So you’ve left your shopping to the last minute, huh? As the herds of people at the mall will show you, you’re not alone.
They say failing to plan is planning to fail, and I’m 99% sure they were talking about shopping. Go in with a strategy, and tick that list off like ol’ saint Nick! Feel free to reference back to my tips and tricks post as well!
Here’s a roundup of my favourite finds for the loves in your life, which I hope will save you time for a little eggnog and chill.
The man of your life.
Remember this is the guy you love. He probably needs a lot of things, but just like you wouldn’t want him buying you a very functional gift card to your favourite store, get him something he wants.
One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was my Burberry trench. Considering I’m from Vancouver and was living in London at the time it was incredibly practical, and always timeless. I love this Rains Long Jacket for guys. It’s great for weekend casual, but makes a lightweight shell for over a suit, too.
Luckily for us, male grooming no longer carries an unmanly stigma. In fact, quite the contrary – and boys love to be pampered too! I love the Primp Club‘s products with everything a man needs and beyond. Also, the copy on their site is pretty fun. see: Primpin’ ain’t easy.
What’s the great outdoors without your modern conveniences? The BioLite CampStove burns wood to power up your phone, lights, or other devices, and makes the perfect place to boil water and cook. If I wasn’t so afraid of camping I’d think this was pretty dope.
Is your man the first to join the kids’ table to talk the latest in gaming and gadgets? Drones are still hot – and you can find them at all sorts of price ranges.
The parents.
I don’t know about you, but my parents are the hardest people on my list to shop for. They want for nothing, are incredibly generous with us, and it seems the sappy gifts of letters, framed pictures and personalized photobooks have been done a million times over.
Giving the gift of memories is always a nice personal touch. Buying tickets to an upcoming show or cooking class can be very personal, the key is to still have something for them to unwrap. A framed picture of a past favourite memory signed, “To making more memories like this one!” with the tickets included.
My mom was always sure we had a fresh, cozy pair of PJs to wear on Christmas Eve, and was often left out of this tradition. I love the idea of giving either of my parents the gift of coziness. J Crew has incredible, high-quality PJs, slippers, and robes for both men and women.
Your pals.
This is the easiest category of gifting – if you can manage handing over the goods when it’s time!
If you don’t know this brand yet, you will very soon. Like, now. They are your new go-to in the world of wandering. With three categories of beautiful silhouettes this is the perfect gift to bait a friend to get away for an adventure with you!
You probably know this Vancouver based line best from it’s cheeky crew sweaters with sayings like “Fries Before Guys” and “Babes Who Brunch”. Their Brunette and Blonde paraphernalia makes an unbelievable gift for your bestie. Be sure to check out their line beyond the tongue-in-cheek weekend wear that put them on the map!
Your nieces/nephews/friend’s kids/own kids.
Holy schamoly. If you’ve left the littles to the last minute, I’m questioning whether or not you have a heart. Or, maybe just need a job with a better work/life balance?
Looking for cozy cuddles in a local, ethically made brand? I mean, if this kid doesn’t sell you I don’t know what will! Princess and the Peas is a line from Vancouver whose designs are gender neutral and damn cute.
I’ve written about this amazing building toy for girls before, and still advocate for it 100%. By basing this engineering kit around stories and adventure the female creator of GoldieBlox opened up a whole new (not-pink!) world to the next gen of broads. We thank her for that.
If you need other ideas for kids, pop into Toys “R” Us. If you still can’t find anything, I hope a gaggle of Whos find a way to make your heart grow three sizes one day with a simple song.
Merriest of Christmases to all of you! xx
