Canadian Gift Guide

It’s the Oscars this weekend! I myself am a big fan of the Academy Awards. My family and I always make a point to see as many of the major contenders as possible (the only ‘Best Picture’ nom I skipped this year was ‘War Horse’ – I can’t do sad animal movies), and believe it or not, I was actually lucky enough to have a seat on the Oscar red carpet two years ago.

For your personal enjoyment, some of my snaps from the big day – oh yes, Clooney was about a hands-width away from me when I took that photo. But also, proof that I am indeed a fan of Hollywood’s biggest and also silliest, most overwrought night. Anyway I thought it was time I give you guys a few Oscar party ideas. If you’ve been invited to a friend or family member’s place this weekend, consider snapping up one of the following before the show and bringing it as a fun hostess gift.

‘Best Picture’ Books – $10+
Literature is one of the richest resources for Hollywood these days. In fact if you look at this year’s nods for ‘Best Picture’, six out of nine nominated films are actually based on books, plus a scattering of other awards contenders like Rooney Mara’s breakout role in Steig Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo or Gary Oldman’s turn as Detective Smiley from the classic 70’s spy thriller, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. If the host of your fete is a fan of the written word as much as the spoken, consider picking up one of these literary treats to get the whole story behind Hollywood’s latest and greatest adaptations. Check out your local bookstore, or an online retailer like Amazon or Indigo.

Popcorn Shaker – $5.88 @ Pier 1
It’s not an awards show – or a movie night – without popcorn, so why not bring this cute shaker to liven up your kernels? Better yet, fill it up before you attend with one of these ten popcorn seasoning recipes.

SVALKA Champagne Glasses – $6.99 for six @ IKEA
Raise a toast like only the stars can with a set of cheapie champagne glasses. Splurge on a nice bottle of wine or bubbly to go with, and give a nice leave-behind for your host.

You’re A Star Gift Set – $74.95 @ Lush
Before you balk at the price of this for a hostess gift, consider it as a party gift instead. Ask everyone to chip in $5-$10 (depending on your number of attendees) toward the purchase of this pretty pack of gold & starlet-inspired treats for your body. Whoever wins your Oscar pool not only earns bragging rights, but a fancy gift to take home at the end of the night.

Nostalgia Electrics Mini Hot Air Popcorn Maker – $19.99 @ Bed, Bath & Beyond
Bring in the old-fashioned fun with this mini hot air popper, designed to give you light and fluffy kernels in a matter of minutes – and look awfully cute when it’s not whipping up an award-winning snack.