‘Tis the Season: Holiday Shopping Guide

It’s the time of year we brace ourselves for constant Christmas music and holiday decorations. Whether you’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, some well-needed time off work, fresh-air activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing or just enjoying quality time indoors with family and friends, the winter holidays should be a fun and festive time for everyone.

Share the love, spread the cheer and be sure to buy your gifts sooner rather than later to avoid the long line-ups and shopping madness that will inevitably take over by mid-December. Here are some gift ideas we’ve put together for our annual Christmas guide to help you spoil and surprise the people you love.

Traditional Clothes and Crafts

Nunavik Creations

Nunavik Creations’ stunning parkas, mittens and moccasins set the standard for quality craftsmanship and authentic design of traditional Inuit outwear and accessories. The Akulik and Akukittuq Amauti parka models for women come with a large hood designed to carry babies and have received rave reviews for their comfort and warmth (not to mention their stylish appearance) and go for $1499 and $1699 respectively. Different parkas range from $999 to $4879 and come in fabric or sealskin and fox. A men’s sealskin parka will cost you a cool $5000, but leather slippers are available for guys and girls at a reasonable $189.99.

With comparable products for both sexes and a children’s line coming soon, Nunavik Creations’ other products include sealskin mitts that go for $219 to $349, legwarmers for $539, sealskin hats for $599, crocheted hats for $149 and an assortment of sealskin, fur and leather wallets, purses and handbags anywhere from $49 to $1149. If you’re ever in Montreal, you can check out some of Nunavik Creations’ products at the Ashukan Cultural Centre. Otherwise you can browse their online store at nunavikcreations.com

Manitobah Mukluks

“The original winter boot of North America: created with natural materials and thousands of years of functionality and culture.” Not much more needs to be said about Manitobah Mukluks, a First Nations-owned company that creates traditional, sturdy, waterproof, fashionable footwear of all shapes and sizes for men, women and young ones. Moccasins and mukluks are available at very reasonable prices, costing from $69.99 for basic moccasins to $349.99 for top-of-the-line full-length mukluks. Shop online at manitobah.ca

Tammy Beauvais Designs

For affordable Indigenous fashion coming out of Kahnawake, Tammy Beauvais Designs makes beautiful floral and feather print dresses, skirts, ponchos, shrugs, scarves, scrunchies, purses and other accessories for women that cost between $40 and $85. In the men’s section are combination floral print and beadwork formal wear, Eagle feather vests, ties, embroidered dress shirts, beaded coats and casual wear. Ties go for $45, dress shirts for $60, vests for $180 and coats for $750 to $1000. Check out tammybeauvais.com to shop online.

Cree artists and artisans

Tim Whiskeychan

Waskaganish’s Tim Whiskeychan says he’s available on call for members of his community and beyond who would like to commission a painting. Whiskeychan works mainly with acrylic and canvas and has an abstract art style. You can reach him at 819-354-1846.

Paula Menarick

Currently based out of Chisasibi and Oujé-Bougoumou, Paula Menarick shares her passion for her Cree and Inuit heritage by creating traditional crafts like beaded earrings, sealskin and moosehide mittens, embroidered canvas bags, cartridge bags, beaded sandals, beaded flowers and more. She says people are welcome to see what she has available on her Facebook page Paula Menarick: Fast Cloud Inspirations. Keep an eye out for her online auctions and beautiful craftwork!

James Loon (artwork below)

Since 2011 James Loon has been making oil paintings in Mistissini, a craft that he describes as a “passion” and a “stress relief”. Depicting scenic landscapes, wildlife and all kinds of different outdoor settings his work is gorgeous and intricate. Those interested in viewing some of his completed painting can visit his Facebook page James Loon Oil Paintings and if you’d like to commission or purchase a painting you can e-mail him at  or reach him by phone at 418 770-412.

Natasia, Saige and Jade Mukash

Natasia Mukash and her daughters Saige and Jade are proof that talent and passion for the arts can be passed on through generations. The hard-working Natasia, of Cree and Abenaki descent, says her artwork is based on the spirit of her culture and her people. She is a full-time visual artist who sells prints, canvases, tapestries, stationery, iPhone and iPod skins and cases, pillows, duvet covers, curtains, clocks, tote bags and all kinds of accessories featuring traditionally inspired imagery. Her daughters have followed in her footsteps, pursuing their love for visual art, branching out and exploring different styles and forms to create in styles that are uniquely their own.

You can find the Mukash family’s artwork on Facebook (Natasia Mukash Visual Artist, Saige Mukash Artwork, Jade Mukash), shop online at society6.com/natasiamukash and society6.com/saigemukash or send them an e-mail to inquire on specific products: natasiamukash@gmail.com, mukashsaige@gmail.com. Selections of Jade’s art can be found in the Whapmagoostui/Kuujjuaraapik Sell, Trade and Donations group on Facebook.

 

Tech stuff

iPhone 7 and 7+

Apple’s controversial new smartphone recently hit the market, boasting cutting-edge hardware, stereo speakers, an improved camera system and a waterproof shell. All that’s missing is the headphone jack. Apple’s latest cellphone comes with the now standard lightning to USB cable and power adapter, but the popular Apple earbuds are now equipped with a lightning connector rather than a 3.5 mm audio jack (presumably to keep the phone water-resistant).

As Apple finishes production on its fancy wireless EarPods, audiophiles craving the latest iPhone will have to make use of the added lightning to 3.5 mm adapter if they want to use their own headphones. That being said, the new iPhone 7 or 7+ is a sure holiday hit for the diehard Apple fans and tech-savvy consumers in your life. Starting at $799 without a cellphone contract, it comes with a 12 megapixel camera, HD and 4k video, 4.7 or 5.5” retina HD display and 32, 128 or 256 GB of storage depending on your price point. apple.com/ca/iphone-7

PS4 and Xbox One

PlayStation and Microsoft have spent a few years honing their latest consoles, releasing the PlayStation 4 Pro and the Xbox One S, both of which now offer over a terabyte of storage, 4K video streaming, the option of purchasing a complementary Virtual Reality system and in Microsoft’s case, Ultra High Definition (UHD) Blu-ray playback.

According to reviews the Xbox is centred on 4K video content while the PS4 focuses on delivering the best all-around visual experience and processing speed for gaming. Both systems offer exclusive games – Halo, Gears of War and the Forza racing series for Xbox, the Uncharted series, Ratchet and Clank remakes and a few Final Fantasy games for PlayStation. As the two consoles compete for their share of the video-game market both console game bundles come in at similar retail prices. At Best Buy in store or online the PS4/Xbox One 500 GB bundle will set you back $379.99 and the PS4 Pro/Xbox One S 1 TB or 2 TB cost $449.99 and $499.99 respectively. (Friendly tip: the PS4 500 GB offers an NHL 17 bundle) bestbuy.ca

For the kids

LiteHawk drones

Also available in Best Buy stores or online shop are the LiteHawk Quattro Click Mini and the Quattro Snap Quadcopter drones. Both come equipped with a camera, microSD card, USB reader and rechargeable batteries. You will need to pick up AA batteries for the remote controllers however. Costing $69.99 for the mini and $99.99 for the Quattro Snap, these are fun gift ideas for kids in their early to mid-teens.

Zipfy sled

Zipfy’s Freestyle Mini Luge snow sled is lightweight, compact and durable, making it easy for kids to carry it back to the top of the hill. Its unique design allows for more control by steering with your body and makes it easy for the rider to slow down or stop by simply lowering their legs down into the snow. Also available on amazon.ca, the Zipfy sled comes in a variety of colours and sizes according to preference and size and retails at around $60. See zipfy.com for more info.

Art Lab for Kids

Susan Schwake’s paperback artbook promises “52 creative adventures in drawing, painting, printmaking, paper and mixed media for budding artists of all ages” for just under $30. If your children have expressed an interest in visual arts, here’s a way to encourage their creativity and try their hand producing their own art.

Powowopoly

Alongside of Tammy Beauvais’ fashion line and accessories is her popular children’s game Pow-wow-opoly. “Go to grand entry and collect money every time. Get yourself an Indian taco or some duct tape for your moccasins. Pick up some items for your regalia to get ready to dance in a men’s or women’s traditional dance,” says the game description on Beauvais’ site. A fun way to teach your kids some math and language skills as well as the ins and outs of the powwow tradition, the game cost $38 and can be ordered from tammybeauvais.com.

Cooks and Foodies

Cuisinart MSC slow-cooker series

Cuisinart’s MSC series comes in three versions: the MSC-400, 600 and 800, bringing four quart (just under 4L), six quart and seven quart cooking convenience to your kitchen. The MSC-400 and 600 models are 3-in-1 stainless steel cookers that promise to sauté, steam or slow cook your favourite recipes to perfection. The larger 800 model offers the same convenience with an additional roast option and the ability to switch between cooking modes at the touch of a button.

All three models feature convenient and easy to use LCD displays to set time and temperature and include a steaming rack while the 6- and 7-quart options have dishwasher safe removable parts and removable non-stick aluminum cast pots. Goose, moose, caribou, fish, all kinds of wild game can be slowly cooked to perfection in this fine piece of equipment and as an added bonus Amazon says it ships in “frustration free packaging”. The Cuisinart MSC-400, 600 and 800 are available on amazon.ca for $86.67, $143.42 and $186.20 respectively.

  

Cuisinart electric fondue pot

Also made by Cuisinart is an electric fondue pot that comes complete with a base, temperature probe, 8 prongs and a fork rack. Heat up chocolate, cheese, broth or oil and have a few friends over to dip and enjoy or just prepare a fun meal for your family. $104.57, also available on amazon.ca.

Oil-free fryers

Here’s a great way to enjoy the same taste of your favourite greasy foods without any of the grease! Molla, Philips, T-Fal and Big Boss all manufacture oil-free fryers that use a combination of infrared and convection technology to evenly “fry” things like french fries, onion rings and chicken fingers. Each fryer is closed in to avoid any mess and has adjustable temperature control that can reach up to 400F to make sure your food is cooked right. The perfect addition to the kitchen to enjoy guilt-free comfort food and avoid clogging your arteries, these kitchen products range from $89.99 to $250 depending on the size and quality of the model. Search air fryer on amazon.ca.

Athletes and Exercise Enthusiasts

Nike N7 Spirit of Protection Collection

Inspired by professional lacrosse player Lyle Thompson, from the Onandaga Nation of New York, Nike launched a collection of First-Nations-themed shoes and athletic wear this November. The Spirit of Protection Collection features a hawk feather representing Thompson’s Onandaga clan as well as the turquoise of Nike’s N7 initiative to “inspire and enable Native American and Aboriginal youth to participate in sport and physical activity.” The line is specifically designed to shield athletes from the challenges of winter.

Footwear in the collection includes the men’s Air Jordan 31, Nike Pegasus 89, the Air Force Ultra Low and the women’s Pegasus 89 and Nike AF Upstep Warrior. Also available are a men’s hypermesh basketball jacket, drywear hoodie, ¾ training tights, t-shirt and basketball shorts as well as a t-shirt, sports pants and ½ zip poncho for the gals.

Sports Experts and Atmosphere Val-d’Or

By the end of November, Val-d’Or’s Sports Experts store in the Carrefour Nord-Ouest is schedule to complete their renovations, expanding to 20,750 square feet and adding an Atmosphere Outdoors boutique. As the store makes room for the Atmosphere expansion and new stock, there are all kinds of sales on winter gear, clothing and sports equipment. The shopper can also look forward to the arrival of new products for year-round outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for new hockey gear, running shoes, hiking boots, winter coats and snow pants, camping supplies or anything fitness-related, you’ll be able to find it here.

Cabela’s

Hunting, fishing, boating, camping and outdoor clothing – Cabela’s has got you covered when it comes to Christmas shopping for the avid outdoors person. Currently offered on their website are savings of $100 on the Remington Model 783 bolt-action rifle with scope, $50 off the Nikon Buckmaster II Riflescope, $120 off the Garmin Rino GPS/Radio and up to 50% off insulated outerwear.  If you’re able to travel to Ottawa or will be in the area for business, be sure to check out the recently opened, massive 70,000-square-foot Cabela’s store at 3065 Palladium Drive (near the Tanger Outlets). To shop online visit cabelas.ca    

Stocking stuffers and gag gifts

Toothpaste tube wringer

Here’s a perfect stocking stuffer or a special gift for friends and family members who are careful with their budgets. It might cost $35 but at least you’ll know they’re getting every last bit of toothpaste out of their $3 tube. www.uncommongoods.com/product/tube-wringer

Clocky alarm on wheels

If your partner, your kids or someone you work with has a hard time getting up in the morning this is the perfect Christmas present for them. An alarm clock on wheels, the Clocky alarm clock sits on wheels next to your bed and rolls away as soon as it goes off, forcing you to get out of bed and catch it. You also have the option of setting it to wheel away the first time it rings or after one snooze period.

Zippo hand warmer

Known for their quality, re-fillable flint lighters, Zippo also has a hand warmer that runs on the same lighter fluid as your trusty source of flame. Available on amazon.ca for $22.80, this device will keep your hands nice and toasty for 12 hours at a time, great for when you’re working outside or spending long hours hunting in the bush or tending to your trapline.

Odds ’n ends

For more fun and unique gift ideas, including a dashboard Jesus, a “grill sergeant” camo barbecue apron and a farting piggy bank, check out dodoburd.com/christmas-gifts

The Great Canadian Gift Company

Not sure what to get someone? Looking to show your appreciation for a friend who helped you out or add a little something extra to a few of your Christmas cards? Check out the Great Canadian Gift Company’s convenient online selection that offers treats and trinkets of all types to share with family and friends this holiday season.

Ranging from $19.99 to $349.99 and stuffed full of quintessential Canadian winter goods, the Gift Company’s Christmas baskets have everything from truffles, dark chocolate, hot-cider and hot-chocolate toppings to fruit, olives, brie, goat cheese, gourmet flatbreads and maple-smoked salmon. There are baskets for “chocoholics”, foodies, cookie monsters and office parties, many of which offer different sizes (small, medium, large, XL) depending on how many people you want to surprise with some tasty Canadian treats.

Also available are handmade Inukshuks, mugs, coasters, tea towels, oven mitts and other accessories featuring Haida artwork plus calendars celebrating the Canadian landscape and Canada’s favourite pastime of hockey. The Great Canadian Gift Company also has a section of environmentally friendly options with furniture, glassware, household products and gift boxes all made from recycled material – they even sell a tree planting kit! thegreatcanadiangiftcompany.com