Not sure if you’ve looked at the calendar lately, but Christmas Eve is just a mere five days away (not including today). That’s…a little nuts. Hopefully by now you’ve got the bulk of your shopping done, but I get it. There’s always a gift idea that falls through, or someone you forgot to shop for, or the expectations have been raised between you and another giftee (hello new relationships) and you’re scrambling for that something. Or you’re legit crazy and like tackling the mall at the 11th hour. Whatever the case, today’s gift guide is for all you last minute shoppers. What qualifies as a last minute gift idea you ask? First and foremost – it’s got to be widely available, meaning it’s either from a retailer that has a substantial Canadian presence, OR it’s from an online shop that offers some decent rush shipping options. So with that, here’s 10 gift ideas that may save your hide this holiday season.
Cabin Yogi Wrap – $128 each @ lululemon
If you want to invest in some cuddly loungewear, toasty outdoor gear or sleek yoga wear for someone, lululemon has SO got you covered. They’re offering free shipping – and if you order by December 22nd you’ll still have it in time for December 24th. My vote goes toward any of the new snuggly ‘Cabin’ pieces, including this comfy wrap sweater made from a blend of rayon, bamboo and cashmere. Available in four neutral shades, this wear-anywhere sweater is equipped with extra little features like slouch pockets, thumb holes, and a hood so you’ll stay warm and comfortable throughout the holidays and beyond.
GoPro HERO4 Waterproof HD Sports and Helmet Camera – $449.99 @ Future Shop
If someone fancies themselves an adventurer, then be sure to check out this latest and greatest offering from GoPro. This incredible camera delivers full 1080p60 quality (as well as 720p120), at a pace that keeps up with whatever activity your loved one is tackling (we’re talking 30 frames per second, which is nutso). This is also the first GoPro camera to feature a built-in touch display, for even easier recording and playback capabilities. And hey, even if it isn’t your bag, Future Shop has tons of techie gift ideas for all the media lovers you haven’t bought for just yet. They also have a handy delivery cutoff guide for various Canadian cities – most of which we’re just at the cusp of, although the bigger your city the more likely you are to have a few days left to place those orders.
philosophy Sending Holiday Wishes Trio – $28 @ Hudson’s Bay, Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart
Why is this gift idea here? Well for one, virtually any lady on your list would love to have it – and the price point makes it work for everyone from your sister-in-law to your love-you-like-a-sister close friend. For another, it’s got tons of accessibility (although Sephora’s holiday shipping cutoffs have already happened) at not one, but three of Canada’s major beauty retailers. As a heads up, The Bay is offering free express shipping, which if you order by December 22nd, means you’ll still get your gifts – like this philosophy set – in time for Xmas (as long as you live in an urban centre in select provinces). And finally, on a personal note, sugar cookies are the definition of Christmas yumminess to me – and this scrumptious set includes three products that when layered, smell like freshly baked shortbread coated in creamy frosting and sparkly sprinkles. Too cute!
Trail Paw Snow Shoes – $64.77 @ Walmart
Get outside, get fit, and experience the majesty of Canada’s winter wonderland with a pair of these durable yet affordable snow shoes. Available in five sizes, it’s easy to outfit the entire family for a trek through fresh powder. As a heads up, these snow shoes do not appear to be in stock at actual Walmart stores, however the site does offer free shipping (which will take 2-8 days to get to you, although in my experience it’s usually on the shorter end of things) and expedited shipping that can get these winter warriors into your paws within just three days or less. Let’s not forget that visiting your local Walmart will probably net out other options for those outdoorsy types on your list!
George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set – $62.70 @ Amazon.ca
Perhaps someone in your life is watching the hit HBO adaptation of the Game of Thrones series but has never read the books (gasp!) Or maybe you want to indoctrinate someone into this addictive series. Or perhaps you’ve got a friend that is constantly nagging you to borrow your set and you want to give them one of their own. Whatever the case, this five-book box set of George R.R. Martin’s beloved fantasy series makes a splendid holiday gift (although some may argue the best gift of all would be news of a sixth book in the series). When it comes to Amazon – one of the few online-only retailers on this list – if you live in Canada’s urban areas, you can still nab gifts off of Amazon using their priority shipping as of today – heck they even offer same day shipping for those in Vancouver and Toronto, so you can place those dire last-minute orders right until Santa’s arrival.
Essence How To Make Bright Eyes Kit – $9.99 @ Shoppers Drug Mart
There are an astounding 1,200+ Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix stores across Canada – making them an amazing last-minute gifting destination, particularly because of their extensive Beauty Boutiques (and regular beauty collections where no Boutique exists). If you duffed getting a Secret Santa gift for your friend swap or you’re looking for a sweet little gift for a niece or gal pal, check out this adorable palette from Essence. Featuring six eye brightening eye shadows, an applicator brush and a diagram to help you get a light and shimmering look, it’s a get pretty pick that won’t bust the bank. There’s also a ‘How To Make Nude Eyes’ kit if you’re looking for something a little more subtle.
Coleman Sleepover ‘N’ Camp Kits – $59.99 each @ Canadian Tire
With nearly 500 stores across Canada, Canadian Tire is loaded with gift ideas for all ages and interests – including these kid-friendly camping sets. Whether your little one wants to throw a giggly slumber party under the stars or under the roof of your home (hello winter), these cute kits will give novice campers a first taste of ‘roughin it’. The tents are super easy to setup and the kits come equipped with a matching sleeping bag and a handy lantern for those midnight bathroom breaks (or to tell scary ghost stories around the campfire).
Kraft Peanut Butter Holiday Cookie Kit – $5 + Kraft Peanut Butter Bear Set – $14.99 @ Major Grocery Stores Nationwide
There’s few retailers more prolific than grocery stores – heck I’m talking a category here – and this year you can pick up not one, but two, ultra sweet treats from Kraft Peanut Butter. First up we’ve got their oh-so-cute cookie jar kit, with instructions on how to bake some delicious PB&J cookies, a bear-shaped cookie cutter, and a tub of the good stuff: Kraft’s signature Smooth Peanut Butter. The jar itself doubles as a classic cookie container once you’ve emptied everything out. If you want someone to snuggle with while scooping out some scrumptious peanut butter, then you may want to check out the brand’s equally adorable Gund plush toy gift sets, which include an iconic rendering of one of the jar’s bears, and a 500g jar of peanut butter. I’ll also mention – although it doesn’t fit within the rush concept of this post – that Kraft is selling luxury gift sets of their plush toys (but it appears they are almost sold out). For more details, click here.
Burgundy Nylon Jacket – $325 @ Banana Republic
Treat him to a standout piece of outerwear this holiday season with this slightly festive cranberry-hued coat from Banana Republic. While the unique colour is really the showstopper for this piece – finally something that isn’t basic black for men! – it also offers some practical points, like multiple pockets for all his devices, gadgets, keys and coins, and a zipper guard to keep the wind out. This coat isn’t what I’d call winter-ready, unless you’re blessed with warmer coastal weather or a Calgary chinook, but it is a great pick for when he’s just running to the mall on Boxing Day and doesn’t want to be bogged down with a heavy winter parka. Banana Republic (as well as Gap and Old Navy) are still taking orders till December 21 in order to guarantee delivery to major urban centres, so get shopping – or visit your local store!
Snow Globes – $24.50+ each and Faux Fur Pillows – $49.50 each @ Indigo
I really couldn’t narrow down what to feature from Indigo’s – as per usual – mind-blowing array of gifting ideas (never mind their books and entertainment) so I’m highlighting two different last-minute gift ideas that work for virtually any lass or lad on your list. First up we’ve got a trio of snow globes that make for perfect mantlepiece accents all winter long. Rendered in austere white and majestic gold, they’re a subtle way to say ‘it’s the holidays’ without shouting it from the rooftop – a perfect minimalist hostess gift choice or a lovely item for your son or daughter that’s celebrating Christmas in a new home this season. Want something a little less frosty and a little more cuddly? Check out Indigo’s chic, on-trend faux fur accent pillows. Available in a range of neutral shades and patterns from chinchilla brown to playful leopard, it’s a cruelty-free way to add a little wild style to your home decor. Best of all, these oh-so-soft pillows mix and match perfectly with Indigo’s full lineup. While we’ve *just* missed Indigo’s Premium Shipping cutoff, you can still order Next Day shipping any time between now and December 23 and guarantee delivery if you’re in a major urban centre. Plus don’t forget, there are some 230+ stores under the Indigo banner nationwide.
And I’ve got one last super awesome prize package for you guys. My ‘last minute gift guide’ prize package is valued at over $140 and includes the following:
- A philosophy Sending Holiday Wishes Trio
– A $25 Shoppers Drug Mart gift card
– A Kraft Peanut Butter Cookie Kit + Bear Gift Set
– An Owl Snow Globe from Indigo
– A Snow Leopard Faux Fur Pillow
Here’s how to enter for your chance to win:
1) First: you must be a subscriber to the Canadian Gift Guide to enter this giveaway – and you’ll get great gift ideas well beyond the holiday season! Just find the ‘Gift of Gab’ box on the righthand side of this page and either hit Follow or enter your email address. Once you’ve done that (or if you already did it before), simply leave a comment on this post by December 31, 2014, telling me what your favourite ‘Last Minute Gift’ ideas are from this post. Are you doing any last-minute shopping this holiday season?
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 January 1, 2015 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: There are four ways to gain extra entries into this draw. For whatever bonus entry activities you tackle, be sure to leave your ‘proof’ in separate comments or your entries will not be counted. Here’s your options:
Follow @lovephilosophy on Twitter and send out a Tweet that tags me (@cdngiftguide) and links back to this post. Provide a link to your Tweet in a separate comment below.
Follow @ShopprsDrugMart on Twitter and send out a Tweet that tags me (@cdngiftguide) and links back to this post. Provide a link to your Tweet in a separate comment below.
Follow @KraftPB on Twitter and send out a Tweet that tags me (@cdngiftguide) and links back to this post. Provide a link to your Tweet in a separate comment below.
Follow @chaptersindigo on Twitter and send out a Tweet that tags me (@cdngiftguide) and links back to this post. Provide a link to your Tweet in a separate comment below.