What do you even get for a White Elephant gift exchange? Or for Secret Santa? Or for that one holiday party where you have to bring a gift for someone who already has everything?
If you’ve been Googling things like “White Elephant gift ideas,” or “good Secret Santa gifts,” or “fun gift exchange ideas,” keep reading.
I put together 13 White Elephant gifts that everyone will actually want.
And the best part is: every single gift is from a local Montreal brand. So you’re not just showing up with something fun, you’re supporting small businesses while you’re at it!
1. A Candle from Bask Hour
There’s nothing like your home smelling like fresh gingerbread cookies, complete with the soft crackle of a wooden wick!
Bask Hour makes some of the BEST candles in Montreal. They’re all hand-poured, toxin-free, and crafted with only natural ingredients for a clean, slow burn.
Upcoming pop-ups:
Collectif Créatif Holiday Market (December 5-7)
Puces Pop Holiday Market (December 19-21)
Official website:
baskhour.com
8 ounce mistletoe candle ($32.00)
8 ounce gingerbread candle ($32.00)
2. A Conversation Card Game from Happy Tears
We all love a good card game, but have you heard of a conversation card game?
The Happy Tears card game is designed to spark meaningful, fun, and sometimes unexpectedly deep conversations. It’s perfect for game night or breaking the ice at any holiday gathering, and every deck is completely bilingual!
Upcoming pop-ups:
One of a Kind Toronto Christmas Show (November 27 to December 7)
Official website:
happytears.ca
First edition conversation card game ($38.00)
Date night conversation card game ($38.00)
3. Coasters from Paper and Rice Co.
Paper and Rice Co. is probably my favourite local artist, because her designs are always so cute, punny, and unapologetically Asian.
Her new paper coasters are something everyone can use at home or in the office, and the waterproof ink makes them super durable. Plus… just look at those designs!
Upcoming pop-ups:
The XXX-Mas Montreal Makers Market (December 13-14)
Puces Pop Holiday Market (December 19-21)
Official website:
paperandriceco.com
Dim sum coasters ($13.00)
Butter cookies coasters ($13.00)
4. Spreads from Allo Simonne
If your gift exchange crew loves chocolate spread, imagine a version that’s healthier, cleaner, and just as indulgent. That’s exactly what you get with Allo Simonne spreads!
They have SO many flavours (my favourite is the Jaguar, and I put them on bread, pancakes… everything!). Plus, you can even grab a discovery box with 3 small jars of different flavours for only $25.00!
Upcoming pop-ups:
One of a Kind Toronto Christmas Show (November 27 to December 7)
Collectif Créatif Holiday Market (December 5-7)
Marianne Fest (December 6-7)
Official website:
allosimonne.com
Jaguar chocolate spread ($18.00)
Pistachio matcha spread ($22.50)
5. Cocktail Bombs from the Cocktail Bomb Shop
Everyone is making drinks during the holidays, and these Dragon’s Den-featured cocktail bombs make it simpler, super fun for guests, and absolutely delicious.
Just drop one in a glass, add your favourite mixer, and enjoy a perfectly balanced cocktail every time!
Upcoming pop-ups:
The Great Christmas Market of Montreal (November 21 to January 4)
Official website:
cocktailbombshop.ca
Raspberry margarita ($19.95)
Jack Frost box ($29.95)
6. A Tumbler from Hello Sleepy Whale
We all know coffee or tea are part of many people’s daily routines, and that’s why a high-quality Hello Sleepy Whale tumbler is THE perfect gift.
Each piece is handmade with a unique ceramic design, and it can even double as a vase or pen holder if your giftee isn’t a big coffee or tea drinker!
Upcoming pop-ups:
Wrapped in Self Care Holiday Market (December 13)
Pastel Rita Holiday Market (December 19-21)
Official website:
hellosleepywhale.net
Green tumblers
Green and purple tumblers
7. The Home of the Nosh Cookbook from Arthur’s Nosh Bar
Cookbooks are my favourite thing to gift (and receive!). They’re super fun to try new recipes, and share with friends and family.
This one comes from local Montreal staple Arthur’s Nosh Bar and is filled with easy recipes anyone can enjoy (and if you’ve ever tried their famous cottage cheese pancakes, you know just how dee-licious their food is!).
Where to purchase the cookbook:
Indigo ($40.00)
Amazon (currently on sale for $24.60)
Official website:
arthursmtl.com
Home of the Nosh cookbook
Deli sprinkle cookie from Arthur’s
8. Hot Sauces from Les Aliments Mi Corazón
Trust me, hot sauces are always a crowd favourite!
I love this brand, because they have so many unique flavours and a range of heat levels, from super mild to seriously spicy. Think flavours like Kimchi Habanero, Maple Miso, Dill Pickle, and more. Plus, their Kimchup (kimchi ketchup) is an absolute must-try!
Where to purchase the hot sauces:
Signé Local (705 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest)
Official website:
lesalimentsmicorazon.com
Kimchi habanero hot sauce ($12.25)
Maple and miso sriracha ($12.25)
9. Jams from MTL Preserves
Jams are great for the holidays, because they’re perfect for adding a little something special to toast, charcuterie boards, or even cocktails.
I recently discovered these jams at a holiday market and fell in love! They’re vegan and gluten-free, and come in the most unique flavours (my favourite is the Jalapeño Jelly!).
Where to purchase the jams:
Café PB & Joy (900 Rue Saint-Philippe)
Upcoming pop-ups:
Point aux Trembles Holiday Market (December 7)
Collectif Créatif Holiday Market (December 12-14)
Puces Pop Holiday Market (December 19-21)
Official website:
mtlpreserves.com
Jalapeño jelly ($9.00)
Discovery box ($20.00)
10. Coffee from Café Balade
There’s nothing like gifting a really good cup of coffee, and whether your giftee prefers filter brews or a bold espresso, Café Balade has something for every kind of coffee drinker.
And if you’re not sure what flavour they’ll love, their discovery set is only $22.95 and lets them try a bit of everything. Plus, just look at how cute all their packaging is!
Upcoming pop-ups:
The Great Christmas Market of Montreal (November 21 to January 4)
Collectif Créatif Holiday Market (December 5-7)
Official website:
cafebalade.com
The Colombian coffee ($.9.99)
Le Paquet Cadeau coffee ($9.99)
11. A Hat from Plants
Everyone loves a good hat, and this is the one ALL the cool kids are wearing.
I love that Plants is a brand that’s deeply rooted in community. Just like watering plants, it’s about showing up, supporting each other, and being there for your people. And a stylish hat that also carries a meaningful message? Now THAT’S a gift I’d definitely steal!
Upcoming pop-ups:
New Plants on the Block Party (December 6)
Wrapped in Self Care Holiday Market (December 13)
Official website:
wateryourplants.ca
Plants hats ($45.00)
Plants hats ($45.00)
12. A Fanny Pack from KEL Tech Gear
So what do you get the people in your life who live for biking, hiking, and running? You know, the ones who wear Patagonia every day and track everything on Strava?
Well, if you’re feeling a little generous this year, check out KEL Tech Gear. Their bags are bold, durable, super comfortable, and all crafted in Montreal.
The fanny pack has elastic side straps for extra storage (perfect for carabiners, pocket knives, or keys), and the small bike bag attaches easily to handlebars (and can even hold a water bottle)!
Upcoming pop-ups:
Kahnawake Holiday Craft Fair (December 7)
The XXX-Mas Montreal Makers Market (December 13-14)
Official website:
keltechgear.com
Light fanny pack ($70.00)
Bike bar bag ($100.00)
13. Protein Powder from Good Protein
Trust me, everyone is going to be chasing those New Year’s fitness goals, and this protein powder is exactly what they’ll need.
And here’s a little treat for you this holiday season: Use my code KRISTINAL30 to get 30% off your first order!
Official website:
goodprotein.ca/KRISTINAL30
Peanut butter protein powder ($37.99)
Eggnog protein powder ($37.99)
So do you have a gift exchange coming up? Let me know in the comments!
And of course, have yourself a very merry Christmas! 🎄
The Lilac Blog 