I don't know if it's the relentlessly dreary weather outside or the busy season getting the better of me, but these days all I want to do is cozy up in the great indoors—on my couch, specifically, surrounded by a few of my favourite creature comforts.
Bigger, better, more glamour, more prettiness: Every year, beauty brands outdo themselves during the holiday season coming up with new temptations for the pocketbook. It was tough narrowing it down to 9 gift sets, but the ones you see here represent the tried-and-true—plus an irresistible, new-to-me makeup label.
The key to picking out the perfect gift for the guy in your life? Choose something he wouldn't necessarily buy for himself, a treat that makes him feel warm, loved, spoiled, entertained—any or all of the above.
My most popular gift guide every year also happens to feature picks that cost the least, and for good reason—expenses during the holiday season can really add up. These ideas are simple and affordable, yes, but they're also thoughtful, fun, and stylish above all. Consider yourself covered for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa exchanges, and coworkers.
As a beauty blogger, a lot of samples cross my desk and I'm constantly trying (and writing about) new products risk-free. But what if you're not a blogger or editor and you want to do the same? That's where subscription boxes such as Birchbox come in: For a nominal monthly fee, Birchbox sends a box of samples to subscribers each month, allowing them to try before they buy the full size. Aside from the risk-free appeal, the fun also lies in the surprise—you never know what will be in next month's box.
For many years of my young life, LUSH was the gift of choice when guys were stumped about what to get girls. In high school, boys invited to girls' birthday parties and Secret Santa get-togethers would pick up an assortment of bath bombs as a gift; their scent wafted through the telltale black-and-white bag. When I was in university and got my first job working retail at a toy store, my former boss would buy us all pre-wrapped LUSH sets as gifts, along with a yardstick of Purdy's chocolates and a nice little bonus tucked into a Christmas card.
The warmth of gold is lovely year-round, but during the holiday season it takes on a particularly festive allure. I loved the gold gift guide I did last year so much, I decided to do another one featuring a fresh crop of gilt-y pleasures.
Just off the busy intersection of Robson Burrard, the newly opened Papyrus store (765 Burrard St.) in downtown Vancouver is a veritable treasure trove of paper goods and neat gift ideas. I was invited to check out the store last Monday and do a little shopping myself and curate a gift guide. Well, you can imagine how with this stationery geek, "a little shopping" turned into 2 hours of serious browsing and indecision.
Aside from the stylish social stationery and paper goods for which Papyrus is rightly renowned, they also carry an extensive array of Crane & Co. cards, Kate Spade office supplies, and the best collection of ban.do merchandise I've ever seen in Vancouver. Add to that home decor, bath and body products, candles, jewelry, photo frames, books, products for kids and babies..and well, it was pretty hard to narrow it down to what you see here. Details (plus a giveaway) after the jump!
I don't know if it's because I've been working so much or sick so frequently, or if it's because the weather has been inordinately cold/rainy/windy/all of the above. Whatever it is, lately all I seem to want to do is stay at home curled under a throw with hot tea and Netflix. This gift guide is full of unique picks that will make your apartment or house just a bit cozier, cheerier, more comforting. And hey, as long as you're spending the night at home, you might as well indulge in a beauty ritual while your favourite Christmas movie is playing in the background.
Of all the gift guides I did last year, the runaway favourite was by far the $10 gift guide. I still stand by last year's picks, but this year I decided to increase the price point a tad to highlight finds that are too good not to share. Consider yourself covered for Secret Santas, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and presents for coworkers.
Small trifles in a stocking can be just as thoughtful as the large gifts under the tree, even if you left off shopping until the last moment. Here's a range of stocking stuffer ideas for guys and girls alike, all under $20.
This gift guide is skewed toward beauty- and fashion-loving females who relish quirky, colourful pieces.
I'll admit, I was thinking of the boy when I put together this gift guide. But if the man you're shopping for is anything like my guy, you can't go wrong with cozy and stylish additions to his closet, a gadget or two and, of course, food.
What are you getting the men in your life for Christmas?
