Signs Of Spring

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on March 21, 2012 · 155 Comments

Spring is in the air – at least according to the calendar. Despite the grim, grey weather and yet-to-bloom plants, Spring does bring about one welcome change: shops are suddenly brimming with pops of pastels and elegant lace and basically ushering in the pretty. So even if the outdoors doesn’t quite match the sprightly shades of mint and peach and lavender you’re seeing in-stores, it certainly doesn’t hurt to indulge with a little Spring-y gift-giving.

Dior Garden Clutch -$75
This pretty beauty palette is a divine choice for your mom’s (or very lucky sister’s) birthday. Tucked away in a dainty woven clutch that’s the perfect size for tossing in your purse are three made-for-contouring shades embossed with a delicate rose print, and two sweet lip shades to help enhance and colour in your lips. Tis a splurge, but in the world of cosmetics, I firmly believe you get what you pay for – and this clutch is equal parts style and substance.

Botanical Collection Candles & Diffusers – $5 – $28 @ Paddywax
Vintage-inspired botanical prints adorn the packaging for these fragrant products that combine garden variety herbs with unexpected twists. Pick up an invigorating Rosemary & Eucalyptus Diffuser for your boss’ new office, or opt for a cute and affordable mini-candle as a hostess gift in Asian-inspired scents like Orange Blossom and Jasmine & Bamboo. When the packaging is as pretty as the product, you know you’ve got a gorgeous gift idea locked up.

Rose Embossed Journals – $22 each @ Indigo
If the colour palette alone of these pretty journals hasn’t convinced you that spring is on the way, consider the other elegant details – like the rose-embossed print on the sleek leather cover, or the floral-inspired button closure to keep your precious thoughts secured away. I love journals because they’re such a ‘safe’ gift, but not for a lack of style or care. Pretty much every woman would love to tuck this book into her nightstand or briefcase, and it’s hard not to feel that little squee of excitement (and hopefully, inspiration), every time you pull it out to jot down some ideas or dreams.

Gifts That Bloom Aromatherapy Lavender Garden Bag – $11 @ The Worldwide Nature Company
Lovely lavender is awesome for a number of reasons. For one, even the most inattentive garden can generally get away with planting this bag and enjoying a bloom of pretty purple plants. For another, the possibilities for your new plant are pretty endless: from aromatherapy sachets to all-natural bath fragrances to herbed butters, there are plenty of ways to use this versatile perennial. Buy a bag for your mother-in-law’s birthday, or gift one as a thank-you to your kid’s favourite teacher.

L’Eau de Chloé – $82+
If the lovely celadon shade of the latest Chloé fragrance hasn’t hooked you on its representation of spring, a single sniff of the perfume certainly will. Picture strolling through a garden in bloom as the gentle layers of rosewater, lemonade-reminiscent citrus, and earthy patchouli blend together for a truly fresh, womanly scent. The elegant fragrance – and its now-familiar glass bottle – has a wide appeal, from young fashionistas to sophisticated ladies so consider picking it up as an anniversary, birthday, or a Mother’s Day gift. You can find it at select Holt Renfrew, The Bay, Murale, Shopper’s Drug Mart, PharmaPrix, Sephora, Mills, and Oglivy stores across the country.

Now, if you’re buzzing for spring, you’re in luck. I’ve got one bottle of L’Eau de Chloé to give away, and all you’ve got to do to enter is:

1) Leave a comment on this post by April 15th at midnight, with your pick for your favourite Spring 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 April 15th 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: Help spread some buzz for spring! For every Tweet, Facebook Post, or Pin related to this post, you’ll earn a bonus entry. Just leave me a link in the comments below so I can check out your handiwork.

Love prizes? Check out what else you can win through the Canadian Gift Guide by visiting the Winner’s Circle.