Lauren’s Last Minute Gift Guide!

10 days til Christmas and, while there are some people that finish their shopping before December even starts in hopes of actually enjoying this time of year with all its parties and festivities, there is the rest of us that let the big day creep up on us and we're unable to rely on saint nick (aka your dad) to get presents under the tree. Also! Being 10 days out you realize that you can't utilize online shopping because well, let's face it - you can't risk the delivery dates and WORSE! tears on Christmas morning when you're looking at an IOU that was wrapped under the tree. I might still secretly wish that Tom Hanks will personally come through and make sure my gifts arrive on time (Tom Hanks, 2017's MVP).

That being said - I've got the guide guide for you! All items you can buy locally so you don't nervously need to stalk the Fedex website multiple times a day. Whether it's a special man, woman, host or the person who has everything ...

Guys

Records

The music man: Everyone knows one, and if he's legit he'll own a record player. From Simon and Garfunkel to Beastie Boys or A Tribe Called Quest, a record to their collection will not disappoint because record listening is a perfect way to spend a winter afternoon. Vancouverites, check out Beat Street Records for a great selection.

Photo Credit: https://thespinoff.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-07-at-5.38.51-PM.jpg — Photo Credit: https://thespinoff.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-07-at-5.38.51-PM.jpg

T-Shirts

A t-shirt is to a man what shoes and purses are to a woman (yes, the most cliche comparison...) - but seriously, it is a collection item in any guy's wardrobe. If you need a switch up from the fruit o' loom look - shop local and you'll be able to find some gems. This particular brand is so soft. I'd be tempted to just buy one for my guy to later 'borrow' and never return. This brand, Ole Originals can be found across Canada so you can rep your city with pride. Or buy one of their shirts in a store near you.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/331225747567194465/ — Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/331225747567194465/

Bar Glasses

Don Draper: not only did the guy make Canadian Club cool again but he has inspired a few to bring back the suit and slicked back side part. Not to mention the ability to come up with ingenius marketing one-liners that landed him partner at the firm and a world of trouble with the ladies. Scotch is my preferred drink of choice and I always enjoy it more in a proper glass. I strongly believe any guy would appreciate a set on hand, whatever his choice hard bar is. A design I love from Crate & Barrel can be found here.

Photo Credit: https://flaviar.com/gui/file/images/400x280_madman.jpg — Photo Credit: https://flaviar.com/gui/file/images/400x280_madman.jpg

The Weekend Bag

Gym, sleepovers or weekends away. These Herschel duffles can work with a suit or a track pants - the novel design offers every pattern and colour under the sun and will be well used or versatile for everyone. Great price point too!

Photo Credit: https://herschel.ca/content/dam/herschel/lifestyle/2017-s4/s4-category-banners/HSC_17S4-Mens-Category-Duffles.jpg — Photo Credit: https://herschel.ca/content/dam/herschel/lifestyle/2017-s4/s4-category-banners/HSC_17S4-Mens-Category-Duffles.jpg

Candle

Cedar...musky... smokey with a touch of vanilla - whatever. Everyone likes some ambiance; it is not gender specific. Candles are marketed now with more appealing scents to men, usually involving a tree and a fruit? Because we all know a guy that likes that pairing... find this one at your local Chapters, here!

Girls

Pampering

Sephora is your one stop shop. The impulse purchase section is too good and always costs me $50 without even thinking. Some product pampering that is always appreciated by any girl include: face masks, a great dry shampoo & a great lip gloss. Crowd pleaser and a gift you can finish in 20 minutes.

tarte-at-sephora-australia-tartlette-in-bloom-palette-review-tarte-namaste-swatch-tarte-tbt-swatch-tarte-latergram-and-boho-lip-pencil-swatches-tarte-clay-paint-liner.jpg

Nightware

Staying true to my old soul, I greatly appreciate nightwear around the holidays - even better when it comes in the form of a nighty and flannel. Stay warm and keep the stems free - winning combo! Shop one of my favourite ones here. Nightgowns not your thing? It's hard to go wrong with any flannel PJ's like these ones.

Literature

Books are so good for the soul, one of my friend gifts books for every occasion and it's always my favourite gifts! I love Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur - it's a book you can read over and over and just carry around in your purse.

Kodak Moments

In a world of selfies and smart phones, what's lacking is the actual physical photo; I love framing pictures or putting up memories on my fridge. The polaroid is great to have on hand as well, not only is it a great filter but you don't have the opportunity to take 75 photos to get 1 you like - it promotes candid photos which are the best photos, if we're being honest.

Host

Bottles

This is the all-Canadian twist on the Irish's Bailey's. It's smooth, creamy and alcoholic - everything a host (or anyone?) wants in a holiday gift. Enjoy this on the rocks, with a splash of milk (or Eggnog!) or double the fun by adding a shot of Amaretto! Available here, or other Canadian liquor stores.

Great olive oil for the chef or vanilla bean for the baker -the quality is appreciated. It's also a compliment to their skills in the kitchen. Williams Sonoma is always a good go-to for reasonable price and good quality, find these ones here or here. Winners or Homesense always has a good selection as well!

Photo Credit: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201736/0008/williams-sonoma-black-truffle-fettuccine-pasta-o.jpg — Photo Credit: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201736/0008/williams-sonoma-black-truffle-fettuccine-pasta-o.jpg

Photo Credit: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201736/0058/nielsen-massey-madagascar-bourbon-vanilla-beans-c.jpg — Photo Credit: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/wsimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201736/0058/nielsen-massey-madagascar-bourbon-vanilla-beans-c.jpg

Serving Board

A staple in every kitchen, there is no limit on what you can serve on here and for a true host you can never have too many. I've found the selection at Crate and Barrel to be great quality for the price. Find this one shown below here.

For the person who has everything...

Think EXPERIENCE. It's truly the priceless gift and will promote spending quality time together.

A cooking class! Become Julia Child for the night and learn a new skill - you and your guest will not only have fun learning but benefit from the efforts and enjoy a wonderful meal. If in Vancouver, a great option is the Dirty Apron.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/matchbookmag-pro/redactorAssets/original/b5e9ede4846d58c9d771c5e9f2753bbc45b43c3e.jpg?1365823225

If cooking isn't their jam, don't stress, there are plenty of other experience gifts: ceramics, wreath making, pottery or sewing classes. And if you know someone who's a fan of Ghost, well... you're killing two birds with one stone and making their dreams come true acting out the film's iconic scene and making fellow students possibly uncomfortable. Some options of classes in Vancouver found here.

Photo credit: https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/skWO2k1gdvk36l3Iv8keuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9NTQwO2g9MzU0/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/dadc9416336010c61c75d8969462add0

So there you have it! A list of gifts you can ensure will arrive and provide joy on Christmas morning for all the loved ones in your life. I hope I've helped you or given you some new ideas you might have been stumped on... and if all else fails you can use this list as MY own personal wish list (Santa, you listening buddy?).

Happy shopping!