We have gifts under $15 that can be placed on the mantle, laid on a table, shoved into a box, or slid into an envelope. Heck, you could even hand it directly to someone, or put it into an office gift swap. What we’re saying is, don’t feel limited by the stocking with the following gift ideas.
Heat Factory Toe Warmers – $1.55/each (sold in pairs)
Why: Toasty toes > frostbitten ones
Who: Who doesn’t love warm feet?
Bonus: Remaining heating time can be saved. Store the warmer in an airtight container and use the remaining time for another outdoor adventure (preferably one that takes place within the week).
Aurelle TOOB Travel Toothbrush – $4.00/each
Why: Giving someone a toothbrush says that you care about their oral hygiene, and endeavour to save them money on their next dentist trip. What’s not festive about that?
Who: Someone who won’t read into this gift too much.
Bonus: Giving someone a toothbrush absolves you of any guilt associated with also buying them a Ritter Sport Cornflakes Chocolate Bar.
Platypus Platypreserve Wine Preservation System – $8.00/each
Why: It’s one thing to drink a bad glass of wine in a restaurant; it is a totally different bunch of grapes to drink a glass of vinegar after a day of skinning on a hut trip.
Who: For those who shudder at the word “house wine.”
Bonus: The Platypreserve holds 800mL of liquid, a delicious 50mL more than your typical bottle of vino.
Night Ize BugLit Flashlight – $9.50/each
Why: With the tree lights, phone charger, computer, docking station, and Aunt Annie’s heating blanket all running off of the same power bar, a blown fuse is inevitable.
Who: For those who enjoy preparedness, and are not fazed by insects.
Bonus: Four different light settings and four different bendy legs provides plenty of ways to shed light on a situation.
Rite in the Rain All Weather Expedition Journal – $9.75/each
Why: This journal can be written in during a rainstorm.
Who: People who can’t shake the insatiable desire to jot things down, despite being in the eye of the storm.
Bonus: This weatherproof journal is packed with climbing tables and emergency procedures. Don’t worry though, there’s still plenty of room to record sonnets and soliloquies.
Fisher Apollo Space Pen – $9.00/each
Why: Whaaaa? A pen that’s made for space? Does NASA know about this?
Who: Those who love Buzz Lightyear or need to record pressing info regardless of the temperature, precipitation, or quality of paper.
Bonus: Operates between -45° – 200°. Of course it does, it’s a space pen.
Chaos Multi Tubular Headwear – $12.00/each
Why: The holidays are busy. First thing to go? Hair washing. This band-ezee offers up a quick solution to troublesome bangs, grease, and general unruliness.
Who: This polyester-knit band is a cure-all for everyone’s hair woes, guy or gal.
Bonus: Is it a scarf? A cap? Headband? Balaclava? Whatever works. We’re here to help, not judge.
MEC Short-Sleeved T-shirt – $14.00/each
Why: A comfy shirt for post-turkey-dinner lounging is mandatory, isn’t it?
Who: The man in your life who’s a fan of simplicity, layering, and comfort. And second helpings, in this case.
Bonus: 100% organically grown cotton makes this t-shirt easy on the skin, and the environment.
Big Sky Bistro Coffee Press – $14.00/each
Why: One can only tolerate so much of “the people’s coffee.”
Who: For anyone who: a) has a coffee maker that rivals Starbucks’; b) yells at people who pronounce it “ex-presso”; or c) uses more than four adjectives to order their coffee.
Bonus: Decreased irritation. Improved alertness. Less grunting responses.
MEC Pika Plus Daypack – $14.50/each
Why: Day trips don’t require the kitchen sink, so why use a pack sized to hold one?
Who: Those who enjoy travelling light, and carrying a small bag.
Bonus: In addition to the spacious main compartment, the pack’s front pocket expands to hold all sorts of fun items, like tissues, energy chews, blanket, flares. You know, all the things you need on a day trip.
Acorn Easy Booties – $15.00/each
Why: Fleece keeps little feet toasty, non-slip tread minimizes kitchen floor wipeouts, and an elastic cuff makes pulling booties on or off a breeze.
Who: The tiny-footed (sized up to 3 years, or shoe size 8-9)
Bonus: Foam midsoles make every step cushy. Makes you wish you had toddler-sized feet, doesn’t it?
Need more ideas? Check out our posts on gifts for the family, or go to the “gift ideas” page on mec.ca.
Filed under: Activities, From Our Staff, Tips and Tricks
