It’s officially December so you know what that means – you’re likely basking in the holiday glow as you order holiday drinks and shop online from the comfort of your home. Or you’re like me and lining up at Starbucks for Gingerbread Eggnog Latte because for some odd reason you refuse to believe it is Christmas unless you have a form of that Eggy-good drink in your system.
Jokes aside, a good holiday deal is a great way to save money, get the gift you need, and ensure you’re not wrangling the aisles for a last-minute stocking stuffer. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family, or colleague, or as a donation we’re here to offer some ideas on what we think are gifts for everyone!
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 Earbuds
Razer took the Hyperspeed Earbuds and made them for PlayStation. Introducing the Hammerhead True Wireless V2. Using a 2/4 GHz hyperspeed connectivity allows for sub.1second latency and uses Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with a dongle. Uses active noise cancellation, and dual environmental mics and is powered by RazerChroma RGC. Comes with 30+ hours of battery life, the case gives 22 additional hours of battery and comes in at $149.99 officially licensed for PlayStation and Xbox as well.
You can find the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 Earbuds at Amazon.
You can find the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 Earbuds at Razer.
Leviathan V2 X Soundbar
The Leviathan V2 X adopts a single USB Type C cable to draw power more efficiently while producing robust and dynamic audio with a max volume output of 90 dB.
For those looking for seamless usage on phones, tablets, and PCs, the Leviathan V2 X also offers Bluetooth 5.0 and seamless switching in the Razer Audio App.
The Leviathan V2 X retails for $129.99 CAD.
You can find the Leviathan V2 X Soundbar at Amazon.
You can find the Leviathan V2 X Soundbar at Razer.
Razer Blue Screen
For the streamer in your home — Razer created a blue screen that launched earlier this year. Why blue? Well, the reasoning is that blue performs significantly better and will be a height-adjustable 94-inch screen and is crafted out of premium Dacron fibre. It’s got quick deployment and collapsibility and can be done with one hand. It is compact and lightweight and can be tucked away when not in use
The Razer Blue Screen retails for $129.99 CAD.
You can find the Razer Blue Screen at Razer.
Razer Kishi V2
Rethink everything you knew about mobile gaming. Razer Kishi V2 is a universal mobile gaming controller that brings a console-class gameplay experience to your smartphone. The Razer Kishi V2 features a stable, extendable bridge that perfectly holds the most popular Android smartphones, providing a secure fit that won’t come loose while you game. If you prefer iOS, Apple devices also have the Kishi V2 available for purchase.
The Razer Kishi V2 retails for $129.99 CAD.
You can find the Razer Kishi V2 Android and iPhone at Razer.
Razer Seiren
I’ve been using the Seiren V2 Pro for a few months now and I am flabbergasted at how big of a difference switching microphones affected Creature Cast. Using industry-grade audio components with a dynamic mic supported with a high pass filter that allows for the best voice clarity, you can hear the results of how impressive the Seiren V2 Pro really is.
Check out the first episode of Creature Cast and compare it to the latest and you’ll see just how big of a difference is.
The Seiren V2 Pro uses a Type A to Type C USB cable to connect to your devices and includes a volume dial, gain dial, and mute button. There’s also a 3.55mm headphone port which comes with a built-in shock absorber and mic windsock.
The Seiren V2 Pro retails for $199.99 CAD.
You can find the Razer Seiren V2 Pro at Best Buy.
You can find the Razer Seiren V2 Pro at Razer.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
You’ll have a new console to play games on but no games to when you get a new console. Xbox has the ultimate solution to that conundrum and it’s easily the best deal in video games. Enter Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a subscription service that features over 100 high-quality titles across console and PC, including day-one first-party releases and the added benefits of Xbox Live Gold. You can even stream games with Xbox Cloud Gaming to your mobile device, tablet, or television without worrying about downloading games.
For $16.99 per month, it’s easily the best recommendation I can suggest for new console owners who are hard to buy games for.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Via Xbox Design Lab
The Elite Series 2 was designed to be fully customizable with interchangeable components, this allows players the chance to make their own unique and personal controller. Enter the Xbox Design Lab — choose different colours for the body, back case, D-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumbsticks, buttons, thumbstick base, and ring. All of this can be done for CAD 149.99.
Alternatively, you can also pick up a complete customized Elite Series 2 controller that includes all the Elite components for CAD $209.99.
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is a standout console given it is an extremely powerful machine that serves as a great entry point into the ninth generation of console gaming.
Purchase the Xbox Series X at Best Buy.
Purchase the Xbox Series X at Microsoft Store
Nintendo Switch OLED Model
Nintendo’s latest refresh of the Switch is easily the best given it uses an OLED screen to make the games look vibrant and pop with colour. Equipped with a stunning 7-inch OLED display, an excellent kickstand for tabletop sessions, a dock with a LAN port, enhanced audio and double the internal storage (64 GB), the Nintendo Switch OLED model is an easy recommendation for newcomers to the platform or for your family members who have a launch model that’s probably been around the block.
You can purchase the Nintendo Switch OLED model for $449.99.
Purchase the Nintendo Switch OLED model at Best Buy.
Purchase the Nintendo Switch OLED model at Amazon.
Purchase the Nintendo Switch OLED model at GameStop Canada.
Nintendo Switch Online
As it stands, if you want to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online in Canada, it’ll run you $4.99 for 30 days, $9.99 for 90 days, and $24.99 for a year for an individual membership. A family plan costs you $44.99 for 12 months and allows four family members to share an account.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 has had a pretty solid year once again, thanks to significant titles like Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarök, Gran Turismo 7, and The Last of Us Part 1.
Last year, Sony added features to the PlayStation 5 to make it even more impressive. It already comes with stunning 4K visuals, a speedy proprietary SSD to make your games load fast, 3D audio that works with any speakers, and the ability to upgrade the console’s expansion storage with Gen4 NVMe M.2 flash memory.
Purchase the PlayStation 5 at Best Buy.
Purchase the PlayStation 5 at Amazon.
Purchase the PlayStation 5 at GameStop Canada.
DualSense Wireless Controller
One of the most innovative controllers in years, the PlayStation 5 has moved into a new realm of immersion with the DualSense controller. If you’ve never used the controller, then you’ll be amazed at how impressive it is. The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller includes haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, allowing players to feel the tension in actions that they perform, like pulling back a bowstring.
You can purchase the DualSense for $89.99.
Purchase the DualSense Controller at Best Buy
Purchase the DualSense Controller at Amazon
Purchase the DualSense Controller at GameStop Canada
Kensington’s SmartFit Easy Riser Go Adjustable Ergonomic Laptop Riser
Ergonomics is something all of us should keep in mind now that working from home or remotely is a staple of everyday life. The SmartFit Easy Riser simplifies the ideal ergonomic height by scientifically proven research to support the proper fit and height. The height adjustment allows you to lift your laptop or tablet as high as 8.5 inches and comes with a foldable kickstand for height flexibility.
The SmartFit Easy Riser Go Adjustable Ergonomic Laptop Riser is available for $43.99 CAD.
Purchase the SmartFit Easy Riser Go Adjustable Ergonomic Laptop Riser at Amazon.
Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard
Kensington has a lot of great productions for both home and office. The Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard lets you connect and
switch between up to three devices at a time including your laptop, phone, or tablet and uses Bluetooth 3.0 and 5.0 or 2.4GHz with 128-bit AES encryption.
The Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard is available for $44.99 CAD.
Purchase the Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard at Amazon.
W1050 1080p Fixed Focus Wide Angle Webcam
Kensington’s W1050 webcam is a must for anyone who works from home or remotely. It also works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more and also on Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.
The device also offers versatile positioning so you always remain in focus and adjusts up to 37 degrees vertically and 260 degrees horizontally. The W1050 also includes a privacy cover with a 95-degree field of view.
The W1050 1080p Fixed Focus Wide Angle Webcam retails for $79.99 CAD.
Purchase the W1050 1080p Fixed Focus Wide Angle Webcam at Kensington.
L1000 Bicolor Ring Light with Webcam Mount
You’ll want to look your best when on a video conference call and while natural light goes a long way, a ring light can be your best friend. Kensington’s got the L1000 Ring Light that includes a webcam mount so you don’t overburden your workspace.
The L1000 distributes light evenly and includes the choice to adjust colour temperature from cool, natural, or warm. You can easily adjust the lighting at the press of a button and no outlet is required as it uses a USB-A connection to work.
The L1000 Bicolor Ring Light with Webcam Mount retails for $59.99 CAD.
Purchase the L1000 Bicolor Ring Light with Webcam Mount at Kensington.
Surface Laptop 5
You can find the Surface Laptop 5 in two models this year with 3:2 PixelSense displays powering the 13.5-inch or 15-inch options, each with Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos 3D spatial processing.
This year includes a Thunderbolt port, the USB-A port, the Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Storage will ramp up from the entry level at 256GB to 1TB. Memory starts at 8GB and maxes out at 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM. Microsoft is also using Intel’s Iris Xe graphics to power the device.
The Surface Laptop 5 starts at $1,449.99 CAD.
Purchase the Surface Laptop 5 at Best Buy.
Purchase the Surface Laptop 5 at the Microsoft Store.
Surface Pro 9
The Surface Pro 9 includes the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processor, bringing a full 50 percent performance increase over the Surface Pro 8.
In collaboration with Liberty of London, a limited-edition design and matching keyboard is available to celebrate Surface’s 10-year anniversary.
The Surface Pro 9 with SQ3 is the only model with built-in 5G support. Both models (Intel and SQ3) come with 8GB of Ram as a base and can amp up to 32GB of RAM. On the storage side, both models also begin with 128GB but can amp up to 1TB on the Intel model and 516 GB on the SQ3.
Surface Pro 9 starts at $1,409.99 CAD.
Purchase the Surface Pro 9 at Best Buy.
Purchase the Surface Laptop 5 at the Microsoft Store.
Sonic the Hedgehog – Chibi Sonic & Friends Cap
BoxLunch‘s super cute hat features Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails together, and honestly, I feel like this is a perfect stocking stuffer. This hat would make an ideal companion to a new t-shirt for Christmas.
The BoxLunch Chibi Sonic & Friends Cap retails for $25 CAD.
Sonic the Hedgehog – Digitized Art Katakana Text
Short-Sleeve Tee
Who doesn’t love a good tee? This year I’ve seen a resurgence of graphic t-shirts in my area and more specifically, more gaming-related pieces of clothing making an appearance.
In this case, the Digitized Art Katakana shirt from Bioworld is simple and offers a classic Sonic design that isn’t overly loud but simple.
The Sonic the Hedgehog – Digitized Art Katakana Text
Short-Sleeve Tee retails for $29.99 CAD.
Purchase the Sonic the Hedgehog – Digitized Art Katakana Text
Short-Sleeve Tee by Bioworld on Amazon.
LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone
I’ve been on a big Lego kick since the pandemic began a few years ago. I started with a simple set before diving headfirst into the Lego Back to the Future DeLorean set this year.
However, the Green Hill Zone set from Sonic the Hedgehog is on my list for this year and it recaptures the magic from the iconic level found in so many of Sonic’s adventures.
The LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone Set retails for $99.99 CAD.
Purchase the LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone Set on Amazon.
Purchase the LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone Set on Lego.
Sonic the Hedgehog 288-page Tabbed Journal by Just
Funky
I’m someone who appreciated having a journal as a child because it allowed me to hone my ability to focus my thoughts. I didn’t have a cool looking journal either, just the one we were given from the local schools and while it did the job, it didn’t have Sonic on the front.
Whether your child wants to doodle or to write their thoughts out I love the design of having Sonic Stationary available.
The Sonic the Hedgehog 288-page Tabbed Journal retails for $34.99 CAD.
Purchase the Sonic the Hedgehog 288-page Tabbed Journal on Hot Topic
Limited Run Games
Limited Run Games was purchased by Embrace Group earlier this year, and I’m curious to see where the publisher takes the brand. In the meantime, there are several exciting books to check out that I’ve been reading and will be covering soon.
I lived and breathed the NES when I was a kid, and to this day, my fondest memories are from when I was able to game with my family.
NES Works
Limited Run Games has several NES Works books to choose from covering 1985-1986 and 1987 both as a hardcover and Collector’s Edition. Both books examine the Nintendo Entertainment System during their respective years. Each volume presents the history of the system and what made it special at the time as it details the shipping history for those years. For example, if you want to learn more about Excite Bike or Super Mario Bros. the 1985 volume has it all, Similarly, in 1987, The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, Double Dribble, and Metroid—all launched.
Both the NES Works 1986-1986 and 1987 retails for $55.99 CAD. The Collector’s Editions run 1985-1986 and 1987 for $105.99 CAD.
Purchase The NES Works 1986-1986 and 1987 on LimitedRunGames.
Super NES Works
Similar to the NES Works Volumes, the SNES covers the system’s launch in August 1991 in North America. Volume 1 covers the 31 video games that launched that year with each entry given a full page that includes the US packaging and supplementary information.
The SNES Works Volume 1 retails for $49.99 CAD.
Purchase The SNES Works Volume 1 on LimitedRunGames.
Limited Run: The Complete Run Volume 1
I know a lot of fans of Limited Run, and I always see their carts on social media, followed by their purchases at home. The Complete Run Volume 1 covers every game published by Limited Run from the company’s launch in late 2015 through the end of 2016.
The Complete Run Volume 1 retails for $35.99 CAD.
Purchase The Complete Run Volume 1 on LimitedRunGames.
The History of Sunsoft Volume 1
Japanese publisher Sunsoft has made the news recently by announcing its return this year. Limited Run Games has the history in one neat volume for you to discover its origins as a textile company to its breakout titles for arcades and NES.
This means you’ll learn about Sunsoft’s history from 1971 through 1989, and learn more through screenshots, archival art, and developer interviews.
The History of Sunsoft Volume 1 retails for $49.99 CAD.
Purchase The History of Sunsoft Volume 1 on LimitedRunGames.
Lego Olivia’s Space Academy
What’s Christmas without some Legos? If you’ve got a young child then Olivia’s Space Academy might be worth checking out. The entire set comes with 757 pieces and is perfect for anyone 8 years of age and up. There’s a classroom, mission control, a Shuttle model and an observatory.
Olivia’s Space Academy retails for $89.99 CAD
Purchase Olivia’s Space Academy on Lego
Lego I Am Groot
This year, director James Gunn gave us The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Groot has grown up at this point and he’s a lot bigger now but I’m still obsessed with baby Groot and who can blame anyone? Just look at him!
The Marvel hero comes with 476 pieces and is perfect for anyone 10 years of age and up.
Lego I Am Groot retails for $69.99 CAD
Purchase I Am Groot on Lego
Lego Hogwarts: Dumbledore’s Office
Around the holidays, I tend to watch The Lord of the Rings trilogy and every Harry Potter film. I’ve been doing this for as long as these films have existed and continue to do so each year.
This year though, if you don’t want to watch the movies, I suggest checking out Dumbledore’s Office from Harry Potter. The set features six Minifigures including Harry, Hermione, Dumbledore, Snape, Filch, and Madam Pince. The same set comes with 654 pieces and is perfect for anyone 8 years of age and older.
Lego Harry Potter: Dumbledore’s Office retails for $99.99 CAD
Purchase Dumbledore’s Office on Lego
Stubbins Persona/Shin Megami Tensei Plush Dolls
Stubbins has some incredible look plush dolls featuring some iconic Persona and Shin Megami Tensei characters. Whether you want Morgana, Aogami or Nahobino, these 10-inch plush dolls are perfect stocking stuffers!
If you want Jack Frost or Black Frost, you’re going to be happy to hear that these are also available.
Shin Megami Tensei V and Persona 5 plushes retail for $49.99 CAD
Morgana Hugz retails for $22.99 CAD
Purchase Stubbins Persona 5 and Shin Megami Tensei plush on ShopAtlus
Purchase Stubbins Persona 5 and Shin Megami Tensei plush on Stubbins
