Grown-Up Christmas List: What’s On My Wish List for 2017

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on November 14, 2017 · 397 Comments

To really kick the holiday season off right, I thought I’d spend a little time sharing some of my top gift ideas for well, me. Of course, you’re welcome to cull inspiration from this for your own wish lists…as a blogger of a gift-giving blog, I start hearing about what’s new from different brands (and coveting things) as early as the summertime, so trust me, this list has some long-simmering wants on it!

Joe Fresh Holiday Line Items – Sports Bra ($19), Rings ($16), Velvet Clutch ($29), Lace Bomber Jacket ($49), Faux Fur Earmuffs ($24)
This year, Joe Fresh is taking it back to holiday staples: expect to see sumptuous winter fabrics like velvet, faux fur, and wool make an appearance, alongside some gorgeous shades of rich red and smokey grey. I was hard-pressed to pick just a few favourites for myself, but all of these cool gifts would definitely top my wish list. Not only are they super stylish and perfect for holiday party appearances, they’re also all crazy affordable – and under $50! Check out the full Joe Fresh holiday season line in stores now and keep an eye out for other Joe Fresh gift ideas throughout the season!

Fuss-Free Vegan Cookbook by Sam Turnbull – $29.95
Ironically, given the title of this cookbook, I am quite fussy about my vegan cookbooks. I try to pick ones that don’t rely heavily on meat and cheese substitutes (my refrain being if I wanted to eat meat and cheese, I would, and occasionally do of the latter), and luckily, it appears me and blogger-turned-cookbook-author Sam Turnbull are of the same mindset. Her cookbook is all about taking recipes you might already know and love and adapting them through a few simple ingredient swaps, with comfort food faves like fluffy waffles, BBQ cauliflower steaks, and a stunning mac and cheese that would fool any omnivore. While many people associate vegan eats with endless kale and ‘power foods’, Sam does indulge here and there, but for the most part the recipes here are hella normal (and appetizing), avoiding sketchy over-processed foods and focusing on what a good vegan diet is all about: plant-based, whole foods. Consider this a must-have for any vegan chef (myself included) this season!

Benefit Cosmetics SF Winter Wonderglam Sets – $49 – $55 each online or @ Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart
I had a total awww moment once I spotted what this year’s theme was for Benefit Cosmetics’ holiday kits! Taking inspiration from the swinging 60s, specifically in the hippie-centric city of San Francisco (where the brand was founded), this year you can get one of the brand’s limited edition ‘snow globes’ filled with some of Benefit’s best-selling products. Perfect for longtime Bene-babes or newbies to the line alike, these sets are an amazing value, often with savings of 50% or more off the full retail value. And for something totally different, Benefit does have some really cute brow sets and bag-based sets at a total range of price points.

Breville Risotto Plus – $169.99 (Available at Hudson’s Bay, Home Outfitters, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Amazon, and gourmet retailers across Canada)
I dig a multi-tasking appliance, so naturally my heart was won over by this handy device by the always-impressive Breville. While it makes creamy dreamy stir-free risottos that would make even a seasoned chef envious, you can also use it to steam vegetables, make slow-cooked meals, and yes, fluffy rice. By gently agitating the rice during the cook, starch oozes out and creates that creamy texture a good risotto has. While some people scoff at a single-function kitchen gadget, you have to admit – this one is worth some shelf space for all it can do!

Plant Theatre Kits – $19.99 each @ Amazon.ca
I don’t have much of a green thumb, but I love growing my own veggies and herbs. Naturally, these super seed kits (designed by UK brand Plant Theatre) made me look twice. Each sleek set – there are six in all, including a Gourmet Flower and Pepper Kit not shown – comes with all the fixins’ you need to plant whatever the theme is, including seeds, starter growing blocks, plant markers, and growing tips. If you’re into heirloom plants in particular you’ll dig the unusual inclusions in sets like the Funky Veg (with rainbow chard and stripey tomatoes) or Psychedelic Salad (round lemon cucumbers anyone?) sets in particular. Plus the price point is amazing – you can easily pick these up for everyone from your garden-loving friends to your in-laws to your foodie host.

Cake Deck the Haul Gift Set – $29.99 @ Shoppers Drug Mart
You’re going to be in a ton of photos this holiday season, so if you’re like me, you’ll want to ensure your mane is in tip top shape for it. Luckily there’s this limited-edition gift set of some of Cake Beauty’s bestsellers and cult faves to keep your tresses looking tamed – including their ‘Do Gooder’ Volumizing Dry Shampoo and The Locks Smith Hydrating Dry Conditioner, the two of which give you soft, shiny hair when you don’t have time to shower post-holiday party. You can also create fun waves on the go with the Wave Maker Texturing Spray, and achieve any look with the included styling clips and mini-brush. Cruelty-free and Canadian, this awesome little set is perfect for Cake-aholics and newbies to the brand alike.

JBL E55BT Over Ear Wireless Headphones with Mic – $199.99 @ Best Buy, London Drugs and Independent Retailers
I’ve had a case of earphone envy over the last year – my Beats are looking old – and these JBL E55BT headphones may be just the thing to quell my wants. They look awesome for one thing, but more practically speaking, they offer up to 20 hours of playtime before needing to be recharged (for just two hours!), you can use them with your phone or other portable device, and they’ve got built-in controls for volume and track selection. There’s also a removable cable with a built-in mic for when you want to have chat sessions, and the headphones have been revamped for a comfy, ergonomic fit (ideal for the long plane trips I sometimes find myself on). Coming in five cool colours, these top-rated headphones are any audiophiles dream this holiday season!

Igloo / Cottage / A-Frame Candles – $29.99 each @ Forest & Waves
I have a thing for candles in the wintertime. In fact, I’ve had one flickering on my desk as I’ve worked on all of my holiday gift guides this season. So I’m always keep a keen eye out for when a candle is a little different – and these mold candles definitely fit the bill with their cool Canadiana geometric shapes. Handmade in Vancouver, these pretty candles are the definition of #shoplocal, with even the box made using the brand’s screenprinted FSC recycled craft paper. Each candle features its own unique scent too – Igloo (rosemary and peppermint), Cottage (forest moss), and A-Frame (campfire & pine). While I’d be happy to receive any of these little candles as a holiday gift, I also think they’d make sweet stocking stuffers, friend gifts, host gifts, and even a gift for guys with their wholly gender-neutral aesthetic. Too cute!

Marble Look Cases – $21 each @ NEEDACASE
It’s been awhile since I’ve refreshed my phone case, but I’ve been paying attention to what’s trending out there and I consistently come back to loving these marble-look cases. Need a Case is a huge Etsy vendor that specializes in chic yet wallet-friendly cases, including over 70 styles rendered in faux marble for iPhones back to the 4 era and a ton of Samsung phones as well (select cases are also being rolled out in iPhone 8 styles). It’s actually to the point where I’d be hard-pressed to pick just one…but luckily at this price point it’s pretty easy to justify asking for a few, right? Not in the market for a new phone case? The brand also carries fun, fresh designs for your Macbook, including value sets featuring both a laptop and cell case. You can even order a custom monogrammed case so the world knows what’s yours!

Rose Buddha Leggings – $57.50 – $115 each
With a new gym membership comes a lust for all things activewear, I find. If you’re thinking of re-signing up this January, get going on your cute workout wardrobe with these ethically made leggings from Montreal-based Rose Buddha. There’s a lot to like about this local-focused brand; the prints are designed with local artists, the fabric is made from (primarily) recycled water bottles, and all leggings are designed and manufactured right here in Canada! Designed to hug your body perfectly, these ultra-slimming leggings offer four-way stretch and allow your skin to breathe as you’re dialing up the intensity. Extra bonus points for reinforced seams, a no-slip high waistband, an anti-transparency fabric, and SPF 50 for outside exercise. Now to simply land on (just one!) design I covet the most…

Fresh Perfect Pink Lips Set – $23 @ Sephora
One part soothing, one part glam, this two-in-one little gift set is a sweet gift for any gal that wants to pucker up this holiday season. While red lips make a festive choice this winter, I’m always enamored with a classic doll-like pink lip. This duo includes the brand’s signature lemon and powdered sugar-scented lip treatment in Rose, a shimmery rose pink cream tone, as well as their tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen in the same tone to offer up a sheer rosy tint any time of year. It’s well-priced to gift to a gal pal, or even stocking stuffer-worthy!

What Time Is It Mr. Wolf Bracelets – $50+ each @ Monoxide Style
Locally made jewellery is always a fave gift idea of mine when it comes to the holiday season. Canada truly has a talented market of artisans – including Tyler Ferguson’s Monoxide Style. Based in Ontario, this chic line is sold at the Toronto Designers Market and online (in fact they’ve got a recently revamped site up). With flat-fee shipping and free shipping over $50, I love the brand’s simple elegance – think, shiny metal rings and chunky chains. One standout piece is their What Time Is It Mr. Wolf bracelets, which are made using vintage watch straps paired with a variety of semi-precious stones. It’s actually a stunningly affordable way to hook a loved one up with something one of a kind, as no two bracelets are alike, but are 100% sure to be loved.

Want to win some of the goodies on my wish list? Well you could! I’m giving away an amazing prize package of some of my favourite gift ideas this season valued at nearly $600, including:

$100 Joe Fresh Gift Card
Fuss-Free Vegan Cookbook
Plant Theatre Funky Veg Kit
Cake Deck the Haul Set
JBL E55BT Over Ear Wireless Headphones with Mic (in black or blue)
A Forest & Waves Mold Candle
NEEDACASE Phone Case
A pair of Rose Buddha Full-Length Leggings
Monoxide Style ‘What Time Is It Mr. Wolf’ Bracelet

1) IMPORTANT NOTE! You must be a Canadian Gift Guide subscriber to enter this giveaway. Just find the ‘Gift of Gab’ box on the righthand side of this page and either hit ‘Follow’ or enter your email address. Once you’ve done that, leave me a comment by November 24, 2017 telling me your favourite gift ideas from MY wish list!

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 25, 2017 to select the winner(s), 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 Opportunities – Do as many of these as you like! Just leave each bonus entry in their own separate comment.

Follow Joe Fresh on Twitter, then send out a Tweet that tags them and me (@cdngiftguide) and includes a link back to this post, highlighting this awesome giveaway. Link back to your Tweet in a separate comment below.

Follow Penguin Random House (the publisher of Fuss-Free Vegan) on Instagram, then create a post on your own feed (you can regram one of theirs or grab a photo off their site or even from this post) that tags them. Link back to your post in a separate comment below.

Create an Instagram post featuring the Plant Theatre kits on your own feed that tags me (@cdngiftguide) and uses the hashtag #planttheatre. Link back to your post in a separate comment below.

Follow Shoppers Drug Mart on Instagram and like one of their posts. Then leave a separate comment below that tells me you’ve done so and includes your IG username.

Follow Erikson on Twitter, then send out a Tweet that tags them and me (@cdngiftguide) and includes a link back to this post, highlighting this awesome giveaway. Link back to your Tweet in a separate comment below.

Follow Forest and Waves on Instagram, then tag two friends on one of their posts that you think would dig their products. Link back to the Instagram post you commented on in a separate comment below, with your IG username.

Follow NEEDACASE on Instagram, then tag two friends on one of their posts that you think would dig their products. Link back to the Instagram post you commented on in a separate comment below, with your IG username.

Follow Rose Buddha on Instagram, then create a post on your own feed (you can regram one of theirs or grab a photo off their site or even from this post) that tags them. Link back to your post in a separate comment below.

Follow Monoxide Style on Instagram, then tag two friends on one of their posts that you think would dig their products. Link back to the Instagram post you commented on in a separate comment below, with your IG username.