I thought I was finished my Christmas shopping. At the beginning of December I was pretty confident telling my friends that I had everyone checked off my list. But then it happened. I should have known. Really. Because it happens every year. I get the annual “hey, let’s get together” emails and at the last minute my friends and I would agree to exchange gifts or not.
For whatever reason we adjust whether we give each other gifts or just go out for a nice dinner by the year. Sometimes we even give to each other’s kids. Sounds like a lot of hassle but the thing is, most of us love the whole exchanging gift thing. I’m fine with that and I just go with the flow. So, I’m back in the stores.
I love Christmas shopping. I just hate panic shopping. PLUS I have to say that some of the best sales have already started. So, if I step into the stores now…I’m tempted to buy for myself. So, then it becomes sort of a one for you…one for me situation. Know what I’m saying?
I’m staying in control. Trying anyway.
But as I stepped into the shops this past few days, I’ve spotted some pretty neat stuff. So, If you’re in panic mode, here are some last minute gift ideas that may help you out!
For the moms you do coffee with…
I spotted this little pouchette at Indigo. There is a variety of colours including this little fuschia number. I figured I’d stick a coffee shop gift card or a mani gift card but it’s pretty darn cute on it’s own, don’t you think? ($12 – $16) It comes in a few other sayings and bright happy colours too! This one says “live it, love it. buy it”. heh.
For the little reader in your life…
KOBO MINI and the KOBO GLO have recently been recognized by the PTPA (Parents Tested Parent Approved) with a seal of approval. I recently had a chat with a friend who’s 10 year old daughter only wanted an eReader. Nothing more. She found it too distracting to have other functions on a hand-held device and just loves to read. So, instead of sharing, this would be a great device for little hands since it is even more compact AND great for travelling. And you don’t have to worry if the little one accidentally gets into your KOBO and oh, say, discovers your copy of Gabriel’s Inferno! Ahem. I’m giving a KOBO MINI to my 8 year old who loves reading. I’ll let him pick out his book titles and we will download them together over the holidays, so stay tuned for our review in the New Year! By the way, The KOBO MINI is now on promo for $49.99 in store and online (regular $79.99) until December 23rd, 2012.
For the Secret Santa gift or that friend that makes you laugh…
I’m always looking for that funny gift for the Secret Santa party that is inevitable each year. This year I took a copy of Shit Girls Say as my gift and it was a hit! I’ve also given a copy to one of my girlfriends who I KNOW will just laugh hysterically when she sees this! Authors Kyle Humphrey and Graydon Sheppard started the phenomenon on Twitter in 2011 that quickly evolved into a YouTube sensation. The videos are hilarious and the book is a great conversation piece. See below for a sampling of what this is all about.
For that fashionable set that has EVERYTHING…
THE FASHION CARES: 25 YEAR LIMITED EDITION RETROSPECTIVE BOOK ($295) is the book of all coffee table books. As part of this years 25th anniversary celebration of Fashion Cares this show-stopping hard cover book not only looks amazing in any stylish home but proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the AIDS Committee of Toronto and The Elton John AIDS Foundation. It takes a great look at the past most iconic moments and all the people who have been involved from models to designers to photographers. Visit www.fashioncaresbook.com for more details and where it’s available for purchase.
For the daydreamer…
Yes, my other house is in France…ok, not really but nothing like a new accent pillow to bring some tasteful fun into your home! This won’t break the bank and it’s very au courant. It will match any decor and I have a few friends that would LOVE to have this ($24 at TeatroVerde.com)
For the Artiste…
Giving “experiences” are so great! So when the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) announced their line-up for their winter workshops, I spent time sifting through what they have to offer. From weekly programs to one-off sessions and drop ins, there is some interesting ways to enjoy this beautiful space. Adults can take courses in screen printing, iPad art, figurative painting and even take in yoga classes! Kids too can take classes like cartooning, sculpture building, and painting. You still have time to purchase a set of classes or a workshop for yourself or for a friend or kid! Visit www.ago.net/learning
Soooo, there you go…hopefully this helps! Now, I’ve got to deal with some stocking stuffers! UGH!!!!
Speaking of, what do YOU put into those stockings (as if the gifts aren’t enough, sheesh!) Traditions. Traditi
ons. Right.
ons. Right.
Well, back to Shit Girls Say…here’s one of their videos…