Gift Ideas and Tips for Thoughtful Gifting

Keeping it (sorta) short and sweet and to the point. No extra fluff. Think of it as the Jump to Recipe when just wanting to see the ingredients of a recipe online. I'm sharing some last minute gift ideas, including host(ess) gifts, as well as some tips on how to give thoughtful gifts.

LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS

Here are some of my favourite last minute gift ideas that typically go over quite well and are generally available.

5-Minute Journal

• This journal is a fast and easy way to reflect and create a new ritual to a happier way of living - comes in a variety of different colours

Belt Bag

• You can go designer or the simple, ever popular, Lululemon belt bag

Faux Fur Throw

You can never have enough of these!

Conscious Kids Book Series

• Love these! They’re a playful introduction to the mind, body and soul connection for children and families by Toronto's Lavender Morantz (consciouskids.ca).
• Book 1: I Am: A Collection of Affirmations
• Book 2: Today I Ate the Rainbow
• Book 3: Feel Better, My Love

Saje Room Spray Kit

• I’ve been obsessed with some of my Saje room sprays - and the scent actually lingers to keep the room smelling fresh for hours

Reading Socks

• I may have a few pairs of reading socks myself and pretty much everyone I’ve ever given a gift to does too lol. There are options for women, men and kids

Bruder Toys For Kids

• Bruder has all kinds of trucks, tractors, play people, etc

LOL Dolls

• Apparently young girls love these LOL dolls

Flower Subscription

• Because who doesn’t love having flowers delivered regularly! Jong Young Flower Market, Floris or Sweetpea’s all have flower subscriptions and create beautiful arrangements.

Concierge Service

• Email or Inbox me for gift options

GIFTS FOR THE HOST(ESS)

If you’re heading out to a dinner or holiday party, don’t forget a gift for the host(ess). The general rule is “never show up empty handed”.

Here are a few easy ideas to get you started and again, quite readily available:

Nice Bottle of Wine or Bubbly

• Head to the Vintages section - ideally you already know if they prefer red, white or bubbles
• Know the price point you’re looking to spend
• Look for something with good ratings (usually posted with the pricing label), use the Vivino app if you need to, and/or ask for a recommendation from the store team
• Some of my reasonable go to’s are Rutherford Ranch or Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Taittinger Champagne and you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Patron Tequila…or a good Bourbon. A nice Barolo will also never be turned away (sorry to the white wine fans, just pick a Pinot Grigio or something lol)

Cozy Faux Fur Throw

• Honestly, you can never have enough of these…as noted above ??

Personalized Charcuterie Board

• Either have one custom made through Etsy
• Or grab one ready to go with their initial on from Crate & Barrel

Fresh Cookies or Pastries

• A Toronto fav and mine Le Gourmand, or Kelly's Bake Shoppe in Burlington for amazing plant-based treats

Electric Wine Opener

• For those who aren’t so good at opening wine bottles with traditional corkscrews, here is an electric one that'll do it for them

Marble Wine Cooler

• If there’s one thing that I don’t love about drinking white wine, it's having to go back to the fridge to get more! This wine cooler can save the day

Yummi Scented Candles

• These locally made candles are some of my favs and seem to last forever!

TIPS FOR THOUGHTFUL GIFTING

Knowing what to do and look for is half the battle when it comes to giving the most thoughtful gifts. Here are some tips for this year…and all year.

• What does the person really appreciate or cherish
• Get to know the brands they prefer
• Is there an inside joke or story you have with them
• Have they mentioned something they need or want but won’t get it for themselves
• Maybe there’s a service they could use that they wouldn’t think of for themselves
• What brings them tears of joy
• Do they prefer experiences over gifts
• Always leave a note

The keys to thoughtful gifting are to listen and ask those random questions.?And pay attention to the little things.?

Make a note when you hear something that might sound like a great idea. You’ll be glad you did!

Feel free to reach out if you need more ideas...I have lots!

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

Melissa