I don’t want to build up this post too much and call it THE BIG ONE but it kind of is folks. The ideas contained within are some of the creme de la creme for the girls out there. Like with my primo ‘Gifts for Guys’ post the other day, these gifts are really meant for anyone to either add to their wish list or buy for another woman in their lives. Let’s just say, I’d certainly love to unwrap a few of these picks come Christmas morning!
Chill Collection – $65-$180 @ Sanuk
Winter is (thankfully) the one time of year where most of us put comfort first – save for the teeny spangly skirts and dresses and sky high heels we don for holiday celebrations. Anyway, if you want to keep your feet warm while still looking stylish and laid-back, consider investing in a pair of crazy comfortable boots from Sanuk. The brand is known for having the world’s comfiest sandals (seriously, some of them are made out of yoga mats) and have cheekily reframed their winter ‘Chill’ collection as ‘not boots but sandals’.
Verbena Sparkling Delights Gift Set – $72 @ L’Occitane
L’Occitane always has some of the most beautiful smelling gifts available year after year, and this one is no exception. If you really want to spoil someone special in your life, consider presenting them with this jam-packed gift set featuring six different products so you can wrap yourself in the exotic Verbena scent from head to toe. Tuck the Verbena Perfumed Sachet into your drawers, lather up with the included shower gel, hand wash and soap, and seal in that moisture with the body milk and hand cream for all-day freshness.
Shoelery by Erica Giuliani – From $19.99
Although I write what is essentially a shopping blog, I have to say that I am a big fan of extending the life of your purchases. For example, in the new year, try challenging yourself to wearing every piece of jewellery you’ve got or every pair of shoes or every scarf – you’ll be surprised at how it forces you to remix your wardrobe in new and interesting ways (and weed out what you no longer love). I’m also a big fan of gift ideas that can breathe new life into your tired – or favourite – clothing. Case in point? Shoelery by Erica Giuliani is a line of removable accessories designed to perk up your shoes. Add a glittering skull or a cute bow clip to the toe of your favourite basic pumps or flats and you’ve suddenly got a couture-inspired piece of eye candy. Of course, the brand doesn’t stop there. They also carry bling rings for your stiletto spikes, dangling fringe for your t-straps or Mary Jane’s, and even boot fur covers and chains so you can jazz up your winter footwear. Makes for a great stocking stuffer, accompaniment to a new pair of shoes she’s asked for (it’s like getting two pairs at once!) or even just on their own.
Cilque Sleep Set – $99 @ Hudson’s Bay
Canadian brand Cilque is all about bringing some luxury to the bedroom with their line of silk sheets, pillowcases, PJs and more. This year they’ve collaborated with Hudson’s Bay to create an exclusive set that will aid any woman in drifting off to la la land, including a pure silk eye mask and pillow case. – both of which will improve the health of your hair and skin during the dry winter months. Available in scintillating red and delicate white, this is a perfect choice for your girlfriend or wife as an apology for all those nights you’ve kept her up with your snoring. Be sure to learn more about Cilque on their own website.
Kiss and Make Up Cases – $48 @ Melissa Beth
I always laugh when I go on vacation because it’s a time when I’m having endless photos taken of myself, yet I also typically don’t look my best, owing to the limited number of hair and beauty products I have on hand. One thing that would probably make my life a little easier is to have an immaculate makeup case – enter Melissa Beth’s insanely adorable and covetable line of Kiss and Make Up makeup cases. Available in nine different mix-and-match tones and interior patterns, these pretty yet practical cases can house your essential brushes, plus feature three clear pouchettes for you to separate your various products from one another, making it a snap both to pack (and make sure you didn’t forget any key products) and find your various items while abroad. I adore this as a choice for the makeup maven or bon voyage belle in your life – it’s oh so cute, oh so smart, oh so squealworthy!
BONUS OFFER: Place an order on Melissa Beth by December 8th and score 20% off your purchase with the coupon code MB20OFF!
Tealish Pyramid Teabag Boxes – $10.95
Bestill my heart. Not only is Tealish a purveyor of finely crafted gourmand teas, they’re also Canadian. Beyond that, they’re also pretty whip smart when it comes to innovating tempting flavours to warm you up on a bitterly cold winter’s day. The brand essentially carries three lines of teas, which are available in both boxes and canisters. The sugary sweet Dessert Collection features such concoctions as Dulche de Leche and Macaron (drool). Meanwhile, if you drink tea for its therapeutic benefits, the Wellness Collection is for you, with brews designed to ramp up your energy, tamp down your stress, and help you unwind. Finally the Gourmet Collection features smart twists on classic blends, like Pomegranate Goji and Vanilla Orange Spice. Buy an entire line-up and treat the tea lover in your life to new taste sensations for the next few months, buy a few boxes and split them amongst friends, or indulge her favourite flavour and stuff a canister in her stocking.
The GLC Triple Necklace – $125 @ GiveLoveCycle
If your favourite female loves cycling, this adorable necklace from couture cycling brand GiveLoveCycle is a subtle way to share her passion with the world. Featuring three of the brand’s signature heart-shaped spoked wheel symbol, this gorgeous necklace is crafted from a heavy duty chain that mimics what you’d use to lock up your favourite two-wheeler – for a look that’s urban yet feminine all at the same time. Available in bold gold, shiny radium and radiant rose gold, you can even buy multiples to go with every outfit in her wardrobe.
Well-Read Women by Samantha Hahn – $23.95 (list)
I definitely thought this book was beautiful upon first glance. The concept is handpainted watercolours of some of fiction’s greatest heroines – from Gatsby’s Daisy Buchanan to Mary Lennox of The Secret Garden. Anyway by SHEER coincidence, the day after I first laid eyes on the book, I was telling a good friend of mine about one of my favourite blogs, Maquette by Samantha Hahn. Lo and behold, I quickly realized the lady behind Maquette is also the same gal behind this glorious little coffee table tome. Needless to say, I was extra excited to have a piece of artwork in my hands from this beloved modern day illustrator – who’s work has graced the pages of countless fashion publications online and off. Long story short, if you have a friend that’s a weird hybrid lover of fashion and fiction (um, hello, like me), this is the PERFECT gift. I get all giddy just thinking about it.
Embellished Sweaters & Long-Sleeved Tees – From $66 @ LOFT
I had the opportunity to peruse the racks of a U.S. LOFT store earlier this year and quickly fell in love. Their clothing fits amazingly (and indeed, comes in multiple cuts and fits including petite and maternity), features special details, yet is also incredibly versatile – for work, evenings, hanging out and beyond. Naturally with the holiday season being in full swing, I had to highlight their festively embellished sweaters and tees, some of which is quite unlike anything I’ve seen this season. I particularly adore the Brocade Sweater above, featuring a classic crewneck and basic black overlain with a spectacular ornate gold textured pattern. It’s the kind of thing you’ll don for Christmas dinner but still be able to wear to countless board room meetings and weekend brunches over the course of the winter.
WaySpa.com Gift Certificates – From $25
I am such a total spa junkie, and a lot of the time I kind of feel like throwing up my hands and telling you all to just get your wife / girlfriend / sister / mother / friend a weekend at the spa, as it’s something that regularly shows up on my holiday wish list. Of course, I recognize that it can be tough to zero in on the exact treatment, or even the exact spa the lady in your life prefers. Enter WaySpa, a genuinely unique concept that links 2,000 spas across Canada. All you have to do is pick up a WaySpa gift card, and your favourite girl can peruse the site to read reviews, learn about her options (including spas and treatments she’s likely never encountered), read dozens of reviews from other spa-goers, and select her relaxing escape of choice – from massages to mani / pedis to facials, plus wellness experiences like yoga classes, hair salons, and fitness programs. Best of all this is a true lifesaver for that person on your list that’s either impossible to shop for or you know, you kind of forgot. You can get an actual physical gift card or opt for immediate digital delivery, meaning this is a fantastic, no-brainer, last-minute choice that I’m hard-pressed to believe any woman would turn down (and if she does, you can redirect her gift to me, thanks).
BONUS: Head over to WaySpa sooner rather than later – they’ve got 15% off gift cards right now!
ellie mae Bracelets – From $25
I knew jewellery could make a girl feel special and pretty, but Canadian brand ellie mae takes things a step further by stringing together beautiful precious and semi-precious stones to create pieces that have legitimate healing powers. With stones from all over the globe mingled amongst gold filled, sterling silver, and rose gold metal accents, this brand’s stunning collection can be stacked high or worn individually for a statement-making look. If you’re familiar with the restorative powers associated with precious stones, you’ll already know that donning a pretty rose quartz can help with your digestion while blue crystal improves your perception and ability to understand others. Each bracelet is accompanied by a clear explanation as to what exactly you’ll be helping to heal, making this an easy way to buy a sparkly piece of ellie mae jewellery that’s also tailored to your giftee’s interests (or maladies, as it were).
Anna Sui La Vie de Boheme Eau de Toilette – $74 @ Hudson’s Bay
As part of the designer’s expansive body and beauty line, quite a few fragrances have been released over the years – yet each one has its own unique vibe that could apply to a different woman in your life. La Vie de Boheme is channeling a bohemian babe; free-spirited and light, the scent is marked by sparkling red berries and pear offset by noticeable notes of fragrant Turkish rose, soft musk and peony. The scent is a good choice for women that don’t like to drown in fragrance; it feels (and smells) like spring – delicate, bright and sunny. Also can we talk about the too cute bottle? Swirling rosettes topped by a gilded butterfly make for a hippie chic addition to your vanity.
Headmistress Headbands & Clips – $27 – $39 @ Indigo
Canadian brand Headmistress has teamed up with Indigo this holiday season to sell a beautiful line of fascinator-esque feathered headbands and hair clips. Available in a range of rich jewel tones, these stunning hair accessories are the simplest way to dress up your winter wardrobe – whether heading out to a work fete, a family dinner, or drinks with friends. Even more amazingly is despite the high level of impact these pieces have, they’re actually quite light and delicate. Unlike literally every headband ever, I was able to pull off one of these pieces for an entire day without flinching or rubbing my temples. Beyond that, one of Canada’s signature tastemakers – Heather Reisman – has given these pretty hair accoutrements her official stamp of approval. For the record, this is really just a fraction of what Headmistress has in store – visit their site to explore the full line!
Writing this blog is pretty cool. It gives me the chance to write and learn about some pretty amazing brands, which I’m always so excited to introduce to you. This year has been an interesting one as I’ve heard such lovely commentary from my blog partners and from you readers about actually picking up these items for people on your shopping list – or for yourself.
Anyway all of this to say, it’s with a big warm Oprah-esque heart that I tell you I’m giving away a prize package valued at over $1,200 featuring items from every brand highlighted in this post. If you’re dreaming of being the INSANELY lucky winner of a pair of Sanuk shoes of your choice from their ‘Chill’ collection, a L’Occitane Sparkling Delights set, a $100 Shoelery gift card, two Cilque silk pillowcases in Black Tie Optional, a Kiss and Make Up case, the entire Gourmet Collection from Tealish, a GLC Triple Necklace, a copy of Well-Read Women, a $100 LOFT gift card, a $50 WaySpa gift card, a bottle of Anna Sui La Vie de Boheme, a bracelet set from ellie mae, and three Headmistress headbands…well…you’ve come to the right place. And here’s how to enter:
1) Leave a comment by December 30th telling me which of these gal-oriented gifts you’d most like to give (or receive)? Who is it for?
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 31st to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entries: Want some extra opportunities to win this $1,000+ prize package? Here’s how:
Sanuk – Follow Sanuk Canada on Twitter, send out a Tweet about your favourite pair of shoes from their Chill collection (link is above) tagging them and me (@cdngiftguide), leave a link to your Tweet below.
L’Occitane – Like the brand’s Canadian presence on Facebook, leave a comment about what you’d love to unwrap from them this holiday season (hint: visit their website), leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
Shoelery - Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment about what style of Shoelery you’d most love to rock (hint: visit their website), leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below. Extra entry alert – you can also follow Shoelery on Twitter, tag them and me in a Tweet, and leave a link back to that Tweet below.
Cilque – Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment about which silky gift idea you’re most in need of (hint: visit their website), leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
Melissa Beth - Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment with your favourite Kiss and Make Up colour (hint: visit their website), leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
Tealish – Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment about which tea you’d like to try from them (hint: visit their website), leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
GiveLoveCycle – Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment on why you NEED the GLC Triple Necklace, leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
Well-Read Women – Is published in Canada by Raincoast Books. Follow them on Twitter and send out a tweet about the book tagging them and me (@cdngiftguide), leave a link to your Tweet below.
LOFT – Follow LOFT on Twitter, send out a Tweet about what item from their site is on your wish list (hint: visit their site!), tagging them and me (@cdngiftguide), leave a link to your Tweet below.
WaySpa – Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment on what spa treatment you’d love to treat yourself to this winter, leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
Anna Sui - Follow on Twitter, send out a Tweet about the new La Vie De Boheme perfume, tagging them and me (@cdngiftguide), leave a link to your Tweet below.
ellie mae – Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment on your favourite piece from the ellie mae website, leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
Headmistress – Like the brand on Facebook, leave a comment on the hair accessory from the Headmistress collection you’d most love to own (or gift), leave a link back (it can be done, Google it) to your comment below.
5) Bonus Entry Part Deux: Sharing is caring. If you tell your friends about this giveaway and they enter (mentioning your name), you’ll earn an extra entry into the draw – and they’ll be entered too! You can refer as many friends as you’d like.