Manduka yoga mat
A less-than-stellar yoga mat makes practice unenjoyable. Help the yogis in your life get in a regular yoga groove with a high-quality Manduka mat, now available in purple.
$90, at Lululemon stores and lululemon.com
Adidas Wooster unisex watch
Every athlete, no matter how serious, needs a good stopwatch, and this version by Adidas looks just as good post-workout. Pick it up in classic black or white or one of the trendy old-is-new-again neons.
$75-$80, at Adidas stores
Brooks Vapour-Dry 3D Hoodie
Whether the runner in your life already enjoys winter running or not, you’ll tempt them outside with this running hoodie from Brooks. It’s made of a breathable, moisture-transferring polyester and spandex blend, and comes equipped with the extra warmth of a fitted hood (that actually stays on!) and foldover cuffs-plus, the reflective patches will keep them safe when running after dark.
$95, at The Running Room across Canada
Quo Master Brush Set
A good set of makeup brushes is key to precise application-and keeping your fingers out of the pot means lower levels of bacteria. This set from Quo comes in a handy tube and includes eight essential brushes: blush, foundation, crease blender, eye smudger, face contour, definer shadow, liner/brow and large contour.
$60, at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix
CAMH Gifts of Light
The holidays can be a tough time for those suffering from mental illness. Lend a hand by purchasing a Gift of Light from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: A robe, for instance, is the perfect comforting gift for a patient at the Centre.
Robe, $75; other gifts from $10, camhgiftsoflight.ca
Kiehl’s Limited Edition Creme de Corps body lotion
This rich, hydrating body lotion leaves dry winter skin smooth and hydrated with a blend of oils derived from sesame seeds, avocados, soybeans and almonds. This holiday season, net Canadian profits from the limited edition of the lotion are going to the Canadian Association of Pediatric Oncology Camps (CAPOC), which allows kids struggling with cancer to experience the magic of summer camp, by providing access to a safe, first-class pediatric oncology camping facility.
$37.50 for 250 mL, $62 for 500 mL with pump, at Kiehl’s stores
A Boy After the Sea
Seafood lovers will adore this compilation of recipes from 14 different countries and 28 internationally known chefs, with additional information on the issues of sustainable fishing and fish farming. But what really makes this book special is that all proceeds go to the Vancouver-based Dan Snook Trust Foundation (named after author Kevin Snook’s son, who died of a drug overdose following three years of drug use and depression after being sexually abused while working on a commercial fishing boat). The Foundation was created with the goal of helping young people who have suffered from drugs, alcohol and abuse.
$61.55, at bookstores and amazon.ca