Holiday Gift Guide - Day Four
Have you checked out any of the suggestions in this year’s Gift Guide yet? If you have, why not pop a comment below and tell me what you think? Tell me what you bought and whether you had it delivered or took advantage of curb side pick up. And BTW, an actual curb isn’t always necessary for ‘curb side pickup’ - it just means you can go the front door of the store and they’ll hand you over your purchase. So don’t shy away from ordering online from a small retailer or florist who happens to be in mall.
On with Day Four…
VICKI RECOMMENDS:
LaRochelle Confections hand makes chocolate and confections in a bright, modern studio right here in the Leaside. Think Willy Wonka…but hip and not scary! If you’re lucky (and not locked down), you might even catch Chocolatier Chef Karalee LaRochelle in the studio creating her amazing confections. These aren’t your everyday chocolates either. They are all made in small batches, meant to be eaten soon after and packaged in the most glam and giftable packaging chocolate has ever seen. Wrapping it up would be a shame. Curb side pick up is available if you’re in the area and ordering online for cross Canada shipping is easy peasy.
LAROCHELLE RECOMMENDS:
It’s downright blasphemous that I get my nails done at Madison Beauty Studio and I’ve never been into their next door neighbour Design Department. I literally cannot' wait for lockdown to be over so I can check out the Mount Pleasant Village home of Landscape Design firm Artistic Gardens. This shop combines design workshops, classes and experiences (when open) and a small curated line of home and gift items focusing on bringing ‘green’ into your home. They recently launched a limited amount of online shopping - be sure to take a peek.
Sahara & Co. is a bespoke tea company that takes your afternoon cuppa to the next level. Specialty blends create in house have an emphasis on health and wellness. And with names like Steeping Beauty, Chai In The Sky and Pekoe Perfection - who can resist? The packaging is as beautiful as the blends and they also carry a nice selection of tea accessories including cones, filter and the chicest Tea Maker in all the land. I’ve just put it on my list.
VICKI RECOMMENDS:
See the babe on the left? That’s Allison…aka City Momma Styles! She’s the living, breathing epitome of ‘need something done - give it to a busy person’. When she not raising her three wee ones, or riding in a bike race on her Peolton, you can find her on Instagram stories showing us how to style the latest in fab fashion that she sells from her online boutique City Momma Styles. I absolutely love how she show’s us how all clothes and accessorie she carries look IRL (‘in real life’). She carries brands that she loves and believes in like Sundry, Eberjey and 7 For All Mankind. She’s the Queen of the Jimmy Jacket and waxed denim…if you know, you know. And if you don’t…you’ll have to wait til next year to find out. ;)
CITY MOMMA STYLES RECOMMENDS:
Some of you who cottage in the Muskoka’s might be familiar with Poppy’s Collection, and I’m seriously wondering why you haven’t let me on this Port Carling secret yet? First off, I’m already obsessed with their gorgeous Instagram! Every post is expertly curated featuring beautiful clothing and accessories for the whole family…with a stong emphasis on kids. For the holidays they have a Holiday Style Box for kids 0-8 years that contains three pieces for $150 (but a $350 value). Have a browse online for cute sweatshirts and pj’s too!
Such a great suggestion is the Mary Be Kitchen Meal Kit. The Be Box includes; Braised Short Rib Chili, MBK Guacamole, a loaf of Brodflour Bird Sourdough, house made MBK Granola, and bake-and-Serve Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. Now you’re not going to want to leave this gift under the tree, but it’s a nice, healthy option to deliver to a friend or neighbour in the day’s leading up to Christmas before they crack open the Quality Street.