No Place Like Home For The Holidays
I’ve been moving around a lot the last few years, which has actually given Christmas (and other major holidays) an interesting new spin. Namely, it’s one of the few times of year I actually get to gather around with my family. I’m lucky that my parents have outfitted their home to have a very nice guest suite that my husband & I are pretty much the exclusive users of – but I recognize that in some households (including my own childhood Christmases), you can have guests packed in like sardines, taking over every possible sleeping surface. If you are a houseguest this holiday season – whether staying with a family member for Christmas, crashing at a pal’s place after the company holiday party, or spending a weekend at a mountainside cabin for some skiing and fondue – be a GOOD guest and bring a NICE gift. Seems obvious right? Only today’s gift ideas are all about killing two birds with one stone – saying thanks to your lovely host AND increasing the comfort of your stay while you’re there.
Three rules of thumb to follow:
1: The longer your stay, the nicer the gift. An overnight warrants a hostess-style gift, a week or more warrants something substantial.
2: Restock your host’s home as you would a hotel. Think about what amenities you’re taking advantage and replenish accordingly.
3: If you’re not a houseguest yourself but are buying for someone that has an extended family, these also make wonderful Christmas (or other occasion) gifts. Fin!
Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets – $101 each @ Au Lit Fine Linens
The bathroom is probably hit the hardest of all the rooms in a host’s home. While you can go out to eat to avoid munching away their food stores, you can’t really opt for an alternative to using up their water / dirtying their towels / scrubbing up with their products. These luxe sets include a cottony soft embroidered towel, plus hand soap, a candle, and hand and body cream to restock the shelves. Not only will you smell lovely, their bathroom will look extra posh. Snaps up for coming in a pre-wrapped gift basket too. See what I mean about this ‘mi casa et su casa’ gift-giving arrangement?
Faux Fur Throws – $130 each (on special) @ Pottery Barn
One big faux pas of a houseguest is to complain about the temperature of a home – unless of course the host explicitly asks you. In lieu of fiddling with the thermostat, gift your host with one of these ridiculously snuggly blankets instead. Inspired by the furs of winter wildlife – from grey wolfs to brown bears – you’ll stay toasty warm while curled up with a book between events, while your host will have improved aesthetics in their living room (or you know…guest bedroom).
AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses (from l to r): Queen Double High – $209.99 @ Target; Double High Smart Queen – $269.99 @ Canadian Tire; Sleigh Bed with Pillow Top & Footboard – $249.99 @ Target
So you’re in a packed house this holiday, are you? Get a good night’s sleep while Santa does his business by BYOB – Bringing Your Own Bed – and leaving it there for keeps. The once maligned inflatable mattress has come a might long way, as demonstrated by these three ultra-comfortable, ultra-compact, ultra-simple to set up beds by AeroBed. Each of the three models above actually stacks you two high like a normal boxspring and mattress would, giving you a sleep experience closer to what you’ve got at home. Beyond that, set-up is ridiculously easy thanks to the handheld AC pump, and the rubber is super resistant to those pesky punctures that once plagued yesteryear’s mattresses. Bonus points for the Double High Smart Queen which features 7 adjustable layers of ‘comfort’ as defined by how filled up (read: firm) the mattress is, and the Sleigh Bed that keeps your sheets in place like a normal bed would. Going places? You can even pack ’em and transport them with the included carrying case, making it an ace choice for the host that also bunks up at your summer cabin.
Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets – $19.99 to $24.99 each @ Hudson’s Bay
If your host loves a cup of joe (or tea) in the morning and you simply can’t function without one, make sure you bring a nice bag of brew to replenish their stocks. Beyond that, why not give them a fun set of mugs to gab over in the morning? These colour-changing espresso and cup sets come in three vibrant colours (technically red, blue and green at the Bay, no orange sadly) that cycle through an ombre rainbow of shades as you pour in a hot beverage and it slowly cools down. The prismatic effect is truly an entrancing way to start off your day and it’s the kind of special gift a diehard hot bevvie drinker will squeal over.
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia – $85 @ Holt Renfrew
My mom is not someone I would call a frivolous person. And yet she (and my minimalist aunt) are both diehard Jo Malone fans. Is it pricy? Yes. Is it worth it? According to them, totally. And this is sort of what I feel like a really great houseguest gift should be: the type of jaw-dropping luxury item that will definitely earn you an invite back the next time you’re in town. Few people are willing to spend $85 on themselves for something as simple as a diffuser, no matter how amazing and long-lasting the scent is. However, consider how lucky you are to have a roof over your head and hopefully a comfy bed underneath you, and be the awesome friend that treats your loved one to something truly indulgent. Did I mention it’ll make the whole unfamiliar-scented home smell amazing? Cause it will.
Wait, what’s that you say? You’ve already seen this puffy-looking AeroBed? Indeed you have, but it’s worth repeating because A: It’s an awesome gift idea and B: I’m giving one away. Queen-sized for ample room, double high to keep you from feeling the cold, hard ground, easy to set up so when your flight is inevitably delayed by three hours you don’t have to spend another 30 minutes fumbling around with it. And oh yeah, comfortable as all get out (I know. I’ve tried one.) Want to win it to keep your guests in comfort? Here’s how to enter:
1) Tell me in the comments below: Which of these Houseguest gift ideas would you most like to gift and which would one you most like to receive? Are you hosting any friends or family this year? Or crashing elsewhere? You’ve got till November 29th.
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 November 30th 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 for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entries: AeroBed is part of the Coleman family. If you want to join in on the fun, like Coleman Canada on Facebook and leave a comment and / or follow Coleman Canada on Twitter and tag them in a Tweet about this contest. Leave links back to your actions in the comments below or sadly, you won’t score these two bonus entries.
Canadian Gift Guide 
I would give the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia and would love to get the Aerobed. That is such a perfect bed for our house when it is full of people.
I’d give the Faux Fur Throw from Pottery Barn and I’d love to receive the Leonardo Colour Changing Mug Set – that’s cool! You find the neatest things!
I would give the milk washed cotton gift set and I would love the Aerobed for my house; expecting 30 people for sit down dinner on the big day and about 10 people will be sleeping over!
I like the Faux Fur Throws at Pottery Barn as a gift idea, a cozy gift đŸ˜€
I would like to gift the Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia and for one I would love to receive it would be the Faux Fur Throw–so luxurious and cozy. I will be hosting my family this year for Christmas.
I love the colour changing mugs, I’d give them and I’d love to receive them! we’ll be staying Christmas night at my parents.
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I`d most like to give the Milk/Washed Cotton gift set, and receive one of those cosy throws. I won’t be hosting this year (we usually all go to my Dad’s).
Its a tie: I would most like to give (and receive) the Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets AND those colour changing mugs! How cute are those? We are not hosting anyone this year (thankfully). It will just be my husband and I and our 5 sons. Last year I had my mother and brother here, and it didn’t turn out so great lol
andrea_hockeygirl at hotmail dot com
I’d gift the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia (I’d also love to receive it). Living far away from family and friends, the airbed would be perfect for visitors.
I’d like to receive the Faux Fur Throw and I would gift the same – a warm cuddly throw always comes in handy as the cold weather approaches.
The faux fur throw would be a great gift. The weather here is ridiculously cold, and all I want to do most days is curl up with a warm
blanket đŸ™‚
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Ohh,,I would love the Faux Fur Throw! I would love to give the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia set. I don`t think I am hosting anything this year,,but never can be sure! đŸ˜‰
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I would gift the Milk Wash Cotton Gift Set and I would love one of the Faux Fur Throws for myself, thanks
I’d most like to gift the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets and I’d most like to receive the Faux Fur Throws. My family is still trying to figure out what we’re doing for Christmas/New Year’s this year, but I think I’ll be hosting a bunch of them!! Should be fun!
I would most like to gift the Faux Fur Throws. I’d love to receive the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets. Thanks so much.
I would love to give Faux Fur Throws and I wold love to receive the Leonardo Colour – Changing Mug set
I would most like to gift the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia diffuser and I would most like to receive the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets. Yes, I would definitely be hosting this holiday season!
I would definately gift the English Pear & Freesia Diffuser. But…. could definately use the AeroBed!
I would love to gift the faux fur throw and would most like to receive the Aerobed. Not hosting – crashing!
I would gift the Faux Fur Throw and I would have the Aerobed for me.
Would like to get Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets and give the Aerobed
I would love to receive the faux fur throw and I would give the Leonardo colour changing mug sets
I’d love to give the Faux Fur Throw from Pottery Barn as a gift, and the Leonardo Colour Changing Mug Set would be really great to receive
The Aerobed would be great for visiting nieces & nephews!
I’d love to gift the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets and I’d love the Aerobed for myself. I’m not hosting or crashing elsewhere this season.
I would gift the Colour-Changing Mugs but would like to have the AeroBed for myself
I would give the milk washed cotton gift set and get myself one also? and I would love the Aerobed for my house this summer I wish I had one with all the company I had
The faux fur throw is such a lovely present idea, but its practical and luxurious at the same time! Needless to say, I would love to receive it as well as gift it to loved ones!
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The bed would be handy when guests come over
faux fur throws, so cute!
I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OR GIFT THE FAUX FUR THROWS
I;d like the mattress!
AeroBed Mattress – I only have one bed and end up sleeping on the couch when I have company. Would be wonderful to set up the spare room so my guests have their own space and I can get a good nights sleep!
AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses would be amazing! The perfect Christmas gift for my son.
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I would like to gift the Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets and I would like the AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses for those unexpected guests . We are not hosting any friends this year and as all our families are back in Britain and they will not be visiting
Meikleblog at gmail dot com
I would like the airobed
I would give the Leonardo changing-colour mug sets and would love to receive the aerobed inflatable mattresses as we always have lots of guests. This year we will be visiting and not hosting!
I would like to gift the colour changing mugs, but i would like to get the mattress. It would be so useful. I’ll probably have siblings over sometime during the holidays.
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I would like to give and receive the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia. I bet it smells awesome!
You have no idea how badly I would love that air bed…or rather my company would:) In terms of what I would love to receive, I’m a big fan of anything soft, so would go with the Faux Fur Throws from Pottery Barn. As for what I would love to give…the Milk/Washed Cotton Gift Set is a really great gift:) Thanks!
the Areo inflatable air mattress that would come in handy for when company comes to visit
Every year my family comes back into town for the holidays, I have 3 bedroom and they are always full. The last couple of years the kids bring their friends home as well from school so the couch and where ever has someone there. We love it ,that we have a full house That is what makes the season. I really like the Sleigh Bed with Pillow Top & Footboard this looks perfect as well as useful.
I would most like to receive the faux fur throws, I would most like to give the faux fur throw because I think anyone can use a comfy throw for napping.
I would gift the faux fur throw, because you can never have enough beautiful, cozy throws! I would love to get the Aerobed because our fold-down sofa is very uncomfortable for guests.
Faux fur would be great in my house!! I am not hosting anyone and we are staying home for the month! .
I would gift the faux fur throw and I would love the mattress for myself
I’d like to receive the Jo Malone Pear and Freesia and give the Aerobed.
I would most like to give the throw cause it’s cozy and would definitely keep the Aerobed. So useful!
I would give changing color mugs and jo malon pear and freeshia . i would love to receive aero bed and faux fur throws sooo awesome
I’d like to give and receive the faux fur throws.
I’d give the faux fur throws because they look super cuddly, and i would love to receive the Aerobed.
I’d like to gift the aerobed to my parents(for when we visit) and I’d like to get one for myself(for when my parents visit us since they always get our bed!!)
I’d give the Leonardo colour-changing mug sets as a gift, just because they are so unique! I’d most like to get the Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia Diffuser, because I love scents, I’m always buying aromatheraphy oils. My room-mate and I plan to host my family, as hers lives out of town, and won’t be here for the holidays. Christmas as home will be nice, but can also be so much work.
I want to say the AeroBed Inflatable Mattress but I’m afraid having something too comfy will make houseguests not want to leave.
I would give and love to receive the faux fur throw…can never have too many cuddly blankets!! I may have a small obsession!!
I would love to give the Milk/Washed Cotton gift set and would love to receive the same or the Faux Fur Throw would work for both as well. My son will come home from school for the holidays and we will have friends over.
I’d most likey give the mugs and love to get the aerobed!
I would most like to gift: faux fur throws
I would most like to receive: faux fur throws
Not hosting any friends or family this year. We always just do immediate family and a quiet night in.
i would like the color changing mug and give the fur throw!
most like to gift the colour changing mug set and most like to receive the mattress.
I’d love to give the Milk Washed gift set & to receive I’d love the faux fur throw.
I tweeted
I would give the Faux Fur Throw from Pottery Barn and I would love someone to give me the AeroBed. We will be going out for the holidays this year. I hosted last year.
instant spare room this I could really use
I’d most like to receive the Sleigh Bed with Pillow Top & Footboard – $249.99 @ Target from the Houseguest gift ideas here and I’d like to gift it since I think it’s the nicest item here. I’d love to spend Xmas at someone else’s house and “crash” there. Hope I’m invited to spend the night.
I would gift the Double High Smart Queen, and I would LOVE to get the Sleigh Bed with Pillow Top & Footboard.
I like any of the AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses! I only have a couch for company.. I could use an extra bed!
I like to give Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia and would love to get the Aerobed. I am crashing elsewhere so it comes in handy
I would gift this “Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets” to a friend and I would be most like to receive this cool gift called “AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses”. This year I will be hosting friends at my home for an exchange of gifts.
I like the colour changing mug set. I am not hosting this year.
I would like to both give and receive the Joy Malone fragrance diffuser.
I love the mugs.
Of these Houseguest gift ideas, I would most like to gift the “Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia – $85 @ Holt Renfrew” and receive the “Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets – $19.99 to $24.99 each @ Hudson’s Bay”. I’m neither hosting or crashing. All will be local events.
Bonus Entry: followed Coleman Canada on Twitter and tagged them in a Tweet about this contest https://twitter.com/SoulSeeker0/status/401733273618894848
I would like the AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses because it’s very useful when you receive guests at home!
I would like the faux throws for myself and the inflatable mattress for a guest.
I would like to give the faux fur throw (so warm and cuddly) and I would like to receive the inflatable mattress as I desperately need this for my company over the holidays!! I liked Coleman Canada on FB. Here is the link where I left my comment: https://www.facebook.com/ColemanCanada
The Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia would make a great gift and I would love to receive the Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets
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I would choose the Aerobed as my perfect gift. I have 5 coming home for Christmas & we just moved to smaller home with only 1 guest room.
would give the faux fur throw and would love the aerobed for myself
would love to get the Faux Fur Throws and give the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia – and we are not hosting anyone this holiday – we will be by our lonesome
I would love an Aerobed for guests. Thanks for the giveaway!
Would love to win the Aerobed could really use it Thank you for the chance
These prizes are amazing. I would love to give or recieve ANY of them!
I would love the Aerobed for me to go camping or for guest who wish to stay. I would like to give the Leonardo color changing cups as a hostess gift.
I would like any of these prizes! but would prefer to win the AEROBED, would be good for guests!
i would love the aerobed because everyone who comes into town stays with us. i would gift the leonardo colour changing mugs, they are very cool. i would want them for myself too but mykids would also think they are cool and try to play with them…. we are hanging around the house with family this year….what are you doing??
I love the aerobed and would keep it at home for when I have guests.
I would most like the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets. So beautiful. My children are coming home from college for Christmas and I am so excited. đŸ™‚
I would like to give the faux fur throws. I would love to receive the Aerobed!
I’d gift the coloured changing mugs and I’d love to receive the aero bed.
I love fresh towels so I would have to give AND receive Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets – $101 each @ Au Lit Fine Linens
I would most like to give the Milk/Washed Cotton Gift Set and would most like to receive the Faux Fur Throw. I am not hosting or crashing this year.
I would love to get the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets and i would give the Milk/Washed Cotton Gift Set .
I would like to receive the faux fur throws and give the Aerobed
I would like to gift the Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets and recieve the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia ! I am not hosting any guests that I know of yet, but sometimes they just show up! đŸ™‚
rebthecatsitter at gmail dot com
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(Rebecca Roberts)
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@rebthecatsitter
I would give Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets – $19.99 to $24.99 each @ Hudson’s Bay to my mom & I would love Faux Fur Throws – $130 each (on special) @ Pottery Barn
I am a homebody! I prefer people visiting me. I could use the Queen size mattress for guests!
I’d most like to gift the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets and I would most like to receive the AeroBed.
My have a few people staying here this upcoming year. My in-laws and my mother.
The bed would be the most practical gift I would want to receive but I would give the faux fur blankets as a gift. They look so cuddly!
I love the milk/washed cotton gift sets. This year, We will be going to my sister’s house for Christmas dinner.
I tweeted:
I love the inflatable air mattress, perfect for holiday guests or camping!
I’d like to give and receive the inflatable mattresses – so practical!
give the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia and would love to get the Aerobed. don’t have enough bed & room
I’d give the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia, and it would be great to receive the Aerobed.
I would love to give the Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets and I would love to receive the AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses
thanks
flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com
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I’d like to give the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets as a gift and I’d like to receive the Faux Fur Throws for myself. We are staying home for Christmas this year and having guests over.
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I’d love to give the Jo Malone English Pear & Frescia and I’d love the Aero Bed. It would come in handy when my son comes home for Christmas.
The Houseguest gift idea I’d most like to gift is the Faux Fur Throw, and the one I’d most like to receive is the Au Lit Milk/Washed Cotton gift set. I am not hosting friends or family overnight during the holidays this year, but expect to have family here for Christmas dinner.
I’d like to gift the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets and I’d most like to receive the AeroBed Inflatable Mattresses as a gift
I would give away the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia and I would love to receive the Aerobed as I always have guests visiting that need an extra bed.
I’d love to gift Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets to my friends and receive an AeroBed Inflatable Mattress! Great for over night guests.
I would most like to gift the Milk / Washed Cotton Gift Sets and I would most like to receive the AreoBed.
I would like to give and receive the Leonardo Colour-Changing Mug Sets.
I would most like to gift AND receive the faux fur throws!
Oh this aerobed is amazing! Whenever family or friend stay over they are literally bunking with my four yr old (he has a single/double bunkbed system so he is usually up top and our guests are down below on the double). This would be wonderful to win for our friends who are staying over for Christmas!!! This is exactly what I would want to receive, although I am a big blanket person too so I would probably gift the faux fur blankie to friends!!!
I would love to give any one of the faux fur throws and would love to receive the aerobed.
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia is awesome, i will be travelling and crashing at my moms