I LOVE LOVE LOVE the festive holiday season when the stores are decked out in twinkly lights. But I start getting the gifts underway in August only because I hate crowds and I use to work in the magazine industry where our timelines were 3 months in advance so we were knee deep in holiday spirit while summer was still in the air. I also like to take the time to pick out something special for each person on the list.
I love the idea of going to NYC during the holiday season (going soon to check out Lady Gaga’s Santa’s Workshop inspired take over the second floor of Barney’s!). What else do I love? The influx of gift ideas from publicists that have been coming through. It’s almost like getting hit with the holidays twice!
Here’s are a few ideas that have come across my inbox in the last few weeks from the wishful thinking to the inspiring …
THE OOOOOOHHH LIST: (gifts that I know are beyond my reach but soooo intriguing!)
JOHN HARDY EXPERIENCE in BALI ($53,000, exclusive to Holt Renfrew)
A 14-day getaway hosted by Head Designer and Creative Director, Guy Bedarida includes a hands-on learning experience in their inspiring and artistic community in Bali. Meet with artisans and discover John Hardy’s passion for sustainable living, plant rice and bamboo while learning the jewellery making process. Design a custom piece of jewellery and enjoy the Balinese culture and cuisine. Immerse yourself in this once in a lifetime experience. Visit Holt Renfrew Experience Holiday Gift page for more.
THE DANCING FOUNTAINS FROM WET ($1,000,000 Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift)
Anyone who’s been to Vegas will always talk about the dancing fountains at Bellagio. Now you can re-create dancing fountains for your home..definitely not my home (way to small). But we can dream. Want to impress your guests? This fantasy gift also includes a donation of $10,000 to Water.org, a U.S. based non-profit organization committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. A second opportunity includes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with the extreme choreographers of WET. Co-create a piece that will be played for Vegas fans. Then fly to Vegas to live the experience and see your work come to life. Neiman Marcus has a few other Fantasy Gift Ideas available as well… check out Neiman Marcus and be prepared to swoon.
AHHHH LIST : (gifts that are within reach)
Anne Sportun Fine Jewellery (ring shown is $3100, several variations, custom orders also available) Anne Sportun’s website
I’ve been following Anne Sportun for years and actually, my husband started buying pieces for me when she had a small shop in Mirvish Village in the Annex area of Toronto. She continues to be one of Canada’s most talented jewellery designers who stays true to her craft. Her shop is located on Queen Street West in Toronto. We continue to admire drool over her pieces and I’m hoping that something like this will end up under my tree!
SMASHBOX’s exclusive holiday colours “SNAP YOU’RE FAB HOLIDAY LIP GLOSS SET” ($33)… because we all need a little glossy glossy over the holidays season! This is a limited edition holiday colour set which includes Pout, Radiant, Luster, Pink Sugar, Infamous and It Girl. Smashbox Canada
The Hudson’s Bay Company published by ASSOULINE ($75 limited publication)
There’s something “Canadiana chic” in the interior design world and this book captures the iconic coloured stripes and the heritage of Canada’s most beloved company. “We wanted to create a book that offered a special experience for readers and effectively told our story, ” says Bonnie Brooks, President and CEO of The Bay. The book talks about the history and inspiration behind the iconic striped point blanket and offers over 220 illustrations, a detailed timeline of significant events and the company’s history. From fur traders and settlers to today’s fashion leaders, the book contains impressive historical information that is sure to be handed down for generations to come. ASSOULINE is world renown for their luxurious appeal and works of art that capture culture and brings it to life.
Hudson’s Bay Company Collection Archive Scroll Print Silk Scarves ($125 each at The Bay) Each silk scarf features an intricate look at Canadian History and with three colours to choose from. I want them all! Wear them proud or display them in frames to add that heirloom touch. Great keepsakes! Visit The Bay’s website and the HBC Collection for other unique items.
Karito Kids: ($115 available at Holt Renfrew)
Each world collection doll includes a book about her adventu
re. A percentage of each sale is donated to a world-wide children’s charity. Dolls available represent Italy, China, Kenya and Australia.
re. A percentage of each sale is donated to a world-wide children’s charity. Dolls available represent Italy, China, Kenya and Australia.
Annick Bangle ($70 by Simply You)
Gold prices have sky-rocketed so what’s a fashionista to do? This bangle caught my eye at the recent Blissdom Canada Conference. The Annick bracelet (gold plated/nickel and lead free) is luxe in feel and affordable chic. visit Simply You for details.
THE OHHH LIST: (a gift that truly gives)
World Vision Sponsor a Child program. For $35 a month you can foster a child in a village in need of education, water & food supply, and medical needs. When speaking with the people at World Vision I thought it would be a great idea to select a child close to my son’s age and they could correspond, grow and learn from each other. This isn’t a new idea but it seems to hit closer to home when you have kids of your own. We take education for granted in North America but in some parts of the world education is a gift. Link here to the World Vision Website
An alternative idea is the World Vision Gift Catalogue as well as Giving Cards that are great ways to make giving the gift. It’s a very rewarding way to involve our kids and show them how we can make a difference. Anything from soccer balls to school supplies to chickens! Worth thinking about don’t you think?
SO….have you started your holiday lists yet? let me know what’s on your radar..maybe Santa will check out urbanmoms.ca for some ideas! (feel free to direct him here).
Happy Holidays!
could you imagine bali? whoa…
i must say i’m always all over the unicef gifts for the teachers. i know a bunch of teachers and they don’t want the really cute teacher stuff…cuz they get it all the time! they love that someone else who needs the education will receive it.
Ha! uninterrupted sleep…wouldn’t that be dreamy! That’s will be on my list too!
I love reading those gift books that come …ugh from where…with all the over the top gifts. I’m writing to santa for sure.
Will wants a train set and I want 9 hours of blissful, uninterrupted sleep.
Guess who will get what they want and who wont?