Lucky me, one of my holiday wishes has already been granted! One of my girlfriends (the illustrious IBMer) gave me the gift of time over the weekend, so I hit up Market Mall, Calgary’s favourite shopping destination. (So many great stores, never enough time to do them all proper justice.) Fortunately, I’m a champion shopper, and found these great gifts for gals, so all the friends, moms, sisters and Grandmas in our lives know just how much they’re loved.
The best mascara sampler
It looks like just a bunch of mini-mascaras, but it’s really an opportunity to find the exact brand to make lashes lustrous. In the Eye Studio Sampler, you get six travel-size mascaras, plus a gift certificate you can exchange for a full size of the one you love the most. At $38 the set is a total bargain (and sells out every year). Found only at Shopper’s Drug Mart.
Gifts for the domestic goddess
Women typically hate being gifted appliances and bakeware, but exceptions are made when you know domestic goddess Nigella Lawson personally uses the products. After years of searching, I finally found this Forest Baking Pan ($40) at Cook’s Pantry.
Lookee what Nigella whipped up using THAT pan!
If anyone happens to be picking it up for moi (hint hint), please throw in the Nordic Ware Shortbread Pan ($45) as well. Santa thinks I’ve been awfully good this year…
Gifts for fitness freaks and old people (like me!)
Pain in the necks get sorted swiftly with these handheld precision and vibration massagers found at Bodo for $75 each. I tried them out and man, are they ever awesome! While you’re there, the Reflexo foot roller ($15) screams stocking stuffer.
Philosophy’s holiday gifts sets give gals an opportunity to indulge in their favourite Christmas treats without any of the guilt (or calories). The packaging is so sweet, it begs to be given to your bestie. From $19-$54 at Sephora.
Adult onesies
I tried to stay away from recommending clothing, as everyone has their own unique style, but who could resist this onesie for adults ($39.95) from at La Vie en Rose? So cute! So cheap! So gonna buy this for myself and embarrass my daughter.
Cute and affordable home decor
Ladies, doesn’t this wall art ring true? They have a ton of retro signs for the home at Paper Root Studios, and more stocking stuffers than the North Pole. (The Fred tea infusers were also quite nifty.)
For the grannies on your list, I’ve got two recs. First up is this ‘Twas the Night Pie Dish ($19.99 till Nov. 30) from Royal Doulton.
For teens, Claire’s has these fantastic Wall Hanging Jewelry Organizers from $16 AND goodies from Dylan’s Candy Bar. For those not in the know, this is the famous candy shop of Ralph Lauren’s daughter. These goodies are gifted at pretty much every celebrity baby shower in Hollywood. Trust me, you’ll score major points for nabbing these.
Christmas bath and beauty products
And be sure to nip into Lush and score smooth skin with the Sandy Santa Body Butter ($9.95) and Father Christmas Bath Bomb ($6.40), which changes bath water green!
Check back in tomorrow for my recommendations for the most disconcerting people on your list – kids!
Have you started your holiday shopping? Where are your favourite places to pick up presents?
Some great finds here. I personally think of getting the bakeware for the gals in my life that love to bake and are quite festive souls. Thank you for sharing this. Looking forward to see what you come up for the kiddo’s
Thanks, Jesseny. I’m like you and never mind being given bakeware.
Fantastic! Definitely going to share this with the hubby! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing! I think I know a certain someone who would love the Mascara set. These are some great gift ideas!
Great ideas. Might consider a few for myself.
Thanks, this will come in handy with the missus.
Great ideas. Thanks! (Ps. I could totally see you in that onesie. Does that mean you’ll ‘recycle’ your high school long undies?)
Never!
I will have to let you know which one gets the better reaction, philosophy from sephora or the mascara sampler package from shoppers since I will buy both for Xmas gifts. Great ideas! Ps did I mention how much I love an extra reason to pop by market mall!
That onesie would be super comfie at the cabin… might have to drop that as a gift idea 🙂
Jody-love the gift ideas. OMG..I can totally see you in that onsie. Very cute.
Great ideas. That onesie is awesome, and I love anything Nigella-endorsed.
Awesome ideas and great variety. My favourite is the onesies; already have requests from the teen daughters for these. Love the mascara sampler – everyone can use and who knows if you will find a new one that works better than what you have:)
The signs from paper roots really made me laugh!
Great picks here! Cute finds. Like the shortbread pan! Thanks.
Totally love your ideas !!!
Onesies!