Last-Minute Shopping Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare
You’ve done it again—left holiday shopping until the very last second. Maybe exams had you buried in textbooks, or Netflix guilt-tripped you into just one more episode. Either way, here we are. But don’t sweat it, because being “that person” doesn’t mean your gifts have to look rushed. Thanks to SPC discounts, you can still grab gifts that are thoughtful, affordable, and borderline genius.
So, whether you’re shopping for your endlessly supportive host family, your siblings who love to roast you, or even your caffeine-dependent bestie, these last-minute ideas will save the day. Plus, they’re all under $150 post-discount—because who has the budget to go over that, anyway?
Gifting Smarter, Not Harder
Let’s talk digital gifts—because what could be more last-minute than an instant email? It’s also the most low-maintenance option. No wrapping paper, no awkward trips to the mall, no judgmental stares from cashiers as you rifle through the clearance aisle.
- Mastermind Toys (20% off in-store and online): Kids are ridiculously easy to shop for once you get them something interactive and fun. Mastermind’s board games and STEM kits let you come off as the thoughtful gift-giver while secretly doubling as a playdate genius. Did we mention this is also perfect for host families with young ones? Instant MVP status.
- Uber Eats (SPC+: $30 off first orders, SPC: 30% off next order): Who doesn’t love free food? A gift card for Uber Eats is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for the sibling who lives off ramen, or for surprising your significant other’s parents with their favourite pizza. You’re not just giving food; you’re giving the gift of zero dishes.
- Grammarly (SPC+: 25% off Premium, SPC: 20% off Premium): Know someone who’s always stressed about essays? This gift is pure academic gold. It’s not just a subscription—it’s the difference between a frantic all-nighter and a polished paper that gets the A.
- Chefs Plate (Up to 22 free meals): Who has time to cook during exam season? Give the gift of convenience and better meals with a Chefs Plate subscription. It’s like saying, “I care about your health and taste buds,” without actually having to do any meal prep yourself.
Digital gifts let you check items off your list in seconds. Add a quick note like, “Saw this and thought of you,” and boom—you’re officially the thoughtful gift-giver everyone envies.
The Self-Care Hero’s Gift Guide
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, but let’s be real: they’re exhausting. That’s why self-care gifts are a no-brainer. They’re practical, indulgent, and a subtle way of saying, “Take a break, you deserve it.”
- Bath & Body Works (10% off your entire purchase): Pick up their dreamy winter scents to instantly set the holiday vibe. Go for a candle, body lotion, or hand soap that smells like gingerbread cookies. Pair a few items together, and you’ve created a spa-like experience in a box.
- Greenhouse (SPC: 15% off, SPC+: 20% off): Wellness drinks are a perfect addition to any self-care package. Greenhouse juices make anyone feel bougie, even if they’re just chugging it between study sessions.
- Saje (SPC: 10% off, SPC+: 15% off): Essential oils are the kind of gift that’s both functional and fancy. A calming diffuser blend is a sweet way to say, “I care about your sanity.”
Self-care kits are also ideal for your host family. Imagine presenting a beautifully wrapped box of soothing scents and lotions. It’s thoughtful, easy, and much better than showing up with just a thank-you card.
Gifts That Feel Personal—Even When They’re Not
If digital or self-care gifts don’t quite fit, go for practical presents that feel like you’ve thought them through. The secret? They don’t actually require that much effort.
- Kernels Popcorn (Free upsizing deals): Nothing says cozy like popcorn. Wrap up a couple of movie night snacks with a blanket, and it’s a Netflix binge starter pack. Your recipient doesn’t even have to love popcorn—it’s the vibe that counts.
- Taco Bell (Free fries supreme upgrade): Is this technically fast food? Yes. Does that make it any less fun as a gift? Absolutely not. Treat your friends to some indulgent Taco Bell goodies—it’s the gift that keeps on giving, in fries.
- Keurig (15% off purchases at Keurig.ca): This one’s a win for literally anyone over the age of 16. Coffee pods, accessories, or even a travel mug can go a long way. You’re not just gifting coffee; you’re giving survival juice.
Last-minute gifts don’t have to scream last minute. With the right combination of SPC discounts and a little creativity, you can whip up something that’s equal parts thoughtful and practical.
Where to Next?
Now that you’ve knocked out a few solid ideas, it’s time to up your gift game even further. The second half of this list dives into even more creative, thoughtful, and wallet-friendly options that’ll make you the MVP of holiday gifting. Stick with us—we’ve got everything you need to sleigh (pun intended) the holiday season.
Procrastination? We Call It “Holiday Hustle”
Listen, there’s a reason students thrive under pressure. Waiting until the last minute isn’t procrastination—it’s a tactical decision. Why spend weeks overthinking gift ideas when inspiration always hits hardest 24 hours before the deadline? That’s when your brilliance shines brightest—or at least when SPC swoops in to save the day.
We know how it goes: you’ve got exams, part-time shifts, and a social life to maintain (because the holidays are prime time for ugly sweater parties). But somehow, you’ve found yourself in the chaotic maze of gifting season. The good news? You’re already winning at life by scoring sweet SPC deals that stretch your budget further than the elastic on your favourite sweatpants after finals.
SPC Deals That Make You Look Like You Had a Plan All Along
Procrastination aside, let’s dive into some absolute lifesavers for those last-minute holiday gifts. These aren’t just good deals—they’re the kind that’ll make your friends and family think you planned this months ago.
For the Tech-Savvy Friend: Dell
Got a tech-obsessed friend or sibling? Dell’s deal is clutch—10% off monitors and 15% off selected items. Imagine gifting them a sleek monitor upgrade to make gaming or Netflix marathons that much sweeter. Bonus: This gift practically screams, “I care about your screen time experience.”
For the Coffee-Lover: Blenz Coffee
Know someone whose personality doesn’t kick in until they’ve had their second cup? A free drink upsize at Blenz Coffee is like handing them the gift of joy in a cup. Pair it with a handwritten note about how much you appreciate their caffeinated energy, and bam—you’re their favourite person this holiday season.
For the DIYer: Cricut
There’s always that one crafty family member who lives for creating Pinterest-worthy projects. Cricut has you covered with $15 off machines and heat presses, 15% off materials, and free shipping on orders over $50. Help them unlock their inner Martha Stewart (but cooler) without breaking the bank.
For the Fitness Enthusiast: Gymshark
Is there a budding gym rat or yoga enthusiast on your list? Gymshark’s 10% off activewear deal is your ticket to gifting them the motivation to crush their New Year’s fitness goals in style. Throw in a cheeky note like, “You’ve got gains to make,” for extra brownie points.
The Holidays Are for Hustlers
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the art of the student hustle. You’ve mastered pulling all-nighters, memorizing an entire semester’s worth of notes in 48 hours, and surviving off $1 pizza slices. Holiday shopping? Child’s play in comparison.
Remember, the holiday season isn’t about having the most expensive gifts or perfectly curated Instagram posts (although if you do, no judgment). It’s about showing up for the people who matter—friends, family, host families, or even yourself. Yes, a “treat yo’ self” moment totally counts. In fact, SPC deals make it guilt-free.
For the Netflix & Chill Crew: Sennheiser
Nothing says “I get you” like gifting someone high-quality headphones for their binge-watching marathons. Sennheiser’s up to 60% off select products deal makes this an easy win. You’ll not only give them the gift of sound, but also ensure they’ll ignore your texts while deeply immersed in their latest series obsession.
For the Eco-Conscious Pal: Attitude Living
Have a friend who’s all about sustainability? Attitude Living offers 10% off sitewide (or 15% off for SPC+ members), so you can snag a thoughtful self-care kit made with eco-friendly products. It’s a win-win: they feel pampered, and you get to look woke.
Procrastination? A Holiday Superpower
Here’s the thing about students: you’re uniquely skilled at making magic happen at the last second. It’s a power move, honestly. Plus, with SPC, you’re not just throwing last-minute gifts together—you’re making them count. Your secret weapon? Those exclusive discounts that make everyone believe you planned this months ago.
Spend. Save. Repeat. With SPC.
No matter how tight your timeline—or your wallet—SPC has your back this holiday season. And if you’re an SPC+ member through CIBC, you’re unlocking even more next-level deals to crush your last-minute gift game. Haven’t signed up yet? Head to SPC+ with CIBC and turn your holiday hustle into a holiday win.