Hey guys! Those of you who know me know that I am a freak for the holidays. I was the one voting in last week’s poll that holiday decorations should be up as soon as the Halloween ones go down. Well, I am not quite that organized this year (my Halloween decorations are still blowin’ in the wind) but am just as excited about this year’s holiday season.
For me the holidays are a great time to reconnect. To share festivities with loved ones, friends, and neighbours. There is something about this time of year that, despite the cold, winter weather, is warm and welcoming.
Part of what I love is trying to find the perfect gift for someone in my life. A few years ago I really wanted to get something special for my mom. She is such an amazing person and rarely thinks of herself. I decided I was going to spoil her and get her something a little extravagant. My mom is very practical. As a nurse she is unable to wear a lot of jewelry but I knew that the few pieces she had were very special. I decided to add to this special collection and searched stores around the city for the perfect piece. What I ended up with was a beautiful but subtle ring with diamonds and sapphires elegantly embedded in a gold band. It was nothing outrageous and still practical at work but was a simple gesture of how I felt about her. She wears the ring everyday.
See? Ahhh…warm feelings.
So here I am writing my holiday shopping list feeling all festive and warm (thanks partly to our friends at Baileys for recommending my latest fave comfort drink, new Baileys with a hint of Caramel…really…I LOVE it. Not so sure? Try some and you’ll see what I mean). Anyway, this year I’m looking for something special for a great friend. She’ll be reading this so I don’t want to give away too many details but she’s a very creative mom who puts up with a lot from me 😉 and I would love to show her how much I appreciate her. She thinks a ton about others so doesn’t often spoil herself. Ideas?? Help me out in the comments below.
Lookin’ for a little something special for you? Our friends at Baileys have been kind enough to offer up a special holiday gift to one lucky urbanmoms.ca member each week! So, enter your email addy to the right and we’ll put you in the draw to win. Good luck and stay warm!
Jen is the founder of urbanmoms.ca and a Toronto based mom to a 7 year old son and 3.5 year old daughter. She is truly a freak for the holidays!
Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.
Good idea, Jamie! 😉
Hey Jen – How about a Chelsea Soccer Team Centenary DVD? I’ve heard it can keep certain people entertained for hours!!!? 😉 – J xx
I love to create themed baskets for holiday gifts. Since a lot of my friends have new babies or are expecting this year, I decided to put together baby baskets. I induldged in boutique style baby clothes and accessories. I think they will just love it! I found a lot of designer baby clothes at this site: http://www.sandboxcouture.com/gift-ideas.html They have tons of ideas!
I love the holidays too, Jen! I find the best gift for a busy friend is time. Offer to take her out to dinner and a movie or to the spa. Along with a good book or a great bottle of her favourite wine or some caramel Baileys (sounds yummy!) she can relax and the two of you can catch up.
A scrapbook page that you dedicate to her and frame is a nice idea. We all need a pat on the back every once in awhile and you said she is creative so she probably would appreciate that.
Is this special person into cooking? If so, what about a gift basket with flavoured oils, spices and a variety of different pastas and cheeses along with some cool recipe cards to go with it. I know I would appreciate such a gift as it lets you try to do something different that you may not try for yourself.
Sweet contest!
One thing I made for friends last year, was the marble magnets on this site: http://notmartha.org/tomake/marblemagnets.html. They were fairly simple and I personalized certain ones. Friends have asked me if I’m making MORE this year because they liked them so much. I bought the marbles and magnets at Michael’s, and used magazines from here at home.
jen maybe you can give her a weekend at a nice spa or something.or gift basket with items that she would really enjoy using,but wouldn’t think to purchase for herself.or just maybe make arrangements to have a beautiful family portrait done including your mum of course.