It’s just around the corner. You know what I’m talking about! It’s time to get your Christmas shopping on…if you haven’t already.
I love to give gifts (as you can see on my website), but moreover, I love to give thoughtful gifts. Each year, I find myself buying for more and more people. This can easily become overwhelming. So today, I’m breaking down gift buying and DIYing so you can get into the holiday spirit – stress free!
Gifts for the Home Girl
Photo via Anthropologie
I’m a big Anthropologie fan, but can you blame me? They always have the cutest things from some seriously talented makers. It’s one of my first stops when it comes to buying gifts for others… and maybe myself too! It’s hard to resist when they bring out new stock for the holiday season. Trust me – I know from personal experience!
These items are sure to win over any best girlfriend who loves cute things in the home and kitchen. If you don’t have an Anthropologie store to wander and browse, don’t worry. Pour your favourite drink, get cozy, and hit up the online store for some serious gift shopping. Have fun!
Does your homegirl like to host fun dinner parties too? Why not gift her with a set of bitters from The Silk Road Spice Merchant? She’ll be able to whip up some delicious fancy drinks from Black Cloud Bitters with flavours like Black & Blue, which consists of blackberry, blueberry, cocoa, vanilla and ginger. Or Prairie Rose with rose petals, rose hips and berries. Sip, sip, hooray!
Gifts for the Crafty Cathy
I started adding ornaments as tags to gifts a few years ago. And I just love seeing my friends faces when they see the wrapping and extra attention to detail. If we take this one step further, it would be adding custom ornaments in lieu of a tag or bow on the gift!
This year, I’ve decided to do just that. I had these ornaments made for me by the talented Mountain Grove Studio. However, you can totally do this yourself with some craft pens and ornaments of your choice.
We’re starting a tradition of doing an ornament each year for our son to capture a memory. As you can see below, his favourite word is Tikka. Tikka is our extra cuddly, thinks she’s a human too, 75lb White Lab. He just adores her.
Don’t have enough time to get crafty but you still want to give the gift that keeps on giving? Why not gift your loved ones with their own customized wrapping paper? Minted lets you add your own pictures to make custom wrapping paper. How cute is that?! They currently have free shipping for orders over $100 and a 10% off code when you sign up for emails – hello sale!
Kiddo Approved Presents
Whether you’re buying for your niece and nephew, neighbor’s kids or your own mini me’s, you don’t have to break the bank to win them over this year. I like to shop local for my son as much as possible. Some of my favourite pieces for him are from Alberta or B.C. makers. Check out some of these goodies for yourself!
Everett loves his My Mila hat and insists on wearing it every day to and from daycare. He pats his head and says “hat?” It’s too cute.
We have almost every shirt from Jacob. Grace And we love how a portion of sales from their Small + Mighty collection goes to the NICU.
Does your kid have a mind of their own? I mean don’t they all! Let them be creative with a letterboard like the ones from Words & Co. Their philosophy? Say what you want, when you want. Bonus, guys – they’re having a 20% off sale until November 25th!
Gifts Your Co-Workers Will Actually Like
Photo via Fifteen Spatulas
When it comes to gifting co-workers, it can be hard to please everyone. This is why I like to do a big batch of something where everyone gets the same thing. It’s easier on your budget and your time that you never seem to have enough of these days!
Plus – you can still add some personalization to make it thoughtful, so they really feel appreciated. Win, win!
This year try making a coffee creamer for all the caffeine lovers at the office. Check out this recipe for Caramel Brûlée Coffee Creamer from FIVE Heart HOME. Pour into separate small bottles or mason jars, tie with a ribbon and label with a gift tag (or ornament) and voila!
Not big coffee guys you say? Try this recipe for lemon cardamom crinkle cookies from Fifteen Spatulas. Trust me, I made this myself a few years ago and it was a hit! I put a few cookies into little white treat boxes (you can find these at Michael’s), tied them up in some pretty ribbon and left them on everyone’s desks.
Gifts aside, the holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones and embracing the holiday spirit. In the words of Ellen Degeneres, “Be kind to one another.” Happy Holidays, friends!
