OK, I admit to being a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to the holidays (and for me that means Christmas). I always adhered to the notion that shopping and all things Christmassy must wait until the season of Advent, which officially begins on December 1st. But, not just because of tradition. Waiting for the Holidays is almost as good as the celebrations themselves – something to be savoured like a delicious treat.
These days, life is a little more hectic, and that’s why November 1st marks the start of my new season of Advent. With all my relatives out-of-town, shopping for the perfect gift for each of them needs a little more time and, corny as it sounds, I benefit from a jumpstart on getting into the holiday spirit.
I rarely ask anyone what they would like for Christmas, because I love the challenge of finding the gift for each of my loved ones. I think it adds to the meaning of the season when someone that cares about you finds something special and surprising. It’s not really about the gift at all, but the expression it’s the thought that counts is never more meaningful than at this time of year.
Having said that, a little help with great gift ideas never goes amiss. I discovered online shopping three holiday seasons ago and it has completely changed the way I shop for everyone. I can cosy-up with my pajamas and laptop and visit online malls and retailers at a time of my choosing. Most sites offer great gift suggestions, wrap and deliver gifts directly to the recipient or to your door, and it’s a great way to shop with my boys. (Who knew shopping could be turned into a computer game?!)
My favourite online shopping mall is www.airmilesshops.ca. It has a great selection of North American brands (such as La Senza, Lands’ End, Chapters Indigo and J. Crew and many more), and also offers a great Canadian benefit – AIR MILES Reward Miles on all purchases.
Here’s a Top Ten with fabulous treats for friends, sisters, brothers, parents and husbands, plus few goodies that you might want to add to your own wish-list, from www.airmilesshops.ca and urbanmoms.ca.
Happy Holidays and happy shopping!
A good book
Men are notoriously difficult to buy for, especially Fathers and Fathers-in-law, but what Canadian dad wouldn’t love Hockey: A People’s History, by Michael McKinley which accompanies the CBC TV series. It’s $39.60 at chapters.indigo.ca in hardcover, and looks pretty sharp as a coffee table book – so you’ll please your Mother/Mother-in-law too!
Tuned in!
Well, everyone wants one, and now there’s even more reason to treat someone to an iPod Nano. A portion of sales from this little red dynamo will go towards the campaign to fight AIDS in Africa. Available from Apple Store Canada, it costs $229.
It’s in the bag!
No doubt, like me, since you have become a mom, you find yourself needing larger and larger handbags. And, the need for a large carryall doesn’t end with diaper duty. My boys are 4 and 7, and I find I still need a large tote for an array of snacks, drinks, toy cars, Batman, Spiderman et al, and a variety of rocks and sticks for ongoing collections. I think this faux Shearling version from Lands’ End is perfect for us Canadian moms. It’s available in a variety of colours and costs $39.50 USD.
Something Special for Someone Special
If you want to surprise and delight your mom, sister or a special friend this year, this gorgeous, circle pendant from ice.com is the real thing! It has 1/8 Carat Diamonds set in 14K White Gold. Surprisingly, it costs $135.
Pajama Party
Who said flannel pajamas are unsexy? It’s not just the model – these fun flannels from La Senza.com are cute and only $19.50!
Cool Cashmere
Ahh, cashmere – the coolest cover-up, but expensive and difficult to care for, right? Not so! Check out this great sweater from Lands’s End that’s perfect for just about every man in your life.
It’s a cotton-cashmere blend, so machine washable, is available in a dozen great colours and is only $49.50 USD.
CD Must-have
I can’t wait to listen to this new CD from fellow Canadian mom, Sarah McLachlan. Wintersong features classics such as Silent Night and I’ll be Home for Christmas, as well as a couple of new songs from Sarah herself, and a duet of Christmas Time is Here with Diana Krall. Currently, only $12.96 at amazon.ca.
White Christmas
It just wouldn’t be the holidays without someone receiving a cosy robe. I love this one from Lands’ End because it’s full-length, roomy and great quality for $59.50 USD. Great for curling up by the fireplace with a good book and a Baileys. The great thing about buying a robe for someone else is that you can give them the luxury of a white one – every woman I know (and especially moms) would love a white robe, but would never purchase one for themselves because “it’s not practical.” Pshaw! If you have a washing machine, you can have a white robe.
For the Gadget Guru
There’s no denying it – men love gadgets. This one is a Sirius Satellite radio which can be installed in-vehicle. Features such as SIRIUS GameZone™ which lets hubby select his favourite teams from each of the sports leagues or college sports and view their scores on screen, plus SIRIUS GameAlert™ which prompts him when his favourite teams’ games are on and when the scores change, will ensure that he never needs to hog the computer or TV set again. (Note: this is not part of the guarantee!) From the Source by Circuit City. Cost: $169.99.
Hot Stuff
Last, but by no means least, from one girlfriend to another, The Toronto Firefighters Calendar, is hard to resist. Not only does it feature 13 of the city’s finest and hunkiest, proceeds go to a good cause, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. $14.99, exclusively at Hbc stores.
All the stores and products highlighted above can be accessed via www.airmilesshops.ca, the AIR MILES Reward Program’s online shopping destination.
To enroll in the AIR MILES Reward Program, visit www.airmiles.ca
Katie is mom to two boys (the best anti-shopping devices on the market), and indulges her love of shopping and fashion writing on theses topics, conducting wardrobe consultations and personal shopping expeditions for friends and acquaintances, providing advice on everything from wardrobe must-haves to accessories and footwear.
The Ipod Touch that just came out seems truly light weight! But look at the innovative new Nano. Its size is humorously small. So diminutive. I can’t visualize how I handle that gizmo.
Looking for a last-minute gift? Try emailed gift certificates at http://www.colourmefamily.com.
I love the necklace too! We’ll be featuring toys for boys and girls for all ages before the end of November. In the meantime, visit airmilesshops and check-out Toys R Us, Mastermind, HBC and Chapters Indigo – all have lots of great gift ideas sorted by age, brand and by boys/girls.
In December, we’ll take a look at last minute holiday ideas – yes, you can shop online close to the Holidays too!
Let us know if you need anything else. Happy Shopping!
I really like that necklace. I don’t tend to ask for things like that but might just send a little hint my husband’s way.
I would love to have seen some kid gift ideas on here. I have some nieces and nephews to buy for. Any chance?
Btw, just used the link provided to sign up for an Air Miles reward card. I have never had one before. It was very easy and straightforward. Now I’m going shopping…gotta get that calendar 😉
Ooooooooooohhh!!!!!!!! Must have the red IPod! I don’t have one so maybe it is time…hear that Santa? I LOVE the bag…just added to my list. I have the Sarah M. CD and really like it. It is mellow and great for holiday cocktail parties. Thanks for these great ideas!
wow what a great list of gifts!i especially liked the hockey book for my dad.thanks.