holiday shopping

Dear Diary

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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!

Oh so Pretty

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Okay, so we’ve put together a lot of fun gift guides this year, but we thought why not throw one last list together featuring all our favourite pretty little things (aka. beauty products, candles, and things that generally smell delicious). They make great stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and add ons to those gifts that are missing that one last special thing.

From candles to mascara, this guide is for those who covet the finer things in life and delight in details!

Herbivore Botanicals // All natural, cruelty-free, and full of magical powers, this brand uses some of our favourite ingredients like coconut and rose to make truly dreamy bath, body, and skincare products.

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Annabelle // Colourful and fun, this cosmetics line is super affordable and perfect for filling spaces in stockings. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which makes it a must on our list.

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Linneas Lights // I swear these are the strongest smelling candles on the face of the planet. They also come in delightful holiday scents like “Golden Plum” and “Pepperberry” which we can’t get enough of in the office right now.

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Bite Beauty
This lip-specific brand opened a shop down the street a few months back and we seriously can’t get enough. Their Christmas packaging is almost too pretty too open, and all of their products are technically edible they’re so natural!

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Smith and Cult // We’ve had a crush on Smith and Cult’s gorgeous nail polish collection for ages, and now that they’ve added eye makeup and lipgloss to the list we’re 100% hooked. Bonus points for all the glittering gold on the packaging!

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Tocca // “I have too many candles” said no one EVER. Tocca makes great little minis in seemingly endless scents that will cover everyone left on your list.

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Dear Diary

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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?!