It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a year like no other. And while we can’t predict what the next year will bring, why not treat yourself—and your family—to something extra special under the tree this year. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our dream gifts worth splurging on.
1. Custom doll house
Photo: Etsy
Build your little one the doll house of their dreams. Using a base frame, Montreal-based artisan Ismérie Anglade will work with you to build the optimal furniture, decor, carpets and more for your home. The result will be truly one of a kind.
From $550, etsy.com
2. Micuna Ovo Max Luxe High Chair
Photo: Indigo
Proving that baby gear doesn’t have to be ugly, the Micuna Ovo Max Luxe High Chair is the stuff of dreams with faux leather straps, solid beechwood legs and a removable tray. Easily converting from high chair to toddler desk chair, this stylish piece will be a welcome addition to any home.
$670, indigo.ca
3. Medela x Rebecca Minkoff tote
Photo: Medela
Fashion-forward breastfeeding moms will love this new collaboration from Medela and cult handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff. Made with a wipeable nylon material, the tote features a removable leopard-print lined bag for holding pump parts (compatible with all Medela personal use pumps), interior pockets to help moms stay organized and three adjustable straps. When you’re not using it for your pump, it doubles as stylish diaper bag.
$413, rebeccaminkoff.com
4. iPad Air
Photo: Apple
The latest rendition of Apple’s classic, lightweight tablet has all the bells and whistles with a massive 10.9-inch display, Apple’s most advanced chip ever made that allows for better video editing, enhanced gaming capabilities and better graphics and a 7MP front-facing FaceTime HD camera along with a 12MP rear camera. Use this to take your office mobile or to let your little Picassos create impressive works of art.
From $779, apple.com
5. Peloton Bike+
Photo: Peleton
We already know that moms love the Peloton bike, and with the uncertainty of whether gyms will remain open over the winter, it may be time to bring your fitness routine home. In addition to live and prerecorded spinning classes, the integrated monitor on the Peloton Bike+ can be turned 360 degrees so that you can add classes like strength, stretching, yoga and more to your routine.
From $3,295 (or $85/month), onepeloton.ca
6. Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50
Photo: courtesy of Vitamix
If your family didn’t go green in 2020—hey, there was a lot going on!—it’s not too late. This sleek countertop device breaks down food waste into a tenth of its original volume and creates a nutrient-rich fertilizer you can add to your soil.
$500, vitamix.com
7. Google Pixel 5
Photo: Google
Take your own amazing family photos with the new Google Pixel 5. With an ultra wide lens and features like cinematic pan, night sight and portrait mode, you’ll be able to create professional looking snaps with very little effort. And don’t worry about the battery running out in the middle of your shoot; the phone has an all-day battery that can last up to 48 hours.
From $800, store.google.com
8. Thermomix TM6
Photo: Thermomix
Epicurious calls the Thermomix TM6 “the iPhone of kitchen technology” and we’d have to agree. Invented some 50 years ago in Europe, the versatile Thermomix has come a long way, and is now known for its ability to take the place of multiple appliances, as it chops, cooks, blends, steams, kneads, mills, sautés and more. Once connected to a recipe app, the WiFi-enabled device guides you step-by-step through thousands of international recipes on its large touch screen. From inexperienced home chefs to full-on foodies, the recipient of this gift will not be disappointed.
$2,099, thermomix.ca
9. PS5
Photo: PlayStation
On November 12th, the highly anticipated PlayStation5 launched in Canada. Gamers can expect lightning-fast loading with an ultra-high speed SSD, deeper immersion with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and 3D Audio. Of course, there will also be an all-new generation of games to go with the new system.
$630 (console), $500 (digital edition), bestbuy.ca
10. HP Envy 6055 All-in-One Colour Inkjet Printer
Photo: HP
Upgrade your home office with this sleek printer that can print, scan and copy everyday documents as well as schoolwork and family photos. Download the app and you can print photos directly from your smartphone.
$150, staples.ca
11. iRobot Roomba i3+
Photo: iRobot
Make 2021 the year you stop vacuuming your home. Seriously. The new Roomba i3+ from iRobot not only cleans your house with smart navigation, but it also cleans itself. You won’t have to worry about emptying the vacuum when it gets full because this clever machine knows to go to the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal unit, which can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. You can also create personalized schedules and cleaning habits using Google Assistant or Alexa.
$750, irobot.ca
12. Sonos Arc
Photo: Sonos
Get the cinematic experience at home with this premium smart soundbar. Featuring Dolby Atmos, the speaker delivers sound from all angles, so that every whisper and explosion has dramatic clarity, detail, and depth.
$999, sonos.com
13. Rowenta QR1010 IXEO All in One Iron and Steamer Solution
Photo: Rowenta
Calm the morning chaos with this all-in-one iron and steam machine. The powerful steam claims to kill up to 99. 9 percent of odor-causing bacteria on clothing and fabric, which makes it a great tool for ironing out the kinks in your kids (washed) masks. With the three-position board, you can easily get your clothes looking dry-cleaner crisp without hurting your back. Now who’s ready for that Zoom call?
$330, amazon.ca
14. Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System + Auto-iQ
Photo: Ninja
Make smoothies, frozen drinks, chopped mixtures, and irresistible cookie dough with one machine. Just swap out the pitcher for the smoothie cups or the processor bowl and let the five preset smart buttons do the rest. Holiday baking has never been so easy!
$270, bedbathandbeyond.ca
15. LG Mega Capacity AI Front Load ThinQ Washer
Photo: LG
Laundry woes begone. This super smart washer takes the guesswork out of cleaning clothes by using AI to determine the weight and fabric softness of each new load to select the optimal wash pattern, improving wash performance and extending the life of your clothes. Parents will love the TurboWash system that will power wash clothes in under 30 minutes and the Allergiene Cycle, which uses steam to sanitize clothes and toys.
$1,450, bestbuy.ca
16. Therabody Theragun Prime
Photo: Theragun
Say goodbye to aches and pains. This deep muscle treatment uses percussive therapy treatment to release everyday strain and stress.
$399, indigo.ca
17. Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool
Photo: Dyson
If ever there was a time to think about the quality of air in your home, it’s now. Using HEPA and activated carbon filtration, this high-powered air purifier captures 99.97 percent of particle pollution and circulates purified air throughout the room. Also a humidifier, it automatically detects the air quality and will humidify and cool as necessary.
$1,000, dysoncanada.ca
18. Keurig K-Supreme Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker
Photo: Keurig
With the ability to set three different strengths and temperatures and five different cup sizes, you can get the barista treatment right from the comfort of your own home.
$230, keurig.ca