Is it December already? No matter how organized you think you’ll be, there’s always some unplanned holiday shopping this time of year. In my experience, mostly due to unexpected activities that crop up the closer we get to the festivities.
I’m sure you know what I mean – unexpected guests, last minute get-togethers and folks to add to your gift list. And last, but not least, having been so busy making all the arrangements, you often find there are a few items that you need for yourself.
It all adds to the fun and excitement of the season, but with the malls getting busier and children in tow, the logistics can be a challenge. Online shopping to the rescue! Yes, you can shop online well into December and receive everything you need in good time for the celebrations with family and friends. (Most of the retailers at www.airmilesshops.ca highlight their last order dates and guaranteed delivery dates. If in doubt, review the shipping policy at the store where you plan to shop.)
Happy shopping and Happy Holidays to all! And this holiday season, AIR MILES is on your side, offering 50 bonus AIR MILES reward miles on your first purchase until January 10, 2007.
Extra Guests
Were you planning for a small family dinner, and now discover that you are the designated to host for the entire family clan? Don’t want to serve turkey and gravy on paper plates? It might be time to invest in some extra table ware. This classic porcelain dinner service for 12 is from shopping channel.com and costs $119.99. For a more contemporary look, this set from HBC is $69 for a four place setting.
If you need extra table space and dining chairs, consider this bistro set from HBC. Both the table and chairs fold for easy storage, and can be used as patio furniture once summer rolls around. Chair is $70 and table is $90.
The extra bedding required for overnight guests can be a great opportunity to update your boudoir. Check out The Bedding Superstore for a huge selection of designs at every price point, but be careful, those in-laws may never want to leave!
Don’t forget some extra towels!
Bring out your inner kitchen diva by investing in this set of mixing bowls, whisk and measuring spoons from Nigella’s collection. Ceramic bowls have a unique egg shape that makes them easier to hold, mix and pour, and they nest for compact storage. $84.97 from shopping channel.com.
Extra gifts
Now, if you are the guest, and want to show your thanks by taking along a host/hostess gift – consider some of the following.
For a house party this roasted onion, pepper and nut tapenade complete with a serving bowl makes a terrific appetizer and gift. Great on baguette or flatbread, or served with cheeses. $11. Get that party started! This set of 4 colourful hand held mixers is great for making everything from Holiday cocktails to healthy drinks for post-holiday workouts at the gym. $17.86. Both from shopping channel.com.
For longer visits or for those spending the holidays in a new home, a cozy throw makes a thoughtful gift. This traditional blanket from HBC is $125. Or, how about this stainless steel wine gift set which includes a wine cooler, vacuum pump and savers, as well as a corkscrew? $69.86 at shopping channel.com.
Let someone special know you are thinking of them this time of year with festive flowers. The selection at O’Connor Florists has traditional and modern arrangements at a variety of prices.
Extra Extra!
You’ve made a list and checked it twice, RSVP’d to social invitations and ordered the turkey. Now you realize, among other things, you need something to wear to that neighbourhood party or some cosy new PJ’s to wear by the tree on Christmas morning. Read on …
For a neighbourhood party, dress up your wardrobe classics with some dramatic jewelry. Add a jet black necklace to a crisp white shirt, or sweep your hair up or back and wear chandelier earrings with just about any outfit. Check out HBC for a great selection.
For the real thing, or if your significant other hasn’t yet asked you what you would like as a gift (hint, hint!), simply visit ice.com. These white gold and peridot earrings are $195 and this icy looking diamond pendant is $275.
You’re out of the house and you need to carry no more than your lipstick and a cell phone. Time for a tiny purse. These metallics with wrist strap from La Senza allow you to sip a cocktail and handle an appetizer at the same time, and they are only $8.50. This little green gem from Roots adds a punch of colour and can shift from day to night and is $68.
Not your mother’s holiday sweater. Get into the Holiday spirit by wearing this gorgeous seasonal sweater from Roots, $98.
Keep your cool and karma in Roots Yoga wear. Both the jacket and pants come in a variety of sharp colours and are on sale for $55.
These Happy Feet movie inspired penguin PJ’s and Ugg-style slipper booties from La Senza are perfect for opening pressies and playing with the kids. $19.50 and $24.50.
OK. Are you vowing to be more organized next year? Then add a personal organizer to your wish list. The PALM Treo starts at $199 and is a phone, e-mail, messaging, web access, organizer and camera all in one. With a Dell Axim handheld, it’s like taking your notebook with you – also an MP3 player, from $349.
Of course, the Holidays are not about gifts at all. The gifts represent whatever the Holidays mean to you. In addition to the spiritual foundations, the focus is on family and friends and creating wonderful memories together. Today’s technology helps capture these moments better than ever before. Sony Style Canada is known for its Cybershot digital cameras (starting from $199.99) and Camcorders (from $359.99).
Enjoy those moments, savour those memories!
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
Hello – If you sign in at airmilesshops as an AIR MILES Collector and make a purchase, reward miles will automatically be transfered to your AIR MILES Collector account. You earn 1 reward mile on every $20 spent and 5 reward miles on each purchase. The bonus offer noted above is valid until Jan 10th and as long as you sign in as a Collector and spend a miniumum of $20 – you’ll automatically get the 50 bonus miles (which incidentally could be redeemed for a couple of nights out at the movies!!)Hope that helps.
Hello – If you sign in at airmilesshops as an AIR MILES Collector and make a purchase, reward miles will automatically be transfered to your AIR MILES Collector account. You earn 1 reward mile on every $20 spent and 5 reward miles on each purchase. The bonus offer noted above is valid until Jan 10th and as long as you sign in as a Collector and spend a miniumum of $20 – you’ll automatically get the 50 bonus miles (which incidentally could be redeemed for a couple of nights out at the movies!!)Hope that helps.
I had no idea there was such a thing. Just bought some CDs and books through amazon and got my Air Miles. Thanks for letting us know.
Just bought the silver mini-purse for myself. already had an Air Miles card so didn’t get the bonus points. oh well.
hey jen – you could use the green Roots purse to add a punch of colour to just about any of your outfit options featued on the Girl’s Night Out section. Just don’t wear the Ugg slippers with any of them!! Tee, hee…
Ooooh…I love those Ugg-style slippers! Must have the Roots purse too!