Canadian Gift Guide

With the sun baking certain parts of Canada, lately I’ve been inspired by southwestern flair – a look and feel descended from Mexico and Navajo alike. Perhaps part of this inspiration is subconscious; after all, it turns out there’s quite a few items from this realm on the shelves right now. Check it out below.

From L to R

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez – $29.95 @ Indigo: I read this book a couple of weeks ago and loved it, as I’m sure you will too. It tells the story of a bittersweet teenage romance between an outsider named Major and a beautiful yet brain-damaged girl named Maribel. The entire story takes place within an apartment complex populated by immigrants from Central America; the book is punctuated of their stories of living in the U.S., but is primarily narrated by Major as well as Maribel’s mother, Alma. It’s a very powerful story about the immigrant experience, but also a sweet, melancholy one as well. A must read and a perfect fit for this post!

Open Road Hip Pack – $26 @ Nasty Gal: Don’t call it a fanny pack! As cheestastic as these virtual saddlebags used to be, they’ve made a bit of a comeback when rendered in ironic yet trendy prints like this southwestern style. An ideal choice for your kid that’s doing the festival circuit this summer.

Baja Blanket Steering Wheel Cover – $8 @ Amazon.com: Give your car a little Mexicali flavour with this embroidered steering wheel cover. Because it’s not leather, it’ll actually be surprisingly comfortable in both warm and cool weather. Gift it to your friend or kid that’s just bought their first car.

Mayan Maxi Dresses – $62 each @ Bluseagal: This store has a huge range of Mexican embroidered maxi dresses, tunics and sundresses that make perfect beach coverups or an ideal way to escape the heat – including these spectacular summery halter maxis. Plus, free international shipping! Gift one to your sister that celebrates a summer bday.

Aztec Studs – $34 @ Bauble Bar: Add a pop to a crisp summer white dress or pair these pretty studs with your favourite loose tunic for a bit of Southwestern flair. These are the types of earrings you’ll find go with pretty much everything your wardrobe. A cool pick for a best friend bday gift.

Southwest Sock – $8 @ Urban Outfitters: Even guys can get in on the southwestern trend, by slipping on a pair of these wildly earth-toned socks. Hint: wear ’em pulled up with a pair of khaki shorts for a hipster chic take.

Mexicali Dishes – $6-$7 each @ Pier 1: Dress up your dinner table for a fiesta any night of the week with this fun, ironware place setting. Perfectly coordinated in a mismatched kind of way, they’ll look great with deep blue drinking glasses. Hello housewarming?

Mara Hoffman Sleeveless Shirtdress – $185 @ Shopbop: Drawing more from the Navajo side of this post’s theme, this easy, breezy dress is perfect for slipping on for a trip to the beach or for an casual brunch with friends.

Speaking of Southwestern, I feel like this month’s Find of the Month – Distinguished Designs‘ gorgeous friendship bracelets – have a bit of Mexicali flair to them as well. So how about a bonus entry into that giveaway? Tell me in the comments below: which of these Southwestern gifts would you love to gift or get?