OK, I suppose it’s not so much the people who are difficult, but trying to figure out what to buy the boss, the babysitter or the hostess wastes precious time we have little of. Here’s a few seasonal shopping solutions from Market Mall, so you can concentrate on more important holiday matters.

For the Hostess with the Mostest

What to buy difficult people

Now you enjoy chocolate and wine!

Fans of chocolate and wine will swoon over these individually wrapped Brix ($6.95) chocolates designed to complement whatever grape you’re drinking. Cheers to Twisted Goods for these!

Friendly Neighbours

Christmas candles

No fire hazard!

You can never go wrong with a candle in my books. Battery operated candles are 30% off $30 (math was never my forte) at The Bombay Company, or go for the glitz at $12 a pop.

Canadian Candles

These candles are the best!

These scented candles from Roots are to die for! The maple syrup candle ($16) in the retro tin crackles like a fireplace!

Co-Workers You Like

Rockin' Merry-oke

Office karaoke!

Make your office party less lame with Rockin’ Merry-Okee ($14.95), a microphone that makes voices sound like an elf. Available at Hallmark.

office Christmas party necessities

Always good to have some gag gifts on hand.

Here we have a handy dandy Decision Maker ($14.99), Emergency Xmas Outfits ($10) and an Extendable Mistletoe ($10), all available at Coles.

Gift Exchanges

Temporary chalkboard

I bought it!

Some people just lurve to feel organized, and this Wallies peel and stick chalkboard ($24.99) from Coles can be set up anywhere from the camper to the kitchen.

Silver chocolate coin

Delish!

I’m sure this massive chocolate nickel ($6.95) from Roots tastes as good as it looks.

Alice in Wonderland cookbook

My daughter continues to love this cookbook.

Alice Eats ($34.95) is a stunning cookbook filled with whimsical illustrations and delightful recipes from Calgary’s Julie Van Rosendaal and Pierre A. Lamielle. Available at Coles.

UK Chocolates

Galaxy chocolate is the best!

Got an anglophile on your list? Head to A Good Taste of Britain for UK chocolate bars from $1.95, Christmas pudding ($16.95) and imported magazines from $3.99.

Gifts for Babysitters

white headphones

Game changing

Teens are tough. Try these Skullcandy headphones ($40) from Sport Chek.

cast iron skillet cooking sets

My niece loved the brownie one.

Or how about these Indulge Cast Iron Skillet sets ($9.99)? Found at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Blacks photography canvas printing

Since nobody makes photo albums anymore….

Cool canvas collages of their Instagram pics (from $8) would look pretty rad.  Printed at Black’s Photography.

Opi holiday nail polish

Black is my 2nd favourite holiday nail polish colour.

I also thought this Opi Fit to Be Tied nail polish duo with hair tie bracelets($19.99) was sweet. Found at Dolce Salon.

Gifts for Teachers

one pound of chocolate

Who doesn’t like chocolate?

I have it on good authority that teachers are tired of mugs, bath products and anything re-gifted. What’s on their wish list? Good quality wine, chocolates and gift cards. This One Pound Assortment ($26.95) of milk and dark chocolates from Purdys should fit the bill nicely.

Wondering what to get the other folks on your list? Here are my recs for:

What do you plan on buying those people on your B list?

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