I always enjoy seeing what others buy their kids for Christmas. Especially stocking stuffers. So I thought it would be fun to share what we bought our daughters this year!
I find it can be so easy to buy little things just for the sake of filling the stockings.
However, over the years, I have found myself becoming more intentional with what I buy. I like to buy some practical items, consumable items and just for fun items.
How do you like to fill stockings?
In the past, I have done almost identical things for both of my daughters. However, they currently have significantly different likes.
Without further ado, here are the items I bought for my daughters. Age 9 and age 13. I will add pictures this week when I have a moment by myself.
Hand lotion (she always gets really dry hands in the winter so a little one in her backpack might be nice!)
There you have it! I think I did pretty well this year. I did struggle with what to get for my 9 year old this year though! But I do think they will enjoy everything. I have also been buying these things since October when they’ve been on sale.
If you are looking for other stocking stuffer ideas, I compiled a couple of lists for you:
If you love squeezing every last drop of value out of your holiday shopping (same!), you’re going to love this list. Every year, a bunch of Canadian retailers offer gift card bonus deals. The easiest way to score free money or something free just for buying a gift you were already planning to give. Whether you’re stocking up for teacher gifts, grabbing a few for family, or treating yourself to a little “future discount,” these gift card bonus offers are one of the simplest ways to stretch your budget.
I’ve rounded up the best places offering Christmas gift card deals right now, so you can save more and keep a little extra in your pocket this season. Let’s dive in!
Updated December 6, 2025
Subway– Buy $50 in gift cards, get a free classic footlong sub
Denny’s – Buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card
Domino’s Pizza – Buy a $30 gift card, get a coupon for a free medium 2 topping pizza
Montana’s– Buy a $50 Montana’s gift card, get a free rib taster plate
Harvey’s– Buy a $25 Harvey’s gift card, get a free burger
Kelsey’s– Buy a $50 Kelsey’s gift card, get free wings
Red Robin – Spend $30 in Gift Cards, get a $5 Bonus Buck, OR Spend $50+ and get a $10 Bonus Buck
Earl’s– Get a $20 Bonus Card with every $100 in Gift Cards
Booster Juice – Buy a $30+ gift card, get a free smoothie or acai bowl
Original Joe’s – Buy a $100 Gift Card and get a $20 Bonus Card to use in January – available in-restaurant only
Wok Box – For every $25 gift card you buy, get a $5 bonus
Mr. Mike’s – Buy $50 in gift cards, get a $10 bonus card.
The Ultimate Dining Card – Buy a $50 Ultimate Dining Card at participating retailers and online, you’ll get $50 in bonus savings
If you’re buying some gift cards for Christmas this year, you may want to buy from these stores to receive a bit of a bonus! Do you know of any other gift card deals? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list!
It’s gift-giving season, which means you’re either really excited about shopping for gifts, or in the beginning stages of holiday dread. 🙂
Gift-giving can be very overwhelming. Especially for the person who has everything! When I need a gift, the perfect gift in my mind, is something practical and memorable yet a bit extravagant (something they wouldn’t purchase themselves). Of course, my gift-giving has to be done within a budget, as I’m sure most of yours does too.
Finding a budget friendly and unique gift can be challenging, especially as more and more people may be added to your Christmas list. This year, I want to give you several gift guides that feature fabulous gift ideas that you can shop from!
I’m pretty darn excited about this year’s gift guides because I think you’ll find a lot of great gift ideas for everyone on your list. Plus, since you’re getting this from Simply Frugal, the gift guides feature frugal gift ideas that are separated into categories by price!
These frugal gift guides will help solve all of your gift-giving dilemmas by making it really easy to find that perfect gift for everyone on your list. All you have to do is click, order, and wrap!
The count down is on for Christmas! Every year, I’m on the hunt for cute matching Christmas pajamas for my daughters. But this year, finding the best family Christmas pajamas is going to be on the agenda!
This year just feels like it needs to be extra festive, am I right? An extra dose of Christmas cheer will not disappoint! If you are feeling similarly and think a pair of matching Christmas pajamas for every family member is a must, then you will love this list today.
Below, I have found 5 Canadian, budget-friendly places to get matching family Christmas pajamas with so many adorable options. Enjoy!
The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place is a great Canadian option for family Christmas pajamas! Right now, they have a lot of sizes available and they are on sale all the time! So fun! Here’s a preview of what’s available:
Old Navy Canada has a big selection of matching family pajamas! They currently have some plaid designs available, but I’m sure they will be adding more as Christmas gets closer! Prices are regularly $14.40 – $59.99, but Old Navy often has sales that include their pj’s. Here’s a glimpse at the selection:
Take a look at the matching family pajamas from Gap Canada! They have some nice classic styles. Plus, they always have a sale going on it seems! Here’s a sample of their selection:
Little Blue House has a great selection of matching family pajamas. Their selection includes onesies and 2 piece pajamas in a great selection of festive patterns. Here are a few cute ones to look at:
Do you want to know where all the best 2025 Canadian Cyber Monday deals are? This year, the sales are bigger, earlier, and honestly a little overwhelming, so I’ve done the digging for you. Consider this your organized, budget-friendly guide to the very best Canadian Cyber Monday deals. No nonsense, no chaos, and definitely no paying full price. Let’s get you the things you want, need, and have been eyeing all year, for way less!
Bookmark this page and check back often as I’ll be updating it frequently with sales and coupon codes as they go live!
Also, follow me on Instagram, so you can see specific, time-sensitive deals posted in my stories! ——->>> Simply Frugal Finds
Abercrombie – Save 25 – 50% off everything online at Abercrombie! Plus, save an extra 15% off select styles online.(ends December 1, 2025)
Adidas – Shop Cyber Monday deals and save an extra 40% off full price and sale with coupon code CYBER! (ends December 3, 2025)
Aerie – Save 40 – 50% off everything + All pajamas $20 and up. My favorite sweatshirt is now $45 and Real Me® Crossover Legging is $35 and Real Me® Crossover Flare Legging is $40! (ends December 1, 2025)
Aldo– Save up to 50% off everything + Free shipping! (ends December 3, 2025)
Alo – Save 30% off sitewide! Shipping is free on orders over $100.
Amazon.ca – Cyber Monday deals are on now! Big savings on electronics, clothing, toys, beauty, small appliances and more! Check out my Amazon Storefront for my top picks.
American Eagle – Big Cyber Sale! 40-50% off all, now including jeans & new arrivals! (ends December 2, 2025)
Ancestry.ca – Lowest price ever! Save 50% on AncestryDNA! (ends December 2, 2025 at 11:59pm ET)
Anthropologie – Cyber Monday starts now: Save up to 50% off! Discount in cart. Save an extra 50% off sale. (ends December 1, 2025)
Ardene – Cyber Monday deals are on now, save up to 70% off! Shipping is free on orders of $20 or more. (ends December 3, 2025 at 3:30am ET)
Aritzia – Cyber Monday sale: Save up to 50% off everything, except the Superpuff, it’s too super. Free shipping on all orders!(ends December 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PT)
Athleta – Cyber Monday now live! Save 30% off everything. New sale styles up to 70% off!(ends December 2, 2025)
Banana Republic – The Cyber Event: Save 40% Off Your Purchase + Cyber Exclusives From $60! (ends December 3, 2025)
Best Buy Canada – The Cyber Monday sale is on now at Best Buy Canada! New deals starting every hour starting at 12pm ET. (ends December 1, 2025)
Bluenotes– 2 days only: Free shipping sitewide + up to 75% off everything online at Bluenotes! (ends December 1, 2025)
Bobbi Brown Canada – Save 30% off sitewide! Pick a free full-size favorite on orders $115+. Plus, pick a 2nd free full-size favorite on orders $140+.
Book Outlet – Black Friday’s Here! The Fiction Sale Is Back: More titles than ever for $7.99 or less. Plus, save 20% off everything else! (ends December 2, 2025 at 8am ET)
Bouclair – Save 25 – 55% off everything online at Boulair. (ends December 2, 2025)
Canadian Tire – Cyber Monday deals are on at Canadian Tire! Save up to 40% off! Online only: Get $30 Bonus CT Money when you spend $200+. (December 1 only)
Carter’s – Cyber Week is on! Shop up to 60% off PLUS an extra 10% off with $50+ spend and coupon code CYBER10. FREE shipping on all orders!
Clearly.ca – Up to 90% off Clearly frames + 60% off lenses + AN EXTRA FRAME FOR FREE! (ends December 1, 2025)
Club Monaco Canada – Cyber Monday: Save 40% off everything + an extra 50% off markdowns!
Coach Outlet – Up to an extra 30% off select styles! Prices as low as $22.50.
Columbia Sportswear – Cyber Monday 50% off Door Crahsers! Members save even more with an extra 15% off with code MEMBER15.
Craftsy– Get a full year of Craftsy for just $1.49!
Crocs Canada – Black Friday Starts Now! Save up to 60% off + find Doorbuster deals online at Crocs Canada! (classic clogs for only $35!) (ends December 9, 2025 12am MT)
DAVIDs TEA – Cyber Sale! Throwback advent calendars now only $24! Plus other cyber deals as low as $5.
DSW Canada – Today & online only! $10 off $49, $30 off $99, or $60 off $199 on select styles with code: CYBER. Free shipping for all!(ends December 1, 2025)
Dynamite.ca – Save 30% off everything. (excluding dresses though.) Save an extra 40% off sale. (ends December 1, 2025)
Etsy– Support Small business with savings up to 60% off!
Fairweather– Save Up To 75% Off the Entire Store! Free Shipping Over $75.
Famous Footwear – Online exclusive: Take an extra 30% off with coupon code CYBERDEALS! (ends December 2, 2025)
Gap Canada – Save 50% off everything + Free shipping with the code SEND. 60% off really Big Deals! Extra 20% off your order with the code ADDON! (ends December 2, 2025)
Garage Clothing – Online only: Save an extra 40% off sale! My teen really likes their UltraFleece Straight Leg Sweatpants.
Golf Town – Cyber Monday deals are on! Save big on clubs, apparel, shoes, balls and more!
Gymboree – Save 60% off everything with the coupon code CYBER60! Plus free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP. (ends December 5, 2024)
Hatley Canada – Save up to 50% off all items online at Hatley! (ends December 1, 2025)
Hello Fresh – New customers: Get up To 20 Free Meals + Free Shipping on first box + Free Sides for Life!
H&M Canada – Save up to 60% off everything for Cyber Monday! (ends December 1, 2025)
Indigo – Cyber Monday is on with savings up to 50% off on books, toys, gifts and more! (ends December 1, 2025)
Joe Fresh – Take 30% off everything online only at Joe Fresh! (ends December 1, 2025)
Keurig.ca – Black Friday sale: Save up to 50% off select coffee makers! Prices as low as $59.99!
Knix Canada – Black Friday starts now: Up to 60% Off Everything! (ends December 2, 2025)
Kt. by Knix – Biggest sale of the year! Save up to 60% off sitewide! (ends December 2, 2025)
La Senza – Save 50% off everything for Cyber Monday!
La Vie en Rose – Save 50% off almost everything + 2 for 1 on sale items online at La Vie En Rose!
Little Blue House – Save up to 50% off all items online at Little Blue House! (ends December 1, 2025)
Lululemon – Cyber Monday sale has dropped online at Lululemon! And it’s good!!
Mabel’s Labels –Cyber Monday Sitewide Sale: 30% off with coupon code CYBER at checkout! (ends December 2, 2025)
Madewell – The Black Friday Event: Save 40% off your purchase with the coupon code LETSGO. (ends December 3, 2025, 11:59pm ET)
Mark’s – Cyber Days are on: save up to 60% + get free shipping online at Mark’s! (ends December 3, 2025)
Mavi – Cyber Monday sale: Save up to 50% off + get an extra 10% off on orders of $250+! (ends December 1, 2025)
Merrell– Save up to 50% on hundreds of favourites. Save 25% off bestselling Moab styles!
Mountain Hardware – Save 20% off select styles during the Mountain Hardware holiday sale!
Mountain Warehouse – Save 50% off or more online at Mountain Warehouse! Plus, save an extra 10% off with coupon code AFFCACW10. (ends December 9, 2025)
Naturalizer – Save up to 60% off sitewide + get free shipping online at Naturalizer! (ends December 2, 2025)
Old Navy Canada – Cyber sale: 50 – 60% off everything online only at Old Navy Canada! (ends December 2, 2025) Today only, get $12 activewear for the family! (ends December 1)
PatPat– Cyber Monday almost everything 40 – 50% off!
Penningtons – Cyber Monday: save 40% off regular price styles + free shipping! (ends December 1, 2025)
Rakuten.ca– Shop 15% cash back when you shop through Rakuten first!
Reitmans– Cyber Monday: Save 40% off everything + get free shipping from Reitmans! (ends December 1, 2025)
RW&Co – Cyber Monday: Save 40% off regular priced items + get free shipping from RW&Co. (ends December 1, 2025)
Saje – Up to 40% off everything + free shipping. (ends December 1, 2025)
SAXX – Save 30% off sitewide + 40% off select styles! (ends December 1, 2025)
Sephora Canada – Cyber Monday: Save 30% off Ariana Grande fragrances, Youth to the People and First Aid Beauty. Plus, save up to 50% off select beauty from Sephora Canada.
The holidays are here, and if you’re looking for thoughtful gifts that feel special and support Canadian businesses, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite Canadian finds that make gifting easy, meaningful, and totally festive!
Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, teachers, or that one person who’s impossible to buy for, these picks celebrate cozy Canadian living while keeping your budget happy. So grab a peppermint mocha, throw on your coziest sweater, and let’s find some amazing homegrown gifts.
This would be such a fun gift for Christmas morning! Keep the kids occupied for a while creating things with the glitter dough from Little Larch. The one pictured, is the Unicorn version, but they have a lot of different ones available without glitter too. They are created with plant based ingredients and scented with essential oils.
These are a fun idea! Wildflower seed bombs by FuschiaDesignsShop on Etsy. Along with seed bombs, Jennifer also sells seed packages, flower seeds, herb seeds and vegetable seeds.
You may have seen them on Dragon’s Den, but Mint is taking the cleaning scene by storm. Shop their Dragon’s Den bundle or other bundles for easy gifting. They are make in Canada using natural ingredients.
I think these are so pretty! KaylasArtMart makes and sells all sorts of polymer clay earrings and necklaces. Ranging from fun to classy, you’re sure to find something that you love!
Know someone that loves hot honey? Then they’ll probably love this Chipotle infused maple syrup from Wabanaki. They’ve got other flavours too. Like bourbon, whiskey, elderberry, rum, cedar and more.
By now you must have heard about how great shower steamers are? These ones from Nature Bee are made in Canada and use all natural ingredients! They have three scents to choose from or can be purchased in a variety pack.
Attitude is a Canadian brand that sell all sorts of home cleaning products as well as personal care products. Their products are EWG Verified. They have a selection of holiday scented hand soaps that I think would make wonderful gifts.
I have never seen these before but it’s a really fun idea for the person who loves cocktails! These cocktail bombs from Poseidn make it so easy to make a delicious cocktail. Simply drop the bomb into 1.5oz of vodka, stir, then add 6.5 oz of water, then enjoy with ice!
The seed packets from To & From Gift Co. are stunning! I think any of them would make a great gift, but the edible flowers seed packet is especially fun. Free shipping on all orders within Canada.
Perfect for the friend that has been saying they want to try their hand at sourdough! This organic dehydrated sourdough starter is made by TorontoSourdoughMama.
I love the idea of this solid perfume from 828 Aroma! Perfect for the frequent traveler. They even have a quiz to help find a signature scent. Great if you know your gift recipient really well. (Or you need a gift for yourself! ;))
Oh my gosh, how cute are these dumpling candles from Artket Goods? These are available scented or unscented and with or without the steamer basket. They’ve got other fun candles and drinkware too if you don’t think dumplings are cute. Lol.
How about some handmade soap from an indigenous women owned business? Francesca makes some beautiful soaps, as well as body butter, smudge spray and lip balm.
I’m loving these beanie hats from Newbornlander! They’re handmade in Canada and there are all sorts of patterns available. They range in size from 0-6 months to adult.
For those that love candy cane flavoured things, they’re going to love this popcorn from Klondike Kettle Corn! Made in Whitehorse, Yukon, Katie makes a huge variety of delicious flavoured popcorn! Check it out.
Who doesn’t know a candy lover? These ones from Squish are vegan too so your vegan friends can enjoy it too! Grab a bag of Squish vegan candy and your recipient will love you forever.
Petit Lem makes super cozy pajamas and their holiday styles are out now on Well.ca! They also have other holiday wear, not just pajamas. They pride themselves on using organic cotton and recycled polyester.
And that’s a wrap on this year’s Canadian gift guide! It was a lot of fun creating this! I hope you found a few ideas that will make your gift giving a little more meaningful. Every time you shop Canadian, you’re not just giving a great gift, you’re supporting local makers and small businesses across the country. Here’s to cozy moments, thoughtful giving, and keeping it Canadian.
Simply Frugal may receive a small commission if you purchase something recommended in this article. See the disclosure policy here.
The Best Advent Calendars in Canada
When I was growing up, the only advent calendar I knew of were those little chocolate ones that were a bargain from the grocery store or dollar store. But those were still magical and fun!
These days, advent calendars have evolved to include everything from beauty products to toys to crafts! Advent calendars in 2025 take things to a whole new level! Imagine the excitement on your kids’ faces when they open up mini LEGO sets or Polly Pocket figures. Imagine your own excitement when you open up something you love each morning!
For today’s post, I thought it would be fun to round up the best advent calendars in Canada for 2025! You’re sure to find something for everyone. They range in price from frugal to not so frugal, but I made sure to only list the well rated advent calendars and legit retailers!
I was in a cookie rut. Whenever my daughter and I make cookies, it always seems to be Peanut Butter Cookies. Don’t get me wrong, peanut butter cookies are delicious (and my husband’s favourite), but sometimes I want something a little different!
So, enter Fall M&M Monster Cookies! They’re easy to put together and delicious so they’re sure to please! And they still include peanut butter, so my husband is on board. 🙂 These Fall M&M Monster Cookies have everything. Peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chips and M&M’s, make for my FAVORITE Cookie!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 Cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 Cup butter, softened to room temperature
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
4 1/2 Cups oatmeal
2 tsp baking soda
1 Cup chocolate chips
1 Cup Fall colored M&M’s (red, yellow and brown) + extra to press on top of the cookies prior to baking
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, baking soda and eggs.
Add in the oatmeal one cup at a time, stirring well.
Add in the 1 cup of chocolate chips and the 1 cup of Fall M&M’s.
Drop by rounded tablespoon onto your baking sheets about 2-3″ a part. Press a few extra M&M’s into the tops of each cookie.
Bake for 9-13 minutes. Do not overbake. Cookies will be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven but will set as they cool.
Setting up a Budget Binder in your home is a terrific strategy for staying on top of your finances. It should not only be a record of what is spent, but it should include your estimations for what will likely be spent in the coming year(s). This binder or manual should be a go-to for all of your questions regarding what you can afford and how long it will take to reach your financial goals.
Here’s how to create a Budget Binder:
1. Find a binder that works for you. I really like this binder, but any binder will work. I would choose one that has at least a 1″ spine width.
2. You will also want to have some tabbed dividers so that you can separate your budget binder into sections. These Removable Index Tabs are perfect to add to each section. The tabs are writable and repositionable so you can move them around or use the same one if you need to refresh the page.
3. I like to divide my Budget Binder up by months. (One section for each month of the year, January – December) In each section/month, I include a Monthly expense tracker, a Monthly budget and bill tracker, a Monthly debt payoff tracker, a Monthly reflection sheet and Month at a glance calendar sheets. In the back, I have a yearly finance goal worksheet and spending trackers.
I have created an easy to follow printable budget planner that takes the overwhelm out of budgeting! Use this planner to dream about yearly financial goals, track your bills and spending, discover what you did well, what you need to improve on and so much more! This planner will help keep you focused and ensure nothing is missed.
4. Also in the back, create a section for account information and include names of financial institutions, addresses, contact information, passwords and any other details that would be worth having at a glance.
5. You can also add pouchesto hold receipts, a page to record prices on your favorite items, or anything else that might be useful in keeping your family in the black!
There you have it! It’s that easy to set up a budget binder. Do you keep a Budget Binder? What pages do you keep handy in your family budget binder?
