The Christmas season always induces some form of anxiety whether it’s getting all your shopping done, staying on budget or checking your list twice to make sure everyone is covered. While shopping early so you’re not riding the deadline is preferable, most of us have more than enough on our plates to be proactive.
Gift giving doesn’t have to be rocket science and it’s really about a blend of looks and functionality within the gift that ensures a successful like. Here are some tips for gift giving.
Tip #1: Don’t be too specific with your gift. A functional yet unique gift will score you a win.
Tip #2: Pick some places before you pick the gift. I often find that going into a store can inspire you to buy something you didn’t think of.
Tip #3: Pick a few smaller items out rather than one big gift for the pickier person. You’re more likely to score wins on at least one of the gifts. There’s also more to open, which is always good.
Tip #4: Personalizing a gift is an inexpensive and great way to give gifts an extra Joie de vivre.
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There’s so much to think about during the holiday season and with department stores each vying for your attention, it can be overwhelming to think about making a choice. This year, getting ahead of the game has certainly benefited my sanity and I’ve scouted some great places to shop for the season. We've even included the links so all you have to do is click to explore.
1. Old Faithful Shop (320 West Cordova Street, Vancouver): Their adorable hedgehog door stopper/shoe brush is on my must have list. It’s also a great place if you’re on the hunt for the man in your life.
2. Secret Location (1 Water Street, Vancouver): For the chic and innovative person, Secret Location is a great spot to find some unique and great looking finds. They also make the city’s best cronuts (def: croissant and donut). For $4 a piece, it’s worth every penny.
3. Chapters Indigo: Chapters have really stepped up their game this year in offering up classy selections of home décor and stationary. There’s something for everyone in there (even a magic Christmas tree that grows in 6 hours).
4. Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver): Luxury Shopping doesn’t mean it has to cost you a pretty penny. My favorite this year is their Christian Lacroix embossed notebook for $18. It’s perfect for the person who is a note taker.
5. Dirty Apron (540 Beatty Street): For the foodie in your life, the Dirty Apron keeps things both beautiful and delicious.
A cost effective way to gift a basket:1. Grab wine, bread, cheese and cloth. 2. Set all items in the cloth and into a wooden crate (Michael’s or any craft store will carry them). You can even sign the crate with a holiday greeting.
6. Anthropologie/ West Elm (South Granville): For those who love home décor.
7. Fort Knight: For the man in your life, this is a great place to get you inspired.
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Online shopping? Here are a few new innovative online options to consider:
1. Zipments: For the last minute shopper or if you like to save some time running around, they’ll do it for you.
2. Printstagram: Meet the new hybrid growing from instagram call Prinstagram. For those who are avid instagram users, Prinstagram will print your photos from instagram into “polaroids” that can be made into calenders or contact cards. It personalizes someone life and allows them to encapsulate their year visually and efficiently. You can get a calender made for $40, which allows 365 prints.
3. One Kings Lane: This site is full of beautiful things for those who enjoy vintage shopping.
To make things even simpler for you, we’ve compiled our gift guide of 30 things you should keep your eye on in our gallery. Happy shopping!
[Click here for our Holiday Gift Guide Gallery] 30 things you should keep your eye on
As for big Christmas extravangazas, here's a video of Saks Fifth Avenue's unveiling of their 3D light show this year in case you missed it. It was quite the spectacle drawing in thousand of people using the building as the backdrop (we wouldn't expect anything less).
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to [email protected]. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.
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