FROM STOCKING STUFFERS TO SHOW STOPPING GIFTS - MY 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

- MY 2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE -

With the holiday season just around the corner and no sign of COVID going away anytime soon, it will be even more paramount this year to be prepared for the upcoming holiday season.

Believe me, when I say, you don’t want to get stuck in a shopping mall doing a massive last-minute holiday shop while having to deal with excessive lines - both to get into the store and at the cash register, as well as increase your risk of contracting COVID. It’s just not worth it!

Instead, save yourself the headache by shopping online and having items conveniently delivered to your front door. That way you can make sure to keep yourself and your family safe during the holiday season as well as use the time you would have spent waiting in lines, spending quality time with your family and friends.

To help you get your creative juices flowing, I have put together a list of items that could make good gifts for all your loved ones. I made sure to include everything from fun stocking stuffers to great Secret Santa gifts under $50, all the way up to show-stopping gifts bound to wow anyone on the receiving end. I tried to cover every type of person (the traveler, the tech enthusiast, the beauty addict, the wellness/fitness aficionado, the food fanatic, and even the ‘child at heart’) and include unisex options as well as special gifts for your furry friends so that there is something fun for everyone. Additionally, remember the key to ordering online is to order it ASAP so things don’t sell out and you don’t get stuck with post office delivery delays!

Happy shopping and even happier holiday my friends!

Ps. If there is anything missing from this list that you think I should include, feel free to leave me a comment at the bottom of this post and I’ll be happy to add it to the list.

* Please Note - Some links in this post may be affiliate links *


- Festive Holiday Recipes -

If you are looking for a gift that you can either make and bring to a holiday party or want something festive to drink while there, check out the above recipes!


- Fun Stocking Stuffers -

Photo By Sarah Holcomb

Photo By Sarah Holcomb


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Roots Cabin Socks - Always a winning stocking stuffer, Roots cabin socks are totally unisex and are not just stylish but also great at keeping your feet warm during cold winter months.

Tripod Selfie Stick with Wireless Remote Clicker - If you don’t have a selfie stick you are going to love having one especially when it comes to getting everyone into a photo for a holiday family portrait. If you have a budding content creator in your family, this will sure to put a smile on their face!

Pore Refining Trio - The perfect stocking stuffers for any beauty lover in your life, this travel size skincare kit by bareMinerals is made with high-quality clean ingredients and is both cruelty-free and eco friendly. If you know someone in need of some personal at-home pampering, this gift is for them.

Wet Brush - One of the best gifts I have ever received was a Wet Brush. Not only does it make detangling my hair so easy but it also doesn’t rip or break your hair which can cause it to become even more damaged over time. If you don’t already have one of these, I highly recommend getting one for you and one for whomever stocking you are buying for.

A New Knit Beenie - Because staying warm in the winter is a necessity and a hat can not only save your ears on a windy cold day but a lot of your body heat actually escapes through your head!!

Buxom Power Full Lip Scrub - One of my favorite lip scrubs, the Buxom Power Lip Scrub not only exfoliates your dry lips but moisturizes as well for a great 2 in 1 benefit!

Silk Scrunchy Hair Ties - A stylish, safe way to hold your hair back this holiday season, silk scrunchies won’t get tangled or cause further breakage to your hair. This stocking stuffer is great for anyone who takes pride in their luscious locks.

Good Days Start With - Gratitude Journal - Everyone could use a little more positivity in their life and this gratitude journal helps you remember to pause and make note of all that you have to be grateful for in your life. It’s also a great way to add a little mental health/wellness activity to the start of every day.

12-1 Multi Tool - Great for both boys and girls, this pocket-sized handy gift is extremely useful! If ever you find yourself in a little jam or need to repair something, this little gadget will help you through!

Mario Bodescu Azulene Calming Mask - This mask helps soothe skin irritations caused by harsh weather conditions. If you want to help restore moisture to your skin and practice a little self-love all at the same time, this calming mask is totally up your alley.

Magnetic Phone Car Mount - No more holding onto your phone or rummaging through your bag while you are diving. This magnetic phone car mount provides a convenient spot to place your phone that will not only make it easier to answer but will help you avoid being distracted while driving.

Uno Card Game - This fun card game is a great stocking stuffer because it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Not only will it bring joy to the person receiving it but it will also bring joy to those they invite to play a round of cards with them!

Fun Protective Face Masks - COVID isn’t going anywhere soon so why not give the gift of a cute protective face mask while encouraging others to stay safe and stylish this holiday season.

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- Secret Santa Gifts Under $50 -

Code Names-A super fun group game (best played with a minimum of 6 people) that involves splitting up into two teams and competing to solve the board before the other team wins. Each team has an assigned "spymaster" who gives one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the board. The other players on the team attempt to guess their team's words while avoiding the words of the other team.

Wireless Charging Pad - No more fussing with cords, this wireless charging pad makes charging your phone as easy as setting it down. Not to mention the marble motif is very stylish.

Kiehls Healthy Hands Trio - A little extra lotion can go a long way especially during the winter months. I love how handy these travel-size hand lotions are and the fact that you get three allows you to keep one by your bed, one close to your computer, and one in your car glove box for easy access.

Everlasting Candles - A gift I am hoping to receive this holiday season, I have been eyeing these beautiful everlasting candles for a while now as I find them very aesthetically pleasing. I made sure to add them to this list as I’m sure others will find them cool as well.

Tile Mate Tracker - If you know someone who always loses their keys or misplaces their wallet, the tile tracker will make their life soooo much easier. I’m considering getting one for my boyfriend after he almost lost his wallet in Hawaii last Christmas after he left it on the top of the car and drove off. Needless to say, we found his wallet in the middle of the road after searching for 45 minutes but it would have been a hell of a lot easier and quicker to locate it if he had a tile mate in it.

Hot Sauce Sampler Kit - We all know someone who loves food and/or is addicted to spice! This sampler kit gives them a variety of different spice levels and tastes from around the world that they can enjoy and experiment with at every meal.

Rummikun Board Game - A fun board game I have heard plenty about but have yet to play, Rummikub requires two or more players and combines elements of the card game rummy and mahjong together. It has a recommended age of 8+.

50 Inch Snow Tube - Taboggoning doesn’t have to be just for kids! Let your inner child have some fun this holiday season and get out on some slopes with this snow tube. You may just remember what it was that made you enjoy winter so much again.

Keihl’s Hydration Starter - This Keihl’s skincare kit is a great Secret Santa gift because not only is it unisex but moisture is one thing you can never get enough of during winter. My boyfriend uses both the included Keihl’s cleanser and moisturizer, and since neither has a strong fragrance they work for both boys and girls.

A Perfect Spy By John le Carré - A brilliant, fictional spy novel about espionage and a secret international manhunt. John Le Carré has won awards for his writing and this book was one of my boyfriend’s favorite reads this year - he just couldn’t put it down.

‘365 Days of Wellness’ Cards - A tool that makes improving your mental health and wellness routine easy. These cards encourage you to create connections, express yourselves, and add positivity to your life.

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- Gifts Under $100 -

Photo By Joshua Lam

Photo By Joshua Lam

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Nalia Drop Earrings - Came across these beautiful sophisticated earrings while doing some online shopping at Anthropology and thought they would make the perfect holiday gift. They look expensive but are only $50 and would add the perfect amount of bling to your mother, girlfriend, or best friend’s holiday outfit.

Real Rose Quarts Gua Sha - The latest trend in natural alternative skincare therapies, a Gua Sha is a tool used to improve circulation and stimulate cell growth through applying oils and scraping your skin with it. This ancient Chinese healing technique is said to relieve tension in the muscles of the face, boost blood circulation, and encourage lymphatic drainage.

Faux Fur Lounge Around Pillow - If we are going to have to continue working from home for the next little while, why not make your workstation comfier! This Faux fur lounge pillow makes working from bed, the floor, or even the couch way more comfortable!

Star Post Earrings - Saw these earrings while browsing Club Monaco and fell in love with them. I like how they look almost like snowflakes and are both youthful and playful. These earrings would make the perfect gift for any young lady on your list.

7 Piece Yoga Set - First come the holidays, then comes everyone’s New Year resolution to lose weight and get fit! Am I right?! Well, what better way to get started on your New Year goal than with a new 7 Piece Yoga set that makes stretching and meditating all the ‘post-holiday, back to reality’ anxiety out of your body.

Loren Pattern Brand Felt Hat - Spotted this beautiful felt hat by Free People while online shopping and had to include it in my gift guide. The colour is totally on trend this season and I love the motif on the decorative band. If you have a fashionista in your life that you need to buy for, this hat would make a great gift!

Vonkyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector - Take watching holiday movies to a whole new level this year with this awesome projector! You can easily project a movie on any surface like your bedroom wall or on a bedsheet you’ve hung outside on a clothesline! Not to mention it would make a great gift for any movie buffs that are missing the days they could go to the cinema and watch movies on a big screen.

Citrus Star Electric Citrus Juice - Got this juicer in the summer for my birthday and I have to say, I’m a BIG FAN! I take it with me to my friend's cottage and love how compact it is and easy to clean. Not to mention it’s got power!! If you love making cocktails or feel like you could use more freshly squeezed orange juice in your life - you’re going to want to grab one of these.

Lex Pott Twist Candle - Been lusting for one of these artsy candles myself and I think they would make a great gift for any art lover on your shopping list. I found the one below for under $60 so they aren’t to crazy yet when it comes to deisng, they really impress.

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- Gifts Under $150 -

Click & Grow Smart Garden - Do you have a friend who’s recently discovered their green thumb? I feel like I’ve been seeing everyone online bringing home new plant babies lately. If this sounds like someone you know or you have a friend that loves cooking and could benefit from growing their own fresh produce, this would be a great gift!

Quad Roller Skates - I got super excited this past summer when quad roller skaters were trending on Tik-Tok because not only do they look fun to dance and twirl in but they give you a reason to get some exercise while having a ton of fun!

Insta Pod Due Nova 7 In 1 Electric Pressure Cooker - It is amazing what this one little gadget can do! It combines a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, food warmer, and yogurt maker all into one which makes it an incredibly useful device for any budding chef to have in their kitchen!

Beer Making Kit - I think I secretly want this gift! LOL I have always loved drinking beer and wine, and so being able to make my own also sounds like a lot of fun. This Beer making kit comes with all the things you need to experiment with beer making at home and would make a fun little DIY project.

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- Show Stopping Gifts Above $150 -

Photo By Juliana Malta

Photo By Juliana Malta

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Apple Watch - If you have an Apple product lover in your life or a fitness fanatic, an Apple watch can be a very useful device. Not only can you program your music on it and use it while running but you can answer calls, track your daily fitness progress, and access all your phone applications. Oh and did I mention, it’s also a sleek-looking watch! LOL!

Chunky Knit Blanket - The coziest gift you could give someone this holiday season is 100% a chunky knit blanket. These have been really trendy for a while now and I am still coveting the idea of getting one.

Dr. Martens 2976 Quad - Another item I want for myself, these Dr. Martens are the perfect combat boot for fall/winter. Not only are they very on-trend right now but they will help keep your feet warm and dry when it starts to get really snowy out.

TRX Suspension Training Kit - It’s important to stay active during COVID and since frigid temperatures can make going for a run super unappealing, getting equipment to make at home workouts more challenging and accessible is even easier with a TRX suspension training kit which allows you to use your own bodyweight to strengthen and tone.

Apple AirPods - I’ve been resisting getting Apple AirPods for a while now because they are so darn expensive and I’ve tried other brands but none of them can stand up to Apple’s superior quality. Not to mention everyone who has them loves them! If you are looking to surprise someone with a nice and totally useful gift this holiday season, Apple AirPods would make a spectacular one.

Theragun Prime - My boyfriend got a Theragun for his birthday and has been obsessed with it ever since. He uses it almost every day to relieve muscle tightness and during the summer we all took advantage of having it around when we would get sore backs from working at home and sitting on bad chairs. He also loves that it has a triangular handle designed to make it easy for him to massage his own back. If you have a fitness junkie in your life or someone who loves their massages but can’t go get one right now, this would be a great gift to give.

Adjustable Dumbbell Weights - Another great piece of fitness gear to have at home, these adjustable dumbbell weights can add further resistance to numerous exercises allowing you or someone you love to stay on track with their fitness goals while staying safe at home.

Zwilling 10 Piece Knife Set - Is there anything worse than dealing with dull knives while trying to prepare dinner? I once almost hurt myself trying to cut a tomato and purchasing a new set of knives actually made me so happy because they are SO PRACTICAL. You most likely are using them every day so may as well invest in a good set!

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-Gifts For Your Furry Friends -

Photos By Jakob Owens

Photos By Jakob Owens

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Pet Treat Launcher - It may be a completely unnecessary toy but it sounds so fun! Haha

Dog Treat Puzzle - I thought this was a smart gift to give your favorite pet. One that will not only challenge them but will keep them entertained/distracted for an extended period of time while you’re trying to get all your holiday prep done.

Calming CBD Pet Treats - I first learned about CBD treats for pets when I was considering traveling with my dog but they have so many great uses especially during the holidays when pets can experience anxiety from being overwhelmed by so many new people. If you are looking for something to help calm your pet’s anxiety during the holidays, try these treats!

Dog Advent Calendar - I saw this little advent calendar and thought it would make a great early gift to any fur babies in your life. What pet wouldn’t want to get a new treat every day?

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I hope you enjoyed this holiday gift guide. If you have any comments please leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can! Happy Holidays!!!


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A THOUGHTFUL MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE (COVID EDITION)

Mother’s Day will no doubt be looking different this year but one thing that for sure won’t change is your mom’s excited anticipation for it!

This year, I sat down with two mothers with two very different age ranges of kids, to see what they would like to do for Mother’s Day this year. Knowing that they couldn’t really go out and celebrate as usually, we came up with a list of activities you can do on the day of, things you can order in advance, gifts you can purchase to enjoy later, and a special REQUEST (they made a big deal about these) that they have from their husbands.

If you are in need of some SUPER THOUGHTFUL ideas for Mother’s day this year, this list is for you.

- DAY OF -

A Card/Dry Flower Card - All mothers want to feel appreciated so writing your thanks and gratitude for all that they do is really important to them. Share your thoughts about them in a sweet card (can be handmade) and shower them in the love they deserve.

P.S. Dry flower cards are super easy to make right at home and are very pretty! Here are two videos on how to dry flowers quickly and how to make a gift/card using them.

Breakfast in Bed - this was something that both mothers look forward to. Even though they can’t leave the house, this doesn’t mean they can’t start off their day with a sweet surprise, coffee and a card!

Hand Picked Flowers - For those mothers with young kids, hand picked flowers are a nice gesture.

Me Time - Mom’s are always busy with minds running a million miles an hour, so they hardly get enough time to just sit still and enjoy some ‘me time’. Take a task off their plate-like watching the kids or doing/folding laundry so they can enjoy some undisturbed ‘me time’ to enjoy as they wish.

Romantic Dinner In - on Mother’s Day, they would appreciate if someone takes over the cooking and cleaning for dinner. The best way for them to end the day is to relax and observe their children/husband cook a nice dinner and clean up after.

- THINGS TO ORDER IN ADVANCE -

Flowers - Both mothers really wanted to receive flowers on Mother’s Day. They requested that either their husband orders them to give with their children order them as a way of letting them know they are thinking of them.

Organic Skincare - If for some reason you cannot get flowers, both mothers said they would also appreciate something they can use at home to pamper themselves.

- A GIFT FOR A LATER DATE -

Mani & Pedi, Day at the Spa, Hair Treatment and Blow Out - once out of quarantine both mothers said they would really appreciate having some treatments done. Whether that is a mani & pedi service, day at the spa, or a hair treatment and blow out, they would love some professional help to make them look and feel great.

Dinners Out - although this may not be physically possible to do right now, both mothers said they would appreciate spending time together. Mothers with older kids would love it if their children offered to take them out.

Tickets to An Activity - Think candle making workshops or tickets to the theatre. Again both mothers wanted an excuse to do an activity with their children so buying the two of you tickets to a fun workshop or an afternoon activity would be a great gesture.

Spring Car Detailing - surprising, I know, but this was one of those items that they both didn’t want to spend money on themselves but really appreciate. If you have a mom that works, has a nice car, or spends a lot of time in her car, getting it refreshed for summer seems to be a thing they greatly would enjoy.

- FROM THEIR HUSBANDS -

Husband Coupons - both mothers also ask for this gift from their husbands. Coupons could be for things like 30-minute massages, back scratches, a night off, a cocktail, etc. They don’t have to be overly elaborate - here is a site with a free coupon print off that both children and husbands can use for more ideas.


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mothers day gift guide.jpg

CHRISTMAS WREATH

I was feeling kind of festive this year and wanted to make something for my new apartment. I've seen people make wreaths before but I knew I wanted mine to be different, exciting, and bright. On my recent trip to Spain, I was reacquainted with an artist's work at the Guggenheim in Bilbao by the name of Jeff Koons. If you have ever been to the Wynn/Encore in Vegas you have probably seen his work. He makes these giant sculptures that look like they are light as a feather but are actually made of steel and weigh a ton. His subject matter consists of balloon animals, tulips, and even cartoon characters. Inspired by these shiny objects I decided to make this wreath. If you want to know how to make it yourself keep reading!

MATERIALS:

Christmas Ornaments - I got 3 boxes of these plastic balls from IKEA each were $14.99 CAD.
Grape Vine
Wire - To wrap the grape fine together and give it more stability
Glue Gun
Glue Sticks

DIRECTIONS:

Take your grapevine and wrap it around to approximately the size of the wreath you want.

Next, take some wire and wrap it around the grapevine so that it secures it together and makes a sturdy base.

Glue gun the edges of the wire down so that they do not poke out!

Next start taking your ornaments and gluing them to the grapevine. Keep gluing and make your way around the wreath. Once you are all the way around the wreath start to build up to give it more dimension.

Keep adding until you are satisfied with your results.

If you want to hang the wreath you can always use a nail and hook it into the grapevine base at the back or you can use a ribbon and tie it up.


If you have any questions or want to know more feel free to leave your comments and questions below in the message box! Did you like this activity? Do you want to see more of them? I’m always happy to hear from my visitors!!!


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