This gift guide is for the busy moms and women on the go, thoughtful ideas they probably already have on their wish list.
Think about the person you are shopping for; what’s on their mental wish list? What do they like to do on their limited free time? What are items they use every day and may enjoy a new one of? When they’re getting ready for brunch or work or an event, what are they constantly saying they wish they had to make their routine smoother? I’ve taken those thoughts and made them into a list I think could work for most, comprised of my own everyday favourites from local & Canadian companies and a few I just had to throw in because they make my life easier daily.
As Taylor Swift says, “I hope you get what you want!”
Everyday Staples
Yeti Stackable Cups
I have multiples of these and between my husband and I we can never have too many Yeti Mugs in our home. My favourites are the Stackable Cups.
Tega Tea
Tega Tea is always fully stocked at the KidStar office and in my tea drawer at home. Tea is a great addition to gift baskets for any occasion – birthdays, housewarming gifts, and of course Christmas.
Our two favourite flavours are the Masala Chai Rooiboos and the Earl Grey Rooiboos.
I have yet to try this flavour, but you have to read about the Holiday Winter Spice tea and tell me you agree this sounds amazing!
Instagram: @tegatea
Initial Pendant from Minichiello Jewellers
If you have followed my previous gift guides, you’ve probably heard about Minichiellos before. Minichiello Jewellers is a family-run store located in Vancouver that specializes in custom jewellery (that I worked at while I was in university, fun fact). They have amazing pieces ready for purchase, or you can create something more personalized. Their customer service is unmatched, and they have a wide range of products to suit any price point.
This year I’d like to highlight their Initial Pendant. This also comes in a set of earrings!
Instagram: @minichiellojewellers
Indigo
From books to lifestyle staples to home décor, Indigo is a true one-stop shop. They even have wrapping paper and cards (these always go on sale closer to Christmas… if you can hold out that long). Here’s a handful of my Indigo favourites:
- Kobo E-Reader – E-Readers are a fantastic gift, even for fans of graphic novels as they now have colour e-readers! Did you know: you can use your Kobo to access the public library archive of e-books for free? All you have to do is connect your library card through the Libby app.
- Magnetic Bookmarks – CraftedVan is a local Vancouver company founded in 2012 by two best friends. You can learn more about them and shop on their website, but also keep your eye out for their bookmarks in Indigo! They are magnetic, super light so they will not damage your books, and come in a million designs. Great, unique stocking stuffer option.
- Puzzles – My family loves to do the 1000+ puzzles and our favourites have mostly come from Ravensburger (it totally doesn’t get dramatic, competitive and loud!)
- PJ’s – The Love & Lore pajama sets are super soft, light, and come in a variety of colours & prints. These with a set of reading socks will make the coziest person in your life very pleased.
- Journals and Planners – Indigo always has a beautiful selection of journals, notepads, and planners.
For the Traveller
Patagonia Fleece Pullovers
I am a big fan of the Patagonia fleeces, they’re great for layering as we transition from Autumn to Winter and bonus points since they come in some funky pattern options that stand out! And did you know: Patagonia has a “Used” shopping option? I think this is a great initiative to reduce waste and give shoppers a chance at vintage patterns.
Saje Dream Team Sleep Routine Kit
Saje is always a stop on my Christmas shopping list. It is great because their high-quality essential oils mean that often a set of 3 will last the entire calendar year for most people. Beyond oils and diffusers they have body care, skincare, even home cleaning products and a laundry collection!
But don’t dismiss the holiday sets they put together – ones like this Dream Team sleep and relaxation focused kit would be amazing for a trip! I always like having an eye-mask on a plane and the other items in this kit sound like the perfect natural sleep boosters for anyone needing some extra help adapting to a time change.
Instagram: @sajewellness
A Matching Sweat Suit
The kids say matching sweat suits are in… and I have to say, those Aritzia sweat suits tempt me every time they launch a new set of colours.
My source on the ground tells me her favourite styles are the Perfect Crew Sweatshirt, Boyfriend Zip, Mega Jogger, and the Mega Cargo Sweatpant. Maybe this will be the year I finally get on this trend.
Cross-Body Phone Strap
I was gifted one of these this year and I use this thing all the time; when I am at sports games and practices with the girls, travelling, especially at tradeshows when I need my hands free but my phone close.
I found this option on Amazon that is similar to mine and has great reviews. Plus, cool patterns!
Food for Thought
Rude Mama Hot Sauce
For the hot sauce lover in your life, these are a pantry staple. I am not even a huge hot sauce person but these are amazing, the Pineapple flavour blew my mind. They have not lasted very long in the office fridge!
Shop Rude Mama: https://rudemama.ca/
Watch my Founder Chat with Viet on Instagram
Follow Rude Mama on Instagram: @rudemamahotsauce
Plant Based Workshop Vegan Ramen Kits
Delicious restaurant-quality ramen at home in 10 minutes or less with real-food ingredients? Yes please! These are delicious on their own, or if you have time, add whatever ramen toppings you like and it is just like being at a restaurant. If you are in Vancouver, you can visit Mayumi and her family at The Workshop Vegetarian Café in North Vancouver.
Shop the Best Vegan Ramen Kits (and more!): https://plantbasedworkshop.com/collections/the-best-vegan-ramen-kits
Watch my Founder Chat with Mayumi Bae on YouTube
Follow the Plant Based Workshop on Instagram: @plantbasedworkshop
Dutchman’s Gold WildFlower Honey
My favourite is their wildflower honey. My kids are a massive fan of their raw honey. But don’t stop at the honey! They also have candles, skincare, royal jelly, and even maple syrup.
Shop on their website: https://dutchmansgold.com
Watch my Founder Chat with Angela on YouTube
Follow Dutchman’s Gold on Instagram: @dutchmansgold
Himalayan Pink Salt Caramel Chocolates
Don’t doubt the power of chocolate! The Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels from Purdy’s are a classic. The perfect mix of sweet, salty, and chocolatey. Purdy’s really hit the nail on the head with these.
Self Care & Wellness
Satya Organic Easy Glide Stick
I have been using this product since I spoke to Patrice on my Founder Chat over a year now. This product lives on my desk constantly; I love it for this time of year when my knuckles and jawline start to crack and get really sensitive. The stick component makes it very easy to throw in your purse, car, have on your desk at work, and it won’t get messy.
Shop on their website: https://satya.ca/products/eczema-stick
Watch my Founder Chat with Patrice on YouTube
Follow Satya Organic on Instagram: @satyaorganic
Riciniol
Another skincare staple of mine: Riciniol is like castor oil, but better. I have tubes of this everywhere; at work, in my washroom at home, and I take one with me when I travel. It is great for sensitive skin, is not thick like other castor oil products and actually absorbs into the skin. My favourites are the Essential and the Renewal.
Shop on their website: https://riciniol.ca/
Watch my Founder Chat with Nina on YouTube
Follow Riciniol on Instagram: @riciniol
Lavoh Reusable Make-up Remover Cloths
An underrated and highly useful stocking stuffer! These are great as a first step to remove your makeup before cleansing, to use as a tool with your cleanser, or I like to use mine when travelling as a quick solution when packing liquids is either impossible or not something I’d like to bother with. You can find these in different sizes, the small ones are great for targeting the eye area while the larger ones are more efficient if she wears more of a full-face of makeup daily. At the end of the week – wash in the laundry and reuse! They prevent so much waste and last forever.
This set from Lavoh is a great option!
Dead Sea Salts
I am a big fan of a good dead sea salt bath. Dead sea salts are great for relaxation, and contain minerals like magnesium, calcium, zinc, and others that help hydrate, soothe, and detox the skin. You can find great quality dead sea salts at Whole Foods, Choices, and similar health food stores.
If you’re in Vancouver, The Soap Dispensary on Main Street sells dead sea salts.
The Wet Brush
Between myself and my three girls over the years, we have tried a lot of hairbrushes. The Wet Brush always comes out on top. It is gentle on tangles, works on dry or wet hair, and comes in a multitude of colours and patterns. This would be a great stocking stuffer, or an addition to a gift basket!
Dyson Airwrap
This one is a big-ticket item, but I have had my Dyson Airwrap for years and use it almost every single day. Mine came with multiple attachments, my most-used ones are definitely the blow dryer and the flat brush for smoothing. You can shop the Airwrap in-store, or on Amazon.
When in doubt: go for the experience. A gift card to the movies, tickets to a show you can go to together, a local pottery class or if you’re in Vancouver, this bracelet making workshop, tickets to a comedy show (check out The Improv Centre in Granville Island)… the activity options are endless and regardless a memory is made.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my 2019 and 2020 gift guides and don’t forget to leave your holiday wish list in the comments.
