Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts

Tuesday, 3 May 2016

Our Favorite Gifts for Mom

So there totally seems to be a pattern here of procrastinating when it comes to buying gifts, but better late than never, I guess?! We've put together a list of our top gift picks for this Mother's Day to help your loved ones out. You can also check out our holiday gift ideas post for more ideas!


  • Mighty Clutch - a purse that keeps your phone charged?  My iphone just died and went to wristlet heaven
  • Dinner cooked in your home by a personal chef - give mom a break and hire a chef to cook a gourmet meal for you!  There are so many personal chefs out there, but we enjoyed hearing stories about Gordon Ramsay from Chef Chadd McArthur!
  • Clarisonic Mia - this gift set comes with Ole Henriksen skincare, too (the Truth Serum is my fave)!
  • On-trend but practical skirt - You can still get down and dirty with the kids while jumping on the button-front skirt bandwagon
  • Tieks - if you're looking for compact but super-comfortable flats, Tieks are the way to go!
  • Wine Tumbler - for when you need a drink, stat!  And no, 10am is not too early if you are in the throes of parenting a toddler.
  • Yonanas - so mom can whip up a healthy dessert when she's in need of a guilty pleasure (check out our review if you want more info!)
  • Leather watch - you can't go wrong with a classic watch, although we still can't guarantee mom will be on time
  • Paper Pumpkin subscription - for the crafty woman in your life!  She'll get a surprise craft kit delivered in the mail to her every month (check out the first one we ever unboxed!)
  • DIY mason jar gift set - if you're feeling ambitious, you can collect some small items and package them in a pretty mason jar
  • A funny book - watch out Ryan Gosling, there are some new studs in town!
  • Or if you're in the mood for Pulitzer-prize-winning material, try this book, or check out this list for top inspirational books
  • A stylish charging station for all the electronics - perfect for the whole family, really!
  • A custom print with her favorite quote 
We hope you have fun blessing the socks off your mom or the special women in your life this Sunday!   If you have other brilliant ideas, please share your awesome gifts with us below!

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Valentine's Puzzle Gift and Bag Topper Printable

We wanted to share an idea for a non-chocolate, non-candy, non-tooth-decay-causing Valentine's treat that your child could give out to their friends.  Not only is this gift sugar-free, it's educational!  Enter heart-shaped puzzles!  We found these puzzles randomly while browsing for art supplies and thought they'd be perfect to give away.  They're just over a dollar each, so it doesn't break the bank.



You can leave them blank so the receiver can decorate it, or have your child colour and personalize it with the person's name (if you don't have a crazy number of kids in your class).


My daughter loved pulling the puzzle pieces apart to put them in the bags, and she also loved re-assembling them!  I daydreamed about the day she'd have the patience to colour in 25 of these puppies and all the free time I'd have...and then my bubble burst when she complained that she was tired of coloring the first one.  Sigh.  I think we'll stick with giving them away blank so the other kids can decorate them!


Materials:
  • your favorite coloring utensils (markers, paint, crayons, pencil crayons, etc.)
  • puzzles
  • cellophane bags (the dollar store has Valentine's ones that are perfect)
  • bag topper printable (links at the bottom of this post) and white cardstock for printing
  • stapler
Instructions:
  1. If you're decorating them before you give them away, color the puzzles using marker, paint or pencil crayon or crayon.  To personalize them, write your friend's name on it at the end in a darker color.  Don't do it at the beginning like we did, initially.  The name ends up disappearing under all the coloring!

  2. Print out the bag toppers and fold them in half along dotted line.
  3. Break up the puzzle and put it in a cellophane bag.
  4. Roll down the top of the bag and then put the bag topper over the top.  Staple both sides.
  5. Voila, a cute little gift for your friends!
  6. Use the outside frame of the puzzle for photos or other crafts.
I love fast, and I love easy.  This gift is both of those things!   Hope you have lots of fun getting ready for Valentine's day.  Share all your lovely crafts and gift ideas below, on Facebook, or on Instagram!

Printables (click on the image to download it - the pdf has 4 bag toppers on each 8.5" x 11" page):





Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List!

Is anyone else panicking with me?!  There are only NINE SHOPPING DAYS until Christmas!  As we did some last-minute shopping and Googling, we came across some gift ideas that we thought would be great for the people on your list.  Don't worry, Bunchems didn't make it, because it's probably not a good idea to curse in front of your kids. (All prices listed in CAD, unless otherwise stated).


Gifts for Kids
  • Re-Play divided plates ($9), bowls ($7), cutlery ($5), sippy cups ($9) and snack containers ($7.50) - made from recycled milk jugs, they're cute and good for the environment! 
  • Happy Mats ($30) - for the child who likes to throw the bowls around...this one won't budge!
  • My Monopoly game ($39) - the classic game can now be customized with your own photos, so you can personlize the board and characters!
  • Play All Day Elmo ($50) - it's the new, more educational version of Tickle Me Elmo!
  • Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes ($17) - a highly rated toy for your little one
  • Inside Out movie Blu-ray & DVD ($24) - we're all about empathy and feelings, and this movie is a great way to start a conversation with your child about them!
  • The Book With No Pictures ($15) - if you have any doubts about this book, watch this video of author B. J. Novak entertaining a crowd of kids with it!

By Camilee Designs on Etsy
Gifts for Gals
  • Color Me Swooooon colouring book ($13-$15) - a unique spin on the ever-popular adult colouring book!  Here, you can colour in your favourite heartthrob and learn stalker-worthy facts about his life. 
  • Josie Maran Argan Oil ($60) - my dad used this and people kept commenting on how much younger his skin looked!  Sounds like it's time for me to bathe in some!
  • #girlboss book ($15.16) - Part biographical, part motivational, all bestseller!
  • A pretty planner ($50 USD) - It's not just for time management anymore!
  • Personalized necklace ($48) - customize it with kids' names and have them close to her heart, awww
  • A jogger pant of some sort ($60) - they're the fashionable mom sweatpant that's great for both comfort and style
  • A beauty box subscription like Birchbox ($15/month) or Topbox ($10/month)
  • Beautiful ear jackets ($54) - the new trendy earring, where there's as much going on behind the ear as in front!
  • Luxury candles from Jo Malone ($75) - if it's good enough for Kate Middleton, it's good enough for me!
Gifts for Guys (you should also check out the list we compiled for Father's Day!)
  • Herschel Duffle bag ($90) - so you can toss that free Goodlife bag he's been sporting 
  • Leather smartphone gloves from J. Crew ($128) - cashmere-lined for warm and comfortable smartphone use in the cold winter
  • Leather coasters from Frank & Oak ($40) - not your grandmother's doilies!
  • Cedar shoe tree ($35) - for the guy who loves his shoes
  • Jack Black Power Pack gift set ($85) - certified organic facial care for men!
  • Samsung Occulus Gear VR ($99 USD) - it's a virtual reality headset so your neighbours can't see what you're watching 
  • MVMT classic leather watch ($109) - so he'll be on time for your dates? 
  • Chromecast Audio ($45) - so you can play all your music on any speaker using wifi
Funny Gifts
  • Hotline Bling Sweater ($24) - because who doesn't want a little Drizzy on their ugly sweater?!
  • Boyfriend Pillow ($40) - popularized by a cameo on the TV show Glee.  I can't decide if it's creepy or really brilliant. 
  • Reusable toaster bags ($8) - so you can make grilled cheese in your toaster!
  • Poo-Pourri spray ($14) - to prevent foul odours from escaping the bowl when you're doing #2
  • Go the F*** to Sleep book ($15) - a funny and honest look at getting your kids to sleep
  • Zombie Survival guide book ($16) - in case you haven't watched enough Walking Dead
  • Face Butt towel ($41) - so you never wipe your face with your butt ever again
Unisex Gifts
  • Kindle e-reader ($65) - This is a great gift for the commuter or traveller in your life!
  • A humanitarian gift of education, animals, nutrition or medicine (prices range) - bless those in need with a practical gift this holiday
  • Tile: The Tile App Tracker ($25) - attach this cute little square to anything you want to track, and you can find it using your smartphone if you ever lose it!  I wonder if I can attach this thing to my kids?? 
  • Nanotech Titanium Diaphragm In-Ear Monitors ($70 USD; $125 CAD) - for the audiophile in your life 
  • Humans of New York: Stories ($20.70) -  It's the new Chicken Soup for the Soul, don't you think?  (Did I just age myself there with the Chicken Soup reference??)
  • Melaleuca (Tea Tree) oil ($39) - for natural treatment of skin issues, and for cleaning around the house
  • Dyson DC34 Animal vacuum ($230) - a practical gift for cleaning crumbs, and especially great for the car!
  • Meal subscription from Chef's Plate (starting at $50/week) - get all the ingredients and a recipe; all you have to do is cook it!
Nerdy Gifts (it seems really expensive to be a nerd!?)

  • Back to the Future Flux Capacitor Watch ($50 USD) - hop in your DeLorean and grab one of these
  • Star Trek Klingon weapon replica ($240 USD) - for that friend who is constantly telling you to, "Live long and prosper."
  • Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Kit ($110 USD) - perhaps this isn't totally useless?
  • Star Wars Light Saber ($289 USD) - you'll definitely need to get this once the movie comes out!
  • Sphero BB-8 App-enabled Droid ($190) or the remote-controlled version ($70) - seriously, my son is obsessed with balls and loves watching this thing move around (maybe I should move this one to the kids category?)
If you're still not sure what to get, you could always try a DIY, like the Mason jar gift sets we made!

What are your best picks for gifts this holiday?  Let us know, and we'll add it to our list for Santa!

Thursday, 26 November 2015

Best Black Friday Deals 2015

Before we got married, my husband had zero clue a sale rack even existed.  Fast forward to now, and he is all about the bargain!  He's on all the deal forums and subscribes to all.the.emails.  I asked him to compile a list of the best Black Friday deals, and here they are, in case you want to get some Christmas shopping done early, or buy a little something something for yourself?

Tech stuff (these are his favourite, so there are the most deals listed for this category)


Appliances


Blu-rays, DVDs, Games


Kids/Baby


Other deals

Earn 4X Aeroplan Mile for every dollar spent on Costco.ca from November 26 to 30, 2015*.
Have you been searching for deals?  Make sure you share the ones you've found so we can all save (spend?!) some money this weekend!

Sunday, 25 October 2015

Operation Christmas Child! November 16-22!

operation christmas child
We know, we know, it is waaay too early to be discussing Christmas when Halloween is still around the corner. Unless the topic is about Operation Christmas Child...the much loved annual charity project that has a mid-end November deadline! For those of you who aren't aware of Operation Christmas Child, it provides underprivileged children around the world with the opportunity to experience the excitement that our children are blessed enough to experience on Christmas morning (for those of us who celebrate). The concept is simple, you pack a shoebox sized container with toys, hygiene products, school supplies etc., add a special note and drop it off at a local collection center.
operation christmas child
So proud of the boxes! Note that we opted to use plastic reusable containers.
The shoebox will be delivered to children around the world impacted by war, poverty, natural disasters etc. I can only imagine the look on their faces when they are handed one of these special boxes filled with so many goodies! We have made it an annual tradition in our household to participate in Operation Christmas Child. This year, my preschooler was fully in charge of selecting and packing the boxes. I definitely had to provide some guidance, otherwise all of the boxes would be loaded with Disney Frozen products or pet toys (don't ask, she has a thing for pet toys). This is a great activity to do with your children to teach them empathy and compassion. My daughter was super excited about shopping for other children.
operation christmas child
She really got into it and didn't ask me to buy her one single item (such a proud mom moment). It was so sweet to see the thought that went into her purchases.
operation christmas child
All shopped out!
If you want to get involved, please have a look at the website and follow the detailed instructions! And remember, no candy/food products. There is a great list of the best things to pack in the shoeboxes here. National collection week is November 16-22 so get packing:)
operation christmas child
Examining the loot!
operation christmas child
Tip! Kid's birthday party coming up? Consider having guests bring a packed shoebox or shoebox items in lieu of birthday presents! 
operation christmas child
Drawing a picture to add to the shoebox<3
What acts of charity do you encourage your child to get involved in? Please share with us below so we can continue to raise compassionate children together.






Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Mason Jar Gift Sets

We just love mason jars. They are just so incredibly versatile and always look good. They look good stuffed with pretty much anything: food, flowers, utensils, pencil crayons, craft supplies etc. They also make the most adorable gift sets! Mason jars are really inexpensive and you can even find them at dollar stores.

Tip! Adding a pretty piece of fabric, ribbon and gift tag makes the gift set extra cute!

Here are some of the cutest mason jar gift sets:
  1. Feel Better Gift Set. Not only does this mason jar set look super adorable, it will also make you into the world's greatest friend! Seriously, how thoughtful is this gift? So simple but so sweet. This one was made for someone fighting a bad cold and in desperate need for a little TLC. 
    Fill one jar with anything cold/flu related and the other jar with some homemade soup. We made a hearty lentil soup but any soup will do. If you prefer, you can create a dry layered soup recipe instead. Just remember to include the instructions on the label.

    Content ideas: 
    • Soup - fresh, or a dry, layered soup
    • Cold meds - NeoCitran, Cold FX, your own natural remedies
    • Hand sanitizer, Boogie wipes
    • Chapstick
    • Throat lozenges
    • Essential oils
    • Tea
    • Tissue
    • Small novel, crosswords, sudoku puzzles
    • Fuzzy socks 
    • Cream for a dry nose

  2. Baking Gift Set. Great for a house warming or bridal shower gift. Fill one jar with baking essentials or decorative items  and the other with the layered ingredients for a baked good recipe.

  3. Content ideas: 
    • Measuring spoons or cups
    • Whisk, spatula, pastry brush, wooden spoon
    • Flavoured extracts (vanilla, almond, maple, etc.)
    • Sprinkles
    • Icing, piped frosting tips
    • Cookie cutters
    • Muffin/cupcake cups/wrappers
    • Cupcake toppers
    • Recipe cards
    • Dried fruits/nuts
    • Layered cookie recipe, muffin/bread recipe etc. 
    • Oven mitts

  4. High Tea Gift Set.
    Who doesn't love high tea? Help someone recreate the high tea experience in their own home.
    Fill one jar with different types of tea accessories and one jar layered with the ingredients for a scone recipe. You can also include a jar of their favourite flavour of jam/jelly, or include a cute teacup/teapot with the mason jars.

    Content ideas: 
    • Tea bags, blooming tea
    • Tea strainer/tea ball
    • Sugar cubes, rock sugar
    • Small jam/jelly jar, honey
    • Teaspoons
    • Petit fours, macarons
    • Layered scone recipe like this one for cherry oat scones

  5. Labour Gift Set. This is perfect for all your mama-to-be pals out there. Great gift idea for a baby shower too!
    Fill one jar with labour essentials and another jar with their favourite snacks. Add in a straw so they can use the mason jar as a drinking glass.

    Content ideas: 
    • Lip balm
    • Hair elastics
    • Face wipes
    • kleenex
    • Hand sanitizer/lotion
    • deoderant
    • toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
    • shampoo/conditioner
    • Tic tacs, mints
    • Essential oils for aromatherapy
    • iPod with a soothing music mix or hypnobirthing tracks
    • Small massage tool
    • Stress ball
    • Snacks (granola bars, nuts, fruit bars, etc.)
    • Straw
  6. Newborn Survival Gift Set. Fill one jar with anything that can help a new mom, and another with essentials for a newborn.

    Content ideas for mom's jar: 
    • Teas or cookies for boosting breastmilk
    • Nipple cream, breastpads 
    • Hair elastics
    • Feminine products
    • Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, etc.)
    • Gift cards for a take-out restaurant, diaper service etc.

    Content ideas for baby's jar: 
    • Pacifiers, rattles, other toys
    • Diapers, diaper cream
    • Washcloths, burp cloths, bibs
    • Onesie, hat, socks, booties
    • Nasal aspirator, nail clipper
    • Hair accessories (hairband, clips)

  7. Baby Bath Gift Set. Another great idea for a baby shower gift or a newborn.
    Fill one jar with baby bath essentials and the other with colourful washcloths (this would look really pretty layered or you can roll the towels up into little balls and secure with a rubber band).

    Content ideas: 
    • Bath wash, soap, shampoo
    • Bath toys
    • Bath thermometer
    • Washcloths, bath mitt
    • Brush
    • Lotion, massage oil, diaper cream
    • Toothbrush
  8. I Love You Gift Set. Perfect for Valentine's Day, a birthday or just because! Fill one jar with little notes stating all the different reasons you adore and love the person. Take some time to reminisce and write down memorable moments that stand out in your mind. Fill the other with their favourite things...snacks, candy, gum, gift cards, lip balm etc.  You can even print out photos in a cute, small size to mix in with the notes!

    Content ideas: 
    • Love notes
    • Romantic quotes
    • Photos
    • Your significant other's favourite things!

  9. Travel Gift Set. For all your travel-obsessed friends (wherever they are, I am jealous). Fill one jar with travel essentials and the other jar with their favourite packaged snacks (in case they feel like munching on something on or between flights).

    Content ideas: 
    • Travel-size toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, lotion, face spray, etc.)
    • Slippers or socks for the plane/hotel room
    • Ear plugs
    • Maps of the travel location
    • Country's currency

  10. Crafty Gift Set. For all your artiste friends!
    Fill one with some small paintbrushes and paint. The mason jar becomes the perfect water container for painting on the go!  You can make different jars for different types of crafts: Paper crafting, knitting/crocheting, sewing.  The possibilities are endless! You can also easily create a kids arts and crafts kid set with any kid-friendly art materials.

    Content ideas: 
    • Painting: paintbrushes, tubes of paint, small palette, paper/canvas swatch
    • Knitting/Crocheting: yarn, patterns, needles, buttons, stitch markers
    • Sewing/Embroidery: thread, embroidery floss, needles, fabric swatches, buttons, zippers, velcro
    • Card-making/Paper crafting: stamp pads, stamps, embellishments/ephemera, stickers, cardstock, punches, ribbon, adhesive
    • Modelling Clay: clay, clay tools like cookie cutters, small rolling pin
    • Kid's Crafts: safety scissors, glitter, markers, colouring pages, kid's stamps & stamp pads, glue stick
  11. Ooh La La Gift Set. Perfect for a bachelorette party or bridal shower. Fill one jar with a variety of cute undies and another jar with candles and/or stuff to pamper the bride-to-be. Expect a thank-you note from the gift recipient's partner!  ;)

    Content ideas: 
    • Underwear, bras, garter
    • Nail polish, nail file, toe separator
    • Lotion, massage oil
    • Face masks (cloth, mud, etc.)
    • Bath scrub
    • Candles
    • Beauty items: lip gloss, perfume rollerball, etc.

  12. Sporty Gift Set.  Fill the jars with sport memorabilia and the other one with sports equipment. 

    Content ideas: 
    • Trading cards
    • Game schedules
    • Tickets to a game
    • Golf: balls and tees, ball markers, divot tool, glove
    • Ping pong balls, badminton birdies, darts, etc.
Tip!  Use any of these ideas, but pack it in a different container to suit your occasion!  You could put the travel gift set in a cute travel toiletry bag, or the high tea gift set in a teapot!  The sky is the limit!

You can pretty much come up with a mason jar gift set for any occasion. Please let us know if you come up with your own unique gift set. Happy mason-jarring!
    Pin me for later!

Friday, 5 June 2015

Father's Day Gift Ideas

It's panic time of course, because we're the biggest procrastinators around, and Father's Day has secretly snuck up on us!  We'll be posting a quick craft idea for a homemade card and gift in a few days, but in the meanwhile, here are some gift ideas from around the interwebs (disclaimer: we haven't tried these...they just look really interesting!  Make sure to read reviews before you commit!).  Let's hope they have expedited shipping for when we place our order on June 18th.  Don't be like us.  Plan ahead.

gifts for guys


For the foodie father:
  • a subscription to the Carnivore Club where you get chacuterie delivered to your door every month! ($50 CAD/month for 3 months)
  • also check out Amazing Clubs, so many monthly subscriptions to choose from including cheese, wine, beer, BBQ sauce, jerky, coffee and salsa (all delivered to your door)
  • whiskey stones (set of 9 for $19.95 USD at Sur La Table, but they sell them everywhere!) or Chillsners ($29.95 CAD) to keep your beer cool without watering it down
  • Foodie or Mixology Dice, for the bored chef  ($24-$48 US)
  • homemade beer/gin/bourbon/absinthe brewing kit
  • Man Made Meals cookbook for manly cooking ($21.28 CAD)
  • smoker box ($50 CAD), Williams Sonoma has so many cool BBQ accessories

gifts for guys
For the fun father:

gifts for guys
For the sentimental father:
  • personalized photo (starting at $12.99 USD) or board book ($24.95 USD), or a blank board book for your child to draw in...check out the samples because they're super-cute! (starting at $6 USD)
  • pottery painted by your children (starting at $6 CAD)
  • handmade coupon book 
  • Dad libs card, so your kids can fill in info about dad from their point of view (free!)
  • crafts made by your kids (almost free!)

gifts for guys
For the techie father:

gifts for guys
For the fashionable father:
  • unique cufflinks (starting from ~$5 CAD)
  • personal shaving kit ($31 CAD)
  • My Pakage underwear, apparently the most comfortable boxer-briefs ever...they have a separate pocket for the "boys" to prevent chafing! ($25 - $40 CAD)
  • Mizzen & Main dress shirt.  You don't need to iron it.  I repeat, you do not need to iron!  Also wicks sweat (no embarrassing sweat stains). And doesn't need to be dry cleaned. Perfect for dads that travel for work. ($139 CAD)
gifts for guys
For the sporty father:
  • tickets to a sports game
  • personalized jersey (NHL jerseys $134.99 CAD)
  • a Greens' Fee Passport for the golfers in Ontario and New York ($80.89 CAD)
  • Zepp golf sensor, attach sensor to any golf glove and get feedback on your swing using the iphone/ipad/ipod touch app ($149.95 CAD)
  • fit bit activity tracker ($101.93 CAD)
gifts for guys
For the outdoorsy father:
  • the G-Shock Rangeman watch includes a compass, barometer, thermometer...everything but a Swiss Army knife to help you survive in the wild (~$300)
  • waterproof iPhone/iPod/MP3 player speakers ($55 CAD)
  • Brunten hydrogen reactor, so you can generate power without any batteries! ($124.99 USD)
  • Ivation High-Efficiency solar pad charger/power supply in portable silicon case ($39 CAD)
  • SteriPEN Ultra, a pen that uses UV light to sterilize water on the go ($99.95 USD)
gifts for guys
Bespoke Post boxes...choose your own category!
And if you're still not sure, why not get a monthly Bespoke Post subscription service with a box theme of his choice (starting at $45 USD/month)?  Then he can let you know what kind of dad he is!

What will you be getting your husband or dad for Father's Day?  Share your great gift ideas with us!  And have a wonderful weekend!  :)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...