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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Delish!
I’m sure this massive chocolate nickel ($6.95) from Roots tastes as good as it looks.
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.
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
Game changing
Teens are tough. Try these Skullcandy headphones ($40) from Sport Chek.
My niece loved the brownie one.
Or how about these Indulge Cast Iron Skillet sets ($9.99)? Found at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Since nobody makes photo albums anymore….
Cool canvas collages of their Instagram pics (from $8) would look pretty rad. Printed at Black’s Photography.
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
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 to buy kids
- What to get guys
- Perfect gifts for gals
- The ultimate gift guide for tricky people
What do you plan on buying those people on your B list?
Like me on Facebook and Tweet me: @Jody_Robbins
Love these posts Jody – have gotten plenty of good ideas. (already bought the mascara pack you recommended for women!)
Have you tried them yet? Curious to know which are the better ones. I’m saving mine till Xmas.
Ahh…This will really come in handy. Good stuff…Keep it coming!!
Love the ‘elf mike’ and the teen nail polish/bracelet set — I’m picking up both of those for sure… thanks!
Chalkboard thing!? Soooo cool!
Love the wallies idea – I have white board paint on a door in my house for messages, but now have a great idea for my kitchen using the peel and stick chalk board. Great ideas – you have inspired me to get shopping.
What about a gift card for difficult people?
Ya, you can always resort to that, but I think you’d look douchey handing a gift card over at a dinner party. Far better to give them something more personal they may or may not use:)
awesome.. thanks for the ideas!
I know these are supposed to give you ideas to buy for other people, but frankly about half the items on this list I would like to have for myself. Think I’ll add them to my own wish list. Good research!
Too bad you’re not on my list:)
I’m forwarding this to some of the “difficult” people I know. Great list again!
Actual LOL!
I have at least 10 women in my office that will make use of these ideas – I am passing it along. Nice work. Thanks Tanya
I love the peel and stick chalkboard and the battery-operated candles! Great ideas! (And I’m one of those difficult people to buy for.) 🙂
Love these ideas,thanks Jody
I always have a hard time with the teachers. Great idea for purdys
Jody – thank you for the fantastic ideas!! The chalkboard is brilliant. I am going to add it to my list.
The chalkboard looks great!
Love the “elf mike”. Adding that to my Christmas shopping list for sure
Great ideas!
Love all of these ideas Jody. You sure do spend a lot of time doing all of the shopping for these ideas. Good for you. I look forward to all of your blogs. thanks again.
ok