Today’s gift guide is geared toward the moms in your life – I’m talking the in-laws, the mother of your child, the next-best-thing-to-mom, grandma, and of course, your actual mom. That’s not to say there aren’t TONS of ideas on this list that would work for ladies of any age, but I specifically chose things here that I thought might appeal to a more sophisticated, mature taste, for a woman that knows what she wants in life after years of experience. And with that, let’s begin.
Energy Stone Jewellery Chakra Bracelets – $52 each
Are you familiar with the concept of ‘chakras’? According to Hindusim / Buddhism, chakras are the non-physical energy centers in our body, the points where energy flows through. Unbalanced or blocked chakras, so the theory goes, can manifest themselves with physical symptoms, like back pain, colon issues, or lowered energy. Energy Stone Jewellery is a unique brand that specializes in pieces geared toward inviting good energy into your life. They actually carry a lineup of Chakra Bracelets (one of them isn’t pictured above) that are in line with the 7 core chakras. The stones on each bracelet are designed to help refresh and clear everything from your heart to your solar plexus to your throat. Easy to slip on and off thanks to a magnetic clasp, I love the subtle earthiness these pretty bracelets bring. Mom can stack ‘em up for extra chakra-clearing powers or done one at a time to target whatever’s bothering her today.
SAVEUR: The New Classics Cookbook – $45
If mom knows her way around the kitchen, chances are she’s come across SAVEUR, an infamous cooking magazine that many home chefs live by. Now, SAVEUR has gathered up 1,000 of their top recipes across an insanely huge range of categories and gathered them into one exclusive kitchen bible. One of the things that sets SAVEUR apart is their inclination to gather recipes right from the source. You want empanadas? They’ve likely gone to a Spanish chef that has been making them based on a recipe based down through the generations. You get the picture – mom will basically be able to clear out her cookbook collection with this valuable resource, which also includes helpful kitchen tips and tricks, recipes for pantry basics, shopping list suggestions, and origin stories you can regale your dinner party guests with while they take that first bite and begin oohing and ahhing. A must-have for any would-be MasterChef!
Suede and Sheepskin Slippers – $100 @ Garneau Slippers
So Cinderella can keep her glass slippers – I’ve legitimately found heaven in slipper form. Garneau Slippers is a Canadian brand that handmakes the most comfortable, cozy, durable slippers I’ve ever worn in my life (and trust me, I know, I’ve been wearing mine while writing most of my posts for this holiday season. Made from real sheepskin and suede, these snuggly slippers are available in a range of styles – from a slide-on mule to a new and ultra-cute bootie style to the classic ankle height style you see above. All of their slippers come in a range of colours, and are pretty gender-neutral so you can buy ‘em for mom, and then get a pair for dad’s birthday when he complains that his feet are frigid. Apart from the fact your feet will be warm (but never sweaty – these things are surprisingly breathable thanks to their natural fabrics) you’ll also feel protected, thanks to the sturdy suede sole. You can also pay a bit extra to get a thin rubber EVA outsole that’ll keep your slippers in tip top shape for that much longer. Honestly, you HAVE to try these things – they will change your life!
BONUS: Score 10% off your purchase of $80 or more when you enter the coupon code CGG2014 at checkout!
Potting Shed Creations Garden-in-a-Bag – $12.49 @ Well.ca
If you want an affordable but mom-friendly gift, look no further than these cute ‘Garden-in-a-Bag’ kits from Potting Shed Creations. These eco-friendly gifts include everything you need to grow fresh fruit, herbs, and flowers in any sunny spot in your home. In a few simple steps, these leak-proof bags will begin to blossom, giving mom access to everything from fresh basil for her next pasta sauce to wheatgrass for her smoothie to catnip for the beloved family pet. They’re literally available in dozens of styles to suit mom’s tastes, and are perfect even for the not-so-green-thumbed. They also make pretty swell stocking stuffers and hostess gifts, so stock up!
DreamSkin Beauty Pillowcase – $39.99
Most moms are, at least a little bit, concerned with their aging skin. While a diligent skincare and sunscreen application routine is critical, DreamSkin takes direct aim at wrinkles with their anti-aging pillowcases. It may sound unbelievable, but scientific studies have demonstrated that cotton can dry out your face overnight, tugging on your skin to create those unattractive sleep lines that have a long-term impact: weakening your dermal collagen. With some research, they discovered JuveTex Technology Fabric – a unique material that is neither silk nor satin, features 22,000 filaments per inch, and is hydrophobic, meaning it’ll actually provide the same moisturizing action as a high-end skin cream. Apparently the hydrophobic threads will never lose their moisturizing power either. So mom can finally get a good night’s rest with one less thing to worry about (her skin).
Cheese Board & Knife – $12.99 @ Winners & HomeSense
Here’s proof that you don’t need to spend tons to give mom a gift that looks beautiful – and will pay for itself pretty darn quickly too. This beautiful wooden cheese board is perfect for the holidays, as the outside is rimmed with festive messages like ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Joyeux Noel’. It comes with its own knife as well – deliver it to mom on its own, or include a homemade cheeseball for a heartwarming touch (or if you’re useless in the kitchen, a gift card to a fancy cheese shop in town). The real joy here though, is this product is part of a collection in support of Canadian Women’s Foundation, being carried by Winners & HomeSense this holiday season. The net proceeds from all items in the collection will actually go to support organizations that help women and prevent violence against women. So you can feel good while gifting something that looks good, too. Nice.
Allen Designs Clocks – $49.99 – $59.99 each @ Cards & Accents
Keep time in a kitschy way with one of these whimsical clocks from Allen Designs. Available in over three dozen different styles, each clock is cast in resin and then finished by hand, for a truly one-of-a-kind art piece to hang in the kitchen, entryway, office, or wherever! One of the coolest parts of these clocks are the unique details and finishes on the pendulum and hands – they’re all customized to suit the theme of the clock and will definitely make mom smile. And with so many design choices, it’s easy to find one that’ll suit her decor or persona tastes – from a cute cat to a stand mixer to a pair of cowboy boots.
Nordic Robe – $49.95 @ La Vie En Rose
Nothing quite says snuggly like a warm winter robe from La Vie En Rose. Upgrade mom’s ratty old robe with one of these new, thigh-length robes that strike just the right balance between cute and cozy. Available in both a classic plaid print and a on-trend nordic pattern, both robes feature a contrasting lapel to give mom’s loungewear a little slice of style. Of course, the real selling point here is the ultra-plush fabric. It’s the kind of thing she’ll want to wrap herself in whether she’s lounging in front of the TV, stepping out from an aromatic bath, or making a lazy weekend brunch. Extra love for the cute hood that keeps wet hair at bay. While you’re at it, be sure to check out all of La Vie En Rose’s pieces – you may find some matching slippers or PJs that mom will love just as much.
black + blum Maison Loop Collection – $15 – $46
Elevate mom’s interior decor with one of these sleek design accents from black + blum. Rendered in chromed steel, the Loop line has expanded over the past year to include everything from salt + pepper shakers to an elegant cake stand to a half-dozen varieties of candlesticks. This is particularly cool as you can now outfit mom’s entire dining room / serveware collection with matching pieces. If she likes one – she’ll love the pretty through-line of having multiple pieces. My personal favourite of the bunch? The chic ‘Oil & Vinegar Loop’, which holds two bulbous containers mom can bring out alongside a freshly baked baguette. If you want to be an extra nice gifter, hook mom up with a gift certificate to a gourmet oil and vinegar bar so she can pick out some custom blends to go inside her gorgeous new serving set.
Customized Engraved Children’s Drawing Necklace – ~$63 @ 3 Wind Knots
Forget hanging artwork on the fridge – why not hang it around your neck instead? Latvian jewelry brand 3 Wind Knots (who I’ve written about before) now offers a very cool customizable necklace service. Simply submit your kid’s drawing and it’ll be engraved onto a pendant, along with your child’s name. This is a super sweet gift for any newer mom or grandma in particular that’s simply bursting with pride. It’s also a lovely token to keep your loved ones close; if you’re at work from 9 to 5 and missing your kid, at the very least having this cute charm is a pleasant reminder of what you have to look forward to at home. While I’ve highlighted the sterling silver necklace above, note that engraved pieces are available as bracelets or on a heart-shaped charm instead.
Señor Tyrone’s Ponchos – $125 each
If the weather outside is frightful, help mom bundle up in one of these versatile, stylish, and technically unisex ponchos. Made from pure wool and crafted in the South American Andes mountains, I love this as a gift idea because it’s not something mom can just pick up on the rack at the mall – and because it’s one-size-fits-all you don’t have to get into any awkward ‘size’ conversations. You can get Señor Tyrone ponchos in 10 different colours, as well as four variations of their subtle ‘peacock print’. Because of its versatile cut, the poncho isn’t just a poncho – it can also be worn as a wrap, cape, scarf, or serape with ease. A beautiful, warm, fashionable pick for any discerning lady.
SpreadTHAT! Heated Butter Knife – $29.95 @ Opuszone
This is very much one of those ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ moments. Winner of an iF Product Design Award (aka one of the most notable design competitions in the world), this innovative kitchen gadget is a lifesaver for any multi-tasking mom and hostess. As you can probably imagine by the title of the product, yes, this is a knife that softens butter as you slice into it, making it easy to spread onto your dinner roll. But more significantly, it doesn’t require any electricity, batteries – nothing – to work. Instead, it uses your body’s own heat to make even the chilliest block of butter ultra spreadable. Made from titanium and dishwasher safe, you’ll never go back to carving up butter the old way! Of course, this is just one of many kitchen gadgets and award-winning design innovations offered up at Opuszone – if mom’s not a butter fan (what’s wrong with her?) you’ve got plenty of other options.
Murad Firm & Protect Kit with Pink Bag – $65
Give mom a comprehensive skincare routine she can stick to – and will see results from – with Murad’s handy ‘Firm & Protect’ set. Loaded with five essential Resurgence products to cleanse, tone, hydrate, and protect mom’s skin, she’ll see a marked improvement in the elasticity of her skin and in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, while also protecting her face from further sun damage. Start off by lathering up with the Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser to gently exfoliate and clarify your skin, then follow up with the brand’s lecithin-infused refreshing toner. Once your skin is primed, layer on the gentle and non-greasy Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture with the Renewing Eye Cream and Sheer Lustre Day Moisture SPF 15 for a fresh dewy glow that’ll make mom look younger than her years. It’s a fab 1-2-3-4-5 punch to keep skin looking radiant, and the cute pink bag the products are housed in is ideal for the jetsetting mom.
The Night Before Christmas Tea Set – $24.50 @ DAVIDsTEA
If after a busy day at work / life / whatever mom would like nothing more than a warm cup of tea to send her off to sleep, you may want to check out this new, limited edition holiday gift set from DAVIDsTEA. Filled with 9 mini-containers of caffeine-free herbal teas and infusions, mom will get to sample some of the brand’s most popular teas without getting a case of the pre-bedtime jitters. As someone who skips on caffeine (I know I’m in the minority here) I was extra excited to see this set this year, because it actually includes a bunch of seasonal winter / holiday teas – like Eggnog, Sleigh Ride, and Sugar Plum Forest. Of course, if you want something that’ll put a little pep in mom’s step, you’ve got plenty of other gift set choices.
Brie Brule + Brie Baker – $6.99 / $19.99 @ Wildly Delicious
Another ‘cheesy’ gift idea for mom – some scrumptious soft cheese-related items from Canadian specialty foods brand Wildly Delicious. Known for their incredible (and hostess-helpful) range of dips and spreads, help make Christmas dinner a success with one of Wildly Delicious’ incredible Brie Brûlé mixes. Available in scrumptious flavours like Cherry Pistachio, Honey Orange with Black Pepper, Chocolate with Fleur de Sel + Hazelnuts, and Caramel + Spice with Almonds, all you have to do is sprinkle some Brie Brûlé on top of your brie cheese, then use a handheld torch or your broiler to form a crispy, sugary crust that your mom’s guests will go ga-ga for. Of course, it also helps to have a high heat, pint-sized brie baking dish, which you can also pick up from Wildly Delicious in cute, ready-to-gift packaging. Wildly Delicious products are available at retailers across Canada, however they’re also hosting their 13th annual Warehouse Sale from now until December 21. Save up to 90% on select items and stock up on stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and of course, gifts for mom. The sale is taking place in Toronto at 114A Railside Road – visit their website for details and hours.
Because moms are so wonderful, I’ve put together the ultimate ‘gifts for mom’ prize package valued at nearly $840! If you win, you’ll be nabbing:
- All 7 Energy Stone Jewellery Chakra Bracelets
– A copy of SAVEUR: The New Classics Cookbook
- A pair of Garneau Slippers
– A DreamSkin Pillowcase
– A Cheese Board & Knife set
– An Allen Designs clock
– A ‘Oil & Vinegar Loop’ from black + blum
– A customized engraved necklace from 3 Wind Knots
– A $25 Opuszone Gift Card
– Murad
– A Wildly Delicious Brie Brûlé + Brie Baker
Here’s how to enter for your chance to win this awesome prize package!
1) Leave a comment on this post before midnight on December 12, 2014 and tell me which of these gift ideas you love the best (you can pick more than one!)
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 13, 2014 to select the winner(s), 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 Entry: 11 prizes, 11 ways to score some extra entries into this amazing draw. For each one you do, be sure to leave your ‘proof’ in a separate comment or else your efforts won’t be tracked.
Like Energy Stone Jewellery on Facebook and leave a comment with the chakra bracelet you’d most like to own. Link back to your comment below.
Follow Simon & Schuster (the publisher of SAVEUR) on Twitter and send out a Tweet that tags them, tags me (@cdngiftguide) and links back to this post. Link back to your Tweet below.
Like Garneau Slippers on Facebook and leave a comment with the pair of slippers you’d most like to own. Link back to your comment below.
Like DreamSkin Pillowcase on Facebook and leave a comment on why you’d like to try their product. Link back to your comment below.
Follow Canadian Women’s Foundation on Twitter and send out a Tweet that tags them + me (@cdngiftguide), links back to this post, and promotes the Foundation’s line of gift ideas! Link back to your Tweet below.
Like Premier Gift on Facebook and leave a comment on which Allen Designs Clock you’d most like to own. Link back to your comment below.
Follow black + blum on Twitter and send out a creative Tweet that tags them + me (@cdngiftguide) and links back to this post. Link back to your Tweet below.
Like Murad on Facebook and leave a comment on which product you’d most like to try. Link back to your comment below.
Like 3 Wind Knots on Facebook and leave a comment on on their wall about their customized jewelry pieces. Link back to your comment below.
Follow Wildly Delicious on Twitter and send out a creative Tweet that tags them + me (@cdngiftguide) and links back to this post. Link back to your Tweet below.