Year of the Snake
Well the Chinese New Year is JUST around the corner, and while you can certainly opt to purchase a gift to bring to whatever kind of fete you might be attending, I just like the idea of picking out Zodiac-themed gifts to use year-round for people celebrating special occasions – whether the arrival of a new child or a marriage, it’s cool to commemorate what Chinese Zodiac that event happened. And of course, if a special someone is a ‘Snake’, you can play on it with a birthday gift of that theme this year. With that in mind, I’ve curated a small collection of snake-themed gifts for your perussssssssal…
M.A.C. Year of the Snake Collection – $19 to $29
You’ll see plenty of beauty collections dedicated to this year’s Chinese Zodiac symbol, but perhaps none so thorough as the line-up from M.A.C. The shimmery & smoothing collection is inspired by the iridescent shine of snake scales, and is brought to life through a palette of rich plums and pinks. Not only are the colours inspired by snakes, the entire collection comes with special Year of the Snake packaging, with many of the powders embossed with a snake motif. A ssssseriously (I promise I’ll stop that now) awesome choice for the M.A.C. maven in your life.
Sterling Silver Snake Rings – $106 each @ Michelle Chang Jewelry
Coiled rings have long been a staple in jewelry design, and there’s no doubt they were inspired by snakes. These rings take that reference literally by adding in bejewelled eyes and a slightly tapered tail. Want one with a little more bite? There’s a stand-up version as well. If you’re gifting this as a special token for someone born in the Year of the Snake (particularly if say, they’re celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary), you can ramp up the luxe factor with a variation in gold.
Birth Year Box – $48 @ Tree by Kerri Lee
Like I’ve alluded to, one of the best ways to give a ‘Year of the Snake’ gift is for folks giving birth to little baby snakes this year. Contrary to popular belief, you can make snakes cute, at least Tree by Kerri Lee has managed to with this super cute illustrated baby box, perfect for storing your baby book and all those accoutrements – that lock of hair from baby’s first haircut, those first shoes, that swaddling blanket…plus maybe a Chinese Zodiac token or two. Super cute way to celebrate this ancient way of predicting a prosperous future.
Michael Kors Snake-Embossed Zip Wallet – $89.95
Celebrate the new year in a subtle way with this uber-glam snake-embossed wallet from Michael Kors. Aside from the sleek, python-like outside, take note of the smartly organized inside, that has a dedicated pocket for iPhone users. The wristlet attachments means you can keep your precious possessions close-at-hand for those special evenings out. A seriously luxe way to bring on the Year of the Snake!
Your Chinese Horoscope 2013 by Neil Somerville – $17.99 (list)
Even if you aren’t born in the Year of the Snake, there’s still plenty of insight in store for you according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar. This nifty guide (in its 26th edition) provides insight into all twelve signs of the zodiac, plus the five elements, and provides personalized predictions for your 2013. If your friend is into the mystical world of horoscopes and fortune telling, pass along a copy of the book as a good luck birthday gift or thank-you present.
Snake Vertebrae Bracelets – $98 @ Astali
So…these might not be for everyone, although they are, in theory for anyone – these unisex bracelets are made from real African snake vertebrae, strung on leather with a simple lobster clasp. What might look like a wooden bracelet will basically prove to be an instant conversation starter once you reveal its origin. A seriously exotic and daring look for the wild child of your group – consider picking up the set of three for a slight discount.
Estee Lauder Year of the Snake with Lucidity Powder – $80 @ The Bay
Sometimes it’s worth splurging on a beauty product not just because it’s going to make you look amazing, but it’s pretty in and of itself. Such is the case with this enamel-and-gold snakeskin print case, with Estee Lauder’s famed luminous pressed powder. I actually wrote about the brand’s ongoing collection of collectible cases once before, and what I said then rings true now: you aren’t just paying for the powder when you spend this much. The powder is actually refillable. The whole idea is to pick a case that matches your personality and love it for a lifetime (or, you know, till something cuter comes along).
1/4 oz Fine Silver Coin – $31.95 @ The Royal Canadian Mint
This limited-edition coin celebrating this year’s Chinese zodiac is nearly sold out, so maybe it’s not entirely fair of me to feature it, but it’s just so gosh darn cool. Then again, even if you can’t score this nifty snake engraved on a branch, the Mint has produced an array of collectible coins as part of their ongoing zodiac series – from baby gift appropriate styles in the $35-$45 range, to the serious coin collector booty climbing up into the thousands. No matter what, you’ll know our very own Mint is behind these breathtaking designs.
MIA Botticelli Snake Sandal – $60 @ Urban Outfitters
If this is the next evolution of the still-popular gladiator sandal, colour me impressed. The ‘Botticelli’ sandal from MIA is a caged, lace-up affair, with nifty details like a small wedge heel and peep toe for a look that’s part-fashion star, part-vacation-ready beach babe. Pair it with your favourite summer dresses to ramp up the style factor, or gift it to your sister that was born during one of the past Snake years as a nod to her birth year.
Rodial Glamoxy Snake Collection – $83 – $160
After last month’s smashing response to the Rodial line, I knew I had to save a follow-up for Year of the Snake, namely with their line of Glamoxy products. The entire line is infused with dipeptides, which create a similar effect to that of the Temple Viper’s venom. In other words, the one-two-three punch of the mask, serum, and pen give you the same plumping and firming effects as more invasive treatments like Botox. If your Chinese New Year’s resolution is to reduce fine lines and brighten up your skin, look no further than this exotic line of products.
There you have it, ten super Snake-inspired ideas for the Zodiac lovers on your list. And a special giveaway for a lucky reader: I’ve got a Glamoxy Snake Serum Pen to help you banish those worry lines and enjoy a peaceful and prosperous 2013. Here’s how to enter:
1) Leave a comment by February 22nd with what snake-inspired gift idea caught your eye.
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 February 23rd to select the winners, 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: Pin all ten items featured in this post to Pinterest, and leave a link back to ’em in the comments below! You’ll earn up to 10 bonus entries (1 per item you Pin).
Canadian Gift Guide 
The ‘Botticelli’ sandal looks really cute and comfy.
Really like the snake-embossed wallet from Michael Kors.
I like the M.A.C. product line. Their cosmetics are my always my first choice.
Not a snake fan but th snake rings look interesting.
I love love love that Michael Kors wallet
Love the m.a.c. Collection and the birth year box
love the snake rings!
The ‘Botticelli’ sandal looks really cute
Rodial Glamoxy Snake Collection caught my eye…but of course I am also a coin collector so would love that coin too!
I always like collecting coins so I like the 1/4 oz Fine Silver Coin from The Royal Canadian Mint
Love the silver snake rings!
A big snake fan!!!Rodial Skin serum is what i would like for my skin..
The MAC makeup collection looks very interesting.
The Chinese Horoscope book caught my eye as well as the snake rings.
The face mask and serum look awesome….
The snake rings are my favourite product
Love the Sterling Siver Snake Ring, thanks
The Sterling Sliver Snake Rings look awesome.
I like the sterling silver snake rings.
I love Estee Lauder Year of the Snake with Lucidity Powder
Love the snake rungs
I like the Michael Kors wallet.
The item I like is –> Michael Kors Snake-Embossed Zip Wallet
but to catch my eye due to the phot is Rodial Glamoxy Snake Collection
I like the MIA snake sandals.
snake ring is interesting
I like the sterling silver snake rings !
I really like the M.A.C. Year of the Snake Collection
The Birth Year Box is such a great idea!
think i will put the snake ring in my nose…how about that?
i really like the snake rings
I like the M.A.C collection the best!! 🙂
I love the Sterling Silver Snake Rings – $106 each @ Michelle Chang Jewelry
The snake vertibrea ones caught my eye
very nice and originaly Sterling Silver Snake Rings
I love the little snake rings, super cute… and one can never go wrong with MAC!
i would like to have the snake-imbossed zippered wallet
I liked the sandals, very cool looking!
I pin to the site wear toms, not all had links to pin when I checked sites.
My favourite is the Michael Kors Snakeskin Embossed Wallet.
Snake Vertebrae Bracelets is neat looking
Snakeskin wallet
The M.A.C. Year of the Snake Collection was for me. I love makeup and this would be part of my regular everyday wear.
I love the Michael Kors wallet. (:
Love love love the Michael Kors wallet! Just showed it to my sis, she’s asking my mom to get her one for her bday!! Oh gosh, my moms giving me the evil eye!! Hahaha
I think the birth year box is wonderful and a great gift. The snakeskin and snake vertebrae products though… not sure I can support that without knowing the conditions under which the animal parts were collected…
Looooove that Michael Kors wallet!
I like the Snake Rings!
I love the MAC Year of the Snake line (obviously) but the Michael Kors wallet is stunning !!!
Michael Kors Snake-Embossed Zip Wallet. Very tendy.
Love the snake rings!!
I’d like the Rodial Glamoxy Snake Collection.
Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/skyalive/year-of-the-snake/
‘Botticelli’ sandal
The item that most caught my eye was the Estee Lauder Year of the Snake with Lucidity Powder.
What caught my eye? The silver coin from the Royal Canadian Mint.
Cheers.
my favorite is the M.A.C. Year for the snake collection! I want it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m drooling over the Michael Kors Snake-Embossed Zip Wallet! ❤
i like the birth year box
I don’t normally collect coins but the limited edition Snake-themed Silver coin from the Royal Canadian Mint definitely catches my eye.
I love the Sterling Silver Snake Rings!
I’d go for the wallet
Absolutely love the shoes! Beyond funky and actually look comfortable too (what a bonus!)
I like the Michael Kors wallet
Like the Sterling Silver Snake Ring
Nothing beats something from a MAC collection for a gift idea!
Definately LOVE the MAC collection!
The silver coin will be my luck symbol for 2013 and i love the snake ring as well.
I love the Rodial Glamoxy Snake Collection! This product line from the UK is awesome! Tried some of the products in the Glamtox Collection and they are just amazing. Please, please, give me my SNAKE beauty collection!!!…..;)
i liked the sterling silver snake rings!!!cool !!!
i like the estee lauder compact
Love the Michael Kors Snake-Embossed Zip Wallet
Love the snake vertibrae bracelets! I’m a bit of a weirdo!
Loving the Michael Kors Snake-Embossed Zip Wallet!
I like the Rodial Glamoxy Snake Collection
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the snake-embossed wallet from Michael Kors is awesome! Love it.