Canadian Gift Guide

One thing that’s both a challenge but a benefit (I suppose) about writing this blog is the fact I don’t get to kick up my heels that often and say, yeah, there, that thing, buy that for a gift. What I mean by that is, unlike a magazine or a newspaper that does a holiday or seasonal gift guide and that’s it, it’s not really ‘fair’ or ‘innovative’ of me to pick hot tech gifts like the newest video game system or Apple gadget and actually be presenting you with some truly exciting or new ideas.

What I can do however, is throw some ideas for accessories your way. My rationale? You know what people want. If you’re buying it, or if say, your parents are gifting your newly graduated sibling with a pricy tech toy, why not get in on things with a ‘completer piece’ that makes their one-of-a-million toy suddenly feel a little more personally. One such idea are the gorgeous eco-friendly iPhone and iPad cases from the Oregon-based creative team at Grove.

You might be asking yourself – what makes these guys so special? And how many people does it take to run a company that offers just two core products? Well kids, when you keep laser like precision on what you’re good at, you also learn that the beauty is in the details, all of which are 100% managed internally by the Grove team. I’m not even kidding when I say every element of the Grove product (and supply chain) is managed internally – these guys come up with designs from scratch, do all the millwork and assembly, promote and sell their products online to the likes of you and me, and ship them all over the world. And in an increasingly globalized, scattershot world? That’s kind of really special.

Now let’s get to the (even more) good stuff – the products. Grove’s specialty, as I noted, is iPad and iPhone cases, which you can select from in three different varieties, and an array of options from there. Your first choice are made from bamboo which is hand-sanded, filed, and oiled as if it were a piece of (practically) forever furniture. There are dozens of different design options that range in style from tattoo-inspired to illustrative to graphic prints. Or if you’re feeling creative, you can actually order custom artwork to really make your favourite new device really sparkle – all at prices starting at $69.

Your other options are the new vibrant SkateBack for iPhone, which is actually made from recycled skateboards and makes a great pick for your gettin-grown-up little brother, at $49. And for iPad, you’ve also got the option of the hand sewn and snuggly Wool Felt Sleeve ($99). Made from bamboo veneer and German wool felt, it’s available in two neutral colours that make it a sleek and sensible pick for your just-got-an-iPad dad.

Anyway all of that to say…I’ve got some exciting news for all you iPhone users out there. Once upon a time, Grove released some limited-edition leatherback versions of their bamboo cases, and I’ve got one to give away to a lucky reader. If you’re feeling keen, here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment below by July 14th with a link to the iPhone case you’d most love for yourself (or a person you’d gift it to)!

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 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: Share this post in any which way you feel like. Pin / tweet/ post to Facebook / blog, etc. Just provide me with some sort of proof and you’ll earn a bonus entry for every share you send out to the world.