Canadian Gift Guide

Summertime tends to be when carnivals and theme parks make their triumphant appearance in our winterstruck nation – whether it rolls through your town or neighbourhood for a mere weekend or marks the opening of an all-out, summer long affair, it’s hard not to get a little bit nostalgic when the sky’s lit up by hundreds of brilliant, blinking lights. Today’s picks are all on a general fun fair theme…hopefully at least one of them is scream worthy when you gift it!

Cotton Candy Cologne Spray – $6+ @ Demeter
I really don’t want to get lazy and feature Demeter Fragrance Library in every theme post…but they really do make it incredibly easy for me to do so, with their massive collection of so-real-you-can-taste-it scents, including the very apropos Cotton Candy that made today’s list. Although you may only treat yourself to this spun sugary snack during theme park season, rejoice – now you can enjoy it year-round with this purse-friendly spritzer. Works as a stocking stuffer or birthday gift for the girly girls on your list.

Coney Island Photography Prints – $31+ @ Minagraphy
Richly saturated pastels and big blue skys are on full display in these retro-inspired photographs of the infamous Coney Island theme park. By capturing that perfect moment, you can almost forget the tummy aches and parking lot headaches with these gorgeous prints – available in a range of sizes and styles to suit your decor. Fair warning, Canadian shipping is a little pricy, but combine multiple items and you’ll be fine. These would look stunning in a little girl’s bedroom, or make a splash in a hiply styled hallway.

Here In My Carnival Dress – $269.99 @ ModCloth
Designer Eva Franco is the mastermind behind these artfully draped dress that channels a vintage circus tent with its colourful stripe pattern and pick-up hem, but still offers plenty of style and flair. Not ready for the full circus look, or missing your size in the dress? Go for the super cute and sleek skirt option for $100 less. Trust me when I say, this is a piece that your daughter or sister will absolutely love, and perhaps even pass onto her own kin one day.

Marquee Alphabet Lights – $199 each @ Vintage Marquee Lights
I’m in love with these lights guys. Available in every letter of the alphabet, you can spell a word, initials, or just grab your favourite letter (or symbol!) to light up your hallway, bedroom, or rec room. These particular lights are handcrafted with a rusty old metal look + include the bulbs to give you a truly vintage, carnival-inspired feel. I love the idea of light-up art instead of just another painting – it’s got a practical and a pretty purpose all in one. Another fun idea? Buy a couple of the lights to represent a newlyweds initials and have them set up at the wedding for a fun photo backdrop. The couple gets to keep the lights after + hang up a ton of gorgeous, backlit pictures.

Rollercoaster Letterpress Notebook – $12 @ Felt & Wire Shop
These beautiful, perfect bound (you should know, I have an obsession with this type of binding) letterpress notebooks are filled with pages of soft white paper designed to let your imagination take flight. Whether you’re doodling or drawing, writing or jotting, this is a subtle way to bring the carnival theme to life for your favourite niece or nephew that’s just about to start their first year of University.