From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received
With Christmas just hours away, the search for the perfect gift is on at stores and malls across the country.
But what makes a gift truly unforgettable?
We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season.
Tap on the video above to see what people had to say.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect
Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.'
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.
Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus
Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination.
Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive.
OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass
Ottawa firefighters and local Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to a bizarre scene Tuesday morning along Highway 417, where a driver managed to wedge his vehicle under an overpass.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis appeals for courage to better the world
Pope Francis said the story of Jesus' birth as a poor carpenter's son should instill hope that all people can make an impact on the world, as the pontiff on Tuesday led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas.
Read Trudeau's Christmas message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.
Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court
A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory.
Dismiss Trump taunts, expert says after 'churlish' social media posts about Canada
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Kitchener
-
Why holiday shopping may feel a little different this year
At around 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kitchener’s Fairview Park Mall, there were plenty of parking spots available. It’s a sign that maybe this year, the rush for last minute gifts is no more.
-
How to stay safe during the holiday season
As fun festivities begin, the Canadian government, SickKids and fire departments in the Waterloo Region are reminding families of the higher safety risks during the holiday season.
-
What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays
A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day.
London
-
Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage
A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays.
-
Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors
Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game.
-
London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak
London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning.
Barrie
-
Here's when Santa is coming down your chimney, live tracking underway in Simcoe County
The spirit of Christmas is in the air as Santa Claus begins his lasting journey to deliver presents to children around the region.
-
Help this missing pup make it home for Christmas
The Ontario SPCA in Barrie needs your help bringing this handsome pup home to his family before Christmas.
-
Last minute shoppers braced for chaos but found calm on Christmas Eve
Many shoppers were out on Christmas Eve, and while the rush was expected to be chaotic, many found the day surprisingly manageable.
Northern Ontario
-
Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus
Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination.
-
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
-
Dismiss Trump taunts, expert says after 'churlish' social media posts about Canada
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Sault shopper caught with stolen credit cards
A Sault man’s illegal shopping spree came to an abrupt end over the weekend.
-
Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court
A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory.
-
Sault man arrested after security guard kicked in the head over the weekend, police say
A 36-year-old Sault man was arrested Christmas Eve following an incident over the weekend.
Ottawa
-
YEAR-IN-REVIEWYEAR-IN-REVIEW Top stories in Ottawa in 2024
It was a year of change in Ottawa in 2024, with federal public servants required to spend more time in the office, alcohol now available in grocery stores and gas stations, and the Ottawa Senators taking the next step towards moving downtown.
-
PART 2
PART 2 Ottawa mayor speaks on Sprung structures, challenges facing the city in year-end interview
Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe says he's disappointed in the amount of "misinformation" surrounding a plan to erect tent-like structures to accommodate hundreds of migrants in the city, a proposal that has been suggested to alleviate the city's overburdened shelter system.
-
OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass
Ottawa firefighters and local Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to a bizarre scene Tuesday morning along Highway 417, where a driver managed to wedge his vehicle under an overpass.
Toronto
-
Suspect charged in killing of senior found dead in North York driveway
Toronto police have charged a suspect in the fatal shooting of a 69-year-old grandfather who was found in the driveway of a North York home earlier this month.
-
Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election
Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.
-
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
Montreal
-
Snowfall means a white Christmas, but also traffic woes across southern Quebec roads
A heavy snowfall has guaranteed much of Quebec a white Christmas, but it has also sent cars skidding off the province's roads during the busy holiday travel period.
-
Montreal homeless centres lacking for space during cold snap
Despite a cold snap, some Montreal homeless centres are being forced to turn people away as beds fill up.
-
Warmer temperatures mean fewer Montreal ice rinks open for Christmas
With climate change meaning warmer winter temperatures, fewer outdoor Montreal ice rinks are opening by the end of December.
Winnipeg
-
'They gambled with trees': Cutting down trees resumes in Lemay Forest
The next chapter of the Lemay Forest saga has unfolded as the sounds of trees coming down could be heard Monday.
-
One person dead, another injured following Monday night house fire
One person has died and another is in unstable condition following a house fire Monday evening.
-
Winnipeg police investigating string of packages being stolen
The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a string of package thefts in the Transcona area.
Edmonton
-
Edmonton apartment building boarded up after evacuation order from the city
An Edmonton apartment building that was evacuated for safety reasons on Monday now sits boarded up.
-
1 charged after van stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday
One person has been arrested after a van was stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday.
-
Warrants issued for 'dangerous' Edmonton man in sexual assault case
The Edmonton Police Service is looking for a 58-year-old man in connection with a sexual assault that happened earlier this year.
Calgary
-
Speed, alcohol possible factors in Glenmore Trail crash that left man, 18, dead: police
Speed and alcohol are possible factors in a fatal crash on Glenmore Trail on Monday night, according to police.
-
Person in critical condition after downtown Calgary fire
A person was sent to hospital in life-threatening condition after a fire in downtown Calgary on Tuesday morning.
-
Skier seriously injured in avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C.
A skier was seriously injured after an avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C., over the weekend.
Regina
-
Sask. RCMP still searching for man suspected of small-town break-ins spanning years
A man suspected of breaking into offices and small businesses across Saskatchewan over the past number of years has struck again – according to RCMP.
-
Tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle in Sask. this holiday season
The City of Regina is urging residents to recycle their holiday waste responsibly.
-
'A nice way to connect': Christmas card exchange between Sask. friends spans 60 years
What started out as a little holiday fun between two Regina friends has turned into a tradition that now spans six decades.
Vancouver
-
DEVELOPINGDEVELOPING Several Christmas Day ferries between Tsawwassen, Victoria cancelled – and others are 'at risk'
The stormy weather in the forecast for B.C.'s South Coast is already disrupting many Christmas Day travel plans.
-
Rappelling RCMP members bring Christmas magic to B.C.’s Ronald McDonald house
Children at the Ronald McDonald House at BC Children’s Hospital were paid a surprise visit from a number of nimble guests on Friday, sent from none other than the jolly old man himself.
-
Striking janitors at Vancouver airport reach tentative deal, cancel escalation
Escalating job action from striking janitors at the Vancouver International Airport was called off on Christmas Eve after the workers and their employer reached a tentative agreement.
Vancouver Island
-
Ripe avalanche conditions for parts of B.C. expected to persist this week
A forecaster says ripe avalanche conditions are expected to persist across much of British Columbia for the rest of the week.
-
Woman struck by vehicle dies in Burnaby, B.C.
A 24-year-old woman who was struck by a vehicle last week in Burnaby, B.C., has died.
-
Homicide victim identified as 36-year-old man from Langley, B.C.
Homicide investigators are identifying the victim of a suspected murder last year in Langley, B.C.
Atlantic
-
Two deaths in Truro ruled homicides: RCMP
Police in Nova Scotia are investigating after two deaths in Truro, N.S., over the weekend have been ruled homicides.
-
Snow forecast through Christmas Eve for parts of the Maritimes
Parts of the Maritimes that were hit by a weekend snowstorm are in for more of the white stuff this Christmas Eve.
-
'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B.
A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000.
N.L.
-
Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail.
As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration.
-
A massive, menacing Steller's sea eagle is dazzling birders in a Newfoundland park
A national park in Newfoundland has made the unusual move of opening in the winter so people can catch a glimpse of its rare and menacing new guest.
-
Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years
A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients.
