4 d. ago Canadian families getting government payout early for holiday shopping

Families eligible for child tax payments under the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) can expect the money to arrive eight days earlier than usual.Usually, payments are sent out on the 20th of each month unless it falls on a holiday or weekend, in which case they go out on the working day before.Child tax payments always come a week early in December due to the gift-shopping-heavy holiday season. Make sure you're signed up for direct deposit instead of cheques to receive your payment on Dec. 12, so any mail interruptions don't put a damper on your plans.Canadian families got a 2.7 per cent boost in child tax payments. Annual payments for children under six will increase from $7,787 to $7,997, or $666 monthly. For children aged six to 17, this means an annual payment increase from $6,570 to $6,748, or $562 per month.Aside from the federal child tax, there are several other ways Canadians can get money from the government. Families will get additional benefit payments under ...

Politics

4 d. ago Cyber Monday U.S. spending growth seen lagging Europe amid tariffs

Mixed signals are swirling in the U.S. this holiday shopping season.

Economics

8 d. ago How AI is targeting consumers during holiday shopping season

Security expert Miles Walker tells Consumer Matters that AI-generated deep fakes are simulating celebrity endorsements, cloning voices, and creating fake retail websites.

Society

9 d. ago These are some of the best tech gifts for the holidays this year

If you're stumped for gift ideas this year, our list of the best tech gifts of the season makes it easier to shop for almost anyone.You can find tech gifts that balance fun and function at almost any budget. For the homebody, some of our favourite picks include a robot vacuum and a chic Bluetooth speaker that comes in various colours. If you're shopping for someone looking to step up their fitness goals, there are several tech gifts to choose from, such as a smart water bottle and a pair of earbuds that stay put even during the most intense workouts.So if you're in need of a bit of inspiration for thoughtful tech gifts, this guide has you covered.Roborock Q7 L5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with Auto-Empty Dock*RoborockWhether you have carpets or hard floors, the Roborock Q7 L5 + pulls up dirt, crumbs, and even pet hair with ease. With its advanced LiDAR mapping and intelligent route planning, it scans your home in real-time, charting the most efficient cleaning paths so it...

Society

9 d. ago What’s open on Thanksgiving? Not much, as many stores rest — or prepare — ahead of Black Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) — With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season this week, Americans will again gather for Turkey Day meals before knocking off items on their Christmas gift lists. Most big U.S. retailers are closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, many will open early the following day, Black Friday, the unofficial start […]

Other

1 week ago US Consumers Dial Back in Sign of Anxiety Heading Into Holidays

US consumers showed signs of fatigue leading up to the longest government shutdown, and their outlook has worsened ever since, sending a note of caution heading into the holiday-shopping season.

Society

2 w. ago Here are some of the best Canadian brands to shop this holiday season

The most wonderful time of year is here!It's November, and that means it's time to get your holiday shopping started (or, if you're a better person than I am, finished). 2025 was truly the year Canadians stood together, and you can continue showing your pride by shopping Canadian brands this holiday season.There's something for everyone on this list – I promise!Douglas*Good MorningGive the gift of better sleep with one of Canada's most loved and award-winning mattress brands. Proudly made in Canada and trusted by over 300,000 sleepers, Douglas offers three premium models: Original, Alpine, and Summit. Each combines eco-conscious materials, cooling comfort, and exceptional pressure relief for restful nights in every season. This blend of Canadian craftsmanship, sustainable design, and proven comfort makes it Canada's best overall mattress and a thoughtful gift your loved one will enjoy every night.*This product was a sponsored inclusion in our gift guide...

Society

2 w. ago Costco locations across Ontario rolling out big change for holiday season

Calling all Costco shoppers! The massive U.S. retailer is rolling out some changes during the holiday season, and here's everything you need to know. Just in time for the festive season, Costco Canada is introducing extended shopping hours, but only for a short period. Following Thanksgiving, the big-box retailer extended its operating hours and has now geared up for another round of longer hours as shopping ramps up. Starting today, Costco warehouses will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The extended schedule remains in effect throughout the holiday season until Jan. 1, 2026. Business Centres in Ontario will also adjust their schedules. Normally closed by 6 p.m. on weekends, these locations will now stay open until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday shopping rush. Still, there are a few notable exceptions to be aware of. While warehouses will be open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and...

Society

2 w. ago Consumers facing new scam threats this holiday season: BMO’s financial crimes head

As the holiday shopping season approaches, one expert says there are some scam trends emerging that consumers need to watch out for. Larry Zelvin, the head of the financial crimes unit at BMO Financial Group, said new technologies like artificial intelligence are making fraud harder to detect. “The risks are ever-present every day all year […]

Society

2 w. ago Make the holidays extra magical with a membership to Toronto's Ripley's Aquarium

Gifting season is here, and if your shopping list includes some ocean magic, there’s only one place in Toronto to get it.Ditch the gift wrap and give the gift of the ocean with exclusive events and memberships at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada! With 20,000 aquatic animals waiting to be admired, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada has the perfect gift for everyone on your list.Dive in and check out these exclusive and fin-tastic Ripley's Aquarium of Canada experiences.MembershipsThe ultimate gift for ocean lovers far and wide is a membership to Ripley's Aquarium, which offers unlimited visits all year long. That means hanging out with the star fish and other sea friends for 365 days.Benefits include discounts on food, retail, and special events, plus free admission to Jazz Night — it's the gift that keeps on giving! Fun for the whole family, receive 20 per cent off when you purchase three or more memberships.Memberships also unlock exclus...

Society

2 w. ago Markets brace for rush of U.S. data after shutdown ends : FP Video

Plus, what shoppers can expect heading into the holiday season

Other

4 w. ago National Retail Federation predicts first $1 trillion holiday shopping season

NEW YORK (AP) — American shoppers are expected to spend more during this holiday shopping season than last year despite economic uncertainty and rising prices. The 2025 forecast from the National Retail Federation on Thursday estimates that shoppers will collectively spend between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion in November and December, an increase of 3.7% […]

Society