By Tammy Kwan

Just because 2020 sucked, doesn’t mean the holidays have to be cancelled.

We can all use a little bit of seasonal sparkle, especially with some skincare and wellness products to help with relaxing and rejuvenating over the Christmas break. 

From luxury beauty advent calendars to high-end electric toothbrushes, and from bubble-tea scented candles to a nap pillow, here’s our pick of the trendiest beauty and lifestyle gifts this year.

L’Occitane Signature Advent Calendar

L’Occintane’s annual advent calendar dispels the idea that these kinds of holiday items are only for kids. Its signature advent calendar ($85) showcases French illustrator Édith Carron’s artwork, and features 24 days of pamper-friendly gifts. Behind each window are luxury beauty items including hand cream, shower oil, shampoo, serum, soap, body cream, lip balm, and more. Find it online or at L’Occintane locations.  

Sunday Soy Boba Candle

This local Vancouver candle company has caught our attention with its visually appealing hand-poured candles. Its collection of scents include Lemon Boy, Ocean Fog, Sakura, Moonlight, and Sunday Morning, but we are fixated with BOBA ($25.50). Inspired by the Taiwanese beverage made with milk tea and tapioca pearls, it features notes of black tea leaves, vanilla, and brown sugar. We’re sure this creation will have your home smelling like the best bubble-tea shop you know. Find it online.

Brüush Electric Toothbrush

This personal hygiene item has been making many cameos on social media. American comedian Kevin Hart is now its ambassador, which will drive up the popularity of this electric toothbrush ($95) even more. Some may think it’s strange to gift an electric toothbrush for the holidays, but it’s something we use twice daily, and it’s definitely important to keep up our oral health (especially during a season of sweet indulgence). Available in six colours, including limited edition blue and yellow shades, brushing your teeth has never felt trendier. Refill plans and accessories like travel cases and charging stands are also available. Find it online.

VTMN Packs

All the time we spent home this year during an unprecedented pandemic probably meant most of us didn’t get enough vitamins and nutrients. Cue VTMN Packs, a personalized vitamin and supplement service that conveniently packages daily dose packets for clients. Created and prepared by healthcare professionals, customers can take a simple health assessment to see whether they want to boost energy levels or increase gut health. We’re sure people will be more than happy to receive the gift of wellness this season.

Fresh Beauty Mini Loves Mini Mask Set

This Nordstrom exclusive, limited-edition Fresh Beauty mask set features six mini masks that will nourish and hydrate during the dry, winter season. Featured masks include a vitamin nectar vibrancy boosting face mask, rose face mask, black tea instant perfecting mask, and Umbrian clay purifying mask, among others. Although we’re all staying put, sometimes travel-sized beauty goods are more versatile for those who like to constantly try new products. Gift wrap is available. Find it online for delivery, and in-store or curbside pick-up.

Casper Nap Pillow

Sleep giant Casper is known for its dream-worthy mattresses, but its pillow collection deserves some spotlight too. We love its nap pillow ($45): a travel-sized pillow perfect for a quick snooze or huggable comfort during the night. This squishy item comes with a 100% cotton pillowcase and drawstring bag, which is also perfect for bringing on short or long trips (when it’s allowed again). Find it online or at the local Casper store.

Vitruvi Unwind Holiday Diffuser Set

Curling up at home this season will be even nicer with a calming natural scent circulating throughout the house, right? Vancouver-based Vitruvi specializes in essential oil products, as well as truly aesthetic diffusers that can elevate the interior of any space. Its Unwind Holiday Set features its popular white stone diffuser ($83.30) and the unwind kit ($37.80)—which comes with relaxing blends such as herbal dusk, powdery quiet, smooth nightcap, and tranquil sleep. Whoever receives this gift can definitely sit back, relax, and chill.