All Set
Well Christmas is just ten days away, and I’m hoping you’re not feeling holiday fatigue like I’m feeling a touch o’ blogger fatigue. My holiday hiatus kicks off in a couple of days, but I’m not going to leave you high and dry. My final days of pre-holiday posts will be geared towards ready-made gifts, including today’s post, on the top 5 coolest gift sets I’ve come across this holiday season.
MAC Dazzlespheres – Lip Gloss & Eye Pigments $38.50/each, Nail Lacquer $30/each
Perfect for: Your sister, girlfriend, or best friend.
What’s the big idea?: These are at the top of my sister’s wish list, and chances are any lady in your life would be keen to score one of M.A.C’s gorgeous, glimmering make-up minis, tucked away in a futuristic bauble that every girl would love to see trimming her tree come Christmas morning (PS – that’s an awesome way to surprise someone with this gift). Best of all, there’s some flexibility to be had here – manicure mavens will love the four-pack of mini nail lacquers in both dark and dreamy shades. Perfectly pouty princesses will fall for one of three lip gloss kits, featuring M.A.C’s signature dazzleglass and cremesheen finishes. And if you’re shopping for a beauty bombshell, opt for one of the mini eye kits with four stackable crushed metallic pots in three vibrant colour stories. Divine!
Available at: The Bay, M.A.C. Boutiques, and Online.
Portland General Store Cigar Box Gift Set – $50
Perfect for: Your dad, brother, or boyfriend.
What’s the big idea?: Surprised not see any cigars? That’s because these repurposed vintage boxes are stuffed with a mixture of Portland General Store’s renowned old-school bath products for men. Using time-tested methods and simple ingredients, the PGS line of soaps, shampoos, and shaving accoutrements has an old-world charm that’ll win over dads and boyfriends alike, especially when packed in a vintage cigar box. Not only is every box different, the sample products included inside vary as well. And when he’s picked out a favourite item or two, stock up on the full-sized products for birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day next year.
Available at: Chapters, Portland General Store, Rituels.ca (products only)
Babybot Gift Sets – $45 – $176
Perfect for: Proud new parents (or parents-to-be!)
What’s the big idea?: Truthfully I was hard-pressed to pick just one gift set from the ever-changing selectionat my favourite Canadian tot-friendly eStore (with free nationwide shipping to boot), Babybot. Of note, however, is the set I pictured above – the ‘You’re A Strange Animal‘ set – which comes pre-wrapped in a funky gift box. Stuffed to the brim with a quirky plush from Monster Factory, an Envirosax reusable bag, and an aluminum water bottle, this is a fun gift with a practical purpose for the always-on-the-move family.
Available at: Babybot.com
CLEAN Noel Gift Set – $70
Perfect for: Your Mom / Mother-in-Law, Sister, Girlfriend
What’s the big idea?: I’ve certainly written about fragrances a few times this holiday season, but I just HAD to highlight CLEAN’s 2011 holiday collection because it’s just so gosh darn different. The original idea behind the brand was spurred on when creator Randi Shinder decided she wanted the most pure, natural scent possible: that just-stepped-out-of-the-shower scent that lingers for all too short a time. That initial concept has since spurred on the creation of dozens of fresh fragrances like ‘Warm Cotton’ and ‘Fresh Laundry’ that channel those intimate, authentic smells all day long. This sweet little gift set features the original Shower Fresh fragrance, alongside three other pint-sized bottles that are both perfect for travel, or to introduce someone to this modern, unique line.
Available at: Sephora, Oglivy Montreal
BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Set – $28
Perfect for: Hostesses, houseguests, families, and family friends
What’s the big idea?: Have you ever had a BeaverTail pastry? You know, those delicious whole-wheat pastries served warm and topped with ooey-gooey, sugar-sweet toppings? If so then you’ll know the heavenly creations this Canadian company can concoct – including this amazingly charming and mouthwatering pancake gift set. Tucked into this Canadiana-inspired tube is a bag of organic pancake mix (that makes truly perfect pancakes), pure Quebec maple syrup, and sweet strawberry spread for a fruity twist on everyone’s favourite brunch dish. What I particularly love about this gift – aside from the great price point – is the versatility. Staying with family for the holidays? Give them this for a no-brainer Boxing Day breakfast option. Attending a holiday party this weekend? Make the next morning’s meal simple and sweet. Want to send seasons greetings to your kid’s best friend’s family? Bring them together around the kitchen table for a family-style meal.
Available at: BeaverTails locations, Chapters, gift & gourmet stores across the nation
Well, you’ve made it this far with me on this wildly exciting holiday gift-giving adventure. And while I’m not nearly done yet, I thought it was time to give you weary readers a special treat. Namely, I’ve got TWO BeaverTails Pancake Mix Gift Sets to give away, to TWO lucky readers. All you gotta do is:
1) Leave a comment below by December 29th and tell me which BeaverTail is your favourite – and if you’ve never had the luxury of having one, which one sounds the yummiest (hint: check the website’s ‘Play With Us’ section). Be sure to use a valid email address so I can contact you if you win!
2) Entries are limited to one per person per email address (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 30th to select the winner, 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 Time: Easy peasy kids. Just like BeaverTails on Facebook. Tell me if you did so, and I’ll verify that’s the case so you can score an extra bonus entry.
Canadian Gift Guide 
The Avalanche sounds the yummiest!
ksceviour at hotmail dot com
I like BeaverTails on Facebook. (Karla Sceviour)
Mmmm, I love Killahoe Beaver Tails!!!
They all look good!! Coco Vanil I think would be my choice for a first time!! 🙂 And I liked them on FB!!
Liked Beavertails on FB
Chocolate Hazelnut sounds DEVINE!!!!
I’ve never tried them but cinnamon and sugar sounds delicious!
Ooooooooooooooooh Beaver Bites sound sooooo good! I want some right now, lol! I liked them on Facebook as Andrea Bilec as well. Thanks for all your wonderful giveaways! I adore your site!
Yum!! Maple Butter for sure, and the traditional Cinnamon and Sugar too. Liked them on FB!
Maple Butter Beaver Tails sound yummy!!!
Cheers.
Maple Butter wins out with me! I love anything maple!
ty
Like Beaver Tails on fb
Anne Taylor
nancyrobster at gmail dot com
To me nothing can beat the taste of an Apple Cinnamon beaver tale.
I like Beaver Tails on Facebook.
Oh I am ALL OVER this!! You’re making me choose my favourite Beaver Tail?! That’s impossible!! Oh gosh they look so good….it is not a smart idea for me to look at these delicious looking pictures right before lunch 😦
But if I HAD to choose ONE……I will go for the simple Chocolate Hazelnut MMMM.. *stomach grumbles* WHYYY I want one now :(…
I also liked Beaver Tails on Facebook 😉
Maple butter sounds amazing!!
And i ‘liked’ it on fb!
Plain old cinnamon and sugar is my favourite!! I also liked them on FB. What a neat gift!!
The avalanche sounds the best!
dalleykt at live dot ca
I like beavertails on facebook.
Tammy V D
The avalance sounds divine!
Linda B.
maple butter!
You can’t go wrong with the classic cinnamon and sugar.
beaver tails
Liked BeaverTails on Facebook (Carley Laakso).
I think I’d like the Cinnamon & Sugar.
I liked Beaver Tails on facebook, and ‘liked’ the post abot this giveaway
Cinnamon and sugar are my favourites
Liked beaver tales on facebook
Killahoe Beaver Tails
Haven’t had the opportunity to try them but the Maple Butter BeaverTails would be at the top of my list. Bet they’d be yummy!
I haven’t had the luxury of having one, but the Cinnamon and Sugar sounds the yummiest.
I ‘Liked’ on Facebook as Margaret imecs
margaret.imecs@gmail.com
apple cinnamon sounds great
The classic cinnamon and sugar is the best! Though I must say banana chocolate looks pretty darn tasty too.
I also liked BeaverTails on FB.
I love chocolate hazelnut Beaver Tails
I’ve never had a Beaver Tail so would be happy to try any flavour. Perhaps cinnamon and sugar to start?
I’ve never had one – though the Avalanche sounds scrumptious.
The Avalanche sounds so good!
I would check Portland General Store’s feedback before buying anything from there!! They have very poor [negative ]feedback on etsy [their online store] they are famous for non-delivery and VERY late shipping/ Just a friendly FYI to you guys thinking of buying from there.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/portlandgeneralstore
They have over 1700 feedback and of it is negative.
Feedback Positive: 1706 Neutral: 156 Negative: 137
That FB is VERY poor/ratio.
Yikes thanks for the heads up Christa! I didn’t realize they were struggling with customer service. The good news is – provided their products *are* great – you can still get a gift set (with guaranteed delivery) from Chapters.
The nearest Beaver Tail is 1 hr north of my town and only opened during the summer months 😦
chocolate hazel nut is the fav in our house!
I have never tried Beaver Tail but I would like to try the Maple Butter
Maple Butter for me….yummy!
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
Beaver Bites sound yummy!!!!!! Now I am hungry.
I like BeaverTails Canada Inc on facebook – Belinda M
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like BeaverTails Canada Inc on Facebook! (Rebecca Roberts)
chocolate hazelnut, yummy!
I love the plain Cinnamon and Sugar one. Yum~!
I like the classic beaver tail!
I like BeaverTails on Facebook. Lisa Bolduc
Never tried this brand, will have to go get me some….they all sound great!
I Like BeverTrails on Facebook!
MMM Chocolate Hazelnut sounds delicious…. Nutella-ish! yummy!
As a chocoholic it has to be the chocolate hazelnut.
Tried and true, cinnamon and sugar is my favourite!
Cinnamon and sugar are my favourites
Maple Butter sounds wonderful…but I’ll be happy to try any. I love pancakes and syrup.
The chocolate hazelnut sounds amazing! Yum!
I have never tried it, but deciding would be very hard! Cinnamon sugar maybe?
I love the cinnamon and sugar so delicious!
I like beaver tails Canada on facebook
Banana Chocolate for me please!!!
I’ve only had a BeaverTail once before and it was the Cinnamon and Sugar one. It was so good that I’d definately get that kind again if I ever had the chance. Why mess with such a good thing?
Cinnamon and sugar, the basics are always the best
I have never tried BeaverTails before but the hot chocolate looks yummy!!! I also liked BeaverTails on FB.
I have never had these – but banana chocolate – 2 of my favorite foods
Chocolate banana should be delicious!
I like BeaverTails on Facebook (Carole Bellini)
The pancake mix gift set sounds great!
The Avalanche mmmm. Liked Beaver Tails on facebook!
I would love to try the Cinnamon and Sugar BeaverTail.
I like BeaverTails on Facebook. (Amy M)
I like BeaverTails on Facebook
Maple butter beaver tails sounds like it would be yummy 🙂
chocolate hazelnut…mmm
I have never tried, but am a big fan of cinnamon and sugar so that would be my choice.
Also liked BeaverTails on Facebook
Oh man. Beaver Tales make me miss Ottawa so much, my favourite was always the cinnamon and sugar one…. so good!
great products
The best beavertail I ever had was on Mont Tremblant. It was a freshly cooked beavertail on a cold day. It would be fun to try making them at home
I also like BeaverTails on Facebook
The avalanche sounds yummy
chocolate hazelnut Beaver Tails sound amazing to me!!!
Chocolate Hazelnut
I’ve never tried Beavertails before but I think I’d like the Avalanche one.
Cinnamon and sugar!
I’ll be home for Christmas… hopefully to enjoy some BeaverTails pancakes.
my favorite is the beaver bites
I liked Beaver Tails on fb nikki robak
MMmmm..the pancake mix for sure is my favorite!
I agree, I would love to have the pancake mix, its a great gift idea.
The killaloe sunrise sounds yummy
Avalanche sounds good!
I like Beaver Tails on FB AthenaD
I love cinnamon and sugar Beaver Tails when I go to Ottawa 🙂
So it would be wonderful if I win so I can make mine @ home until I have the chance to travel to Ottawa again.
they both sound great truly canadian
good old cinnamon & sugar!
I’d love to try Chocolate Hazelnut
I like the Maple Butter, but they’re all good!
Liked beaver tails on FB…now I want to go have one!
Apple Cinnamon
Love the classic cinnamon and sugar beaver tis. Perfect treat in the winter!
would like to try the maple butter beaver tail…
Good ol’ cinnamon and sugar is my favourite!
The Maple Butter sounds the yummiest to me!
I like Beaver Tails on facebook. Shari Dalton
Maple butter beaver tails for sure!
My favorite is the classic cinnamon and suger
I liked them on Facebook as Karry Knisley
chocolate hazelnut Beaver Tails
Chocolate Hazelnut sounds delicious
liked BeaverTails on Facebook
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
The cinnamon and sugar one sounds delicious!
I also follow on Facebook (Tanis S)!
i’ve never tried beavertails – but i’m pretty sure i’d love the maple syrup
i like beavertails on Facebook (stacey h)
I’ve never tried Beavertails but the Beaverbites look heavenly. YUM
I have never had one but they look soooooo good!! The Avalanche one looks the yummiest!
I like Beaver Tails on facebook (same name)
Maple Butter Looks awesome! Would love to try it.
I like BeaverTails on Facebook. My FB name is SueSueper
maple butter, maple butter, maple butter!! what could be more Canadian??
p.s. – I like beavertails on FB
Love beaver tale pancakes – apple cinnamon. liked on fb
Maple Butter……..delicious!
MY FAVORITE IS GARLIC CHEESE YUM