Holiday Gift Ideas

It’s that time of year again and just like every other year, you are stressing out as the days count down to the holidays and you realize that you still haven’t gotten any gifts yet! It may be because you haven’t had the time, but most of the time it is because you don’t know what to buy!! Well not to worry, this year you have me! So without further ado, here are some holiday gift ideas to tell the people who are the most important to you, just how important and special they are to you. 🙂

The ‘rents

Mom
Remember those handmade crafts you used to make when you were younger?

At this age, everything starts getting super nostalgic and chances are your mom thinks that you are growing up way too fast. Remind her that you are and will always still be her baby by making her a sentimental gift such as a scrapbook, a picture frame or a beautiful card. What is key is the time warp back to the past.

Or, keep the ones you love safe and warm with scarves, mittens, gloves, tuques, ear muffs, socks, slippers, pj’s, slipper booties etc. Does your mom have a favourite color or has always had an unusual obsession for cats, cupcakes, flowers, dogs, etc.? …if all else fails, go with the holiday print.

Dad
Same concept as mom! Go with sentimental, or was there that one kitchen appliance that he’s always wanted? Anything that needs to be replaced? Does your dad love sports? Does he need something to pimp up his new car? or what about that amazing wine, whiskey, or scotch that he’s been dying to try? If all else fails, bake dad an amazing cake. Even when he’s reaching his 60’s, food will always be the way to a man’s heart.

The sibs

SisterChances are, your sister probably provided you with a wish list. But if she hasn’t try buying some new clothes, jewellery, etc. Have a spa date after a long day of work for the both of you. Anything that involves sisterly bonding time would be a great gift. Take her to that movie she’s always wanted to see. Does she play sports? What about tickets to the hockey game? Does she need new sports equipment? Sport teams will be starting up practice again next season, why not let her start up the season with that new pair of soccer cleats? You get the idea… if all else fails? Gag gifts are the way to go! Anything from inside jokes you shared or any silly things that remind you of her from childhood would be perfect!

Brother
What’s that new video game that came out this season?! Better find out because chances are, if your brother owns a video game console, then he would probably be interested in the newest top hit. Does he have a favourite band? Cds, and vinyl disks are starting to become a big thing now that the hipster movement is taking over. Tired of seeing him wear the same t-shirt and jeans every day? Buy him some new clothes! (or a gift card to his favourite store! if he doesn’t have a favourite store try, american eagle, R & W Co., le chateau, mexx, h&m) Is he into sports? Try getting him tickets to the next big game! Does he play any sports? You could always get him new equipment, chances are that his old equipment is almost worn out after those intense rough games.

The best friend
The reason why they’re your best friend is because this special person shares the same interests as you! Chances are, what they like is probably very similar to things that you like! Start thinking of inside jokes you two share together, things you’ve done together, places you have gone to together. Anything that reminds you of them is definitely a good place to start. If they’re your best friend, chances are they have already mentioned things that they needed, things that they lost or broke, well here’s where you can come in! Replace these things by getting them a new one! Go that extra mile and personalize this item, whether it is their favourite colour, icon, style….. Anything!
If all else fails, get them something that you guys enjoy together!

The boss
Try a gift card a nice restaurant (cactus club, the keg, milestones) or something they can put in their office. A nice Bootle of wine that they could enjoy with their special someone would be a great ption was well!

The miss
The way to a girl’s heart is jewellery! Was there a necklace or earrings that she’s been eyeing for a while? If not try pandora or tiffanys or blue ruby, keep your girl warm during the winter season with a nice knit infinity scarf, a hipster toque or some fingerless gloves! Or for something really useful, get some magnetic finger gloves which cover your fingers to keep you warm and allow you to type on your touchscreen phone at the same time!
Girl’s also love clothes! Don’t know what to get her? Buy her a gift card and take her shopping! (Aritzia, victoria’s secret, bcbgmaxazria, le chateau.)
If you’re really looking to impress, buy her an full outfit and jewellery for your next fancy night out!

The boyfriend
Your man loves you and will definitely love anything you pick out for him because he wants you to be satisfied every time you look at him! Is there that one thing in his closet that needs to go? Is there something that you would love to see him in? For classy men try a silver wristwatch (guess, ) or a new suit tie that he could wear for the next date.

Keep him cozy with a nice scarf and mittens ( burberry, mexx, le chateau) on those cold date nights.
Perhaps he needs a new wallet because his old ones worn out. (Guess, calvin klein)
A new scent goes a long way! Try jean paul gautier, givency,or ralph lauren)

Here are just a couple of ideas to get you thinking. Don’t be afraid of personalizing your gifts to make them more meaningful for your loved ones. I hope this helped! Shop away everybody!!
Happy holidays !

by Chloe Lam

Winter Adventures


 

Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
When: December 5, 2013 – January 5, 2014
Cost: $6-$11

Travel over trestles and through tunnels on your two-kilometre winding journey through the forest. Appreciate nature from a relaxing seat on the Miniature Train, a replica of Canadian Pacific Railway #374, famous for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s. The Miniature Train is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions carrying more than 200,000 passengers per year. See the Miniature Train and Plaza sparkle this winter holiday season at Bright Nights in Stanley Park. Ride the train, watch animated displays and be dazzled by three million twinkling lights. Partial proceeds go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

For more information visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park-miniature-train.aspx

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
When: December 11, 2013 – January 4, 2014
Cost: $14.25

Get into the spirit of the holiday season at the 2013 Festival of Lights. The Festival of Lights is a magical experience for everyone with over a million twinkling lights covering Van Dusen Botanical Garden from 4:30pm to 9:00pm, every evening during the holiday season except on Christmas day (December 25).

For more information visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx

The Robson Square Ice Rink
When: November 15, 2013 at 1pm until the end of February 2014
Cost Skating is free and rentals are available for a cost of $4

Come down, lace up your skates and enjoy the rink. This winter, renew a classic Vancouver tradition and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Come celebrate winter in style with free skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Enjoy the holidays with your friends, family and loved ones.

For more information visit: http://www.robsonsquare.com/ice-rink/

The Vancouver Christmas Market
When: November 22 – December 24, 2013
Cost: $3-$6

This is an annual can’t-miss Vancouver Christmas event!! More than just a craft fair, this authentic German Christmas Market creates the perfect atmosphere to mix and mingle with friends and family, strolling through romantic rows of little wooden huts decorated in pine branches and illuminated with strings of little white lights. In each hut discover food and drinks and a wonderful array of gifts.

For more information visit: http://vancouverchristmasmarket.com/about-vancouver-christmas-market.php

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
When: November 20, 2013 – January 4, 2014
Cost: $25.95 for Students 17+ with I.D

Capilano Suspension Bridge’s annual holiday tradition Canyon Lights always adds sparkle to the holiday season. Canyon Lights is a must-see holiday event for all ages. You will be dazzled by thousands of magical lights twinkling across the Suspension Bridge, on the Cliffwalk and throughout the park.

For more information visit: http://www.capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights/

The Whistler Holiday Experience
When: December 20 – January 5, 2014
Cost: Varies depending on activity

In addition to snowboarding and skiing, whistler’s annual holiday experience consists of a variety of events that will fill everyone’s hearts with Holiday spirit. Come out and enjoy the Peak 2 Peak Sightseeing, the Coca-Cola Tube Park, Skating with Santa, the exciting and free Fire and Ice Show or one of the many other unique activities offered.

For a full listing of activities offered visit: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/events-and-activities/winter-activities/christmas-season-in-whistler.aspx

Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Christmas
When: November 23, 2013 – December 24, 2013

Sleigh bells ring, choirs sing! Grouse Mountain presents a magical celebration and a multitude of festivities. Come out and explore Santa’s Workshop and meet reindeer, or take a sleigh-ride through our mystical alpine forest. You can also experience the tranquil beauty of skating on our 8,000 square foot mountaintop Ice Skating Pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees. 

For full listing of activities offered visit: http://www.grousemountain.com/events/the-peak-of-christmas-2013 or call 604.980.9311 for more information and cost details

Cypress Mountain
When: December 2013 to April 2014

Cypress Mountain, the Official Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard Venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Located in West Vancouver, BC, Canada. Cypress is only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and is proud to continue to provide skiers, riders and sliders with the most vertical drop, most terrain, most lifts and best snow conditions on the highest skiing and riding peak of Vancouver’s Legendary North Shore Mountains.

For more information visit: http://cypressmountain.com/

by Nikisha Khare