Beachcombing Series No 34 – $41 @ Quercus Design
First up we’ve got a photography series from Bar Harbor, Maine-based photographer Jennifer Steen Booher. Trips to the beach net all kinds of found treasures, which are artfully arranged and then photographed to create these simplistic yet eye-popping visuals. An excellent pick for the bathroom or entryway of a summer cabin.

iPhone 5 Double Dock – $138 @ Docksmith
Another entry from Maine – this time in the form of a would-be carpenter that traverses the coastline to track down pieces of glorious weathered driftwood and repurposes them into docks for your favourite i-Gadgets (including iPads and iPhones of all generations). Personally I love the mix of old-school crafty charm with Apple’s slick products. Imagine giving one of these to your spouse to decorate his or her new office? Shipping ain’t too horrendous either – everything I clicked on was about $16 a pop.

Porthole Mirror – $137 @ Amazon.ca
Ramp up the nautical feel with this porthole-inspired solid cast bronze mirror. Use it to create an underwater feeling in a hallway or bathroom, or if you’re simply creating an ocean-themed room in your home. Personally I think getting a few of these and using them in the basement could create a virtual ‘yellow submarine’ of your kids dreams – but that’s just me. A fitting retirement gift for the sailor in your life, or a swell pick for that friend that simply loves the ocean life (and look).

Nautical Front Doormat – $70 @ Karen’s Wedding Shop
This rustic rug is inspired by a classic sailor’s knot and makes a great wedding or housewarming gift. The infinite knots are a romantic detail, while the sturdiness of this handwoven mat means it’ll stay in your family for eons. Also cool? It’s actually crafted by a Canadian outfit, which not only knocks down shipping costs ($25) but just feels a little more special too. For the record, this entire shop is a great trove of ‘by the sea’ gift ideas. Browse away!

BALL Blue Mason Jar Dispenser – $38 @ Roots In Rust
Yet another fun store that’s simply filled to the brim with summery housewares ideas. Roots in Rust features tons of terrariums, plants and more – and as long as they don’t contain any plants to begin with, they’re all easily shippable to Canada. My personal favourite new houseguest gift is this vintage, limited-edition mason jar pump. The elegant sea glass-inspired blue colour (part of a limited 100-year collection from Ball) sets this apart from an everyday DIY mason jar craft project, while the sleek chrome and cute twine details make it a standout choice for any hostess’ bathroom. Keep in mind, these pretty pumps are only available till the end of 2013 – so stock up while you can and have ready-made gifts tucked away for any occasion.

And with that, I’ve got some seaworthy news – I’m actually giving away a BALL Blue Mason Jar Dispenser to one of you lucky readers. Here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment by July 4th with  your favourite Roots in Rust product + your favourite featured oceanic gift idea.

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around July 5th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province.

4) Bonus Entry: Roots in Rust is on both Twitter and Facebook. Like ‘em. Leave ‘em a Tweet / Comment. Link back in the comments below. Earn two bonus entries. 

Earn some extra bonus entries (and much love from me) when you refer new folks to the CGG. Learn more here!

What It Is: Before anyone heckles me about how this would have been a great Father’s Day gift, it’s actually only available for preorder, with shipping in late June. The Chillsner comes to you from the same people that invented the Corkcicle – a drink-chilling ice tube that doesn’t water down your beverage of choice. After the Corkcicle stormed the gift market in the pre-holiday season, it’s only natural a beer-swilling equivalent would launch for summertime. What’s particularly cool with the Chillsner is you can actually drink your beverage and keep it icy cold, because you don’t need to remove this iceberg-esque tube. Pretty nifty!

Who It’s For: As a houseguest gift prior to a weekend spent sipping on drinks by the dock. As a hostess gift for that BBQ backyard you’re heading out to that also doubles as a birthday bash. As a just because gift for your hubby so he can enjoy a nice cold sip while working on the yard this summer.

Where It’s At: Right now, I could only find it on the Corkcicle website (which does ship to Canada via USPS) – although given the ubiquity of the Corkcicle in Canada this past year, don’t be surprised if you see it in a local gift or independent liquor merchant near you.

What It Costs: $29.95 USD

If you’re hoping for a bonus entry into yesterday’s Sigrid Naturals giveaway, here’s your chance – Pin the Chillsner to Pinterest and leave a link back to your Pin in the comments below + your thoughts on whether this is an ace gift idea or not!

Star Bright Intensive Eye Cream – $30
First up, a product I’ve been using religiously since it came into my life. If you’re wondering whether you need an eye cream, keep in mind that the skin around your eyes is unlike any other part of your body. It’s thinner, more sensitive, and has fewer oil and water glands, so it needs more moisturization. Plus, a good eye cream can help prevent and treat wrinkles. Of course, you probably don’t want a ton of chemicals in an area that’s highly porous – so a natural product like Sigrid’s Star Bright Intensive Eye Cream is just the ticket. Featuring comfrey, chamomile and carrot seed oil to reduce puffiness and hydrate your sensitive skin, this is a must-have for any woman’s morning and bedtime skincare regime.

Body Butters – $21 each
Of all the natural care lines I’ve tried, Sigrid has best nailed the ‘body butter’ texture. Their lush lotions go on like a dream and holy are they ever fragrant – unlike most brands out there, expect to be reveling in the scent of your chosen product all day long, to the point where you can avoid spritzing on perfume. Of course, if you need a scent-free option, they’ve got just that. Also of note is their Mint Chocolate Foot Butter, which retails for the same price but is meant especially for aching, sore feet. The sweet chocolate notes are a nice complement to the traditional minty tingle that’s typical of foot creams.

100-Mile Healing Salve – $17
How cool is this? For those localvores out there, invest in this all-purpose healing salve that’s made exclusively with ingredients that are grown, harvested, or produced within 100 miles of Toronto. What does a healing salve do you ask? This multi-tasking remedy is perfect for nursing skin back to health; whether you’re dealing with a nasty sunburn or minor irritations, scrapes, or rashes, the lush oils and wax within will have your skin singing again in no time.

Fragrances – $18 – $28
Some people tend to be really sensitive to some of the synthetic ingredients in store-brand perfumes. If you fall in that category, an all-natural perfume still packs a heady punch (and lasts just as long, if not longer). Sigrid has three options that are easy to toss into your purse and feature potent essential oils for fresh, fragrant blends. Perfume is always a perfect choice for a friend’s birthday, or even in bridesmaid goodie bags so your gals smell sparkling fresh all day long.

Wild Mane Hair Oil – $26
We put an awful lot of effort into preserving and primping something that is, essentially, dead. Of course, a glossy head of hair is an instant ticket to compliments and confidence, so why not give this intensive oil treatment a whirl? Meant for dry and damaged locks, all you have to do is rub a teaspoon of oil into your mane three times a week, let it soak into your tresses, rinse, and watch as your hair looks shinier, feels stronger, and is altogether softer. It’s a departure from any other natural beauty line I’ve spent a lot of time looking at – but your scalp deserves some tender lovin’ just as much as your skin kids.

Honestly, there are a ton of unique finds in the Sigrid Naturals line-up, and I’m so psyched they reached out to me so I could share their awesome brand with you! If you’re interested in giving their products a try, a good number of shops in Ontario have started carrying their line. Finally, some fun news! I’ve got a gift set from Sigrid Naturals including three of their signature products – Simply Beautiful Body Butter, 100 Mile Healing Salve, and Lover’s Lips – to give away. If you’re interested in winning, here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment by July 5th with a link to the Sigrid Naturals product you’d most love to try.

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around July 6th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Sigrid Naturals is on Facebook and Twitter. You know the drill – like ‘em, leave a comment, link back. Or follow ‘em, send a Tweet, link back. You can earn up to two bonus entries by doing either or both activities!

Still looking for MORE ways to claim this prize as your own? Earn tons of bonus entries when you refer friends. Read all about it here.

What It Is: In the spirit of Father’s Day, I thought it might be fitting to feature a set of stylish summer hats inspired by classic menswear shapes. Believe it or not, these fedora-esque hats are actually made form 100% paper, aside from the adorable pops of colour you get from the grosgrain ribbon accents. Available in three basic neutrals – beige, white, and brown – these easy-to-wear hats are perfect with a bikini and shorts on a summery day or as a chic accompaniment to a classic denim jacket in the evening.

Who It’s For: Your best friend, as a fun birthday present she’d never spot on her own. Your sister, as a thank-you gift for housesitting your plants and your pets while on summer hols. Your fashion blogging friend, because they’re simply too cute not to feature.

What It Costs: $30 a pop

Where It’s At: Chicago-based Futurgarb Boutique via Shopcaster

If you’re angling for extra entries into yesterday’s YogaJellies giveaway, you’ll definitely want to Pin these hats and leave a link back to your Pin in the comments below + a comment on which colour you love the best!

Yamuna Body Rolling Kits – $60+
First up, a relatively new fitness trend – Yamuna Body Rolling, which is currently offered by various fitness and pilates studios across Canada. Yamuna, the creator of this holistic, total body program, believes in targeting all parts of the body, inside and out, including your bones, muscles, and even your bloodstream, to heal and essentially reset your body’s health. Want to give it a go and ease aching joints and muscles? Go with one of the starter kits for total body relief. Need to target specific areas? There are a number of kits designed to take care of everything from your ankles and feet to your face and shoulders. The Yamuna site (linked above) does ship to Canada, but at a price (about $30 for a basic kit). You can also pick up the kits for a little more but with better shipping rates at Canada’s Massage Essentials. A great pick for your mom or dad that’s suffering from those old age aches & pains.

Vew-Do Balance Boards – $89.95+At this point I’d like to believe it’s a pretty well-known fact that balance is an essential part of good fitness. When your body fights to balance, it engages tons of muscles, including most importantly, your core. The folks at Vew-Do have tapped into the balance game with their skateboard-inspired balance boards, made of sturdy real wood and available in a number of sizes and styles depending on your skill level. Handcrafted in Vermont, these nifty boards are great for training if you happen to be a boarder of any variety, or if you play a sport that requires great core strength. Of course, they’re also tons of fun – your teenage son and your mom would both have a blast trying to stay on top. Shipping for the record is a bit steep, but not unexpected given the size and weight of the boards (you’re looking at about $30).

Hoopnotica Travel Kit – $29.95 @ The Shopping ChannelHave you ever noticed how things you did as a kid – like jump rope, skipping, and hula hooping – are infinitely tougher as an adult? Get (your body) back to your youth with Hoopnotica; yet another flashy fitness craze popping up from the US of A. Trim your waist down with a cardio-intensive workout that uses a mixture of hula hooping and dance. This starter kit includes a gorgeous & glittery travel-friendly hope so you can even take it on holidays, along with a 60-minute DVD to guide your hip-shaking sweat session. Also cool? The hoop can be adjusted to fit more petite types or arm workouts.

YogaJellies – $65 / PairFinally an innovation for an activity that’s earned millions of followers around the world. If you’re like me, after a few sun salutations or chaturangas to the floor, your wrists tend to feel the brunt of some serious physical strain. Enter YogaJellies; these surgical-grade, silicon pads are absolutely essential for anyone with wrist or knee issues that love getting their downward dog on. Available in a variety of colours,  simply use a pair of these cushy pads to provide cushion and support for your more tender joints, and watch the difference it makes in allowing you to truly focus on and improve your practice. Fair warning again, shipping’s a little on the high side ($19.95), however the company is looking into ways to increase Canadian distribution after a successful launch up north this past spring. Truth be told though, when you consider a pair of high-end yoga pants or a sweater can easily cost more than a pair of these far-more-durable pads, they’re an absolute must-have for the yoga goddess on your gift list.

Finally some good news for you all! YogaJellies is giving away a pair of their tender lovin’ yoga pads to one of you lucky readers. Here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment by July 2nd with your favourite unique fitness gift featured in this post.

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around July 3rd to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Give YogaJellies a Facebook shoutout (and like their Page, obviously) and leave a link back to your comment and / or your username to earn yourself a bonus entry. As always, you’re not obligated to mention the CGG.

It’s my birthday and I’m here to celebrate! Invite your friends and earn bonus entries all month long. Click here for deets.

What It Is: Still shopping for a last-minute gift for dad? If you loved (or missed!) my epic post on grilling gifts last week, let me throw one last prospect at you: this gorgeous, heavy-duty BBQ Tools set from All-Clad. Made with stainless steel, this pro-quality set includes a long-handled brush, locking tongs, turner, and fork so you can keep a safe distance while perfecting your stuffed peppers and sizzling steaks. Best of all, it includes a sturdy case to protect your tools from the elements (if you’re keeping it outdoors) or for super easy storage in the off-season.

Who It’s For: Father’s Day, obviously. But I think just about any guy with a passion for grilling would dig this sleek set.

What It Costs: $200

Where It’s At: The tool set is available at tons of retailers, including Amazon, Cookworks, and The Bay.

If you were a fan of yesterday’s Lush post, you’ll definitely be interested in earning yourself a bonus entry. All you have to do is be a subscriber, and leave a comment below reminding me that you are + telling me whether you think these sleek tools are worthy of a spot on your grill.

‘Sun’ Gorilla perfumes – $14.95 – $55.95
Speaking of nostalgia, Lush’s lineup of unisex fragrances is another thing I wrote about in the earlier days of the CGG. Since that time, the father-and-son-designed line has constantly been changing and evolving, with new man-friendly notes like upturned earth, tobacco, and espresso. The Sun collection is perfect for a summer scent change-up – with zesty layers of orange, tangerine, and mimosa don’t be surprised if you sneak a few sprays for yourself. Made with nearly all-natural ingredients, even when the days are grey this’ll perk up any guy.

Ka-Pow Wrapped Gift – $86.95
With a comic book hero themed hat box, this gift set packs a serious punch with nine invigorating products to start off dad’s day right. Eviscerate the day’s grime away with grass-scented shower gel, a citrus-scented shower jelly, or a vodka-spiked face scrub. Aching body after working (or playing) hard? Treat him right with a soothing massage bar and moisturizing body butter block. Altogether this set speaks volumes in terms of value, and is perfect for the Lush junkie (and they exist – my dad would kill for this set).

Dirty Collection – $3.95 – $28.95My fiance has recently become something of a ‘Dirty’ convert – all week long he’s been subtly commenting on how good he smells after using products from the Lush ‘Dirty’ collection: a guy-oriented line-up including moisturizing shaving cream, zingy shower gel, soap, and body spray, and even a creamy hair gel. Perhaps the most interesting product of them all are the solid toothpaste tabs, which travel great – simply pop one in your mouth and chew for a foamy froth ready to get your pearly whites gleaming. Buy dad his favourite product from the line, or select a few to create a fun sampler set.
Celebrate Gift Set – $42.95Most guys that I know aren’t really the bath-taking types. Luckily Lush caters to the shower crowd with this uplifting gift set. Lather up with three bars of soap (one for home, one for the gym, one for travel) in fresh scents like ‘Karma’ (patchouli), ‘Sea Vegetable’ (seaweed and lime), and ‘Sexy Peel’ (marmalade) or go for a foamy wash with one of the two included shower gels. Depending on how often he scrubs up, this set should definitely last him till Christmas – giving you ample reason to visit Lush and stock up on stocking stuffers to replenish his shower caddy.

And some fun news! I’ve got a Celebrate gift set to give away to one of you folks. Here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment by June 30th with your favourite featured Father’s Day gift idea from Lush.

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around July 1st to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Say hello to Lush on Facebook or on Twitter (i.e. leave a comment / tag ‘em in a Tweet) and leave a comment below linking back to your comment / tweet to earn yourself up to two bonus entries.

Hey hey – did you know you could be earning dozens of bonus entries just by telling your friends about the Canadian Gift Guide? Learn more here.

What It Is: A very cool line of watches from brand 01 The One. The above is just a sampling of the line’s future-chic lineup, but generally speaking you can expect luxe touches like digital screens, real leather bands, and steel or silver accents to give your timepiece a decidedly modern feel. Although some people believe watches are going the way of the dinosaur since our cell phones are practically glued to our hands, I still say a watch is a way to make a unique-yet-practical fashion statement, and to be honest, you look a hundred times more polite subtly glancing at your always-exposed watch than you do in hauling out your cell phone. So look sharp with one of these funky watches – and prove they can be a part of our future once and for all.

Who It’s For: Your little brother or sister’s grad gift, to remember this special time. Your dad for Father’s Day, because his brassy 1980s watch could use a serious update. Your husband for his birthday, because it’s something he’d never splurge on for himself.

What It Costs: Prices vary, but start at a reasonable $135 (or less, if you can find them on sale) and climb up to $495 for the limited ‘Art’ editions (like the one on the far right above). Most of them are in the $150 – $225 range.

Where It’s At: You can buy 01 The One watches in just about every province in Canada – use their handy store locator to track down a fine store near you. I also recommend Watchismo for access to their full line-up.

Tom’s of Maine bonus entry: If you saw yesterday’s awesome post on Tom’s of Maine, you may want to earn yourself a bonus entry by telling me in the comments below which style of 01 The One Watch you like the best. Access all of the lines by clicking on the Watchismo or 01 The One links above.

Miles To Go Tees – $25 each
My first pick isn’t inspired by one single book, but a bunch of them. I actually spotted these tees while shopping this past weekend and knew they’d be a perfect fit for this post. Although this isn’t the first time I’ve featured literary tees, these ones combine a little bit of artistry with a whole lotta style for a totally different take. The shirts reference classics modern and old – can you guess what the three tomes above are? Also, shipping is just $5 – bargain!

The Hunger Games Mockingjay & District Pin Set – $32 @ Amazon.ca
Generally speaking the bigger the movie franchise, the more merch is released to support your book-on-film. Such is the case with the insanely popular Hunger Games series, which kicked off the first of three films last year with a huge bang. The second movie, Catching Fire, is due out this fall and with it you can expect a host of new goodies for fans of the dystopian series. I thought this was a particularly neat collectible – it features the official seals for each of the 12 (official) districts plus Katniss Everdeen’s trademark Mockingjay pin. Keep it in tact as a memento or break it up to decorate your bags or share with friends.

Pretty Little Liars Custom Script Necklace – $36.67 @ Thai Handcraft
Sara Shepard’s uber-popular teen-oriented series Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game have each spawned their own uber-popular TV shows on ABC Family. Borrowing from the Gossip Girl cannon of omnipresent secret-spillers, the Pretty Little Liars’ series combines the eeriness of Twin Peaks with plenty of teenage melodrama, earning them a huge legion of fans (for example, every time an episode runs, about half of the top trending hashtags on Twitter are related to the show). If your daughter or friend is a huge fan of the show, pay homage with one of these pretty custom script necklaces that use the same swirly font as the title sequence and book covers. Psst, they also come in a sleek Gossip Girl style as well.

Game of Thrones ‘Fire and Blood’ Brooch – $9.95 @ Kate’s Little Store
I think after every episode of HBO’s Game of Thrones show my Facebook feed pretty much implodes with reactions. Whether you’re a fan of the source material or the wildly popular fantasy show, this laser-engraved birchwood pin is a small token to speak to other Thrones’ fans, in the words of House Targaryen. It’s actually one of three GoT pins available, all of which would look swell on a briefcase, blazer or backpack.

The Great Gatsby Collection – $18+ @ Indigo
If you haven’t see Baz Luhrman’s dazzling artistic interpretation of The Great Gatsby, you’re missing out. Despite middling reviews, I (and virtually everyone I know) found the film to be utterly spectacular, and while it stayed true to the book’s general plot, the 21^st century twists made this Great American Novel completely watchable and fresh. As a result, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has shot up the charts and become a late-in-the-game bestseller once again, and spawned skyrocketing sales of book-themed merchandise including tote bags and tops depicting the book’s iconic, eerie cover. I personally own that sweatshirt and not only is it the softest thing on the planet, it also gets tons of compliments!

And with that, I’m psyched to tell you I’ve got a Great Gatsby sweater + a copy of the classic book to give away to one lucky winner. Here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment by June 28th with your favourite book-themed idea featured in this post.

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around June 29th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Like Indigo on Facebook, leave a comment on why you love their Great Gatsby collection, and leave a link back to your comment and / or your FB username to earn a bonus entry.

Stationary Bottle Opener – $10 @ Indigo
You’ll never go fishing for a bottle opener again with one of these classic, wall-mounted beauties. An ace choice for his man cave or garage space when nothing but a cold one will do.

None Of Your Damn Business Notebook & Marker – $6.50 @ No Fun Press
Prying eyes best heed the warning on the outside of this classic kraft paper notebook from Toronto printing house No Fun Press. Comes with a black sharpie so you can get out your most rageful thoughts in bold-yet-private revelry.

Head & Shoulders with Old Spice Shampoo (or 2-in-1) – $5.99 eachDid you know that 65% of men say they feel more confident when they smell good? If that’s the case, treat dad to Head & Shoulders’ classic shampoo (or 2-in-1 formulation), now infused with Old Spice to, and I quote, give dad a ‘handsome scent’ all day long.

Cocktail Recipe Glasses – $8 each @ Poketo
Don’t you know that cocktail glasses are the new shot glasses? At least for guys old enough to be dads. These illustrated glasses are great conversation starters and a clever way to be a master of mixology behind the bar.

Doodle A Piggy Bank – $10 @ SoHoFraming (via Shopcaster)
Bear with me here – if the guy you’re shopping for is anything like my dad or my fiance, he’ll HATE having loose change in his pockets (the downfalls of not owning a purse). This cutesy / quirky piggy bank can hold those coins for a rainy day treat, plus dad can team up with his kids to decorate it.

ThumbSaver TS001 Magnetic Nail Setter – $9.74 @ Amazon.com
A handy tool for the not-so-handy dad, this magnetic nail setter picks up and holds nails in place to prevent smashed fingers and grumpy ‘tudes when you ask your guy to hang a picture for you.

Gingham Bow Tie – $9.90 @ Forever 21
Bow ties are back in a big way for men’s formal wear, but if he’s not totally committed to the trend, give it a whirl without the financial repercussions with this classic gingham style.

Zombie Dice – $9.95 @ German Board Game
Guys and zombies go together well, like brains and zombies. This easy-to-learn dice game turns the tables however, and posits you as the zombie, and the dice as your victims. Can you avoid a shotgun blast and eat your way to the top?

Principe Sandalwood Soap – $6 @ Milk Handmade (via Shopcaster)
There are few scents more man-appropriate than sensual sandalwood. This rugged handmade soap will have your guy smelling (and feeling) like a million bucks in no time.

Desktop Ping Pong Game – $10 @ Urban OutfittersBeing a dad can be all work and no play, so have a little fun with dad with this uber-affordable desktop ping pong set. Perfect for impromptu matches when you pop by his office for lunch.

Speaking of Father’s Day, did you see yesterday’s dad-friendly gift ideas from Tom’s of Maine? Earn a bonus entry into that draw by leaving a comment below with your favourite frugal Father’s Day find!