‘Tis better to give
By Kate MacLennan
If you’re anything like me, right about now you’re in an eleventh hour panic for at least a couple holiday presents. Exhale. We’ve got some last minute gift ideas that any fashion savvy soul could pull off as her (or his) own.*
Hunter rain boots (from $129)
*Vancouver availability listed, but most items available across Canada.
If you’d told me five years ago I’d have more than one pair of rain boots in my closet, I’d have laughed you back to The Sticks from where you, clearly, sprang. But times they are a changing, and she’s a rare Vancouverite who doesn’t have at least one pair of utilitarian but adorable wellies. The Hunter collection, in particular the Lady N version ($169), is an excellent choice for dog owners, but will make top marks for any stylish gal who battles rain regularly. No seasonal salute intended, but we particularly like them in green and red. At Bionic (3065 Granville St., 604-731-9688, bionicfootwear.com).
Balmshell Limited Edition “Holts-aholic” Gift Set ($59)
This is one of my favourite glosses. Let me count the ways: It’s not sticky, so your hair won’t get stuck in it. It glides on beautifully. Its colours are sheer but show up. The part where you screw the wand into the canister is thoughtfully long, meaning you don’t get goop build-up. Its wiper is slanted, making application simple while walking or driving (although we don’t recommend that, of course). And each canister comes with a fun “float art” top that you can unscrew and use as a keychain when the gloss is finished. The Holts-aholic set includes “Shoe Fetish” (sheer fuchsia), “Curse of the Purse” (neutral peach), and “Holts-aholic” (soft, baby pink), all housed in special edition packaging that resembles a Holt Renfrew storefront. Just call it retail lip therapy. At Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir St., 604-681-3121, holtrenfrew.com).
Old Navy 100 per cent cashmere sweaters (from $50)
Cashmere for under $100? You’ve read correctly. I went a little crazy on the saltwater taffy colours (yellow, pink, and turquoise), the slightly billowy peasant sleeves, and the sexy scoop necks. Hopefully my friends like them too. At Old Navy (The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver, 604-921-8808, oldnavy.com).
Cake Desserted Island Creamy Body Buffer ($24)
My sister introduced me to this gorgeous exfoliator that smells like whipped vanilla icing with a pinch of coconut cream. Use it a couple times a week in the shower, and the tiny pink jojoba beads will smooth out even the most stubborn rough patches (think your upper arms, thighs and derriere), while shea butter leaves you moisturized and ready for love—er, life. Whatever. Visit cakebeauty.com.
Deserving Thyme Mini-Mani and Mini-Pedi Sets ($28 each)
Packaged in pretty round boxes in Deserving Thyme’s signature green, these little gifts fit nicely within hostess, teacher, and Secret Santa budgets. Both are equipped with the necessary accoutrements (from moisturizer to exfoliator) to perform at-home spa services: The mani kit includes a pretty file, while the pedi kit comes with a tiny, rhinestone toe ring. At Deserving Thyme Life Spa (Royal Centre, 10558 W. Georgia St., 604-683-5433, lifespa.com).
Benefit BADgal Mascaras ($25)
Benefit has enticing packaging dialed, that much I know. And, from super cute shadow palettes to miracle products (such as Dr. Feelgood Invisible Balm for Matte Skin—it smoothes out almost any epidermal drama), there’s something for every stocking. My pick are the BADgal mascaras, especially “BADgal Blue,” a deep violet tint that taps into any leftover `80s fever. At The Bay (674 Granville St., 604-681-6211, benefitcosmetics.com).
Green Bags (from $42)
What Anya Hindmarch started, let no human put asunder! I love the trend towards reusable bags, especially of the “take to the market” variety. Our latest fave? Vancouver company Green One’s O.N.E. organic cotton tote with pretty illustrations (think: goldfish and poppies) and deep side pockets, perfect for juggling your baguette and bottle of wine without bruising your produce. For those who like to preach what you practice, don’t miss one with “Don’t Be An Earth Fucker-Upper” scrawled across it. At Twigg and Hottie (3671 Main St., 604-879-8595, twiggandhottie.com), Room 6 (4389 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver, 604-628-8484, room6.com), or visit greenoneventures.com.
What’s on your Christmas wish list? Tell us!
 own.*
Hunter rain boots (from $129)
*Vancouver availability listed, but most items available across Canada.
If you’d told me five years ago I’d have more than one pair of rain boots in my closet, I’d have laughed you back to The Sticks from where you, clearly, sprang. But times they are a changing, and she’s a rare Vancouverite who doesn’t have at least one pair of utilitarian but adorable wellies. The Hunter collection, in particular the Lady N version ($169), is an excellent choice for dog owners, but will make top marks for any stylish gal who battles rain regularly. No seasonal salute intended, but we particularly like them in green and red. At Bionic (3065 Granville St., 604-731-9688, bionicfootwear.com).
Balmshell Limited Edition “Holts-aholic” Gift Set ($59)
This is one of my favourite glosses. Let me count the ways: It’s not sticky, so your hair won’t get stuck in it. It glides on beautifully. Its colours are sheer but show up. The part where you screw the wand into the canister is thoughtfully long, meaning you don’t get goop build-up. Its wiper is slanted, making application simple while walking or driving (although we don’t recommend that, of course). And each canister comes with a fun "float art" top that you can unscrew and use as a keychain when the gloss is finished. The Holts-aholic set includes "Shoe Fetish" (sheer fuchsia), "Curse of the Purse" (neutral peach), and "Holts-aholic" (soft, baby pink), all housed in special edition packaging that resembles a Holt Renfrew storefront. Just call it retail lip therapy. At Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir St., 604-681-3121, holtrenfrew.com).
Old Navy 100 per cent cashmere sweaters (from $50)
Cashmere for under $100? You’ve read correctly. I went a little crazy on the saltwater taffy colours (yellow, pink, and turquoise), the slightly billowy peasant sleeves, and the sexy scoop necks. Hopefully my friends like them too. At Old Navy (The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver, 604-921-8808, oldnavy.com).
Cake Desserted Island Creamy Body Buffer ($24)
My sister introduced me to this gorgeous exfoliator that smells like whipped vanilla icing with a pinch of coconut cream. Use it a couple times a week in the shower, and the tiny pink jojoba beads will smooth out even the most stubborn rough patches (think your upper arms, thighs and derriere), while shea butter leaves you moisturized and ready for love—er, life. Whatever. Visit cakebeauty.com.
Deserving Thyme Mini-Mani and Mini-Pedi Sets ($28 each)
Packaged in pretty round boxes in Deserving Thyme’s signature green, these little gifts fit nicely within hostess, teacher, and Secret Santa budgets. Both are equipped with the necessary accoutrements (from moisturizer to exfoliator) to perform at-home spa services: The mani kit includes a pretty file, while the pedi kit comes with a tiny, rhinestone toe ring. At Deserving Thyme Life Spa (Royal Centre, 10558 W. Georgia St., 604-683-5433, lifespa.com).
Benefit BADgal Mascaras ($25)
Benefit has enticing packaging dialed, that much I know. And, from super cute shadow palettes to miracle products (such as Dr. Feelgood Invisible Balm for Matte Skin—it smoothes out almost any epidermal drama), there’s something for every stocking. My pick are the BADgal mascaras, especially "BADgal Blue," a deep violet tint that taps into any leftover `80s fever. At The Bay (674 Granville St., 604-681-6211, benefitcosmetics.com).
Green Bags (from $42)
What Anya Hindmarch started, let no human put asunder! I love the trend towards reusable bags, especially of the “take to the market” variety. Our latest fave? Vancouver company Green One’s O.N.E. organic cotton tote with pretty illustrations (think: goldfish and poppies) and deep side pockets, perfect for juggling your baguette and bottle of wine without bruising your produce. For those who like to preach what you practice, don’t miss one with “Don’t Be An Earth Fucker-Upper” scrawled across it. At Twigg and Hottie (3671 Main St., 604-879-8595, twiggandhottie.com), Room 6 (4389 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver, 604-628-8484, room6.com), or visit greenoneventures.com.
What's on your Christmas wish list? Tell us!){kind=link}