It is only mid-October, but for a lot of Canadians the holiday shopping season has already begun. Two big surveys released this month point the same way: people are starting earlier, planning more carefully and looking hard for good value. If your gift list feels long and your budget feels tight, you are in good company.
Below we sum up what the new research says, share a few simple ways to stretch your holiday budget, and round up seven thoughtful gifts from our Gifts collection that each cost less than $35 CAD.
What the 2026 holiday surveys are telling us
On October 14, Deloitte Canada released its 2026 Holiday Retail Outlook. It expects Canadians to spend about 5 percent less on gifts and gift cards this year. Total planned holiday spending, including entertaining and travel, comes to $1,305 per person, down from $1,521 in 2025 and the lowest level since Deloitte started the survey. Nearly three in ten people (29 percent) said they plan to spend less.
That does not mean people are skipping the season. Deloitte found shoppers expect to check an average of 16 stores and websites while looking for gifts, up from 14 last year. In other words, people are comparing more before they buy. Deloitte also expects more than half of holiday budgets (51 percent) to be spent by the end of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend.
Accenture's 20th annual holiday survey of 1,009 Canadians, reported by Retail Insider on October 8, shows the same push to start early. In that survey, 81 percent said they plan to begin shopping before Black Friday, compared with 47 percent last year, and 16 percent had already started before August. Accenture estimates the average Canadian will spend $717 on gifts this season, nearly 4 percent less than in 2025. Its retail lead in Canada described shoppers as adjusting their habits rather than pulling back from the holidays altogether.
Four easy ways to stretch your gift budget
Set a number per person. Write down everyone on your list and give each name a price cap before you shop. It keeps impulse buys in check.
Spread it out. Buying one or two gifts each week from now until December is gentler on your bank account than one big December rush.
Pick useful over flashy. Cozy, everyday items get used all winter long, so they feel generous even at a modest price.
Leave time for delivery. Our product pages list standard delivery of about 14 to 25 days, so ordering in October or early November gives you a comfortable cushion before the holidays.
7 thoughtful gifts under $35
For the person who is always cold
A rechargeable hand warmer is a small gift that gets used every frosty morning. This one splits into two magnetic halves, so both hands stay warm on the walk to the bus or at the hockey rink, and it charges by USB.
For the commuter or traveller
A dead phone is never fun, especially in winter when cold drains batteries faster. This compact 10,000mAh power bank has built-in cables, so there is no hunting for a cord in the bottom of a bag.
Heading home for the holidays? A memory foam neck pillow makes long flights, train rides and road trips a lot more restful.
For her: a cozy, polished layer
A large pashmina-style wrap works as a scarf on chilly days and a light shawl at holiday dinners. It is soft, easy to style and looks lovely folded in a gift box.
For the host or the self-care fan
A scented candle is a classic for good reason, and this handmade one already comes in its own gift box, which makes it ideal for hostess gifts, teachers or a coworker gift exchange. Choose from green, olive green, nude or white.
For him: a slim everyday upgrade
A front-pocket card wallet is a practical gift most people would not buy for themselves. This one has an aluminium pop-up card holder, an RFID-blocking design and a slim PU leather case.
For the little ones
Kids love anything with bunny ears. These plush house slippers have a soft upper and a non-slip sole for chilly floors, and they make a sweet stocking stuffer or a cozy Christmas Eve surprise.
Start early and enjoy the season
The research is clear that Canadians want value this year, and that is a smart instinct. A little planning now means fewer last-minute stresses later and more time for the fun parts of the holidays. Pick a few names off your list this weekend, and you will be well on your way.
Shop the Look
Every gift mentioned above, in one place. Prices are current at the time of writing and shown in Canadian dollars.
Browse the full Gifts collection
References
- Deloitte Canada's Holiday Retail Outlook reveals spending on gifts is expected to drop 5% — Deloitte Canada (October 14, 2026)
- The season of savings: 2026 Holiday Retail Outlook (PDF) — Deloitte Canada (2026)
- Canadian Holiday Shoppers Turn to Early Deals and AI as Budgets Face Pressure: Accenture — Retail Insider, by Mario Toneguzzi (October 8, 2026)