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!

IKEA Sheepskin RugTEJN 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 BraceletCAROLEE 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
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.

Foreign Language Blocks China‘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.

Pandora Year of the RamRam 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
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!

Swatch The Goat's Keeper WatchThe 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 Women's Cally SlipperMinnetonka 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 Chinese New YearL’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.

Comments
138 Responses to “Year of the Sheep”
  1. Tracy's avatar Tracy says:

    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!

  2. Joan G.'s avatar Joan G. says:

    I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers.

  3. Donnas's avatar Donnas says:

    I’m an email subscriber; I love the Have Ewe Herd? Tee.

  4. katydidit21's avatar katydidit21 says:

    I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers.

  5. Cheryl A's avatar Cheryl A says:

    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!

  6. Donnas's avatar Donnas says:

    Follow L’Occitane on Facebook and posted

  7. Debbie Little's avatar Debbie Little says:

    I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers.

  8. CLC's avatar CLC says:

    I love the dream bracelet and the L’Occitane Lucky 8.

  9. aclily19's avatar aclily19 says:

    I would like the faux sheepskin rug.

  10. Heather Arnould's avatar Heather Arnould says:

    I love the dream bracelet, but nothing in the post is b-aaaa-d. (LOL)

  11. Katie's avatar Katie says:

    I wouldn’t complain about a cozy pair of slippers!

  12. Rae D.'s avatar Rae D. says:

    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.

  13. Jennifer manklow's avatar Jennifer manklow says:

    I love the ram charm the most. It’s beautiful.

  14. Aimee's avatar Aimee says:

    Cally slippers would be cozy

  15. Jonnie's avatar edmontonjb says:

    The L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set looks wonderful!

  16. I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set. Looks beautiful and so luxurious!

  17. Sean M's avatar Sean M says:

    I like the t-shirt

  18. I love the ModCloth t-shirt. It’s sassy and cute.

  19. nicolthepickle's avatar nicolthepickle says:

    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.

  20. Dreena's avatar Dreena says:

    I love the Swatch watch – The Goat’s Keeper Watch! It’s cool and colourful.
    Cheers.

  21. Sunshine G's avatar Sunshine G says:

    I like the faux sheepskin rug – that would be nice to curl my toes into!

  22. dabrowne's avatar dabrowne says:

    My favorite item in this post is the Minnetonka Cally slippers. They look so warm and comfy.

  23. Anne Derkat's avatar Anne Derkat says:

    I’d love the Swatch watch for myself and/or the pandora charm who my daughter in law who collects them.

  24. Julie G.'s avatar Julie G. says:

    I like the “Dream” bracelet.

  25. Rachel Cartwright's avatar Rachel Cartwright says:

    I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers! They look so comfy.

  26. Lindsey's avatar Lindsey says:

    I love L’Occitane Products – especially the Almond shower oil!

  27. BBp's avatar Jennifer L. says:

    I would love to have my own goats some day so I love the idea of the book “The Backyard Goat”.

  28. SandyS's avatar SandyS says:

    The Chinese Lantern charm would be a welcomed addition to my Pandora bracelet.

  29. Grace's avatar Grace says:

    I love everything from L’Occitane so that would definitely be my choice! The Amande shower oil is my favourite 🙂

  30. Elena's avatar Elena says:

    I like the mod cloth Tshirt best, it’s really cute

  31. Kelly's avatar Kelly says:

    I like the minnetonka cally slippers the best!

  32. Darlene Boyle's avatar Darlene Boyle says:

    Pandora charms

  33. Susan's avatar Susan says:

    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.

  34. mcmc's avatar mcmc says:

    the Swatch watch would be nice

  35. Valerie Caldicott's avatar Valerie Caldicott says:

    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.

  36. debbie f's avatar debbie f says:

    I love the look of the Minnetonka Cally Slipper

  37. cheryl mclellan's avatar cheryl mclellan says:

    I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers

  38. l p's avatar l p says:

    Minnetonka Cally Slippers. thanks

  39. Evren Ay's avatar Evren Ay says:

    I like the L’Occitane set the most! Love your site, and have been spreading the word about your great giveaways!

  40. Debra's avatar Debra says:

    As usual, great selection of items. I like the Chinese lantern charm, the slippers, the throw rugs, the book on keeping goats. All good!

  41. louise's avatar louise says:

    I’m an email subscriber;I love the DREAM Bracelet

  42. Holly's avatar Holly says:

    I would love the L’Occitane set so I hope I win!! 🙂

  43. I like the ram charm and lantern

  44. cookie3's avatar cookie3 says:

    Love the lantern charm & wouldn’t complain about receiving the warm and cozy slippers either.

  45. Audrey Skinner's avatar Audrey Skinner says:

    I love the Ram Charm.

  46. Elizabeth R's avatar Elizabeth R says:

    I like the Carolee bracelet. Oh and I am a sheep!

  47. its a tie between the L’Occitane Lucky 8 Set and the really comfy looking slippers !!

  48. Cairine's avatar Cairine says:

    I most liked the Pandora charms.

  49. Pat Battles's avatar Pat Battles says:

    I subscribe – love the CAROLEE Word Play ‘Dream’ Bracelet – $70 @ Hudson’s Bay

  50. Sara LB's avatar Sara LB says:

    I love the Pandora charms, especially the horse! So cute! 🙂

  51. Patricia's avatar Patricia says:

    Love those Minnetonka Cally Slippers. they look so comfyè

  52. Sara LB's avatar Sara LB says:

    (I already subscribe)

  53. Lynn Andersen's avatar Lynn Andersen says:

    I like the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe. It would be nice to try new skin care products.

  54. kittypride's avatar kittypride says:

    I really like the Carolee Wird Play Dream bracelet from Hudson’s Bay, very pretty!

  55. Susan Patterson's avatar Susan Patterson says:

    I really like the Carolee Word Play Dream Bracelet – thanks!

  56. Sherry K's avatar Sherry K says:

    I would love the Minnetonka Slippers. The would be perfect this winter.

  57. jasmyth's avatar jasmyth says:

    I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set!

  58. jasmyth's avatar jasmyth says:

    I wrote a comment on the L’Occitane facebook page.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/773852486033662/?ref=22

  59. kevin snyder's avatar kevin snyder says:

    awesome for valentines day

  60. bcbarbara's avatar bcbarbara says:

    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.
    (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));Post by Barbara Behan.

  61. Karen H's avatar Karen H says:

    ove the pandora lantern charm

  62. Follow the blog. I like the TEJN and FÅRDRUP Faux Sheepskin Rugs

  63. Jennifer Loo's avatar Jennifer Loo says:

    L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set

  64. Karen's avatar Karen says:

    The slippers look warm and comfy.

  65. GARRY S's avatar GARRY S says:

    RAM CHARM

  66. Jessica Lord's avatar Jessica Lord says:

    i love the slippers

  67. Mike Mottishaw's avatar Mike Mottishaw says:

    i sure like the Pandora Chinese Lantern and Ram- very nifty! my niece would be getting one for each special occasion this year

  68. Erin McSweeney's avatar Erin McSweeney says:

    i love the Minnetonka Cally Slipper – $64.95 @ SHOEme.ca… so warm for this winter

  69. Shelley's avatar Shelley says:

    I am lusting after the ewe t-shirt ! How Baaaad is that ????

  70. Donna L.'s avatar Donna L. says:

    I like the Ram Charm, because it is so cute!

  71. Donna L.'s avatar Donna L. says:

    I Liked L’Occitane on Facebook and commented there.https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.canada/posts/939685919382946

  72. Alison K's avatar Alison K says:

    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

  73. Dru Edmiston's avatar Dru Edmiston says:

    Loving those Minnetonka Cally slippers. They look so cozy!

  74. Samantha h's avatar Samantha h says:

    I like the ram charm from pandora and the dream bracelet

  75. BlessedTA's avatar BlessedTA says:

    Minnetonka Cally Slipper

  76. intensev5's avatar intensev5 says:

    I like the Minnetonka Cally Slipper – $64.95 @ SHOEme.ca

  77. Cahley Tod-Tims's avatar Cahley Tod-Tims says:

    I love the Dream bracelet

  78. Burcu's avatar Burcu says:

    I love L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set

  79. Tina L.'s avatar Tina L. says:

    I like the Minnetonka Cally Slipper.

  80. laurie's avatar laurie says:

    I’ll be honest i would love all the gifts mentioned here for myself and to share thanks for the great contest

  81. HopeR's avatar HopeR says:

    i enjoy soft foot comfort..so for me it is the: Minnetonka Cally Slipper!

  82. Renee Lacasse's avatar Renee Lacasse says:

    would love to win

  83. Pam's avatar Pam says:

    The chinese latern charm is adorable

  84. Julia H's avatar Julia H says:

    I’m a subscriber. My favourite is the CAROLEE Word Play ‘Dream’ Bracelet. I love charm bracelets, and this one is really sweet.

  85. Jessica Pang's avatar Jessica Pang says:

    I love the Minnetonka Cally Slipper.

  86. Annie Demill's avatar Annie Demill says:

    I love the bracelet!

  87. Annie Demill's avatar Annie Demill says:
  88. Janice Stromgren's avatar Janice Stromgren says:

    Love the slippers

  89. Myra Claringbold's avatar Myra Claringbold says:

    The Lucky 8 Chinese New Year intrigues me – and for myself I like the Dream Bracelet.

  90. Elizabeth Friesen's avatar Elizabeth Friesen says:

    I’m a subscriber and I love the Foreign Language Blocks. They’d make a great art piece! 😀

  91. jessica e's avatar jessica e says:

    Minnetonka Cally Slipper is my favorite pick! subscribed as jssychan@yahoo.com

  92. linnett's avatar linnett says:

    Love love the goat keepers watch, thanks

  93. Michael L.'s avatar Michael L. says:

    The Minnetonka Cally Slipper look comfy.

  94. Elaine R's avatar Elaine R says:

    I am already a subscriber and I think the Ewe Teeshirt is great!

  95. Alanna D's avatar Alanna D says:

    The Dream bracelet is the only one that really appealed to me

  96. Shelley N's avatar Shelley N says:

    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.

  97. ksceviour's avatar ksceviour says:

    Ohh I love the Minnetonka Cally Slippers,,I want a pair of those!!

  98. wobbles13's avatar wobbles13 says:

    the ‘China’ Foreign Language Blocks is awesome!

  99. Irene's avatar Irene says:

    I love the Ram charm the most, because it’s my sign!

  100. Katharine's avatar Katharine says:

    I like the language blocks best

  101. carrieinsk's avatar carrieinsk says:

    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.

  102. Brenda Penton's avatar Brenda Penton says:

    I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set. I LOVE their products.

  103. Carla B's avatar Carla B says:

    The L’Occitane Lucky 8 set is my favourite – but those blocks are really cool too!

  104. Victoria Ess's avatar Victoria Ess says:

    I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set most!

  105. I subscribe and I LOVE the Minnetonka Cally Slippers!

  106. stellar's avatar stellar says:

    Love the CAROLEE Word Play ‘Dream’ Bracelet !

  107. Evren's avatar Evren says:

    Liked L’Occitane on FB!

  108. Terry's avatar Terry says:

    I would love to win the L’Occitane Lucky 8 From Head to Toe Set

  109. Pandora – the Chinese lantern is cute.

  110. KELLY E's avatar KELLY E says:

    Mine is the have ewe herd tee

  111. Jo-Ann S.'s avatar Jo-Ann S. says:

    💕 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! 💕

  112. Subscribed.
    I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set.

  113. Subscribed.
    I love the L’Occitane Lucky 8 set!

  114. Lynn M's avatar Lynn M says:

    I really like the selection of gifts in this post – but if I had to pick just one, it would be the slippers.

  115. Glogirl's avatar Glogirl says:

    I’m a subscriber.
    I like the Minnetonka Cally Slipper gift idea. The slippers look so cozy!

  116. KellyPC's avatar KellyPC says:

    I love the sheepskin from Ikea!

  117. Lisa S's avatar Lisa S says:

    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!

  118. Lori P's avatar Lori P says:

    Like the L’occitane Lucky 8 Head to Toe Set best (close second is the Minnetonka Cally Slippers).

  119. Susan T.'s avatar Susan T. says:

    I love the Ikea faux sheepskin rugs but the Pandora charm of the ram is awesome too!

  120. Wendy Wagar's avatar Wendy Wagar says:

    I absolutely love the the Ram Charm, the Chinese Lantern Charm and L’Occitane Head to toe set

  121. andrea amy's avatar andrea amy says:

    I love the faux sheepskin rug and the L’Occitane the most 🙂
    andrea_hockeygirl at hotmail dot com

  122. AliKira's avatar kiraali says:

    The ram charm is pretty neat! 🙂

  123. Sylvia S.'s avatar Sylvia S. says:

    I like the Chinese Lantern Charm from Pandora.

  124. julia g's avatar julia g says:

    The L’Occitaine Lucky 8 is my favourite

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