Curious what people have been buying? Here are our 15 holiday bestsellers.
For her
Moms seem to sleep less than most, so she may need help looking fresh for holiday visits. Enter these energizing gold eye masks, which help to reduce dark circles, puffy eyes and bags.
Good brushes are hard to come by (and typically need replacing every six to 12 months). This beloved detangling brush is a stocking stuffer no-brainer. It comes in several shades to suit mom’s personality and allows her to brush through wet hair. Because let’s face it…How often do moms have time to style their hair?
Moms are famous for messy buns, but some hair elastics cause more damage than others. That’s why a set of these no-damage scrunchies is a thoughtful and practical gift. They’re soft and breathable, so they won’t pull on strands. Plus, they’re made with no-crease elastic to help styled hair retain its shape after a workout or a good night’s sleep.
Moms may be known for their oversized purses, but when it comes to carrying around their coveted Lululemon bags, they need a smaller wallet like this one. It will make a cute adornment to the small purse mom would rather bring to dinner or an outing with friends.
For him
This sleek timepiece is the ultimate stylish gift for your guy. Its sharp-looking black-grey encasement is guaranteed to elevate any outfit.
This sleek holder is the perfect barely-there accessory to keep cards organized. It’s so slim and lightweight, they won’t even feel it in their pocket.
A fan favourite, this Yeti bottle will keep their water cold (or their coffee hot!) until the last sip thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation. Its durable design is built to last and withstand the toughest conditions.
For the kids
What’s better than stickers in a stocking? Stickers that you can write on, of course. These cute, animal-shaped sticky notes make for a cute gift idea. Plus, they come in a six-pack, which makes them easy to split up between multiple kids’ stockings.
Help mom spark quality family time with a set of conversation starter cards meant for kids and adults alike. They’re small and portable, so mom can slip them in her purse and take them to restaurants, camping and long car rides. Because family bonding time is the best time, especially during the holidays.
Call “Action!” on your child’s inner Spielberg with this kid-friendly HD video camera and tripod. Strong and solid enough to survive the inevitable drops, its built-in microphone, video editor and effects tools will raise the curtain on creative play. Includes a green screen cloth and more than 20 animated backgrounds to fuel story time (and three built-in games, for break time).
For the foodie
Don’t be fooled by the size of this mini food chopper – it’s just as small as it is mighty. It’s the optimal countertop appliance for quick ingredient chopping or to prepare homemade dressings and sauces. Its compact design also makes for easy storage, and the pieces are dishwasher safe.
This versatile tool is a kitchen workhorse. Use it to zest lemons, grate cheese, shred garlic or flake chocolate. Its compact design saves space compared to a standard box grater, and it’s even easier to clean. While its stainless steel blades are sharp, it comes with a protective cover for easy storage (and safe stocking stuffing practices).
This clever pizza cutter design takes up minimal drawer space. The device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand while reliably slicing through any cheesy pie. It also comes with a retractable blade guard for safe storage and is dishwasher safe. It’s truly the perfect stocking stuffer for that person who could eat pizza for every meal.
This handy product can also be filed under gifts people typically wouldn’t buy for themselves. However, once introduced to the magic of food huggers, it’s hard to look back. The colourful silicone sleeves come in various sizes and will fit over everything from fruits and veggies to cans and jars. Plus, they help reduce food waste and are an eco-friendly alternative to Ziploc bags and plastic wrap.
Something every host will love. No Canadian home should be without one or two bottles at any given time. This one comes with three, so you can save one for yourself!
The best gifts are items people will appreciate and use, yet would never buy for themselves. When it comes to pantry staples, gourmet hot sauce fits squarely into this category. This variety combines red chili peppers with black truffle for a gourmet bite that is just-spicy-enough.
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With files from Adriana Monachino, Amber Dowling, Brittany Divenyi, Astrid Van Den Broek, Marina Hanna
The Curator
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
