauty O-wards (2022). It’s available in 12 colours or opt for the palette with six popular multi-stick shades.
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Field Trip Super Fluid ($31)
This water-based lubricant is formulated with our health top of mind — it’s paraben, petrochemical, flavour, fragrance and dye free in order to protect our body’s microbiome. Science-backed, pH balanced and Canadian-made.
Under $100

The MEC Ultra-Light Camping Chair ($94.95)
I like to keep this chair tucked away in the back seat of my car — you’d be shocked at how often I use it (a lot). It’s great for impromptu lounging by a lake, the ocean, a parking lot or wherever you may find yourself. It weighs less than 3 lbs, so you can easily throw it in a bag for a hike or bring it camping.

lululemon Like a Cloud Bra ($64)
You may be shocked to hear that this bra feels like a cloud. In other words, it’s as close to feeling like you’re not wearing a bra at all. Men — if you’re reading this — your lady will love it. I wear it as an everyday bra, not just for yoga. Best for chests size C and under.
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Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack, Cada Día ($55)
This hip pack is made from 100 per cent recycled material and is perfect for a day hike or biking adventure. This pack is great for travel and comes with a lifetime warranty and lifetime repairs.

Miles the label, Dalmatian Dot Print on Light Pink Rain Hooded Rain Coat ($72)
As a mom myself, this is my favourite spring item in my daughter’s closet. Miles the Label has continually impressed me with their commitment to high-quality kidswear that lasts. This rain jacket is warm yet breathable and comes in sizes 2-10 years. Go all in and grab the matching rain overalls, too. My daughter is 18 months old and wears a size 2.

Northface Women’s Onyx Shoes ($159.99)
These kicks are perfect for the mom that hikes, bikes, runs or just likes to spend time in very comfortable shoes. They’re lightweight and equally great on the pavement and the trails, making them versatile shoes that can be worn from one activity to the next.
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Under $200

Boutique Rugs, Rosman Distressed Washable Rug ($142)
A perfect rug for moms because not only does it look great, but it’s washable. I have the runner in my kitchen which sees a whole lot of traffic, and it still looks brand new thanks to the washable element. The rug is made in Turkey, low pile and great for households with kids and pets. Get the vintage look without the price tag.

Oral B iO Series 4 Electric Toothbrush ($109.75)
It’s shocking to learn how deeply our overall health is impacted by our oral health. If you have a woman in your life not using an electric toothbrush, this is a great budget-friendly option that comes with all of the features my dentist and periodontist recommend — a two-minute timer that lets you know when you’re done brushing and a sensor that alerts you if you’re pressing too hard.
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Homebird Waffle Throw ($110)
This throw is super soft, made from 100 per cent organic long-staple cotton. The company is Canadian, and focuses on ethically made products, using Fairtrade factories and premium materials. Available in classic colours that will never go out of style.
Splurge

Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven ($1,099)
I’ve learned over the years that many of the gifts bought for me by my partner are actually for him. So if you’re looking to invest in a new toy that the entire family can appreciate — this is it. This pizza oven is incredible. It cooks perfectly delectable wood-fired pizza in 60 seconds. SIXTY SECONDS. You can switch out the wood for charcoal or even connect it to a gas burner (sold separately), but I love the smokey wood-fired taste.
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ltaveroff@postmedia.com
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