Dear Diary

Okay guys, real talk: there’s less than 10 DAYS till Christmas. Is anyone else panicking? Are we all remembering to breathe and eat occasionally?

As I’ve mentioned 1000 times before, I’m practically an elf, taking pride in finding the most perfect gifts for every single person on my list. But as I look at the calendar (how is it the end of December already?!) I’ll admit even I’m starting to panic. As hard as I’ve tried, my whole list isn’t totally “wrapped”.

Let’s be honest: there are always a few people that get left until the last minute – it’s usually the friends in my life who have everything they could possibly want, a distant relative I didn’t expect to see, a new friend who I just recently connected with or the person that just can’t be surprised no matter how hard I try.

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This is when even I, a pro gift-giver, will consult a gift guide. There’s tons and tons of guides out there (even we have a few!) but my absolute go-to this year is the Chatelaine gift guide hub. It has lots of unique gifts under $100 all picked by trusted Chatelaine editors, and thanks to some very handy organization there’s a separate guide for everyone your list. I found this Bluetooth Item tracker – which I had never even heard of before – and it’s perfect for the person that has everything, but always loses it. I also discovered the perfect gift for all the witchy women in my life – a healing crystal set that goes to a good cause (who doesn’t love the gift that keeps on giving?)

Getting names checked off the list this late in the game is a feeling like no-other, and now I can finally wrap up my wrapping!

Dear Diary

I generally consider myself a gifting queen: I mean, not to brag, but I’m really good at taking notes all year round and scooping up the least expected surprises for the people I’m closest to.

But sometimes, with those we don’t know too well or those we don’t spend enough shopping time with (hi Grandpa!) we need a little bit of help. Chatelaine’s help!

It’s so impressive to me, a natural born elf, that Chatelaine was able to put such an extensive directory together. They’ve got everyone from your great uncle bob to the neighbour’s cat covered, and it’s really a total treat to shop through. Hostess gifts, book lover’s gifts, even gifts for the person with everything (aka me) can be found online and within the pages of the December issue, and it’s a seemingly endless treasure trove of good gifting.

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My favourite section is “20 unique gifts for the person who has everything” – what’s yours?!