Gifts from Canadian brands in the US

#2

Toronto-based Kobo's waterproof colour e-reader with page buttons. For a heavy reader who also reads comics or wants to annotate. The stylus is sold separately.

#3

Kobo's simplest 6-inch reader, waterproof with battery life measured in weeks. For someone who mostly reads novels. Skip it for comics or cookbooks, since it has no colour.

#5

A Vancouver-designed carry-on with a latching aluminum frame, sized for most overhead bins. A big shared gift for a couple who travel often. Frame cases do not expand.

#6

A quiet cool-mist diffuser from Vancouver's Saje. For someone who likes a scented room at the end of the day. Oils are sold separately and it needs regular cleaning.

#7

A pocket aromatherapy inhaler with lavender, clary sage and vetiver from Vancouver's Saje. For someone with a long commute or a stressful job. The scent fades over time.

#8

A wool-blend toque with the Arc'teryx bird logo, for someone who likes the Vancouver brand but does not need another jacket. It is a lot to pay for a toque, which is why it works as a gift.

#9

A women's full-zip hoodie from Vancouver's tentree for weekends and errands. For a partner who lives in hoodies. The tree logo is part of the design, so it is not plain.

#10

A speckled cable-knit toque from Vancouver's Herschel in black, grey or off-white. A cheap stocking gift for someone who keeps losing toques. One size, which can feel snug on larger heads.

#11

Everything to start a Raspberry Pi 5 except a screen, keyboard and mouse. For a teen or adult curious about coding or home-server projects. It rewards some patience.

#12

A Toronto-made EEG headband that turns brain activity into sound feedback during meditation. For a data lover building a meditation habit. Many programs need a paid subscription.

#13

Umbra's magnetic metal world map with twelve magnets for photos and postcards. For a traveller who wants to mark where they have been. Magnets hold only light items.

#14

Two colour smart bulbs and a wireless switch from Toronto's Nanoleaf, so the lights work without a phone. An easy start on smart lighting for a renter. Check the bulbs fit their lamps.

#15

A self-inking stamp with a child's name and laundry-safe ink, good for about 500 clothing tags. From Canadian label maker Mabel's Labels. For parents tired of sweaters lost at school.

#16

A ready-to-fish two-piece spinning rod and reel from Canadian tackle brand Lunkerhunt. For someone who wants to start fishing without shopping for parts. It breaks down to fit in a car.

#17

A window-mounted cat perch with a felt seat, held on by heavy suction cups and rated for cats up to 30 lb. For an indoor cat that watches birds all day. Pricey for a cat bed.

#18

Three beeswax food wraps in small, medium and large, made in Canada from hemp and organic cotton. For someone who packs lunches and wants to use less plastic wrap.

#19

A waterless foam dog shampoo you rub in and brush through, from Canadian pet brand Earth Rated. For a dog that hates baths, or an owner who camps with the dog. It does not replace a real bath.