The Beginning of The End

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on November 22, 2013 · 149 Comments

A lot of the time people assume that to be on the Canadian Gift Guide you have to be a Canadian brand. This isn’t true. The reality is, I like to feature brands that make a legitimate effort toward being more accessible to their neighbours up north – whether by setting up a Canadian site, or as is the current trend, converting your site to feel like it’s tailored to Canadians. Heritage brand Lands’ End is the latest to join the party, with a new Canadian shipping platform that allows you to view things in Canadian prices and see all applicable taxes and duties at checkout – meaning no nasty surprises from the Canadian Border Agency when your parcel arrives. Oh, and it’s got pretty solid shipping rates too. As a heads up, if you’re using a gift card, you can browse away online and simply place your order via phone.

With all of that good stuff in mind, I knew had to feature Lands’ End as they’re a great haven for gift ideas (and style upgrades) for everyone on your list. Today, I focused on items that have a bit of festive flair to them – but will still go the distance well after the holidays are over. Add them to your wish list, buy something for yourself, or shop for a loved one. Lands’ End is welcoming us Canucks with open arms.

For Your Wife: Vivian Venetian Flat – $59 each
The loafer is having a bit of a fashion moment right now, in part because it’s a style that women of every age can wear. Young women tend to lean toward the glitzy glitter and vibrant colours, while more mature women will take comfort in knowing they’re on-trend while donning a pair in a sumptuous print or fabric – all while actually wearing something practical. Lands’ End has a pretty extensive range of the standard slip-on (as well as a veritable rainbow of ballet flats, if that’s your thing). Shoes are actually a pretty smart and safe gift as well, particularly in flats like this that’ll stretch out over time. Simply take a gander in your giftee’s closet, note their size, and shop away!

For Your Dad or Husband: Long Sleeved Tailored Flannel Shirt – $53
What guy doesn’t love flannel, particularly during the frosty winter months? Lands’ End has a rather extensive collection of ridiculously soft men’s flannel shirts in a line of patterns and colour schemes that take this ol’ standby and give it new, fashionable life. The tailored fit always transforms this lumberjack staple into something worthy of being integrated into various elements of your wardrobe: wear it untucked and paired with a corduroy blazer and jeans for a casual party look, or don it on Casual Fridays with a smart belt and dark wash denim. Perfect for curmudgeonly anti-fashion mongers and quirky hipsters alike.

For Your Daughter: Long Sleeve Sparkle Sophie Cardigan – $51
Aside from catering to ladies & gentlemen, Lands’ End also has a pretty significant kids’ offering. I personally fell for this trio of sugary sweet cardigans. See, as a young girl, I fell in love with a sleeveless tank covered in oversized iridescent paillettes, very similar to the jumbo sequins that make these cardis shine. Although children usually aren’t that vocal about what they wear, I can promise you – any princess / fashionista / girly girl in training will squeal in delight when she unwraps this beauty, and quickly make it a favourite piece in her wardrobe. Plus, so cute guys. So cute. And great for family photo ops!

For Your Son: Boys Fleece Pajama Sets – $37
To this very day, on Christmas Eve I open a gift from my parents (okay, my mom) that consists of a pair of pajamas and a new book to read – I’ve mentioned that on the CGG before and heard from several of you that the same tradition exists in your family. Whether it exists in yours today or not, these fleece PJs would make a perfect choice for tucking alongside a fresh new read. Available in four tyke-friendly prints channeling the great outdoors through sports, wildlife and pets, they’re also ultra-soft to ensure he gets a good night’s rest.

For Your Mom: Women’s Sparkle Canvas Shopper – $53
It’s worth noting that Lands’ End offers a large range of customizable items. You an affix your monogram on towels, totes, sweaters, slippers, and more. The options for your monogram are pretty extensive too – from a full name to initials, in an array of colours and fonts. This glittery bag is a perfect accompaniment to the busy mom on the go (even if she’s an empty nester) – it’s lightweight, stashes everything you could ever possibly need, and looks merry and bright even when the tree has been taken down.

For Fido: Shawl Collar Icon Pet Sweater – $54
Speaking of customization, if you’re shopping for someone that has a beloved pet or you simply want to treat your own furry friend this year, Lands’ End also has a ton of cute doggie coats, sweaters, pillow covers, and travel bowls / bags that you can customize with your beloved pooch’s name. I liked this heritage sweater because it harkens back to Lands’ End origins as a sailboat outfitter, while also keeping your pet snuggly warm on the coldest of cold days this winter. But really, any of their pet options would make a swell gift!

For Your Daughter: Women’s Long Sleeve Terry Embellished Crew – $75
Finally, I had to include this on-trend snuggly sweater to show you the embellished sweatshirt / sweater trend rages on. This classic, athletic grey sweatshirt has been given a girly makeover thanks to a little sparkle and shine at the neckline rendered in lime green, teal and blue. The shirt is part of Lands’ End’s Canvas collection, which has a slightly more youthful, trendy feel to it but can still be rocked by women of any age. If you’re shopping for a younger person on your list though, this is definitely the place to start.

The range of products at Lands’ End is pretty astounding. This post is really just scratching the surface, and I strongly encourage you to visit their site to get a better grasp of the brand’s aesthetic and options for classic, comfortable clothing that still speaks to the modern man and woman (and their kiddies). Want another good reason to peruse? I’m giving away a $150 gift card to spend at Lands’ End! If you’d like to update your wardrobe this holiday season, here’s how to enter:

1) Visit the Lands’ End website and leave a link back to the item you’d most like to gift, and who it’s for. You’ve got till December 9th.

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 December 10th 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 Entry: Follow Lands’ End on Twitter, tag both them and me (@cdngiftguide) in a Tweet with a link to this giveaway + why you’d love to win! Leave a link back to your Tweet below – you’re one entry closer to winning this awesome prize! You can leave up to five tweets over the contest period to earn up to five bonus entries.