Take a deep breath and imagine yourself on a tropical island; the soothing sound of the ocean waves lapping onto the white sand and a warm tropical breeze drifts through the air. Everything is going to be all right. You haven’t even started your holiday shopping yet but don’t fret, the perfect gift for everyone on your list is just a few short clicks away. So get yourself some nog, throw on a tacky Christmas sweater and let us do the work for you.
Just like snowflakes, no two women are alike, so it’s important to remember what kind of woman you’re buying for when deciding on the perfect present.
For the Artsy Geek:
Designer USB Flash Drive
www.mimoco.com
$24.95
Don’t even think twice about getting your funky female this adorable designer USB Flash Drive. Adorned with art by popular animator Gary Baseman, it makes carrying around flash drives cool. You probably didn’t think that was ever possible, did you! With this combination of kitsch and practicality, you can’t go wrong.
For the Pampered Princess:
Jimmyjane’s Afterglow Massage Candle
www.comeasyouare.com
$30.00
This is one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” products. One part aromatherapy and one part massage oil; these sensuous candles melt at a low temp and can then be dripped on the skin and used as massage oil. Of course with this gift, you may have to include a follow up massage, but on a cold winters night, you could be worse off.
For the Sexy Someone:
Bustier
Lingerie.com
$46.95
Make no mistake of it. Just because the temperature is sub-zero, it doesn’t mean a woman doesn’t want to get a bit sassy in some sexy lingerie. Visit Lingerie.com for a variety of lingerie choices. From lace to leather, you’re sure to find something sexy for her (and for you). Just make sure you really know the person you’re buying for. You might want to skip this one for the mother-in-law, unless you’re looking for a way to make Christmas morning really awkward.
For the Stylish Fashionista:
In Vancouver
www.partsbyheather.com
Canadian designer Heather Mandin does an amazing job of amalgamating art and jewellery with her avant-garde, one-of-a-kind pieces. From clunky to feminine, you’re sure to find something to impress your accessory aficionado. If you’re feeling particularly thoughtful this holiday season, Mandin does custom pieces, made to your specifications.
In Toronto
www.soosrocks.com
Toronto designers Bryn Nihil and Jane Dallin have all 10 of their fashionable fingers directly on the pulse of style in the city. Their SOOS Rocks line of jewellery and accessories is bold, adventurous and beautiful and is a great gift for women of every style. Support Canadian talent and visit soosrocks.com for the ladies on your Christmas list.
In Montreal
www.kokassart.com
Winner of the Tahitian Pearl Trophy 2007-2008, Montreal’s Celiné Bouré proves she’s a force to be reckoned with in the competitive field of jewellery design. If you have a woman on your list that leans towards elegant and classy, look no further than www.kokassart.com. These delicate baubles will surely impress any woman with an eye for detail, quality and simple beauty.
For the Outdoorsy Explorer:
Atlas E927 Snowshoes (Women’s)
www.mec.ca
$150.00
I always say: “If you can’t beat it, trek through it”. Any adventurous woman will be thrilled to receive the latest in snowshoe design from Mountain Equipment Co-op. These are not your Grandmothers snowshoes; MEC makes snowshoes specifically designed for the female physique, making hiking across snowy terrain a fun way to stay fit.
For the Music Lover:
Ipod Nano-Chromatic
www.apple.com
$149.99
It’s not as though Apple is a hidden gem, but the cute new Nano-Chromatic has to get a mention as a great gift idea for the ladies. Of course it looks really cool, but the best selling points are the amazing new features: the new “Genius” feature finds the songs in your music library that go together and automatically makes a “genius playlist” and if you want to hear something new just give this Ipod a shake and it shuffles to a new song. Pretty cool.
For the Fitness Nut (or the New Year’s Resolution Maker)
Diadora Cyclogym Spin Cycle Shoes
$94.99
www.bicyclebuys.com
If a lady in your life has an interest in Spinning (an intensive stationary cycling class) then don’t hesitate in getting her Diadora’s Clyclogym spinning shoes. Designed specifically for the pedals on a spinning bicycle, these shoes provide comfort and style while suffering through an hour of delightful torture. Warning: if you think this gift is great way to suggest that she takes up spinning think again. Exercise products for women who don’t exercise will most certainly be taken the wrong way!
