Gift Guide: For Her and Him

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Last week, I introduced you to my cousin Daniela  and two of her holiday gift guides: babies and toddlers. and tweens and teens. She’s back this week with two more guides for us. And they’re just as good as what she brought as last week! Today, she is focused on the adults in our lives. Have a look!

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Hey everyone. I’m here with an adult gift guide, and I hope you find lots of items for your loved ones. Or, you may ask Santa for something for yourself, too! I have!

What’s great about this list is that some these items can also make great gifts for that teen/university/college student in your life as well.

Reviews on the Tre wireless ear buds by Sudio say the sound is crisp, and they last for a long time with a single charge. They’re stylish and Swedish, so I think, all-in-all, they make a great gift for the tech lover/music lover/podcast follower in your group.

Tre ear buds, $93.75 (on sale), Sudio

Next up — my favorite insulated water bottle on the market. I bought my first one over a year ago and use it daily for both hot and cold beverages. I can attest to the length of time it keeps things hot and cold. It has never let me down. The hot actually lasts longer than 8 hours, and I can keep my warm lemon water all day at my desk. The other thing I love is that, true to its advertising, once washed, it does not hold the flavor of whatever drink was in it before. I can easily put water in it the day after having used it for coffee or tea. This bottle is from Canadian company Green’s Your Colour and comes in an array of colours. What’s special right now is the limited edition white versions which make great gifts for any adult on your list.

rock steady limited edition bottle, $45, Green’s Your Colour

champagne bliss limited edition bottle, $45, Green’s Your Colour

Anyone who has lived with me before-or worked with me for that matter-may run to buy me this amazing gadget. The Tile Pro is available at Best Buy, and it’s a great gift for those of us who lose/misplace our keys every day or every hour. The free Tile Pro app will locate that item you always seem to lose by emitting a loud sound. Santa, are you listening? I need one!

Tile, $45 CAD, Best Buy

Isn’t winter all about cozy chunky sweaters? This merino wool sweater from Aritzia is not only stylish for a night out with friends but equally cozy for a night in.

merino wool sweater, $166.50 CAD (on sale), Aritzia

2017 seemed to be the year of the beard. If you have someone who is sporting this trend, this kit makes a great gift. Rumor has it that taking care of a beard is a lot of work. This all-natural Canadian-made beard kit is a perfect gift for that beard lover on your list.

The Northern Beard Company – The Revival Kit, $25.48 (on sale), Well

Journaling, becoming more mindful, and seeing andshowing gratitude in every day is proven to make us healthier not only in mind but in body, too. This is a great gift for that special someone in your life. It will help them create a daily habit of journaling and its rewards will be endless.

The Five Minute Journal, $26.95 CAD, Chapters Indigo

My last item is this trendy backpack by Matt & Nat for Indigo. Backpacks are now coming in various versions and styles. I love this one not only because it is sleek, modern, and a great size to fit all kinds of items, but it is also made from sustainable products. Both Chapters Indigo and Matt & Nat are Canadian companies which is an extra plus. Although this backpack seems to be featured for going to work or school, as a mom of a toddler, having two hands free has become quite important while also having (lots) of things accessible. I have this on my wish list, too. Hopefully Santa is reading this blog today.

Matt and Nat X Indigo backpack, $180, Chapters Indigo

Happy shopping!

– Daniela

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Jeez, Daniela, your guides are top-notch! I love all of your ideas for gifts for loved ones (and for ourselves!). Thanks for sharing your ideas with all of us today!

Marketplace: Back to School Essentials

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I have spent more time in school than out of school, so please believe me when I tell you that these are some of the most essential back-to-school items. Pretty much any age group would make good use of these items, I’d say.

Back-to-School-White-Cabana

 

1. Water bottle. I have a few reusable water bottles that I bring to school/work every day. A lot of university campuses now have good drinking fountains and water-filling stations, so there’s no excuse not to drink water all day long to stay hydrated.

2. Reusable lunch box/bag. I always pack a lunch because I get bored of university cafeterias and the quick grab-and-go meals at Starbucks or elsewhere are too expensive and high in calories.

3. A pencil case. I carry my pens and pencils in a small case so that they’re easy to find and won’t make a mess in my purse/tote/backpack.

4. Backpack. Speaking of backpacks, I don’t actually have one yet. I’m still looking for one that is lightweight and comfortable. I’m going to start this school year with my lightweight and washable HBC striped tote.

5. Pens and pencils. Although I love my computer, I take a lot of my notes by hand. Pens and pencils are a must. I always have a Sharpie or two nearby as well. Highlighters, on the other hand, I rarely use. Last year, I was given some Palomino pencils and I still make good use of them, They look so darn good!

6. Notebooks. Did you notice the plural? Yes, I stay organized by using a variety of notebooks. Each notebook has a job – work, home renos, school, etc. Most of my notebooks are Jordi Labanda or Moleskine, but I’m open to using basically anything that is cute and has nice paper (they are often black or white, but not always). I prefer lined notebooks, but I think unlined notebooks are great for people who want to really spread out over the pages. My writing is nowhere near neat, so I need the lines to help keep me steady.

7. An apple. Okay, the CB2 apple above is just for decor. But, still. It’s traditional. Eat one. Draw one. Take an Instagram picture of one. Bring one to a teacher.

8. Laptop and protective sleeve. I think I would be lost without my laptop. I keep mine protected in a basic MEC sleeve, but I really have my eye on this one from Ban.do.

These are the basic back-to-school necessities. A computer, phone, coffee mug, earplugs, library card, file folders, binders, etc. are additional items that come in handy and help me stay organized and focused.

Who is ready to learn something new this school year?

Details of items available at Polyvore.