Year of the Sheep
2015 is the Year of the Sheep….although it’s also referred to as Year of the Goat. Or Year of the Ram. That’s right ladies and gents, Chinese New Year is just a mere week and a bit away (on February 19, if you’re keeping count) and that means it’s once again time for my roundup of cool gift ideas tied into this festive event and this year’s star zodiac animal(s). Onwards!
TEJN and FÅRDRUP Faux Sheepskin Rugs – $14.99 each @ IKEA
Pay homage to the humble sheep without actually causing any harm with these snuggly synthetic rugs. They make for the perfect accent to dig your toes into when tumbling out of bed in the morning, or try more unique applications – hang one on the wall, drape it over a brightly-hued armchair or throw it in a kid’s room. Available in both cream and grey, at this price you can certainly afford to replace ’em once they get worn out.
CAROLEE Word Play ‘Dream’ Bracelet – $70 @ Hudson’s Bay
I have to say that compared to other years, there’s been less love for sheep-themed items this Chinese New Year. Which is wondrous when you consider all the good sheep do for us. For example, as this cute charm bracelet celebrates, ‘counting sheep’ have been helping us get a good night sleep for years. This gold-toned bracelet features loose beads and charms in an attached pendant, including a tiny sleep. Give it a shake for a pretty snowglobe effect.
The Backyard Goat: An Introductory Guide to Keeping and Enjoying Pet Goats, from Feeding and Housing to Making Your Own Cheese – $15.85 @ Amazon.ca
Have you always dreamed of owning an urban farm of sorts? Live on a bigger rural property? Then you’ll want to check out this cool book for all those striving to harken back to a simpler time. Not only is this the Year of the Sheep after all, but the goat. These barnyard animals serve plenty of functions – from a pet and companion through to a producer of milk (and cheese) and fibres to carting things around. Despite their somewhat stubborn reputation, goats are actually very sweet and easy to take care of. A cool pick for anyone thinking of obtaining a four-legged friend of their own.
‘China’ Foreign Language Blocks – $49.99 @ Simply Green Baby
How cute are these? Some of my gift ideas are more geared toward a celebration of Chinese culture – and these fun wooden blocks are a perfect example of that. Although they’re available in a ton of languages, I think these ones are extra cool because they’ll expose your child to different ways of writing words – instead of the roman alphabet, meet Chinese characters. Not only will your child learn the alphabet, but some fun words as well. And of course, building blocks are great for building up motor skills.
Ram Charm – $50 and Chinese Lantern Charm – $55 @ Pandora
If you’re a Pandora charm collector, you’ll be pleased to note that there are two ways to update your bracelet – or create a new design for a lucky birthday girl – with Chinese New Year-themed charms. The first is a 3D Ram, rendered in brilliantly shiny silver. The second is a cool Chinese lantern with a dangly string of tassles. Add some red and silver beads or another zodiac symbol to create a one-of-a-kind piece any 2015 baby will treasure forever.
Have Ewe Herd? Tee – $29.99 USD @ ModCloth
Quirky, charming, and altogether cheeky, this simple black tee certainly celebrates the sheep’s herd mentality. This super soft, semi-sheer tee fits extra long, meaning no worries if it shrinks a bit in the wash and a cool relaxed fit over leggings or your fave skinnies. Gift it to a friend that’s celebrating their birthday during the Year of the Sheep!
The Goat’s Keeper Watch – $89.99 @ Swatch
This bold and brilliant watch certainly makes a statement – and will keep you in the loop as to who’s year it is. As mentioned above, this year is a bit of a tricky one as people are celebrating the sheep, ram and goat simultaneously. This is one of the ‘goat’ offerings for the season, which, like most Swatch watches, also comes in a very cool collectible case where you can stash your watch and other fave gems.
Minnetonka Cally Slipper – $64.95 @ SHOEme.ca
Snuggle up this Chinese New Year with a cute pair of colorful and cozy slippers from Minnetonka. Available in a range of colours (and fun patterns), these slippers are sturdy enough to be worn outdoors but comfortable enough to pad around the house. They are indeed made from sheepskin (as well as, interestingly enough, deerskin and moosehide), but just think of it as using every part of this industrious and essential animal.
L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set – $38
Normally Chinese New Year isn’t really recognized by mega brands – but I was super excited to discover that L’Occitane has actually just released a new Chinese New Year set as of today. Available until the end of this month, this adorable set comes in cute, celebratory packaging and includes eight luxury sample sizes of some of L’Occitane’s most beloved products. It’s a wonderful way to introduce someone to the brand or to treat an existing fan to a host of goodies. In fact, why not pick one up as a hostess gift for whatever Chinese New Year celebration you’re headed off to next week?
Exciting news everyone! I’m giving away the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set to one particularly lucky winner. Interested in bringing some good fortune into your life? Here’s how to enter:
1) First off: you must be a subscriber to the Canadian Gift Guide to enter this giveaway. It’s as simple as finding ‘The Gift of Gab’ box in the righthand column and dropping in your email or clicking follow. From there, leave a comment below anytime before February 25, 2015 telling me which Chinese New Year gift idea in this post you love the most.
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 26, 2015 to select the winner, 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: Like L’Occitane Canada on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall regarding the Lucky 8 Chinese New Year set. Link back to your Facebook wall post in a separate comment below to earn an extra entry into this draw.
Canadian Gift Guide 
My teen would love this: Have Ewe Herd? Tee – $29.99 USD @ ModCloth she really like witty t-shirts right now 🙂 I personally would love the Minnetonka Cally Slipper – $64.95 @ SHOEme.ca nothing like warm feet for Valentines Day!
I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers.
I’m an email subscriber; I love the Have Ewe Herd? Tee.
I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers.
Backyard goat guide and the L’Occitane set would be my picks.
I love the t-shirt, but wouldn’t want my kids repeating what is written. And they would. Endlessly!
Follow L’Occitane on Facebook and posted
I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers.
I love the dream bracelet and the L’Occitane Lucky 8.
I would like the faux sheepskin rug.
I love the dream bracelet, but nothing in the post is b-aaaa-d. (LOL)
I wouldn’t complain about a cozy pair of slippers!
I like the slippers and the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set most. The T-shirt is a good laugh but I don’t think I could wear it.
I love the ram charm the most. It’s beautiful.
https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/939452566072948 I posted on L’Occitane’s FB site.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/939452372739634
Cally slippers would be cozy
The L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set looks wonderful!
I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set. Looks beautiful and so luxurious!
I like the t-shirt
I love the ModCloth t-shirt. It’s sassy and cute.
I really like the Fardrup faux Sheepskin a lot. I’ve been looking for a cute rug like that for in my living room. So cute.
I love the Swatch watch – The Goat’s Keeper Watch! It’s cool and colourful.
Cheers.
I like the faux sheepskin rug – that would be nice to curl my toes into!
My favorite item in this post is the Minnetonka Cally slippers. They look so warm and comfy.
I’d love the Swatch watch for myself and/or the pandora charm who my daughter in law who collects them.
I like the “Dream” bracelet.
I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers! They look so comfy.
Fb wall post: https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/939483652736506
I love L’Occitane Products – especially the Almond shower oil!
I would love to have my own goats some day so I love the idea of the book “The Backyard Goat”.
The Chinese Lantern charm would be a welcomed addition to my Pandora bracelet.
I love everything from L’Occitane so that would definitely be my choice! The Amande shower oil is my favourite 🙂
I like the mod cloth Tshirt best, it’s really cute
I like the minnetonka cally slippers the best!
Pandora charms
I like the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set the most. Would love some sheepskin mittens though. My mom has a pair and they are super cosy and warm.
the Swatch watch would be nice
Like to try the shampoo in the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set . I am having trouble finding one my hair does well with.
I love the look of the Minnetonka Cally Slipper
I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers
Minnetonka Cally Slippers. thanks
posted on FB: https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/800546779998815
thanks
I like the L’Occitane set the most! Love your site, and have been spreading the word about your great giveaways!
As usual, great selection of items. I like the Chinese lantern charm, the slippers, the throw rugs, the book on keeping goats. All good!
I’m an email subscriber;I love the DREAM Bracelet
I would love the L’Occitane set so I hope I win!! 🙂
I like the ram charm and lantern
Love the lantern charm & wouldn’t complain about receiving the warm and cozy slippers either.
I love the Ram Charm.
I like the Carolee bracelet. Oh and I am a sheep!
its a tie between the L’Occitane Lucky 8 Set and the really comfy looking slippers !!
I most liked the Pandora charms.
I subscribe – love the CAROLEE Word Play ‘Dream’ Bracelet – $70 @ Hudson’s Bay
I love the Pandora charms, especially the horse! So cute! 🙂
Love those Minnetonka Cally Slippers. they look so comfyè
(I already subscribe)
I like the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe. It would be nice to try new skin care products.
I really like the Carolee Wird Play Dream bracelet from Hudson’s Bay, very pretty!
I really like the Carolee Word Play Dream Bracelet – thanks!
I would love the Minnetonka Slippers. The would be perfect this winter.
I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set!
I wrote a comment on the L’Occitane facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/events/773852486033662/?ref=22
awesome for valentines day
Great giveaway. I was born in the year of the Sheep so I like the Ram charm and the Lucky 8 head to toe set.
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ove the pandora lantern charm
Follow the blog. I like the TEJN and FÅRDRUP Faux Sheepskin Rugs
L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set
follow and commented on their FB page – https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/1545486029069118
The slippers look warm and comfy.
RAM CHARM
i love the slippers
i sure like the Pandora Chinese Lantern and Ram- very nifty! my niece would be getting one for each special occasion this year
i love the Minnetonka Cally Slipper – $64.95 @ SHOEme.ca… so warm for this winter
I am lusting after the ewe t-shirt ! How Baaaad is that ????
I like the Ram Charm, because it is so cute!
I Liked L’Occitane on Facebook and commented there.https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/939685919382946
I’m a subscriber. Of these Chinese New Year gift idea I love the Have Ewe Herd? Tee – $29.99 USD @ ModCloth, the most! And by the way, my initial screen view of the rug is quite phallic which I’m not sure was intentional but does fall in with the Valentine’s theme more than the Chinese NY 😉 teeheehee
Loving those Minnetonka Cally slippers. They look so cozy!
I like the ram charm from pandora and the dream bracelet
Minnetonka Cally Slipper
I like the Minnetonka Cally Slipper – $64.95 @ SHOEme.ca
I love the Dream bracelet
I love L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set
I like the Minnetonka Cally Slipper.
I’ll be honest i would love all the gifts mentioned here for myself and to share thanks for the great contest
i enjoy soft foot comfort..so for me it is the: Minnetonka Cally Slipper!
would love to win
The chinese latern charm is adorable
I’m a subscriber. My favourite is the CAROLEE Word Play ‘Dream’ Bracelet. I love charm bracelets, and this one is really sweet.
I love the Minnetonka Cally Slipper.
I love the bracelet!
Love the slippers
The Lucky 8 Chinese New Year intrigues me – and for myself I like the Dream Bracelet.
I’m a subscriber and I love the Foreign Language Blocks. They’d make a great art piece! 😀
Minnetonka Cally Slipper is my favorite pick! subscribed as jssychan@yahoo.com
Love love the goat keepers watch, thanks
The Minnetonka Cally Slipper look comfy.
I am already a subscriber and I think the Ewe Teeshirt is great!
The Dream bracelet is the only one that really appealed to me
I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set since I have a friend who celebrates Chinese New Year and this would be a great gift to give her.
Ohh I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers,,I want a pair of those!!
the ‘China’ Foreign Language Blocks is awesome!
I love the Ram charm the most, because it’s my sign!
I like the language blocks best
I like them all but would love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set or the Ram charm. It’s my mom’s sign and would be nice on a bracelet.
L’OCCITANE en Provence FB post https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/941171472567724
the Minnetonka slippers
I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set. I LOVE their products.
The L’Occitane Lucky 8 set is my favourite – but those blocks are really cool too!
I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set most!
I subscribe and I LOVE the Minnetonka Cally Slippers!
Liked, and commented on the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/941825259169012
Love the CAROLEE Word Play ‘Dream’ Bracelet !
Liked L’Occitane on FB!
I would love to win the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set
Pandora – the Chinese lantern is cute.
Mine is the have ewe herd tee
💕 Love to celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Pandora Chinese Lantern which features red enamel with silver piping, a silver cap on top, and articulating tassel. Red is considered a lucky color and these celebratory decorations are supposed to bring good fortune. Every girl could use lots of luck and the 3D Ram charm will be a added plus. Happy New Year! 💕
Subscribed.
I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set.
Liked L’Occitane on Facebook and left a comment https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206042847615459&set=o.112775988740614&type=1&theater
Subscribed.
I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set!
I really like the selection of gifts in this post – but if I had to pick just one, it would be the slippers.
I’m a subscriber.
I like the Minnetonka Cally Slipper gift idea. The slippers look so cozy!
I love the sheepskin from Ikea!
I’m going to have to say the ‘Backyard Goat’ book. Pretty sure after reading this I must own a goat and start making some cheese!
L’OCCITANE fb like and post: https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/945649595453245
Like the L’occitane Lucky 8 Head to Toe Set best (close second is the Minnetonka Cally Slippers).
I love the Ikea faux sheepskin rugs but the Pandora charm of the ram is awesome too!
My FB post: https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/945708705447334
I absolutely love the the Ram Charm, the Chinese Lantern Charm and L’Occitane Head to toe set
I love the faux sheepskin rug and the L’Occitane the most 🙂
andrea_hockeygirl at hotmail dot com
The ram charm is pretty neat! 🙂
I like the Chinese Lantern Charm from Pandora.
The L’Occitaine Lucky 8 is my favourite