Gifts Galore Day TEN!

The Night Before Christmas Recordable Story Book - Clement C. Moore

The Night Before Christmas Hallmark Recordable Storybook by Clement C. Moore ($)

     Everyone who knows about Christmas, knows the story "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore. It's a Christmas classic and my favourite Christmas tale. This edition of the book is extra special because you can record yourself reading it. Isn't that cool?!

     The book is powered by 3 AAA batteries, and the first time you turn the pages and example recording plays for you. It will teach you how to record yourself reading the story. It's as simple as that. As the child turns each page, your voice will be amplified through tiny speakers.

     
     This makes the perfect gift for a child of any age. I often have grandparents requesting this book at Coles to give to their grandchildren. It's such a beautiful keepsake that they can keep forever. There isn't anything more comforting than hearing the voice of someone you love, as often as you want.

     Because it is lightweight, it is very easy to mail overseas as well. At only $19.95 CAD, the price doesn't get any better than this for a really personalized gift. If you're looking for this in-store you need to go to a Hallmark or Indigo/Chapters/Coles as the book is exclusively sold by them.

Buy The Night Before Christmas Recordable Storybook online here

Gifts Galore Day NINE!

Philosophy: Amazing Grace Fragrance Layering Collection

Philosophy Amazing Grace Layering Collection ($)

     I've been very bad and I forgot to post yesterday! But to make up for it I'm posting TWO great gift ideas today, so don't be angry with me because you're going to like them.

     This is a beautiful gift set created by Philosophy featuring their iconic Amazing Grace fragrance. It includes a 2oz bottle of spray fragrance, an 8oz bath and shower cream, and 2oz of body butter in a nice little gift box.

     I love this scent. Instead of being potent and sweet like many perfumes are, Amazing Grace is a very clean smell. Like clean laundry or a crisp winter morning. When I wear it I feel fresh and pretty smelling without smelling overpowering. My customers often tell me that I smell great!

     My Mom and I are very sensitive to smells. We get migraines frequently, and they are often triggered by fragrance. We both really like Amazing Grace because it is so subtle and doesn't make us feel sick.

  

     Might I add that the body butter in this set is amazing. It is extremely moisturizing and leaves your skin subtly scented.

     I would recommend this scent to anyone who likes the idea of perfume, but doesn't want to smell overpowering. This would make a great gift for your Mom or Grandma or sister. It smells different on everyone and at $49.50 it is a reasonably priced gift that is sure to make her happy.

Buy Philosophy Amazing Grace Layering Collection online here

Gifts Galore Day EIGHT!

Crosley AV Room Portable USB Turntable

Crosley Portable USB Turntable ($$)

     Today's gift idea is the Crosley Portable USB Turntable. It's a cool device that you can use to play your LP vinyl collection in a stylish and portable way. The cream coloured removable lid, and teal body give it an appealing vintage feel. When you're using it, just remove the lid. When you aren't put the lid on and store it away. It's perfect for small spaces.

     I own this turntable, and I quite like it because of it's size and portability. However, the sound quality isn't the greatest. I'm not saying it's bad, it just isn't as good as say - those Bose headphones I featured yesterday. If you put this record player too close to stuff, the sound tends to have an echo. And if you put it on carpeted floor, it creates vibrations also distorting the sound. For the best sound quality, put it up on a hard, sturdy, elevated surface.

     A neat feature of the turntable is it's ability to rip vinyls onto your computer into MP3 files via a USB cord, turning the warm rich sounds of the records into a format you can listen to on your iPod. I haven't tried this yet - apparently it takes a really long time, but it's a smart idea.

     The Crosley Portable USB Turntable is a great gift for someone who collects vinyls and wants to take them on the go. It's an awesome little starter turntable, and for $160 bucks it isn't too badly priced either.

Buy the Crosley AV Room Portable USB Turntable online here

Gifts Galore Day SEVEN!

Bose IE2 Headphones

BOSE IE2 Headphones ($$$)

     Someone buy me these for Christmas, please. I'll shower you with enough hugs to last an eternity. These Bose IE2 in-ear headphones are incredible. 

    I tested these bad boys out, and believe me, they are the best ear buds that have ever tried. And I've tried them all: SkullCandy, Panasonic, Sony, Apple, etc. etc. Nothing compares in terms of comfort and sound quality. Bose is the best for sound systems, and now headphones, hands down. 

     What makes these ear buds really unique is the "StayHear" tips. These tips nestle into the bowl of your ear, and conform to your ears natural shape. This makes them incredibly comfortable, and they won't fall out while your exercising or rocking out, which is one really annoying thing about "average" in-ear headphones. Exclusively to Bose, these headphones feature a "TriPort" acoustic headphone structure, which produces tonally balanced audio and deep low notes all in a small headphone.

     The IE2's come with StayHear tips in small, medium, and large so you can choose your perfect fit. They also come with a carrying case where you can store the headphones and it also fits most MP3 players.

     Trust me, buy these for the music lover in your life and they'll love you forever. But at $119 CAD, you better love the person you're giving these to. They are a bit of a splurge, and absolutely worth it.

Buy Bose IE2 headphones online here

Gifts Galore Day SIX!

"The Guardian Samurai of Beauty" Hoodie @ Threadless

"Nature Photography" T-Shirt @ Threadless

Threadless ($$)

     Today's gift isn't one item, it's a whole website of items. I love Threadless.com. Love it. They make beautiful t-shirts/hoodies/tanks for men women and children that are so unique and awesome I really cannot get enough of it.

     Any person who has some degree of talent can submit their artwork that they would like to see printed on clothing, and if the image is voted in and well-liked, Threadless will make it. Threadless has HUNDREDS of designs available, ranging from humourous to whimsical and everything in between. The images are often printed on American Apparel clothing, which is amazing quality and super comfortable stuff. 

     I have some t-shirts from Threadless that I bought over 4 years ago and the print is still as vibrant as when I first got them. I advise washing them inside-out in cold water, and hanging them to dry if at all possible. I've thrown them in the dryer many times and they're still fine, but to extend the life of your clothing, please don't do this.

     Threadless t's are regular $20 USD and their hoodies are $50 USD, but they often do crazy sales where t's are $10, and hoodies are $29. (Prices are a little higher in Canada of course, hence my ($$) rating, but still reasonable). This sale is on right now actually, until November 28. Shipping is relatively fast, maybe a week or so, and they ship UPS.

    Oh and Threadless isn't just clothing. They make messenger bags, umbrellas, iPhone cases, Laptop cases, etc. etc. You can find a unique gift here for anyone really. I cannot give them enough praise. Best part is, you can't find this stuff in stores so the gift recipient is going to feel really special.

Shop Threadless online here

Gifts Galore Day FIVE!

Color a Candy Bag

Color a Candy Bag by Dylan's Candy Bar (ALIX) ($)

     So far, all my gift suggestions have been for adults, but I know kids are some of the hardest people to shop for because they're so damn picky! Today's great gift is this Color a Candy Bag. Measuring at 38cm x 28cm x 10cm this bag is plenty big to carry school books and other stuff around.

     I think this gift is perfect for girls aged 6-10 (the age where they can actually kind of colour in the lines). It's both functional and interactive since the recipient can colour in the candy motif in any colours they want, and carry their school stuff around in it when they're finished. The bag includes 6 markers (blue, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and green) and a luggage tag that can be coloured in as well. The markers are special permanent fabric markers, but I wouldn't advise washing this thing in a washing machine. Just spot clean as necessary so the colours don't fade.

    If you're sick of giving Barbies to your niece/cousin and want to give her something unique, useful, and fun I think this is the perfect choice at the very reasonable price of $29.95 CAD.

Buy Color a Candy Bag online here

Gifts Galore Day FOUR!

Coveroo Battery Door (Montreal Canadiens - Blackberry Torch 9800)

Coveroo Battery Door (Toronto Maple Leafs - Blackberry Curve 8520/8530)

Coveroo Blackberry Battery Door ($$)

     These battery doors by Coveroo are some of the coolest I've ever seen. They aren't just a sticker that covers the existing cover of your phone - they are literally a cover constructed of durable plastic that replaces your existing battery door, how sweet is that?

   Coveroo makes these doors for most Blackberry models, from the Curve, to the Bold, to the Torch. My only complaint is that they've been a little slow at keeping up with the most current Blackberry models, including the Bold 9900 (my phone :( ) But, that's okay because they're said to come out soon! 

    At $31.99 CAD, a battery door by Coveroo makes the perfect Christmas gift for that good buddy who's addicted to their smartphone and loves representing their favourite hockey team. 32 bucks seems like a little much for a piece of plastic, but it's such a cool novelty, it's kind of hard to resist. Especially if your Blackberry has taken a beating, it will really freshen up it's appearance.

     Coveroo has made cases adorned with every team from the NHL! They include vibrant team colours and the team logo. (GO HABS GO!)  

Buy a Coveroo Blackerry Battery Door online here 

Gifts Galore Day THREE!

Too Faced: In Your Dreams Makeup Collection

Too Faced: In Your Dreams Makeup Collection ($)

     Today's gift is Too Faced: In Your Dreams Makeup Collection palette. In my opinion, Too Faced puts out the best quality eyeshadow of all-time; it's highly pigmented, goes on smoothly, and lasts forever. I personally own the Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection and I use it almost every single day.

    In Your Dreams is amazing because the palette includes three "looks" that you can create for day and evening, or a special occasion. These looks are called "Natural Beauty," "Feminine Flirty," and "Seductively Smokey." Each look consists of three eye shadows, a blush, and a lip colour. The colours for each look compliment each other, so there is no way you'll look like a call-girl/clown. The collection also includes step by step instructions on how to complete each look. How easy is that?!

     In Your Dreams will make the perfect gift for any makeup loving woman in your life (sister, girlfriend?). However, I would advise giving this palette to someone in their late teens to early thirties as the colours are very shimmery. (Shimmer can enhance the appearance of wrinkles!)

      At $39 CAD, the price for this is unbeatable. Sephora says it is a $155 CAD value, so this really is a steal. In Your Dreams is a guilt-free indulgence and the gift recipient will think you spent a fortune on this high-quality makeup. 

Buy Too Faced: In Your Dreams Makeup Collection online here

Gifts Galore Day TWO!

Whiskey Rocks

Whiskey Rocks: Teroforma ($)

     These Whiskey Rocks by Teroforma are a really nifty little creation that make a great gift for the whiskey loving man (or woman) in your life.

     

     Just pop them in the freezer for at least four hours and they will keep your whiskey to the perfect temperature, without watering it down like ice will. 

**Note that a good quality whiskey is not supposed to be COLD per se. The stones don't make your whiskey cold, and they aren't supposed to. Their purpose is to maintain the temperature of the whiskey, so it does not get heated from the warmth of you holding it. If you want your whiskey to be chilled, I suggest purchasing plastic covered fake ice cubes.
     
     They are made from soapstone, which is naturally non-porous - meaning they won't absorb the whiskey.

     Whiskey Rocks add sophistication to your glass and add a rustic and natural feel to the beverage you're drinking. 

     At $24.99 CAD, they make a unique and reasonably priced host or hostess gift.

     Buy Whiskey Rocks by Teroforma online here

Gifts Galore Day ONE!

Inside (opened)

Outside (closed tin)

Lush: Christmas Delights ($$)

     For the past several years of my life I have experienced annually dry and chapped skin that comes along with Canadian winters. This kit from Lush is the perfect solution to bad winter skin and I think it makes a beautiful gift. 

     The kit contains 100g of Angel's Delight Soap, 100g of Candy Cane Soap, a Heavanilli Massage Bar, 100ml of Snow Fairy Shower Gel, 100g of Vanilla Dee-Lite body lotion and 100g of Sugar Babe Sugar Scrub. Lush has crammed lots of great product into this reusable tin designed by Finnish illustrator Jenni Saarenkyla.

    I am in love with the Vanilla Dee-Lite lotion, it's a miracle cream. It gives me lasting moisturization and smells like a tropical island! (vanilla and coconut) The Snow Fairy Shower Gel is nice, but it's a little too sweet-smelling for my taste. 

     Because it is a bit on the expensive side at $54.95 CAD it is probably something you would reserve to give your Mom, girlfriend, or sister, and she has to have a sweet tooth to enjoy every item in this tin. Overall, the Christmas Delights tin has a good sampling of bath products that Lush has to offer and the reusable tin is a big selling point for me. 

You can purchase Christmas Delights online here

 

Obligatory First Post

Hi everyone,

     This is my first blog ever and I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Carleigh and I am a 3rd year Journalism student from University of Toronto, currently attending Centennial College. I love to read and write. I love shopping, especially for cosmetics including bath and hair products.

     I want to use this blog as a chance to share my knowledge about products and things I have tried and like. It will also be a place for my ramblings and what not. Everything that interests me will be posted here.

     I'm going to start out my blog with a countdown to Christmas. I know what you're thinking, it's November 20th. But I also know most of you are starting your Christmas shopping now, or at least I hope you are! My countdown is going to consist of things I think will make great gifts for your friends, colleagues, and loved ones. 

     I will be listing the price of each gift as well to help everyone find something that is in their budgets.This is the code I will be using to show the price-range of a gift:

($) = A good valued or inexpensive gift (a steal!).
($$) = mid-priced gift
($$$) = Splurge!

Hope it helps!